Moon v. Center

The opinion of the Court was delivered by Mr. Acting Associate Justice R. O. Purdy. We adopt the statement made in the case on appeal: “This case was instituted to foreclose a mortgage over real estate in Greenville County, the note and mortgage alleged to have been given for $460 in 1915. “Defendant pleaded general denial, no consideration, failure of consideration, past consideration, and payment; and a counterclaim was set up for $230 for failure to mark mortgage satisfied on record after defendant demanded same of the plaintiff. Case was referred to the master to take testimony and report his findings of law and fact. The master found in favor of the plaintiff, and recommended fore *53 closure by sale of land; and, upon exceptions to his report, same was confirmed by Hon. M. F. Ansel, county judge.” ■ The testimony is conflicting.' The respondent having possession of the evidences of the debt, the burden of proof was upon the appellant to make .good his defenses by the greater weight of the evidence. The master had the parties before him, and doubtless knows them. He has found against the defendant on the conflicting testimony, and the county Court has affirmed such finding. It is difficult for this Court to say, after studying the record, just where the truth may be found. Not having been shown that the master and the county Court have erred in their conclusions, the judgment of the county Court is affirmed. Visanska v. B. & L. Ass'n, 41 S. C., 546, 19 S. E., 202. Miller v. Smith, 103 S. C., 208; 88 S. E., 354. Messrs. Justices Watts, Fraser and Marion concur. Mr. Chiee Justice Gary did not participate.