Wood v. Genett
Wood v. Genett
Opinion of the Court
(after stating the facts).- We cannot concur in the conclusion reached by the learned circuit judge. Counsel for the defendants does not cite any testimony on their part showing any instruction to apply the payments they made upon these specific notes and mortgage. On the contrary, Mr. Wood testified that Mr. Genett directed him to apply payments first upon the $775 mortgage, because it covered more land than did the other mortgage. If no directions were given, then complainant might apply them on either indebtedness. Four indorsements of payments were made upon the $775 note; the last one being made April 2, 1881, at which time the note was surrendered and the mortgage discharged. Several indorsements were also made upon the $361 note, a receipt in full being indorsed thereon November 16, 1885. Mr. Genett took these two notes, and, as was his custom, cut off his signature thereon, and filed them away with other papers. Defendants could not read or write the English language, except that each could write his or her name, and did so upon these mortgages and notes and also upon others. Mr. Genett was a man of considerable business, was evidently methodical, and, while he could not read, was careful to take receipts and to preserve his evidences of payment. There was an open account running between complainant or her agent and the defendant.
Decree reversed, with the costs of both courts, and decree entered for the complainant in accordance with this opinion. The cause will be remanded to the court helow for further foreclosure proceedings.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- WOOD v. GENETT
- Status
- Published