Case of Robert Little vs. Willford--Filed 1883, Olmsted Co., MN

USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information
on the Internet, material may be freely used by non-commercial entities,
as long as this message remains on all copied material, AND permission is
obtained from the contributor of the file.

These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or
presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to
use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written
consent of the contributor, OR the legal representative of the submitter,
and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent.

Made available to The USGenWeb Archives by: Kevin Allen
                                            <critter@mnic.net>

I've also given a "brief" description of the case of Robert Little vs. 
Willford - Supreme Court of Minnesota, filed October 19, 1883, 
cite # 31 Minn. 173, 17 N.W. 282).

In May, 1868, Robert Little by deed of warranty conveyed a piece of land
situated in Farm Hill to the trustees named, and to their successors in 
office, in trust for the benefit of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the 
United States of America.   On this site the church erected a 24x40 foot 
building, surmounted with a spire.  Regular services were held at this 
church until 1880, when a lack of members caused the Methodist Episcopal 
Church of Minnesota to authorize the sale or removal of the church.  In 
January, 1882, they decided to remove the church to South Troy, a 
community approximately four miles north of Farm Hill.
When everything except the frame and siding had been removed, Robert Little
filed a suit in district court to restrain the church from removing the
building, and to recover damages for the destruction and removal of the
property.  The case was heard in June, 1882, and the following verdict was
given.  The judge decided that the land still belonged to Robert Little, 
but denied any damages to Robert because the building was not his.  Both  
parties in the case appealed to the Minnesota State Supreme court.  The 
Supreme Court upheld the lower court ruling, and the church was finally 
moved to South Troy.
This case is still cited in relevant court cases today.  (Taken from 
"History of Olmstead County" 1883).
The church is now the "Little White Church" located near South Troy.  
The spire was blown off the building earlier this past summer (1998).
<END>