Case ID: iowa_30/html/0595-02.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Cole, Ch. J.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

First National Bank of Decorah v. Egge.
    
      Appeal from Winneshiek District Court —
    Friday, January 27.
    
    SUFFICIENCY OF EVIDENCE.
    Action upon a note for $42 made by defendant, payable to the order of William C. Adsit one year after date, and by him indorsed to plaintiff before maturity without recourse. A few days after maturity the defendant paid to plaintiff $11,02 on the note, and the same is credited thereon. The action was brought before a justice of the peace and there tried to a jury, resulting in a verdict and judgment for plaintiff. On appeal it was tried in the district court without a jury, and a judgment was entered for defendant, from which plaintiff appeals to this court.
    
      G. W. Patterson & G. B. Willett for appellant — L. Bullís & E. M. Farnsworth for appellee.
   Cole, Ch. J.

There were no facts found by the district court, and no propositions of law ruled or determined by it. Upon the evidence the court found for the defendant; that finding stands here the same as a verdict of the jury. The only question, therefore, made by this appeal is, as to the sufficiency of the evidence to sustain the finding. It is very clear from the testimony that the note was given as a premium for insurance; that the same was transferred to plaintiff before due as collateral security for a loan; that the insurance company failed, and the premium earned up to date of failure was $11.03, which amount defendant paid to plaintiff on the note before suit brought; and there was some evidence tending to show that, when the insurance was effected, it was agreed that defendant might surrender his policy at any time, and, upon paying the premium earned, should receive his note; and also that the defendant was induced to insure by means of false representations by the insurers and payee of the note ; there was some evidence, too, tending to show that plaintiff had knowledge of these facts. The court must have found this latter fact. As an original question we should find the other way; but there is not such an absence of testimony in support of the verdict or finding as will justify us in setting it aside.

Affirmed.