Botsford v. Botsford

Campbell, J. Complainant as mortgagee of Albert Botsford filed his bill to foreclose a mortgage on a considerable number of lots in South Lyon, dated December 18, 1877, for $2500 and interest. This mortgage was given to secure among other things a note for the amount mentioned signed by S. & A. Botsford, while in the bill the note is described as given by A. Botsford. It is claimed this is a variance. But no objection of non-joinder was made by .any of the pleadings, and the bill made profert of both note and mortgage, and also described the latter by its record. .Such reference it has always been held would cure the defect of description if it were a defect. But while if this were a suit at common law the misjoinder of both makers might be ground of abatement if pleaded, it is in no sense a case of misdescription, and therefore it could not be a case ,of fatal variance. And it does not become important at all except as to personal liability. There is no force in the •objection. It appears that lots 7, 8, 9, and 10 in block 13 have been released to defendant Weatherhead. Beyond this no releases appear, and no payments. No one but Donovan defended. He put in an answer which averred all the complainant’s claim on the lands mentioned to have been discharged. This defence is not made out. And there is nothing to indicate that the discharge of Weatherhead’s lots was against the rights of any of the defendants. It was done at the instance of the mortgagor. We find no defects in the testimony of which defendants can complain. These defects are waived by not moving to suppress. But it is at least doubtful whether Donovan can be heard at all, to raise some of the questions before us. He was brought in under the general clause that he had or claimed to have some interest in the equity of redemption. It is no averment or admission that he has any actual interest. He did not disclaim, and so it became prudent and proper to [31] ■retain Mm as a defendant .jo as to' bar any possible claim he may have. But he did not by answer or proofs set up any title or interest whatever which would give him any definite interest in the litigation. He took an active part in defending and put complainant to considerable trouble in bringing fin or meeting proofs which — so far as the record shows — he had no concern with. Had he disclaimed, or put in no ■defence, he would not have made himself personally liable for costs. But inasmuch as “he is responsible for all the liti.gation he cannot claim that immumty. Complainant is entitled to a decree of foreclosure on all ■but the Weatherhead lots for the amount due as reported by the commissioner, with interest from the date of his ■computation; but not including the attorney fee of $50, mentioned in the report. He is also entitled to costs of this court and the costs of the testimony in the court below -against Donovan. The other costs below should be paid out ■of the sale, as usual in foreclosure cases. The decree below must be reversed, and a decree entered in accordance with these views. G-raves, O. J. and Marston, J. concurred. Cooley, J. As all the parties who appear by the record ‘to have interests allowed the bill to be taken as confessed, I •agree that the court erred in dismissing the bill.