Nolan v. Rotsler

[265]

COOPER, C.

This action was brought to enjoin the defendants from removing from the lands of plaintiffs certain machinery, engines, derricks, tramways, wire cables, and appurtenances, alleged to be the property of plaintiffs, and attached to and claimed to be a part of the real estate described in the complaint. The ease was submitted upon the pleadings and a written stipulation as to the facts. The court filed findings, and ordered judgment for plaintiffs as prayed. The defendant Kilpatrick made default, and defendant Rotsler has appealed from the judgment and order denying his motion for a new trial. The sole question here is as to whether or not the pleadings and stipulation support the findings.

The stipulation shows that the plaintiffs were, at the time of the commencement of the action, and at the time of the trial, the owners and in possession of the real estate described in the complaint.

That plaintiffs were, at the commencement of the action, and ever since have been, in possession of the machinery, engines, derricks, tramways, and wire cable described in the complaint, the same being securely attached to and fastened to the soil by means of hydraulic cement, iron bolts, and being imbedded in the rock. The verified complaint alleged that defendants threaten to, and will, unless restrained by the court, detach from the soil and remove from said premises the said property hereinbefore described. This allegation is not denied in the answer.

The above stipulated facts and admission in the answer amply sustain the findings.

Without regard to the question as to whether or not the property was so attached to the real estate as to become a part thereof, and conceding it to be personal property, the judgment is correct. The stipulation shows that plaintiffs were in the possession thereof at the time of the commencement of the action and at the time of the trial. Possession is

prima facie

evidence of title. It entitled the plaintiffs to maintain such possession, and to prevent the property from being detached from the soil, as against all persons not having a better title. It does not appear that appellant had a better title, or any title at all. The stipulation shows that the property in controversy was affixed to the premises by the defendant Kilpatrick, for the purpose of quarrying and taking stone