Robeson v. Robert
Robeson v. Robert
Opinion of the Court
delivered the opinion of the court.
The plaintiff and the interpleaders claim a tract of land from the defendant, in the right of one William Brocus, deceased, who they allege purchased it from a certain William Addison. The defendant on his part also sets up title from Addison. The cause below turned on the identity of the premises, which the respective parties acquired by virtue of their conveyances from their common vendor. The jury found for the defendant, and by the verdict negatived the identity, for the plaintiff’s deed was first in time.
A new trial was moved for, on the ground that the verdict was contrary to law and evidence. The judge rejected the application, and gave judgment in pursuance of the verdict, from that judgment this appeal was taken.
The case has been argued here, on the same grounds it was contested below: namely, whether the land first sold by Addison, to Brocus, was the same as that subsequently conveyed b.y him to the defendants. The evidence taken presents no important contradictions, yet it leaves considerable doubts on the mind. If the case was between the heirs of Addison and the plaintiff’s, it might perhaps be truly said, that the proof preponderated on the part of the latter, but it is not the heirs, but a third person who purchased bona fide sixteen years ago, and who has occupied and cultivated the premises ever since, who is before the court; and so considered, the case is by no means so simple and clear. The difficulty of reaching the truth, as to the land first conveyed, proceeds mainly from a totally erroneous description of the
Whether this consideration operated on the minds of the jury, or whether they concluded that Addison intended to sell land in the place mentioned in the first bill of sale, we cannot say, hut on the whole, we are of opinion the verdict should not he disturbed.
It is, therefore, ordered, adjudged and decreed, that the judgment of the District Court be affirmed with costs.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- ROBESON v. ROBERT
- Status
- Published