Case ID: ill-app_201/html/0397-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Mr. Presiding Justice Thompson", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

Columbia Graphophone Company, Plaintiff in Error, v. Fred W. Niergarth and J. R. Brown, Partners, as the Brown Piano Company, Defendants in
    (Not to be reported in full.)
    Error to the Circuit Court of McLean county; the Hon. Colostin D. Myers, Judge, presiding. Heard in this court at the April term, 1916.
    Affirmed.
    Opinion filed June 10, 1916.
    Statement of the Case.
    Action by the Columbia Graphophone Company, plaintiff, against Fred W. Niergarth and J. R. Brown, partners, as. the Brown Piano Company, defendants, for balance alleged to be due in payment of goods shipped to the Brown Piano Company. To review a judgment for defendants, plaintiff prosecutes a writ of error.
    
      Abstract of. the Decision.
    Guaranty, § 12
      
      —when guarantor not liable on guaranty. A seller held not entitled to recover from one of the defendants for goods shipped to a party, with whom such defendant was associated in business, after the receipt by the seller of a letter from such defendant directing that no more shipments should be made without such defendant’s signature being attached to the order, such defendant having been regarded by the seller, in connection with previous shipments, merely as guarantor for the payment thereof.
    The proof showed that previous to November, 1912, J. R. Brown, under the name and style of the “Brown Piano Company” had been engaged in selling pianos in a building owned by Niergarth. In November, 1912, Brown and Niergarth made an agreement by which Niergarth was to assist Brown in a side' line known as the Graphophone department.
    On November 19, 1912, Niergarth wrote .to the plaintiff that he and Brown were equally responsible for the goods that might be purchased. “It is understood, however, that all orders placed will bear the O. K. or signature of Mr. F. W. Niergarth.” On October 3, 1913, Niergarth again wrote to plaintiff: “Kindly ship goods ordered by Brown Piano Company per J. R. Brown until further notice.” On November 5,1913, Niergarth again wrote to the plaintiff: “Do not ship any more orders to Brown Piano Company unless signed by me, hereby countermanding my order of October 3rd, 1913.”
    Rayburn & Buck, for plaintiff in error.
    M. A. Brennan, for defendant in error Frederick W. Niergarth.
    
      
      See Illinois Notes Digest, Vols. XI to XV, and Cumulative Quarterly, same topic and section number.
    
   Mr. Presiding Justice Thompson

delivered the opinion of the court.