Whenever any number of persons, more than ten, hold or claim the title to any tract of land as tenants in common, coclaimants, joint tenants or coparceners holding and claiming such land by adverse possession or otherwise they may elect or appoint a committee from their number who shall be authorized to commence and maintain an action in the name of such committee for the benefit and to the use of the whole number of such persons against any person or persons claiming an adverse estate or interest therein for the purpose of determining such adverse claim or of establishing their title, or of removing a cloud upon the same.