Cherokee & Dakota Railway Co. v. Renken ( 1889 )

Granger, J.

The plaintiff, in 1887, constructed a line of railroad from Cherokee, Iowa, to Sioux Falls, Dakota, which line crossed the lands of the defendant, the right of way over which is in question. The main controversy is as to whether or not, before the construction of the road, the defendant agreed that, in consequence of the building of the road, he would give the right of way. As^vve view it, the case involves simply this question of fact. The testimony is short. Prior to the location of the road, and while its location was doubtful, about Sheldon and points in Lyon county there was considerable anxiety to secure it. Committees were appointed with a view to secure the right of way as a condition upon which the road might be located. The defendant was interviewed by one of the plaintiffs, who testifies that he said to him that he would not then sign a contract to give the right of way, but that he would give it. Huntington, Smith and Brown each testify that defendant said he would give the right of way if the road was built. While it does not appear that the road was located relying upon this particular grant of right of way, it does appear that the securing the right of way generally was a condition to its location. Opposed to this testimony is that of the defendant alone, in which he denies having agreed to give the right of way. It is unnecessary to discuss the evidence. It is sufficient to say that it largely predominates in favor of the plaintiff, and the judgment below is

Affirmed.