Ribble v. Burnham , 253 Mich. 338 ( 1931 )

Plaintiff owns and is in possession of a house and lot facing west on Territorial road in unplatted portion of village of Metamora. The defendants own and possess a house and lot just north of plaintiff's property. Between the two properties is a disputed strip 50 feet in width. Plaintiff alleges that he owns it and has had possession of it for many years. Defendants assert that the strip is a public highway and claim no right in it "except as a citizen." Plaintiff filed this bill to enjoin repeated trespasses by defendants, and for other relief. Plaintiff had decree. Defendants have appealed.

The history of the strip begins in 1873, when a predecessor in title received deed of the lot now owned by plaintiff, in which, added to the description, is the following: "A road or street 50 feet wide to be opened and so kept always along the north side of above described land." This recital was carried in the deeds in successive conveyances until in later years a quitclaim deed of the strip appeared and deeds following covered the lot and the strip, omitting recital respecting road or street. Whether plaintiff can show perfect record title to the disputed strip is not here important. In defendants' chain of title there is no reference to the strip.

The weight of evidence is that plaintiff was in actual possession claiming title. This was sufficient to enable him to maintain this suit to enjoin repeated trespass. 32 C. J. p. 130; Diamond Match Co. v. Village of Ontonagon, 72 Mich. 249.

Plaintiff contends there is no dedication to public use, and that the original deed created no more than a private easement. Also, that if offer to dedicate be assumed, there was no acceptance of the offer by public authorities. Passing the matter of alleged dedication, including use, the record is practically barren of evidence to show acceptance, and the decision of the trial judge on this question must be sustained. In South Branch Ranch Co. v. Emery,191 Mich. 188, it was held that the mere fact that the public uses a way will not make it a public way; there must be more; it must be kept in repair or taken in charge and adopted by the public authorities. The reason for this holding is fully discussed in that case and in later cases citing it. The acceptance must be by highway commissioner, township board, or other proper municipal highway authorities. A tax assessor cannot accept dedication (Murphey v. Township of Lee, 239 Mich. 551), so alleged matter of assessment for taxes is not important.

Decree here will be conclusive as between the parties. That it may not be conclusive as to the proper municipality is not a point in the case.

Affirmed. Costs to plaintiff.

BUTZEL, C.J., and WIEST, McDONALD, POTTER, SHARPE, NORTH, and FEAD, JJ., concurred.