Opinion delivered March 8, 1875, by
The affidavit of defence in this case alleges that the note in suit is one of several renewals of an accommodation note made by the maker (the defendant) for the benefit of the payee, by. whom it was indorsed to the plaintiff; and that the plaintiff, with the knowledge that the maker received no consideration from the payee, discounted the * original note and the renewals at a usurious rate of interest. Defendant avers that on this ground he is entitled to a credit on the note in suit of five hundred dollars and upwards.
In support of this as constituting a defence the case of Gaul v. Willis, 2 Casey, 259, has been cited. There the holder, who was the second indorsee, was allowed to recover from the maker of an accommodation note the entire amount according to its tenor, though the discount at each negotiation exceeded six per cent. It is said, however, by the court, that the plaintiff had no notice whatever of the purpose for which the note was made. Want of knowledge in that case is made to distinguish it from this one, where knowledge on the part of the plaintiff, that as between the maker and payee, the note was a mere accommodation, is distinctly alleged. Supposing the allegation to be proved, we do not think it would stand in the way of a recovery by the plaintiff. The bona fide sale of a note bound or other security, at a greater discount than would amount to legal interest, is not, per se, a loan, although the note may be indorsed by the seller, and he remains responsible; 9 Peters, 103; 6 Ohio St. R. 19. An action by an
And now, March 8th, 1875. It is directed that the rule be made absolute, and that judgment be entered in favor of the plaintiff for want of a sufficient affidavit of defence.
