the opinion of the Court was delivered by
It might well be questioned whether the stipulation in the deed from Higgins to White and Lingle to hold the latter harmless against damages that might arise from the giving way of the surface after the removal of the coal underneath is anything more than the mere personal covenant of indemnity of the grantor. It is such in terms, and we see no sufficient reason for giving it any larger effect than this, but we do not decide the question because it does not necessarily arise under the evidence. In the deed, this provision is described as something in addition to the original article of agreement for the sale of the coal, and so in fact it is. That agreement provides only for the sale of the coal, and of the timber of less than eight inches’ diameter. Nothing whatever is said as to any release or indemnity for damages to the surface in the removal of the coal. It is dated May 10, 1873, and, being recorded September 30, 1874, would be notice of its contents from that time. The deed from Biggins and wife to Barnes was made July 24,1874. Whether there was such taking of possession by White & Lingle, under the agreement of May 10, 1873, as would put Barnes upon inquiry, and charge him -with notice, is not material, as he would only be chargeable with notice of the contents of the agreement, and according to that paper there was no grant of the right of surface support by the vendor, Big-gins. We have so recently reviewed the subject of the right to surface support, in the case of Carlin & Co. v. Chappel, 40 Leg. Int., 59, that any discussion of it at this time is unnecessary. We said, in Coleman v. Chadwick,
Judgment affirmed.
