Case Name: Kincaid vs. McLain et als.
Court: Tennessee Supreme Court
Jurisdiction: Tennessee
Decision Date: 1846-09
Citations: 7 Hum. 68
Docket Number: 
Parties: Kincaid vs. McLain et als.
Judges: 
Reporter: Tennessee Reports
Volume: 26
Pages: 68–70

Head Matter:
Kincaid vs. McLain et als.
A bond acknowledged the receipt of money by two persons from a guardian, they taking charge of the children as guardians, and binding themselves to settle with the minors when they became of age: Held, that it established the fact that each party was equally bound as between themselves, for the rejmyment of the money, unless there is proof that one was a surety.
This case was heard on bill, answer, replication and proof, in the Chancery Court at Rodgersville, by Chancellor Ridley, and decree rendered for the complainant. Defendant appealed.
Sneed and Rodgers, for complainant.
R. J. McKinney, for defendant.

Opinion:
GREEN, J.
delivered the opinion of the court.
The complainant, and defendant, executed to Samuel Cow-an, the following obligation, viz:
"Know all men by these presents, that we, William Kincaid and Thomas McLain, both of the County of Claiborne and State of Tennessee, do bind ourselves to Samuel Cowan, of the County of Campbell and State aforesaid, to settle with four of the heirs of John Kincaid, deceased, viz: James, Anna, Alfred and Sarah, as they become of age, all the amount thatwc have not heretofore paid to the said Cowan, or his heirs, inasmuch as we have the money in our hands at this time; and Cowan hath given us the control of said children, as guardians, until they become of age, to the advantage of the said children, to the satisfaction of the said Cowan, the lawful guardian of said children. Given under our hands this 20th day of February, 1826. WILLIAM KINCAID [seal.]
THOMAS McLAIN [seal.]"
The complainant, Kincaid, files this bill against McLain and Cowan, to settle the amount due Cowan, as guardian, and to compel McLain to satisfy one half the amount. The bill al-ledges that the funds belonging to the wards of Cowan, were borrowed by the complainant and defendant, and used by each in equal proportion, for his own benefit, and that the defendant was to pay the one half thereof.
• The answer denies this statement of the bill, and insists that the money was borrowed for the use of the complainant alone, and that the defendant was only his surety in the obligation.
This transaction occurred many years ago, and the proof of the witnesses in relation to it, is very vague and inconclusive. But, the obligation to Cowan, for the payment of this money is a joint one, and 'grima facie, the consideration went into the hands of each. And in addition to this, the expressions used in the obligation, indicate strongly that each party had a portion of the money in his hands. Its language is, "inasmuch as we have the money in our hands at this time, and Cowan hath given us control of said children, as guardians, until they become of age." Here is an express statement, that both had the money, and both were to act as guardians of the children. From the face of the instrument, it may be safely concluded that each party was to be equally bound, as between themselves, for the re-payment of this money, unless the defendant could remove this presumption, by satisfactory proof, that he was only surety. But this is not done by the proof in the record. On the contrary, it may be safely assumed, that the facts proved, rather fortify than weaken this conclusion. It is unnecessary to refer to the evidence minutely.
We are satisfied that the defendant was not merely the sure- iy for the complainant, but that he received a portion of the effects of this estate into his hands, and should, as between these parties, contribute equally to discharge this obligation.
Affirm the decree.