Pritchard v. . Fields

Seawell, J. Tbe controversy bere is over tbe alleged easements acquired by plaintiffs, holders by mesne conveyances of tbe titles to lots in a real estate development known as “Forest Hills,” in Orange County, allegedly purchased with reference to a map which indicated as “streets” and “Parks” adjoining near-by areas. Tbe plaintiffs brought tbe action to enjoin tbe defendants from committing acts of trespass on tbe dedicated areas, and interfering with their enjoyment of tbe easement thereupon by assertion of a private claim, and ’ putting tbe property to a private use in defeat of tbe dedication. In their complaint they allege themselves to be possessed of certain rights, title, and interest in and to tbe use of a road marked on tbe map as “To Chase Park” and tbe tract designated as “Park,” and ask that tbe defendants be enjoined from any use thereof contrary to tbe said interest; and demand damages for such contrary use and injury to plaintiffs’ enjoyment of tbe easement in tbe property. Tbe defendants deny that plaintiffs have any easement or interest whatsoever in tbe lands described by them. Tbe defendant Percy Barber admits that by mesne conveyances be is tbe owner of tbe property described, and plans to erect thereupon two dwellings. The evidence discloses a common source of title, tbe Chapel Hill Insurance and Realty Co. Some of tbe deeds of tbe plaintiffs refer to a map, and some of tbe predecessors in title to some of tbe plaintiffs *442 testified tbat tbe map was exhibited to them when they bought, and the dedication of street and park explained to them. While the deeds under which plaintiffs’ dedication was made were recorded before the Trust Deed executed by the Chapel Hill Insurance and Realty Co. to Hogan was executed and recorded, the map under which the easements are claimed was not put on record until a later date. The defendants hold title under the Hogan deed. That deed and the mesne conveyance of title therefrom, under which defendants hold, convey that area marked “Park” on the map, the way marked on the map as “To Chase Park,” and the unlettered triangle to the southeast of the Chase Road. On the trial of the cause, and after the jury had been selected but not impaneled, on an intimation by the court that defendants would not be permitted to introduce evidence of a withdrawal of the dedication under the statute G. S., 136-96, because of want of allegation thereof in their pleading, defendants moved to be permitted to amend their answer, which motion his Honor, in the exercise of his discretion, denied. When the defendants’ turn came to introduce evidence they offered evidence to identify the record containing the alleged withdrawal, and it was excluded. Defendants excepted. The defendants offered the record of the withdrawal which was rejected. Defendants excepted. In each instance the evidence was rejected on the ground that the withdrawal of dedication must be pleaded before evidence thereof could be admitted. We do not consider the rule insisted upon applicable to the situation found in the instant case. The plaintiffs alleged that they had an easement in the lands described and the defendants denied it. The burden was upon the plaintiffs to establish the property right they claimed. If the defendants sought to produce conveyances from sources to which plaintiffs were a privy releasing or discharging the easement or could have established release or extinguishment by estoppel of record, or by judicial proceeding, they certainly would have been entitled to show it in the evidence' without previous allegation or notice in the pleading. This in effect is what they sought to do. G. S., 136-96, ex propria vigore, terminates claim with respect to dedication to public use “by any deed, grant, map, plat, or other means” of any parcel of land which has not been opened and used by the public within twenty years after the dedication thereof, unless the claim has been asserted within two years from and after 8 March, 1921, provided a declaration of withdrawal thereof from public or private use by the dedicator or those claiming under him shall be filed in the office of the Register of'Deeds of the county in which the land lies. Sheets v. Walsh, 215 N. C., 711, 2 S. E. (2d), 861. *443 Tbe defendants were entitled to introduce tbe record of sucb withdrawal and have tbe question presented on its merits. It is unnecessary to pass on tbe other questions raised. Tbe defendants are entitled to a new trial. It is so ordered. New trial.