Travers v. Murdock
Travers v. Murdock
Opinion of the Court
During the month of October, 1948, E. L. Travers sold his farm to Ray Murdock for twelve thousand dollars. Located on the property was a building which Travers had used as a slaughterhouse, and which was equipped for this purpose. This was a replevin action, brought by Travers to recover the slaughterhouse equipment which, he alleged in his complaint, had been unlawfully withheld from him by Murdock. Murdock’s answer alleged that it was the understanding of the parties that the equipment was to be included in the sale. The cause was tried to a jury, which found for Murdock, and Travers has appealed.
“Q. Did he [Murdock] say anything about the bill of sale? A. Yes. Q. What did he say? A. That he did not want to buy the slaughter house and equipment. Q. That was at the time he got the deed? A. Yes.”
In this state of the record, the trial court, apparently because it was not clear that Murdock had ever seen the bill of sale, refused to admit it into evidence. We think that this was reversible error. Respondent’s contention was that the major items of disputed equipment were fixtures, part of the premises, and that it was the understanding of the parties that they were to be transferred by the deed. Appellant argued, on the other hand, that these items were covered by the bill of sale which Murdock had refused to accept, having decided not to buy the equipment, or at least not having made up his mind on the matter. Therefore, appellant urged, Travers remained the owner of these items. It would appear from this that the introduction into evi
In view of the disposition which is to be made of this case, it is unnecessary to consider appellant’s remaining assignments of error.
The judgment is reversed and the cause remanded for a new trial.
Simpson, C. J., Mallery, Hill, and Hamley, JJ., concur.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- E. L. Travers v. Ray Murdock
- Status
- Published