Tunick v. Jasper , 155 N.Y.S. 201 ( 1915 )

BIJUR, J.

This action was brought against the defendant as the indorser of a promissory note. Defendant denied that he had received notice of protest, and served the affidavit to> that effect provided for by section 923 of the Code. Defendant claimed that his indorsement was procured by fraud, and that consequently, under section 98 of the Negotiable Instruments Law (Consol. Laws, c. 38), the burden was placed upon the plaintiff to prove that he had acquired title as a holder in due course. Sections 91 and 94. Nevertheless the learned trial judge refused to permit defendant to testify to' the alleged misrepresentations under which he had been induced to indorse the note, and directed a verdict against him.

Respondent seeks to justify the result by urging that defendant’s name was so badly written by him on the back of the note that it looked like Morris Jager, and that consequently the notary who directed the notice of protest to the latter name exercised due diligence, or, what is the same in effect, that the defendant is chargeable with the failure to receive the notice by reason of his own “negligence.” For these startling propositions respondent cites no authority; but, even assuming them to be justified, the question whether the signature looked like "Jasper” or “Jager” was one for the jury. At least we can take no other view, in the absence of the fac simile reproduction of the signature in the record on appeal.

• Judgment reversed, and new trial granted, with costs to appellant to> abide the event. All concur.