State ex rel. Bueneman v. Kurtzeborn

Sherwood, J. Action on a constable’s bond. The constable was elected in November, 1874, and his term consequently expired, under statutory provisions, two years thereafter, or in November, 1876. But under another statutory provision, he continued in office, until his successor was elected and qualified. Wag. Stat., 968, § 1. The conversion of the money collected occurred, according to the petition, January 28th, 1877, and this suit was brought January 6th, 1879. Under the section just mentioned, Kurtzeborn’s term of office did not expire until his successor was elected and qualified. He, therefore, continued to be constable, and his sureties to be bound, up to the time he converted the money collected; for the provisions of the law just cited are to all intents and purposes, as much part and parcel of the bond, -as if so nominated therein. The statute of limitations had, therefore, not run at the time this suit was brought. What effect the special act of 1875, (Sess. Acts 1875, p. 29,) had, it is unnecessary to inquire. If it violates section 8 of article 14 of our constitution, it is of course a nullity, and accomplishes nothing. If, on the contrary, the act is in accord with section 8, still Kurtzeborn, though appointed by legislative enactment, had not “qualified” under his new appointment, and so his sureties remained bound as before. These views, as to the continuing liability of the sureties, coincide with those expressed in Long v. Seay, 72 Mo. 648, our latest adjudication on the point. Therefore, judgment of the court of appeals affirmed. All concur.