Court Opinion

ID: 7032613
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-07-24 06:42:23.058447+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T16:11:01.270595
License: Public Domain

Davison, J.
Debt by the state on the relation of Quigley against Bryant, a surety upon an administrator’s bond. The following is the return of the sheriff to the original process in the cause: “ Served this writ on the within named Absalom Bryant, by leaving a copy at his last place of residence. January 23,1852.” Bryant having failed to appear, judgment was taken against him by default, and a jury was impanneled to assess the plaintiff’s damages. Final judgment for the plaintiff.
The objection to these proceedings is, that the sheriff’s return was not sufficient to authorize the default; that leaving a copy of the writ at Bryants last place of residence was not good service.
This is a mistake. A statute in force when this suit was commenced, provides, that when a summons is issued, “it shall be served either personally on the defendant or by leaving a copy thereof at his usual or last place of residence.” R. S. 1843, c. 40, s. 23. The return is in accordance with the statute.
Per Curiam, — The judgment is affirmed, with 5 per cent, damages and costs.