Court Opinion

ID: 6992398
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-07-24 03:27:15.689483+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T16:09:39.504898
License: Public Domain

Waterman, J. The only question in this case is whether sufficient proof was made or offered of a ratification by Joseph W. Drexel of an instrument, which it is claimed was made by Ava Vail as his agent, leasing certain premises to Annie M. Miller for the term of twenty years. Drexel lived in the city of JSTew York. Certain witnesses testified to having seen a man in the vicinity of these premises, who was spoken to as Drexel, and who claimed to own the property, but none of the witnesses seem to have had any knowledge that the person whom they so saw was Joseph W. Drexel, the testator, who made the will under which appellees claim possession. One witness testifies to having seen this same man at Mr. Vail’s office, and to have heard Vail call him Joseph W. Drexel, but there is no evidence to show that Mr. Vail ever knew Mr. Drexel. The witnesses all seem to have derived their information that the man whom they saw was Drexel, from persons whom it is not made to appear had themselves any acquaintance with Drexel, or any knowledge that the person whom they pointed out as Drexel was really he. Certainly something more certain and definite than anything offered in this case is necessary in order to take away and hold for the period of twenty years the possession of valuable real property. It not appearing that appellants were ever lawfully in possession, no demand was necessary before bringing suit. We think the court properly excluded the lease offered and that the judgment should be affirmed. Judgment affirmed.