Stratton v. Thomas
Stratton v. Thomas
Opinion of the Court
George and Theodore Stratton were brothers. A replevin suit was commenced by the latter against Wall in justice’s court, and he was defeated, both in the justice’s court, and, upon appeal, in the circuit. George Stratton was surety for his brother both in the original replevin bond and the appeal bond. Subsequently Wall recovered a judgment upon these bonds against both of the Strattons, and an execution was issued and levied upon an 80-acre parcel then belonging to George, and one of 50 acres then owned by Theodore. Subsequently, and pending the levy, Theodore sold the 50-acre parcel to Stickney, who was ignorant of the levy. Upon ascertaining about it, he arranged with the sheriff to first sell the 80-acre parcel owned by George. The bill in this cause was filed by George to restrain such action, and to compel the sale of the 50-acre parcel first, upon the claim that the surety should be protected by the sale of the property of the principal. The bill was dismissed, and complainant has appealed.
The defendants claim that the Strattons collusively caused the sale to be made to Stickney, and that the complainant has not come into court with clean hands. The evidence shows that, at the time the action upon the bonds was begun, Theodore Stratton owned the 80-acre parcel, and occupied it as a homestead. It was worth about $2,000, and was mortgaged for $1,000. George Stratton then owned the 50-acre parcel, which was incumbered to the amount of $250. Before the execution was levied, the brothers exchanged properties. Theodore conveyed his
The decree is affirmed, with costs.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.