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1 Mo. 711

Bailey v. Thornhill

Supreme Court of Missouri

Decided April 15, 1827

Supreme Court of Missouri · decided 1827-04-15

<p>Where A. makes a bond in which he promises to pay C. or B. a sum of money — held, that C. cannot maintain an action alone.</p>

Decided 1827-04-15

Wash, J.,

¶1delivered the opinion of the Court.

¶2This was an action of debt, brought by Bailey against Thornhill, in the Circuit Court, on a writing obligatory, in the words and figures following : On or against the 25th of December next, I promise ,to pay James B. Bailey or John Logan one hundred and seventy dollars, for value received of him this 24th day of March, one • thousand eight hundred and seventeen. (Signed,)

¶3Attest: Jonathan Gordon. 'REUBEN THORNHILL, [seal.]”

¶4The defendant craved oyer of the obligation, and demurred; on which the Circuit Court gave judgment in his favor; to reverse which this writ of error is prosecuted. The only question for the determination of this Court is, whether .a several action may be maintained by Baily upon this obligation ? And we are clearly of opinion that it cannot be. A man cannot be bound to several persons severally: 5 Bac. p. 163. And on an obligation to two or more, to pay money to one of them, 'all must join in the suit, &c. This, at best, is such a case.

¶5The judgment of the Circuit Court is, therefore, affirmed with, costs.

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