Lewis v. Small

Supreme Judicial Court of Maine
Lewis v. Small, 71 Me. 552 (Me. 1880)
1880 Me. LEXIS 136
Appleton, Barrows, Daneorth, Peters, Symonds, Walton

Lewis v. Small

Opinion of the Court

AppletoN, C. J.

This is a bill in equity brought against the administratrix of the estate of Elisha Small and his heirs. The bill ivas hied September 20, 1879.

On October 19th, 1857, George Lewis, having the title to the promises in controversy conveyed the same to Jonathan Davis, at the same time giving his note for $453.61 in one and two years, and taking a bond or obligation from said Davis to reconvey on payment of the amount due in two years.

The evidence fails to show with absolute certainty whether the instrument given back was under seal or not. The witnesses describe it as a bond or obligation. The language used would indicate an instrument under seal. If so, as the deed, bond and note hear the same date, and are part of one and the same transaction, they would constitute a mortgage. E. S., c. 90, § 1.

If not under seal, as here was a loan and a deed given as security therefor, with a contract not under seal, showing clearly the nature of the transaction there would be an equitable mortgage. Thomaston Bank v. Stimpson, 21 Maine, 195; Rowell v. Jewett, 69 Maine, 293; 1 Jones on Mortgages, § 162.

*554It is apparent therefore that Lewis had an equity of redemption in the premises in controversy.

In about twenty days Lewis went to California, leaving his mother in possession of the mortgaged premises and the bond or obligation of Davis in her hands.

On September 1st, 1859, Elisha Small, the son-in-law of Mrs. Lewis, having received the bond or obligation from her, at her request redeemed the property by paying and taking up the note of George Lewis, surrendering to Davis: his bond or obligation and receiving from him a quit claim of the premises held by him as security for the note of Lewis. The object was that the estate should be redeemed for the benefit of Lewis, Small holding the same as security for the money advanced by him to Davis.

Small took the conveyance with a full knowledge of Lewis’ interest as mortgager. The note was transferred to him at the same time he received the deed. Tie took the land as mortgagee having only and intending to have only the rights of his grantor. He held and was to hold the land only as security for the money he advanced. He was an equitable mortgagee of the premises and was liable as such.

Mrs. Lewis, his mother-in-law, remained in the occupation of the farm, until her death in 1863, when Small entered and continued in possession till his death.

The complainant having the right of George Lewis to redeem, is entitled to maintain this bill — the statute of 1874, c. 175, having given this court full equity jurisdiction in case' of equitable mortgages as in case of mortgages under the statutes.

Sill sustained. Master to be appointed.

WaltoN, Barrows, DaNeorth, Peters and SymoNds, JJ., concurred.

Reference

Full Case Name
Joseph E. Lewis in equity v. Martha E. Small, Administratrix, and others
Cited By
1 case
Status
Published