Newton Oil & Manufacturing Co. v. Carr

Smith, J., delivered the opinion of the court. On the 4th day of June, 1908, appellant recovered a judgment. against James and William Wilson, composing the firm of Wilson Bros. On the 14th da'v of July following said judgment was enrolled in the office of the circuit clerk, and on the next day execution was issued thereon. Under this execution the sheriff was proceeding to sell the stock of goods belonging to said Wilson Bros., when appellee filed this bill in the court below, alleging that he had a prior lien on said stock of goods under a deed of trust executed to him thereon by said Wilson Bros, on the 5th day of June, 1908, and prayed for and was granted a temporary injunction enjoining said sale. The recital in the deed of trust relative to the stock of goods is as follows: “Also the entire stock of wares and merchandise now in said stores at High Point, Miss., and of wares and merchandise to be placed in said stores during the year 1908.” To this bill a demurrer was filed, alleging, among other things, that said [236] •deed of trust was void for the reason that it shows on its face that it was made to hinder, delay, and defraud creditors. This demurrer being overruled, appellant filed its answer, charging that said deed of trust was fraudulent and void as to creditors, and alleging, among other things, that since the execution thereof Wilson Bros, had continued in possession of said stock of goods, selling and replenishing same, and conducting a mercantile business in the usual and ordinary way. On final decree the injunction was made perpetual, from which decree this appeal is taken. “The deed of trust does not in express terms provide for the continuance in business of the grantors, selling and replenishing stock in the usual course of dealing, emd therefore is not void •on its face.” Baldwin v. Little, 64 Miss. 126, 8 South. 168. The deed of trust, however, on its face permitted the mortgagors to add to or replenish their stock, and it is admitted by appellee that they were verbally authorized to, and did, continue to sell. It is also clear, from other portions of the evidence, that the mortgagors continued in possession, buying and selling and conducting a business in the usual and ordinary way. According to appellee, the mortgagors were to account to him for the proceeds of all the sales; but no attempt was made to show that this was done. The legal effect of this arrangement and course of dealing was to hinder, delay, and defraud creditors, and therefore the court must declare the mortgage fraudulent and void. Britton v. Criswell, 63 Miss. 394; Johnston v. Tuttle, 65 Miss. 492, 4 South. 553. The decree of the court below is reversed, and the cause remanded.