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116 Wis. 121

Merrill v. Best

Wisconsin Supreme Court

Decided December 16, 1902

Wisconsin Supreme Court · decided 1902-12-16

0. Ludwig, Judge. In 1896 tbe plaintiff, together with several others, being* the organizers and owners of the Britannia Mining Company, placed 25,000 shares of its stock in the hands and name of one of their number, Dupré, as trustee, to sell such stock in order to realize a fund for the development of mining properties whenever they should so decide; otherwise retaining their respective ownerships. Plaintiff’s portion was 3,125 shares.

Cited by 1 later decisions — most recently April 1908

1 state decisions

Good law ✅— No negative treatment on recordhow we know

Affirmed · Decided 1902-12-16

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Dodge, J.

¶1Eut a single issue was litigated upon the trial of this case, namely, whether plaintiff had sold to the defendant Best the 3,125 shares of so-called trust stock owned by the-former. The evidence on the subject consisted of the written assignment, set forth in the statement of facts, and testimony as to the situation of that stock, as to the recognition-by both parties of its transfer, and payment therefor on the-28th of February, two days subsequent to the written assignment, and declarations and subsequent conduct of both Merrill and Best with reference thereto,, with perhaps some irrelevant facts as to the negotiations of the parties at the time-of making the written agreement. Upon this evidence the-trial .court found as a fact that plaintiff did transfer such stock. The instrument of February 26th, according to its-tenor, undoubtedly sufficed to transfer all interest which the-plaintiff had in the corporation. If it was ambiguous at all,, so as to- justify resort to parol evidence to aid in construing; *124it, the evidence given was, to say the best for plaintiff, in fair ■conflict; and we cannot say that the finding is so opposed to its clear preponderance as to justify reversal on appeal. Upon the facts so found, of course, judgment for the defendant was properly rendered.

¶2By the Court. — Judgment affirmed.

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