Dishon v. State ex rel. McCracken

19 Ind. 255

• Court: Indiana Supreme Court
• Decided: November 15, 1862
• Status: Published

Opinion

Hanna, J.

Suit against Dishon, a former trustee of the township, and his sureties, on his official bond. Alleged breach, a failure to pay to his successor, the relator, certain moneys alleged to be in his hands.

Demurrer, assigning, 1. That there was not a proper party plaintiff, nor any proper relator. 2. That it does not state facts, etc. This was overruled.

Is there a proper party plaintiff?

The trustee is the treasurer of the township. Acts 1859, p. 222. He receives .and disburses the moneys of the township, and, at the expiration of his term of service it is made his duty (Id., sec. 12) to pay over to his successor all moneys in his hands, belonging to his township. If he fails to do so, we suppose that his successor can cause suit to be instituted in the name of the State, on his relation, because the official bond is payable to the State. The State v. Votaw, 8 Blackf. 4.

A. J. Simpson, for the appellants. M. S. Mavity, for the appellee.

It is urged, that no suit could be brought against a trustee, without an order, to that effect, by the board of county commissioners. We are referred to p. 70, sec. 7, Acts 1841. We do not think this statute applies. It has reference specially to school funds, acts in regard thereto, and special orders that may be made, upon examinations therein provided for. It is shown in this complaint that the alleged defalcation had occurred because of a failure on the part of the outgoing trustee to settle with, and pay over to the incoming trustee, as required by law. This was a general breach of his official bond, upon which it became the duty of his successor to seek to save the funds, and protect the interests of the people of the township.

Per Curiam.

The judgment is affirmed, with five per cent, damages and costs.