Ferguson v. McLaughlin

The case before us was originally an action to recover possession of land, brought in the proper court of the State of California.

The plaintiff proved a patent from the United States to the Western Pacific Railroad Company, and a conveyance by said company to him of the land in dispute. In conformity to the practice in the courts of California, the defendant, Ferguson, filed an answer in the nature of a cross-bill in equity, which alleged that while' plaintiff had the apparent legal title, he held it, or should be decreed to hold it, for the benefit of the , defendant. The ground of this…