Lane Versus Andrews
Lane Versus Andrews
When Aaron Lane sold his claim at the upper crossing to Dr. Woodville Andrews, he took a note for $575 to secure the property, which was the full purchase price. Andrews failed to honor the note and in January of 1867 Lane filed suit against him.In response to Lane's action, Andrews conceded he issued the note, but claimed he was a victim of fraud, having been notified by Lane's former neighbor, Joseph Highmoor, that a portion of the land was in dispute. The written notice Highmoor sent to Andrews, dated September 18, 1865, stated the following:
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Dear Sir,
Having heard that you had purchased a claim of Land belonging to me and duly recorded which claim lies on the Mohave River, south of west of Lanes claim. You will take notice that I have not abandoned my claim and still intend to purchase the land of the Government, so soon as the land comes into market....
Very Respectfully
Joseph Highmoor
Picture of Lane's second house at the upper crossing
Courtesy Huntington Library
Lane's Batten-board House at the Upper Crossing
LANE'S SECOND HOUSE AS IT APPEARS IN A PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN MANY YEARS LATER. THE BATTEN-BOARD CONSTRUCTION WAS A COMMON STYLE OF THE PERIOD. THE HOUSE WAS BUILT PRIOR TO THE SPRING OF 1863, FOR AT THAT TIME THE EDWARD PROTHERO FAMILY IS LISTED AS LIVING IN "IMPROVEMENTS" ON LANE'S PROPERTY, INDICATING AT LEAST TWO STRUCTURES EXISTED. FURTHER EVIDENCE THAT LANE HAD MORE THAN ONE HOUSE IS GIVEN IN THE DEED AT THE TIME HE SOLD THE RANCH TO DR. WOODVILLE ANDREWS, WHICH STATES LANE WAS SELLING HIS "HOUSES" ON THE PROPERTY.
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