Case ID: ga_69/html/0753-02.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Crawford, Justice.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

Simpson et al. vs. Fox & Burns.
    1. A bill alleged as follows: In 1867, S. purchased from B. & Co. a tract of land, and went into possession. In 1870, he paid at one time one hundred dollars, and at another time nine hundred dollars, on the purchase money. At the time of the latter payment, it was agreed that upon his delivering to B. & Co. certain logs which he had on hand and settling his accounts with them, they would make him a title to the land. He did deliver the logs, and there was no account at that date to settle. The payments were evidenced by writing. B. & Co. informed him that such receipt was a bond for title, and that he could get his title at any time. Being a cripple and ignorant and unable to read or write, he was largely dependent upon them for proper treatment. The title was never made to him, but he died in possession, and complainants, who are his heirs at law, succeeded him, and brought this bill for specific performance :
    
      Held, that there was equity in the bill.
    2. Section 2551 of the Code is permissive, not exclusive. While ordinarily it provides the proper remedy to enforce the making of titles to the heirs of a deceased vendee, yet where there are complications arising out of a dispute concerning the contract itself, the payments or other matters concerning which equitable relief would be more effectuai than a legal remedy, a resort may be had to a court of equity. 20 Ga., 143.
    January 16, 1882.
   Crawford, Justice.