Higgins v. Riddell
Higgins v. Riddell
Opinion of the Court
By the Court,
We are of the opinion that the subscriptions mentioned in the pleadings in this case, were intended to be absolute gifts to the members of the band, to aid them in erecting a house in which they might practice music. This is the declared object of the subscriptions as stated in the subscription paper, a copy of which appears in the case. It reads as follows: “Whereas, the Palmyra Brass Band propose to build a hall or house for the purpose of meeting to practice music, and for the general accommodation of said brass band, now, therefore, the undersigned, for the purpose of as
It appears that tbe band was composed of twelve persons, who had no articles of association or copartnership, nor any legal organization, or corporate existence, but who voluntarily met together to practice instrumental music, and who were commonly known as the Palmyra Brass Band. Some fifty or sixty persons subscribed to the subscription paper, in sums varying from fifty cents to ten dollars. The appellant Biddell, and Higgins, one of the respondents, were members of the band, and each contributed to the erection of the building. The hall was built upon land leased of Higgins, by moneys paid upon the subscription, and other moneys donated to the band, and furnished by the members. After occupying the hall for a year or so, the band broke up and disbanded, and Biddell became the assignee, by purchase, of the interests in the building of nine members of the band, and, as owner of 10-12ths thereof, claims the right to control it. And one question arising in the case, is as to what were the nature and character of the subscriptions paid upon the subscription paper; were they intended to be absolute donations to the band, to enable them to build a hall in which to practice music, and which hall was to belong to the members composing the band, and to be disposed of as they might think proper, after they had ceased to use it as a place of meeting; or did the persons intend, who subscribed and paid fifty cents, one, two or three dollars, &c., to hold and retain an interest in the building to the extent of their respective subscriptions. We have adopted the former view of the case, and have no doubt but the moneys paid upon the subscription paper were intended to be, and in fact were, absolute gifts to the members of the band. It is the same, in our judgment, as though the subscriptions had been made to enable the members of the band to buy instruments of music, or uniforms, or any thing of that nature. In the latter case no one would contend that a subscriber was to have and retain an interest in the instruments or garments
The order of the circuit court, which restrained and enjoined the appellant from removing the building described in the complaint, must be reversed, and the cause remanded for further proceedings according to law.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Higgins and others v. Riddell
- Status
- Published