# Brown v. Knower

> Illinois Supreme Court · December 15, 1838 · 2 Ill. 469

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/6945911

## Case

- **Full name:** Nathaniel J. Brown, impleaded with George B. Field, in error v. John Knower and Benjamin Knower, in error
- **Court:** Illinois Supreme Court
- **Decided:** December 15, 1838
- **Citations:** 2 Ill. 469
- **Precedential status:** Published
- **Opinion:** Opinion of the court by Smith
- **Judges:** Smith
- **Cited by:** 0 later opinions in the Frix Law Library

## Citator (automated)

- No negative treatment found by the automated citator. That is not the same as a confirmation that the case is good law; read the citing cases.
- Full citator and citing cases: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/6945911

## Opinion text

Smith, Justice, delivered the opinion of the Court :
This was an action of assumpsit on a promissory note, by the holder against the defendants, as assignors, who are sued jointly. The declaration shows the defendants assigned the note separately, in their individual names, and not jointly.
Judgment having been entered against Brown, Field not having been served with process, the question is now made, whether the action can be sustained against Brown, in its present form. There can be no doubt that the liability of each is several, and not joint. The action, in its present form, has been misconceived. The liability of the assignor of a note, under our statute, making promissory notes assignable, is contingent; and the holder is required to show due diligence to obtain payment from the maker, before he can resort to the endorser, or more properly, the assignor.
The judgment is erroneous as to Brown, not merely because the declaration has omitted to aver due diligence to obtain payment of the maker; but more especially so, because of a misjoinder of defendants in the action.
The judgment is reversed with costs.
Judgment reversed.
Note. See Humphreys v. Collier et al. Ante 47.

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/cases/6945911. Public record. Not legal advice.