Seeley v. Sharrer
Seeley v. Sharrer
Opinion of the Court
On November 3, 1874, one Hasty purchased the land in question. November 9, 1877, he gave a mortgage for $275 upon said land to John and William Fletcher. December 1, 1879, a sheriff’s deed of said land was executed to William C. Buchanan, upon a levy made April 29, 1878. December 22, 1879, Buchanan sold to Calder, subject to the Fletcher mortgage. December 10, 1884, Calder sold to Brian, who entered upon and possessed the premises. The Fletcher mortgage was paid by Calder and Brian, and it was discharged. July 9, 1885, Hasty filed a bill to set aside the execution sale, also filing lis pendens. March 13, 1888, Hasty made a mortgage of $350 upon the premises to Parker and Conley, Jr., and it was recorded July 17, 1888. December 4, 1888, Hasty’s
The claims of the complainant, as stated in his brief, are:
1. That the $350 mortgage was without consideration.
2. That on August 5, 1889, when the land was sold at commissioner’s sale, it was agreed by the Conleys that said mortgage should be discharged.
There is evidence that Hasty’s suit to set aside the execution sale was brought under an arrangement with William Conley, Sr.; that the mortgage was given at Conley’s instigation, and by his direction, to his son and Parker; and that the only consideration was their services in the matter. It is claimed that, when it became apparent that the land must be sold under the decree, the Conleys and Corcoran undertook to save something for Hasty, and that .Corcoran succeeded in raising $1,100 through Seeley,
There appears to have been sufficient consideration for this mortgage, and, while a bona fide sale to Corcoran might have had the,effect of cutting it off, a purchase by Hasty would not have that effect. Both bill and testimony show that the purchase, while in the name of Corcoran, was for the benefit of Hasty •„ and the inference is strong that the object was to cut off the Conley and Parker mortgage. If not, why should not Hasty have bid in the property, or, better yet (because it would have saved the expenses of the sale and subsequent costs), have paid the amount of the decree ? It is obvious from the testimony that the purchase by Corcoran was for Hasty, Corcoran at the time acting as his attorney. We have no doubt that this mortgage should be held to stand as a valid mortgage as against Hasty, and, as the complainant is a grantee with notice, it is equally binding upon him.
We have no alternative but to reverse the decree of the circuit court in chancery, and dismiss the bill, with costs of both courts. Ordered accordingly.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- SEELEY v. SHARRER
- Status
- Published