47 Mich. 475 | Mich. | 1882
The bill of complaint was filed in this ease to foreclose a mortgage given by Joseph. J. Jackson,
The answer set up as a defence thereto, that the mortgage had been paid by virtue of an agreement made between the complainant and mortgagor, that the latter should receive into his family Lucy Gallup, the mother of complainant, and board and take care of her at the expense of the complainant to be allowed and applied upon the mortgage; that for a time the price of such board and care should be one dollar per week, and when she became more infirm the price was to be increased to a reasonable compensation.
That an agreement was made under which the complainant’s mother was to be taken care of by the mortgagor; that he was to be credited on the mortgage debt therefor, and that she lived with the mortgagor and was cared for by him in a manner satisfactory to all, from 1863 to 1878, are facts not disputed. The complainant and defendants also agree that one dollar per week was the price agreed upon at first, but disagree as to the fact that an increased amount should at any time be allowed thereafter. It does not appear that the mortgagor and mortgagee had any settlement during the life-time of the mortgagor, and although endorsements appear to have been made upon the mortgage it does not appear that the mortgagor had any knowledge pertaining thereto.
Upon the principal fact in dispute there is a direct conflict in the testimony. Yet looking at all the evidence touching directly upon this subject, we think the weight thereof is in favor of the defendant’s theory. The evidence is clear and satisfactory that Mrs. Gallup’s health very materially changed for the worse, after she had been living with the mortgagor about two years, and the witnesses on the part of the defendants say that from three to five dollars per week would be a reasonable compensation for boarding and taking care of her thereafter.
Since Mrs. Gallup left Jackson’s complainant has paid $3
"We are of opinion, therefore, that the mortgage has been fully paid and should be discharged and cancelled. The decree dismissing the bill will be affirmed with costs.