Coomes v. Drinkwalter

This is a replevin action for the recovery of possession of cattle. It involves the ownership' and right of possession as affected by statutes dealing with branded livestock. After 6 hours of deliberation, 10 members of the jury returned a verdict for the defendants and the plaintiff has appealed.

Registered cattle brands of three states are involved. The ranch of the plaintiff, Clair Coomes, was located near Manderson, South Dakota. With his brother, he was the owner of the registered South Dakota brand reverse DC located on the right hip. In July 1962, 19 yearling heifers and 8 cows with…