Pace v. Hoban
Pace v. Hoban
Opinion of the Court
Opinion by
The plaintiff recovered in an action of ejectment from Bridget Hoban, who claimed title to the land in question under deed from one Barrett. The verdict included a sum for mesne profits. This action was brought against the defendant, who is the husband of Bridget Hoban, to charge him with the rents, issues and profits for which a recovery was had against his wife, on the ground that the defendant aided, abetted and assisted his wife in disseizing the plaintiff. Or, to state the plaintiff’s position in the language of his counsel, “We do not base our claim against him solely on the ground of relationship with his wife, but rather because of his concerted action with her in ousting the owner from his possession.” At the close of the plaintiff’s testimony, the court directed a compulsory nonsuit, for the reason that the plaintiff had failed to show any such participation by the defendant in his wife’s possession of the premises, and concert of action with her in excluding the plaintiff, as was necessary to maintain the action. After a careful examination of the evidence, we concur in the conclusion of the trial judge.
The evidence shows that Patrick Curley went into the possession of the premises in 1890 as a tenant of Bridget Hoban, under a written lease; that he remained as her tenant until April, 1897; that he paid the rent to her; that in April, 1897, he commenced to pay rent to John McLaughlin, whose estate the plaintiff represents; that one McGinty succeeded him as tenant, presumably of McLaughlin. It nowhere appears in the case that the defendant in any way abetted or encouraged his wife in the occupancy of the premises. There was evidence that at some time during Curley’s tenancy, the defendant made some repairs on the premises for his wife. It does not appear that this was done within six years prior to the bringing of this action, nor were the acts such as might not have been done by the husband or by a stranger without subjecting himself to liability as a tort feasor. It was not shown that he received any rent or in any way participated in the
In the view which we take of the evidence, there was an entire failure to make such a prima facie showing on the part of the plaintiff as would have entitled him to a verdict if not rebutted by the defendant.
The judgment is affirmed.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.