The Case of Rose of Aberlone - Michigan's Great Contribution to Contract Law

Stockmeyer, Norman Otto

doi:10.2139/ssrn.2034426

Abstract

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The Case of Rose of Aberlone - Michigan's Great Contribution to Contract Law

Norman Otto Stockmeyer

Thomas M. Cooley Law School

March 30, 2012

Abstract:
This paper explores the curious story behind the “Case of the Barren Cow,” a part of Michigan history that is known to every American lawyer and law student, and almost nobody else. It features Theodore Sherwood, a Plymouth banker who became Michigan’s first banking commissioner, and Hiram Walker, a Detroiter who made a fortune with Canadian Club whiskey and became known as the “Henry Ford of Canada” for his many innovations. Their epic 1886 lawsuit over a cow – “Rose 2d of Aberlone” – broke new legal ground and is still studied today in virtually every American law school. [Includes photographs.]

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Date posted: April 4, 2012 ; Last revised: June 14, 2012

Suggested Citation

Stockmeyer, Norman Otto, The Case of Rose of Aberlone - Michigan's Great Contribution to Contract Law (March 30, 2012). Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2034426 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2034426

Contact Information

Norman Otto Stockmeyer (Contact Author)

Thomas M. Cooley Law School ( email )

P.O. Box 13038
Lansing, MI 48901
United States
517-371-5140 x2727 (Phone)
517-334-5767 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www.cooley.edu/faculty/stockmeyer.html