Wolff v. Jurgenson, 185 Ill. App. 346 (1914)

March 10, 1914 · Illinois Appellate Court · Gen. No. 19,005
185 Ill. App. 346

Caroline Wolff, Individually and Trustee, Defendant in Error, v. Anthony Jurgenson, Plaintiff in Error.

Gen. No. 19,005.

(Not to be reported in full.)

Error to the Municipal Court of Chicago; the Hon. John D. Tubnbaugh, Judge, presiding.

Heard in the Branch Appellate Court at the March term, 1913.

Reversed and remanded.

Opinion filed March 10, 1914.

Statement of the Case.

Action of forcible detainer in the Municipal Court of Chicago by Caroline Wolff, individually and as trustee under the will of Frederick Wolff, deceased, against Anthony Jurgenson. From a judgment for plaintiff, defendant brings error.

*347Abstract of the Decision.

1. Forcible entry and detainer, § 20 * —necessity for proof of possession in plaintiff. In forcible detainer proceedings plaintiff must show actual possession of the premises upon which the forcible entry is alleged to have been made, and mere constructive possession arising from the ownership of the fee is not sufficient.

2. Forcible entry and detainer, § 1 * —elements of action. In forcible detainer proceedings the title is not involved, the issue being confined to possession by plaintiff and unlawful invasion and detention by defendant.

3. Forcible entry and detainer, § 84 * —where evidence insufficient to sustain recovery. In forcible detainer proceedings, where there was no evidence to show that plaintiff was ever in possession of the premises in question, nor that defendant ever made any forcible entry thereon, nor as to when or how defendant acquired possession, nor that they were vacant and unoccupied at the time he entered, it was error to deny a peremptory instruction for defendant.

Adams, Crews, Bobb & Wescott, for plaintiff in error.

John Leo Fat and Albert H. Meads, for defendant in error.

Mr. Presiding Justice Smith

delivered the opinion of the court.