Proprietors of Roxbury v. Huston , 37 Me. 42 ( 1853 )

Appleton, J.

— This is a real action, in which the plaintiffs claim to recover lot No. 14, R. 11, and a tract of land east of Swift river, as fully described in the writ. Both of these tracts are within the limits of Roxbury. The defendant claims title under B. Palmer, who from the evidence has been in the possession of the premises demanded since 1814, and who claims to have acquired a title by adverse possession. This claim is resisted on the ground that he entered under a contract with the proprietors through their agent, and that consequently he cannot set up a title by adverse possession. The contract referred to, and which comes from the possession of the plaintiffs, is dated May 12, 1814, and is between Palmer and John Peck, agent of the proprietors of No. 7, now Roxbury, by Eben Poor, his attorney. By this, Palmer agrees to purchase, and the plantiffs to sell lot No. 13, R. 11, containing one hundred and fifty-six acres, and also a part of lot No. 16, R. 10, adjoining Swift river, and containing seventy-nine acres. Two plans have been introduced differing very materially, and from the evidence it is entirely doubtful, which is prior in time, or to which the greater eredit should be given. The writ evidently refers to one plan, the contract between the plaintiffs and Palmer, to the other. According to the plan referred to in the contract, lot No. 13, R. 11, was sold by Palmer to Phineas Taylor, and is not demanded in the present action. According to the same plan, lot No. 16, R. 10, is on the west side of Swift river, as is the seventy-nine acre tract, which is last described in the contract. The contract of 1814 does not refer to the tract described in tlie writ as on th© •eastern side of Swift river. The occupation of this tract by Palmer has been open, notorious and adverse for over forty years, and his title to this portion of the premises demanded is unquestioned.

By a comparison of plans it is very apparent that what in the writ is described as lot No. 14, R. 11, is identical with the tract of seventy-nine acres, to which the contract of 1814 refers.

Prom the evidence reported, it is manifest that Palmer, during the whole period of time which has elapsed since his contract was made, has recognized the title of the plaintiffs, and that his occupation was in subordination to their rights. He has made payments in part performance of that contract p he has uniformly treated it as subsisting, and does not seem to have done any act necessarily inconsistent with their title, or adverse thereto.

The right of the plaintiffs as a corporate body, to maintain the present suit, is admitted by the pleadings. When the proprietary was organized does not appear. It is however in proof, that those in whom the title is shown to have vested as tenants in common, have acted as members thereof. The proprietary has claimed and exercised control over the township; they have been in possession of the contracts made by their agents, and of the notes given on such contracts, and have received payments made by the contracting parties, and have allowed them in part performance thereof. The title of the plaintiffs may well be considered as established under the circumstances of the case, as against the tenant, or Palmer, under whom he claims. Copp v. Lamb, 3 Fairf. 312.

It has been urged that the 'Reed from Mary Gilman to George Blake, dated March 16, 1816, is of eight thousand acres, in one of eight lots; that consequently Blake was not a tenant in common of the whole tract, and that there were two different sets of tenancies in common in the township, and that it did not appear to which, the lot in dispute belonged. Upon examining the deed to Blake, it will be perceived that he held his interest as tenant of the whole township. The supposed fact upon which the argument rested, does not exist.

Shepley and Dana, for plaintiffs. May, for defendant.

It has been further urged, that the amount due the proprietors has been paid, and that from the lapse of time a deed may be presumed. The evidence tends to show that the plaintiffs have been nearly, if not entirely paid. But at the same time, it is manifest from the admissions of Palmer, made within a few years, that he has not received any conveyance, and we know of no principle of law which would justify us in inferring a conveyance against the express admissions of the party, that one has not been made. If the amount due has been paid, the proprietary-must be viewed as holding the land in trust, for the benefit of the party in interest, and may be compelled in equity to execute a conveyance upon such terms and conditions as the just rights 6f the parties may require.

The plaintiffs are entitled to recover lot No. 14, R. 11, which is identical with the tract of seventy-nine acres referred to in the contract made with the proprietary.

Defendant defaulted.