McClellan v. Parker

27 Mo. 162

• Court: Supreme Court of Missouri
• Decided: March 15, 1858
• Status: Published

Opinion

Scott, Judge,

delivered the opinion of the court.

This case did not require the proof of any custom; but evidence of such custom was merely irrelevant. It had no tendency to mislead or prejudice, and therefore the admission of it is no ground for reversal.

The defendant acted as agent for others. It does not appear that he disclosed the names of those for whom he was acting, or that the credit was given to any one but himself. Under such circumstances, though acting for others, he is personally liable. The principals, if they had been known to the plaintiffs before suit was brought, would have been subject to an action, but under the circumstances they were not bound to sue them.

As the defendant had the services performed he was liable for them. This was no case for the application of the custom even if it were a lawful one. Had the money lender employed the plaintiffs, and the suit been brought against the borrowers for their services, then the custom, if a valid one, would have applied to the case. The judgment is affirmed,

Judge Napton concurring. Judge Richardson not sitting.