Western Sash & Door Co. v. Young
Western Sash & Door Co. v. Young
Opinion of the Court
This action was brought by the plaintiff company against defendant Young, to recover $195.55 on account of certain material alleged to have been furnished in the construction of a building near the corner of Ninth'and Walnut, Kansas City. The defense of payment was interposed. On this issue the verdict and j udgment were for defendant, and plaintiff appealed.
As tending to prove payment of the account sued on defendant introduced evidence to the following effect: In the early part of 1890 defendant Young arranged with the Midland Investment Company to furnish him the means necessary to construct two houses in Kansas City, one at Ninth and Walnut streets and the other at Fifth and Agnes streets. The money was to be drawn on each piece of property as needed, and on the order of Ballentine & Foster, mechanics doing the work. Ballentine & Foster, as agents for Young, contracted with the plaintiff sash and door company for the doors and windows for the two buildings. Prior to February 14 the plaintiff furnished the doors for the Ninth street house; the bill amounted to $153, and it was paid by Young through his agents, the investment company, on a written order signed by the builders, Ballentine & Foster. As it was agreed this
Now the controversy here arises from this fact disclosed by the evidence: Ballentine & Foster owed the sash and door company on an old account, and, instead of applying these payments toward the payment of bills purchased for Young; the plaintiff credited the money received on these orders to the old account of Ballentine & Foster. On this state of. the evidence the court instructed the jury as follows: “The court instructs the jury that if you find from the evidence that the defendant, Grundy Young, was furnishing money to pay the bills of the plaintiff through the Midland Investment Company, for materials furnished to the property at Ninth and Walnut streets and at Fifth and Agnes streets, and that the improvements were being constructed and the lumber being furnished by the plaintiff to both of the said properties at or about the same time, and that the plaintiff was to receive its money on both of said properties from the Midland
The statement of the facts of this case, as they were found by the jury, necessarily suggests its decision. The inherent justice appearing on the face of these facts (so found by the jury) concurs with the law in awarding the judgment In defendant’s favor. Defendant Young borrowed money and left it with the loaners (the Midland Investment Company) to be paid out for the improvement of the mortgaged property. The investment company, as agents for Young, and to protect, themselves, arranged to pay out as the bills accrued. Hence Ball entine & Foster, also agents of defendant, were required to name in the order for what it was given, and the property to be charged with the payment. The plaintiff in furnishing the materials was fully advised on the face of the orders for what account the payments were made. The application of each payment was made in writing, definitely, and without any concealment. Plaintiff sold his goods to Young and had received full payment therefor; hence, cannot recover for a second charge. This suit-is based on the theory (and, indeed, it is so alleged) that Ballentine & Foster purchased this material as agent for Young. If then they were Young’s agents to purchase why not his agents to pay therefor ? They did buy for and on
In short, after a full consideration of counsel’s brief, we discover no reason to set aside this judgment. The case was fairly submitted on instructions covering every substantial feature of the controversy, the judgment was manifestly for the right party, and is affirmed.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.