84 Mo. App. 208 | Mo. Ct. App. | 1900
This is a suit by the administrator of the beneficiary in a policy of insurance issued by a fraternal-beneficial society, to which the defense was that the member of the order, contrary to the agreement expressed in his application for insurance, became thereafter an habitual drunkard and met his death from the use of intoxicating liquors. There was a verdict and judgment for plaintiff, from which defendant appealed.
The first error assigned is the reception of evidence as to the general reputation for virtue and chastity of a female witness for defendant. There was no error in the admission of this evidence. One of the recognized modes of impeaching a witness is to adduce evidence of his general bad moral character, which inquiry it is held in this state may be extended to evidence of his general reputation as to particular vices other than untruthfulness, as sobriety or chastity. State v. Shroyer, 104 Mo. loc. cit. 446; State v. Raven, 115 Mo. 419.
Appellant further complains of the refusal of certain
It is insisted finally that the evidence shows that the assured was an habitual drunkard, or that his death was caused from alcoholism. It is sufficient to say that this was an affirmative defense resting upon, oral testimony, and that the evidence tending to support it, while cogent, does not seem to be conclusive, and having been disbelieved by the jury we are concluded by their finding. The judgment is therefore affirmed.