Gaal v. Eden

WALTHAI/L, J. J. H. Eden brought this suit against W. H. Eden and I. G. Gaal to recover on a promissory note for tbe sum of $225, interest and attorney’s fees provided for in tbe note. Defendants Eden and Gaal pleaded that plaintiff J. H. Eden is tbe father of W. H. Eden,, and that Gaal is tbe fatber-in-law of W. H. Eden; that at and prior to tbe time of tbe execution of said note plaintiff threatened to have W. H. Eden arrested and sent to tbe penitentiary for theft of money, unless defendants would execute said note. Gaal, in bis own behalf, alleged that be signed tbe said note for fear plaintiff would try to carry out bis said threat and thereby bring disgrace upon himself and family, and that by reason of said threat and fear be signed said note under duress, and that said note was without consideration, against public policy, and is void. The case was tried before tbe court without a jury, and judgment was rendered for plaintiff and against each of tbe defendants, from which judgment Gaal alone prosecutes this appeal. Tbe court did not make up and file findings of fact and conclusions of law, but in tbe judgment recites that “tbe court finds that tbe defendants are justly indebted to the plaintiff,” in tbe amount of tbe note, interest, and attorney fees, and so rendered judgment. This court is concluded by tbe judgment of tbe trial court on tbe facts if there is sufficient evidence to sustain tbe material facts at issue. Tbe execution and delivery of tbe note is admitted, and tbe only contention made by tbe defense is tbe issue of duress by reason of tbe alleged threats by appellee to prosecute the defendant, W. H. Eden, for theft of money ■ unless tbe note was given. Tbe court beard tbe evidence, and rendered judgment for the plaintiff. Appellant’s evidence is to the effect that tbe alleged threats were in fact made, and tbe evidence of tbe appellee is to tbe effect that no threats as alleged were in fact made. Tbe court concluded tbe fact in favor of appellee. Appellant presents several propositions, but they are based upon the assumed fact that tbe threats were made as alleged. Finding no reversible error, tbe ease is affirmed.