Case ID: wis_100/html/0664-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Cassoday, C. J.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

Messmer and another, Respondents, vs. Block, Appellant.
    
      September 24
    
      October 11, 1898.
    
    (1) Appeal; Notice. (2) Contracts; Pleading.
    
    1. Where the supreme court is the only court to which an appeal could he taken, a notice of appeal is effectual although it fails to state to what court the appeal is taken.
    2. In an action to recover for architects’ services, a complaint alleging that between certain dates the plaintiffs, at the special instance and request of the defendant, performed work, labor, and services in the preparation of plans which were actually used in the erection and construction of a building on defendant’s land, and in superintending such construction, and that a certain sum was then due the plaintiffs by reason of the premises, over and above all payments, is held sufficient.
    Appeal from an order of the superior court of Milwaukee county: G-so. E. SutheelAND, Judge.
    
      Affirmed.
    
    For the appellant the cause was submitted on the brief of Dr. J. Thiemamm.
    
    For the respondents there was a brief by Austin & Fehr, attorneys, and G. G. Gehrz and Jacob Fehr, Jr., of counsel, and oral argument by Mr. Gehrz.
    
    To the point that the complaint was sufficient, they cited Edlemcm v. Kidd, 65 Wis. 22; Bliss, Code FI. §§ 9, 152, 156; Fa/rron v. /Sherwood, 17 N. Y. 230; Humst v. Litchfield, 39 id. 377; Mosley v. Blade, 28 id. 438; Mead v. Degol/yer, 16 Wend. 638; Ciarle v. FaAr-child, 22 id. 583; 1 Chitty, PL 352, 353; 2 Ency. of Forms, 298; Pa/rleer v. Macomber, Í6 L. E. A. 861; Allen v. Patterson, 7 N. Y. 476; Keteltas v. Myers, 19 id. 231; Bue v. Ketchum, 51 Wis. 324.
   Cassoday, C. J.

This is an appeal from an order overruling a demurrer to a complaint alleging, in effect, that the plaintiffs were at the times stated architects; that as such, and between April 1, 1896, and September 11, 1896, they, at the special instance and request of the defendant, rendered and performed wort, labor, and services in and about the drawing of plans and specifications for use in the erection and construction, and which actually were used in the erection and construction, of the building described, and the superintending of such construction, and that the same was situated on the real estate described and owned by the defendant; that the plaintiffs duly filed their petition for a lien February 16, 1897; that there was then due and owing to the plaintiffs from the defendant, by reason of the premises? over and above all payments made on account of the work done and materials furnished, the sum of $64.78, with interest thereon from November 30,1896; wherefore the ordinary judgment in such a case was demanded.

The motion to dismiss the appeal on the sole ground that the notice does not state that the appeal is taken to this court is denied. It is conceded that this is the only court to-which the appeal could be taken; and hence it should be effectual for that purpose. R. S. 1878, sec. 3049; Steckmesser v. Graham, 10 Wis. 37; Johnson v. C., M. & St. P. R. Co. 43 Wis. 432.

The defendant only objects to the complaint on the ground that it does not allege the essential facts constituting a contract whereby the defendant promised to pay to the plaintiffs for such services and materials,— much less the essential consideration for such agreement. The rendering of the services and the furnishing of the materials at the special instance and request of the defendant, and for his use and benefit, certainly constituted a good consideration for his promise to pay therefor. Silverthorn v. Wylie, 96 Wis. 69. The complaint did not allege an express promise, but it manifestly did an implied promise. True, it did not allege the-amount that the services rendered and the materials furnished were reasonably worth, but it did allege, in effect? that there was due and owing to the plaintiffs from the defendant tbe amount mentioned by reason of the facts stated, over and above all payments on account of the work done and materials furnished. Such facts, if they remain un-controverted, would seem to be sufficient to authorize a recovery from the defendant of the amount stated. Bue v. Ketchum, 51 Wis. 324; Edleman v. Kidd, 65 Wis. 22; Allen v. Patterson, 7 N. Y. 476; Farron v. Sherwood, 17 N. Y. 227.

By the Court.— The order of the superior court of Milwaukee county is affirmed.