Cannon v. Kinney

1 S. & M. 555

• Court: Mississippi Chancery Courts
• Decided: December 15, 1843
• Status: Published

Opinion

Chancellor.

Tbe complainant, as the administrator of a deceased mortgagor, was garnisheed by the Agricultural Bank as a crediior of the mortgagee. Upon that process, the complainant answered, admitting the indebtedness by bis intestate, and thereupon a judgment was rendered in favor of the bank against him, as administrator. He now alleges, that the notes, which constituted tbe evidence of such indebtedness on tbe part of bis intestate, bad been transferred by the mortgagee to third persons, at tbe time of tbe suing out of the garnishment, and that be did not then know that fact. That tbe bank is attempting to enforce tbe judgment, and the holders of tbe notes threatening to enforce tbe mortgage. The bill makes them all parties defendant, and prays, that both claimants may be enjoined from further proceeding, until they inter-plead and settle their conflicting claims. The case of Oldham v. Ledbetter (1 Howard, 49) decides the question as to the propriety of the interpleader. The defendants, Gale and others, as the holders of the notes which the mortgage was made to secure, insist upon their right to the money therein called for, in opposition to the bank, and for a foreclosure of the mortgage. The complainant afterwards filed a supplemental bill, suggesting the insolvency of the estate. The first point to which my attention is asked by the counsel is, whether the bill can be sustained at all after the suggestion of the insolvency of the estate by the supplemental bilí. I perceive nothing in the nature of the case, or in the legislation of the State, to prevent the case from progressing on the original bill, because, whichever of the claimants succeeds, will be entitled to call for the exclusive application of the ' proceeds of the mortgage property by virtue of their right, derived through the mortgagee, and will not be forced to a pro rata dividend, with the general creditors of the estate of the deceased mortgagor. The mortgage property, except so far as it may exceed the payment of the mortgage-money, will not come into the fund for distribution among the general creditors. I have no doubt then, that the bill was properly filed, and that the defendants are properly required to interplead. The only question between them, is the point of time at which the transfer of the notes was made. If this is agreed on by counsel, I am prepared to direct a final decree in the case, otherwise, it must stand over for proof. If Kinney’s answer is admitted as evidence, the question is settled. It is clear, that his deposition would be admissible, but his answer can only be admitted by agreement. If agreed to, there must be a decree of foreclosure, and sale of the mortgaged premises, with directions to apply the proceeds, first to the payment of the notes held by the defendants, Gale and Reed, and if there be any surplus, that it be paid to the Agricultural Bank, and the bank will be perpetually enjoined from enforcing the judgment, as to any balance not satisfied by such surplus.