Burke v. Fuller

The opinion of the Court was delivered by McEnery, J. James L. Burke and J. C. Puller formed a co-partnership to carry on the business of undertakers and dealers in furniture —Burke to furnish $1000, and Puller $2000. Burke died September 13, 1886. During his life time there were settlements between him and Iris partner, Puller, the last in June, 1886. As the affairs of this partnership are to he learned from the acts of the irarties, it is presumed the last settlement included all the differences between them up to that time. There must be clear proof of some omission of an item or items from tlie settlement to induce a disturbance of it. There is no such evidence in the record as would justify an interference with the settlement made between the partners during the life time of Burke. Burke’s succession was opened and the value of the partnership effects fixed at $1745 39. The plaintiff in the present suit qualified as testamentary executor, and after repeated demands upon the surviving partner for a settlement and failing to procure one,'he instituted this suit accompanied by an injunction restraining. Puller from disposing of the partnership effects. The record is voluminous, and the opinion of the district judge is clear and elaborate. We have noted the alleged errors pointed out by both plaintiff and defendant and have carefully considered them. Briefly the account between the parties is as follows : Up to the date of his death Burke had received $145, and Puller “for furniture $138, and for the undertakers’ department $156. There had been paid out on the furniture department $83 68, and in the undertakers $141 39. J. L. Burke and his executor received to July, 1888, $748, and Puller $496 70; total amount received on account of the business, $1246 20. The executor received in merchandise from the partnership $51, with [742] which the succession of J. L. Burke must be charged. Nothing is duo Fuller for salary, as no agreement in the contract is proved for its payment, and the charge was not made during the lifetime of the deceased partner. The claim is unsupported by xiroof. The partnershii) occirpied leased premises, and must be charged with the rent, as they have been used for the business of the partnership since the death of Burke. The amount of $50 x>aid to an expert bookkeeper, must also be allowed as a claim against the partnership, as the services inured to its benefit, and not to the exclusive benefit of the surviving partner. J. L. Burke and Jacquot went security for the x»rrchase of a lot of furniture. There is no proof that it was not included in the settlement between the partners referred to. The amount claimed for horse hire is not duo, but the storing of the hearses is sivpported by proof and should be allowed as was ordered by tlie judge. The executor had frequently demanded a settlement of the partnership from the surviving partner, and failing to get one lie brought this suit. The partncrsliix) must hear costs of settlement. Fuller has paid out since June 14, 1886, $449, which includes four months rent, and has also x*aid for insurance of partnership property $20. He has received in the business the sum $497 70. The inventoried value of the firm’s property is $1743 44. There was sold of this $537 44. The amount received by both parties is $1669 31, and the amount paid out is $1570 63. We see no grounds for disturbing the judgment appealed from excex>t to amend it so as to charge the partnership with the amount of $50, which in the judgment is charged to Fuller. As thus amended the judgment is affirmed, tjie appellee to pay costs of appeal.