Pyramid Life Insurance Company v. Belmont

7 S.W.2d 32, 177 Ark. 564, 1928 Ark. LEXIS 142
Supreme Court of Arkansas·Decided June 11, 1928·Published·Cited by 8 cases

Opinion

Mehaeey, J.

Appellant brought this suit in the Union 'Circuit Court to recover from the appellee the sum of $1,611 and inter est upon a note, said note having been given fior first premium on a life insurance policy.

Defendant answered, specifically denying the allegations of the complaint, and denied that policy was ever delivered to him by the company, or that it was ever intended by the parties to be delivered. He further alleged that the note was obtained on the fraudulent representation that it was necessary that the note accompany appellee’s application for life insurance; that it was fraudulently represented to him that, in the event of a failure to issue and deliver the policy, said note would be canceled and returned to him; that no policy of any kind was ever issued or delivered to defendant. He further alleged that it was fraudulently represented to him that stock in the Pyramid Life Insurance Company in the sum of $1,000 would also be delivered to him, and that no stock of any kind had ever 'been delivered, and that there was a total failure of consideration for said note; that this suit was begun by plaintiff with a full knowledge of the above facts, and that no cause of action existed on the note; that, notwithstanding ■ they knew all the facts, and knew there was no liability on the. note, they sued out a writ of garnishment, and wrongfully, illegally and maliciously impounded his funds, and that he was damaged in the sum of $2,000. . .

The appellant introduced the .following note:

‘ ‘$1,611. El Dorado, Ark., 5-22,1926.

“On or before ninety days after date, I, we, or either of us promise to pay to the order of myself or legal holder, one thousand six hundred eleven- and no 100 dollars, for value received, negotiable and payable, without defalcation or discount, at the office of.., with interest from date at the rate of >6 per cent, per annum', and at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum after maturity until paid. The makers and indorsers of this note hereby severally waive presentment for payment, notice of nonpayment and protest.

“This note is given for premium for life insurance policy which has been issued in the form applied for and delivered to the maker of this note.

“Henry B. Belmont

“G-arrett Hotel, P. 0. El Dorado, Ark.”

Indorsed at bottom of note in pencil: “Claude Hol-lan, 1027.” Indorsed on back: “H. B. Belmont.”

The appellee introduced the following testimony:

Brooks Hays testified that he was sales director and local counsel for the plaintiff. He had actual supervision of the sales contracts of the company. The original contract has been in the possession of Mr. Hollan ever since the date of issuance. Mr. Hollan is the local agent of the company. Does not know that he has seen the original policy. Might have looked at it in the court room. Hollan had it last spring in the court room, and tried to get appellee to take it, and he would .not. The grace period had not expired at that time. The thirty days had not elapsed, and it was in floree at that time. Twelve months had elapsed when witness tendered it to Mr. Coulter for the defendant. Witness did not become associated with the company until after this policy had been held by Mr. Hollan for some time. According to the company’s viewpoint, the policy had been delivered. It held it for Mr. Belmont’s benefit. This, referring to exhibit to pleadings, is a copy of the policy, and this is a photostatic copy of the application.. The original application is very likely in their files, but this is an exact copy. The policy was not to be in force until it was delivered to applicant in good health, and premium paid. The premium was paid by note. The policy and application which is made a part of the policy is the usual contract of insurance, the parts of which that are material to the issues in this case are as follows:

“B. That every declaration hereinabove contained is true. That there shall he no contract of insurance until a policy shall have been delivered to me and the first premium paid to said company, or its duly authorized agent, during my lifetime and good health.”

“I hereby declare that I have paid to Claud L. Hol-lan sixteen hundred eleven dollars in cash, and that I hold his receipt for same.

“Henry B. Belmont.

(Signature of applicant).

“Dated.

“Reo. note, $1,611.”

The policy was sent to Belmont about September. No part of the note had been paid.

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Pyramid Life Insurance Company v. Belmont, 7 S.W.2d 32, 177 Ark. 564, 1928 Ark. LEXIS 142 (Ark. 1928).

7 S.W.2d 32 (Pyramid Life Insurance Company v. Belmont) — published by Counsel Stack Legal Research, free access to 12M+ legal documents.

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