75 Mo. App. 86 | Mo. Ct. App. | 1898
Suit was begun by Reynolds before a justice of the peace on the following account:
“John B. Buffington, in account with Harvey Reynolds, debtor, 1894.
July 1. — To 4 months service of minor son, as farm laborer at $18per month .................................. $72.00
August 1. — Toll days service of minor son, as farm laborer at 75 cents per day...................................... 8.25
September 1. — To 12 days service of minor son cutting brush at 75 cents per day................................... 9.00
September 1. — To one suit men’s clothes........................ 10.00
$99 25
Balance due .................................... $99.25”
From a judgment of the justice rendered in the case an appeal was taken to the circuit court. On a trial ele novo the defendant-at the opening of the trial stated his defense to the jury; his defense was plea of payment to the minor by the consent and direction of the plaintiff; he also filed a counterclaim for $14 worth of corn delivered to plaintiff in March, 1892, and for $5, for cash loaned him in August, 1893. No instructions were asked or given. The jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff, assessing his damages at $40. Defendant in due time filed his motion for new