Towle v. Ionia, Eaton & Barry Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance

The plaintiff recovered a verdict in the Ionia circuit court on a policy of insurance covering his barn and sheds, farm implements, stacks of hay and grain, and other property.

The defenses relied upon were:

1. That the fire was occasioned because of the plaintiff’s failure to observe by-law 18, which contained provisions as follows:

“This company will be liable for a loss occasioned by the use of steam-engines for threshing, provided some suitable person shall keep watch around the engine at all times after the fire is kindled in such engine until the fire is put out. * * * But if the engine…