Williams v. Dyer

Blackford, J. Edwin Dyer and David B. Freeman, trading under the firm of Dyer fy Freeman, brought an action of debt against the makers of a promissory note. Plea, nil debent. The note was payable to the plaintiffs, and had on it the following indorsements, viz., “ Pay to Edwin Dyer the within note. Value received. Dec. 17, 1835.—D. B. Freeman.” “Jan. 7, 1836. Edwin Dyer.” An objection was made to the note as evidence, in consequence of the indorsements; but the objection was overruled. Judgment for the plaintiffs. The only question in the cause is, whether the indorsements on the note rendered it inadmissible evidence, in an action by the plaintiffs ? , We shall not examine into the validity of the indorsements; for, admitting them to be valid, the question we have stated must be answered in the negative. The possession of the nqte by the payees is prima facie evidence that they are the owners of it, although there may be on the note a special indorsement of it by them to a third person. Dugan v. The United States, 3 Wheat. 172.—Picquet v. Curtis, 1 Sumner, 478.—Hanna v. Pegg, 1 Blackf. 181.—Harris et al. v. Smith, 4 id. 550.—Dodd v. Noble, ante, p. 30. Per Curiam. The judgment is affirmed, with 6 per cent. damages and costs.