Fink v. Brenner

The plaintiff brought this action against the defendants to recover the sum of $83.75 upon a promissory note made by the defendant Rosen and indorsed by the defendant Brenner. Defendants claim that, after the summons was served and prior to its return day, the parties arranged a settlement by the terms of which *668payment of the amount of the note was to be made in three installments, one of $42.50 and two of $2.25 each. Checks were made by Rosen and delivered to the plaintiff, and it is claimed by defendants that the plaintiff promised to have the case marked “Settled” when called in the Municipal Court. The defendant Rosen claims that he paid the checks, the last one on January 9, 1912. He then asked for the note, and was told it was in court, and was also informed that judgment had been taken against him and his codefendant upon the return day of the summons by default. He then asked plaintiff to satisfy the judgment, which request was refused. Upon an affidavit containing the foregoing statement, and upon a verified answer and an affidavit of merits, the court was asked to open defendants’ default, which request was denied.

The plaintiff’s affidavit used in opposing the motion makes no denial of the assertion that he promised to have the case marked “Settled,” but states that there is a balance still due upon the judgment of $32.13 and interest, and that upon payment of this amount the judgment will be satisfied. Under these circumstances, the default should have been opened. The question as to whether or not the claim has been paid should not be tried upon- affidavits.

Order reversed, and judgment vacated, and a-new trial ordered, with costs to appellants to abide the event.