109 Wis. 672 | Wis. | 1901
The principal, if not the only seriously controverted, question is whether the bank corporation, acting
Mr. Burhans’s testimony, then, if credible, establishes that ■■the exigencies of the situation required the clearing of title
Objection is made that parol evidence was not admissible-to prove the acts of the directors. Doubtless, if a written record was kept of their meeting and action, that would be the best evidence; but, if no record was kept, then parol evidence is as proper to prove such transactions as any other. Zaleshy v. Iowa, State Ins. Co. 102 Iowa, 512; Duluth, S. S. & A. R. Co. v. Douglas Co. 103 Wis. 75. It may be doubtful whether there is any presumption of the existence of any record of executive acts done by directors, such as negotiating and contracting directly with others, whatever may be .the rule as to their procedure when convened as a board for-
We must hold that the transactions testified to by Mr. Burhans constituted an effective release of the mortgage lien, and that no incumbrance in favor of the bank rested on the property conveyed by Rice to Burhans, so that the alleged liability of the latter for Rice’s debt of $15,000 is not established. The indebtedness of the bank to Goodwin is declared by the findings, and none of the defenses thereto is sustained.
By the Court.— Judgment reversed, and cause remanded with directions to allow the plaintiff’s claim in accordance with the complaint.