Bowers v. Johnson
Bowers v. Johnson
Opinion of the Court
delivered the opinion of the court.
Bowers, in his lifetime, was indebted to Johnson for the purchase of a tract of land, and transferred to him the receipt of a constable for certain claims, which he was to collect, with a special indorsement, that “ he, Bowers, would be bound for the same, upon the failure of the makers of the notes.” This was an adtion of assumpsit brought against him to recover what was due.
One ground of defence was, that the notes had been paid to the constable, and that Bowers was not liable for his default. There was evidence of the insolvency of the constable, and of Cage the maker of one of the notes. One question was, whether that note had been paid or not. There was proof of the insolvency of Cage, at the time of the transfer of the receipt. The constable swore that he did not recollect that Cage had ever paid it, whilst Cage swore that, to the best of his recollection, he had paid it to the constable. The jury found for the plaintiff the sum of $244.66, which appears to be the amount of the note of Cage, with interest. There was a motion for a new trial, which was overruled.
No charge was asked, or given, except as to the statute of limitations. The jury decided the questions of fact, and although the testimony is not plear, yet there is not such a preponderance against the verdict as would authorize us to set it aside.
But it is said that Riddle was not authorized to make this promise. Even if he were not, it is obligatory upon Bowers, if he retains the deed and the land thus acquired. No one can hold an interest obtained through the- fraud of another, any more than if the fraud were committed by himself. By receiving and retaining the benefit, he incurs the obligation. 3 Ire-dell’s Eq. R. 219.
The judgment is affirmed.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.