Hurd v. Watkins

In this appeal, we decide whether a parcel of land marked “Reserved” on a subdivision plat was dedicated to the public either when the plat was recorded or under common law principles. Further, we decide whether landowners with property which abuts the reserved parcel proved that they were entitled to a way of necessity across that parcel.

I

This suit began in June 1984, when Benjamin W. Watkins, Frank H. Watkins, Elsie W. Poole, Vernie Lee W. Ellswick, and Francis Watkins (hereinafter collectively referred to as the Watkins) sued the record owners of the parcel in question: Joseph and Annette…