Basler v. Nichols, 8 Ind. 260

Basler v. Nichols

8 Ind. 260 | Ind. | 1856

Davison, J.

This suit was instituted on the of February, 1854, by JBasler against Nichols, upon a contract in writing signed and sealed by the parties, and dated January 1, 1853, whereby Nichols stipulated to make clear of timber a certain pieqe of land (describing it) containing, about twenty acres, and cultivate the same for the term of two years from the first of March, 1853, and leave it in a good tillable condition. Also, to keep the fences in good or,der, and at least ten rails high. And further, he agreed to run a fence on the north and west of the land, provided Basler furnished the rails.

As a consideration for the performance of these stipulations, Nichols was to have all the timber on the land, and the crops raised thereon during the two years.

It was agreed that the contract should be complied with strictly, and that either party failing so to comply, should forfeit his rights under it, and pay damages.

In the complaint three breaches are alleged — 1. That the defendant did not, on or before the .first of March,

1853, clear off the timber; 2. Nor did he cultivate the land from the first of March, 1853; but the same still remains uncleared and uncultivated; 3. That he has neglected to keep the fences -in good order and ten rails high, and that now they are broken down and utterly out of order.

Demurrer to the complaint sustained. Judgment for the defendant.

In support of the demurrer, it is insisted that the complaint and contract upon their face show, that the action has been prematurely brought. On the other hand, it is contended that in accordance with a proper construction of the contract, the defendant stipulated to clear the land of timber by the first of March, 1853,' and also to cultivate it within that year; and that having failed to perform these stipulations, he is liable to pay damages, though the two years named in the contract have not expired.

We are inclined to favor this construction. The par*262ties evidently intended that the defendant should cultivate the land in both years, but the first passed away without its being cultivated or even cleared, and when this suit was brought it was not within his power to fulfill the stipulations. Reasons might be adduced to show that it was of value to the plaintiff to have the land cleared and cultivated in the year 1853. They are not, however, important in the discussion of the question before us, because the language of the contract sufficiently indicates the intention of the parties. ,

8. B. Gookins, for the appellant.

The defendant having thus been guilty of a distinct breach of contract, from which damages are the necessary result, we are unable to perceive the ground upon which the plaintiff’s right of action should be postponed until the expiration of the two years. In principle, this case is not different from a suit to recover an installment due on a note payable by installments, although some are not yet due. Tucker v. Randall, 2 Mass. 283. — Greenleaf v. Kellogg, id. 568 (1).

Gookins, J., having been concerned as counsel in the case, was absent. Per Curiam.

The judgment is reversed with costs. Cause remanded, &c.

See Carver v. Fennimore, ante 135.