Case ID: nc_22/html/0306-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Gaston, Judge.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

WILLIAM WOOTEN at. al. vs. ELIJAH POPE et al.
    In a petition for the partition of land, or for the sale of it, for that purpose, under the act of 1812, (1 Rev. St. eh. 85, sec. 7) if the statements as to the persons entitled to the land and their respective shares therein, be not sufficiently precise and distinct, the Court will direct a reference to the Clerk and Master, for the necessary inquiries as to the interests of the parties.
    This was a petition by some of the tenants in common of a certain tract of land, against their co-tenants for a sale of the land for partition, under the act of 1812; (1 Rev. St. c. 85, sec. 7,) but the persons entitled to the land, and their respective shares therein, Avere not distinctly and precisely shown either in the statements of the petition, or by the evidence produced to establish them. Nor did it plainly appear from the record, who had been served with process, or had appeared as defendants to the^ petition; but, nevertheless, the cause Avas set for hearing, and transferred to the Supreme Court to be heard.
    
      
      B. F. Moore for the petitioners.
    
      Badger and the Attorney General for the defendants.
   Gaston, Judge.

The statements in the petition as to the persons entitled to the premises, and of their respective shares therein, are wanting in distinctness and precision, and the evidence to establish these statements is as vague. We think it proper, therefore, to adopt a practice which prevails in an-alagous cases in England, which is there found convenient; and which, in our country, where the subdivision of estates, under the law of descents, so greatly increases the difficulty of ascertaining the remote collateral heirs of a deceased person, is almost indispensable. The plaintiffs there, in a bill for partition, state upon the record, their titles and those of the defendants; and whenever there is a difficulty respecting them, the Court directs a reference to ascertain what are the respective interests of the parties; and if it appear that they, or some of them, are entitled to the whole, then a partition is decreed according to the rights of those entitled, dismissing the bill as against those having no right. Agar vs. Fairfax —and the same vs. Holdsworth, 17 Ves. 552. In this case, indeed, the application is for a sale under our act of 1812 (1 Rev. Stat. ch. 85, sec. 7,) but that sale is but a substitute for partition; and, before it is decreed, there ought to be an ascertainment of the interests of the parties. The Clerk of this Court is therefore directed to make these inquiries. At the same time, he is directed to inquire and report whether a sale of the premises be necessary; and, as the transcript from the Court below does not plainly shew who have been served with process, or appeared as defendants to this petition, and as to whom it has been taken pro confesso, he will report thereon also.

Per Curiam. Order accordingly.