Opinion ID: 1851288
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: This case was tried to the court as an action at law.

Text: Therefore, as stated in Frantz v. Knights of Columbus, 205 N.W.2d 705, 708 (Iowa 1973): [O]ur review is not de novo but only on errors assigned. Under this limited extent of review the findings of fact by the trial court have the effect of a special verdict and are equivalent to a jury verdict. If supported by substantial evidence and justified as a matter of law, the judgment will not be disturbed on appeal. Rule 344(f)(1), Rules of Civil Procedure. Stated in other words, in a law action tried to the court its findings of fact having adequate evidentiary support shall not be set aside unless induced by an erroneous view of law. It follows, the rule does not preclude inquiry into the question whether, conceding the truth of a finding of fact, the trial court applied erroneous rules of law which materially affect the decision. We may also interfere when such findings are undisputed or no conflicting inferences may be drawn from them. (Emphasis supplied) See also Farmers Insurance Group v. Merryweather, 214 N.W.2d 184, 186 (Iowa 1974); Thomas Truck & Cast. Co. v. Buffalo Cast. & Wh. Corp., 210 N.W.2d 532, 536 (Iowa 1973). II. This court has been many times called upon to consider the claimed creation of a boundary line by mutual acquiescence of adjoining property owners or their predecessors in interest. See Ivener v. Cowan, 175 N.W.2d 121 (Iowa 1970); Brown v. McDaniel, 261 Iowa 730, 156 N.W.2d 349 (1968); Dart v. Thompson, 261 Iowa 237, 154 N.W.2d 82 (1967); Pruhs v. Stanlake, 253 Iowa 642, 113 N.W.2d 300 (1962); Mahrenholz v. Alff, 253 Iowa 446, 112 N.W.2d 847 (1962); Olson v. Clark, 252 Iowa 1133, 109 N.W.2d 441 (1961). Noticeably the foregoing stemmed from Code § 650.6, which provides in relevant part: Either the plaintiff or defendant may, by proper plea, put in issue the fact that certain alleged boundaries or corners are the true ones, or that such have been recognized and acquiesced in by the parties or their grantors for a period of ten consecutive years,   . No useful purpose will be served by here again setting forth all the guiding principles enunciated in the above cited cases. As related to the cause now before us they do disclose a boundary by acquiescence may be established where two or more adjoining owners or their predecessors in interest, for ten or more consecutive years, have mutually acquiesced in a line definitely marked by a fence or in some other manner, as a true boundary although a survey may show otherwise and neither party intended to claim more than called for by his or her deed. See e. g., Dart v. Thompson, 261 Iowa at 241, 154 N.W.2d 82; Mahrenholz v. Alff, 253 Iowa at 450, 112 N.W.2d 847. It is also well settled the burden is upon the party claiming a boundary line, other than as disclosed by a surveyor, to establish requisite mutual acquiescence by clear proof. See e. g., Brown v. McDaniel, 261 Iowa at 733, 156 N.W.2d 349; Iowa R.Civ.P. 344(f)(5). And such acquiescence must, in large part, be determined in light of the factual situation presented. See Mahrenholz v. Alff, 253 Iowa at 451, 112 N.W.2d 847.