Hall v. First National Bank

G-aryer, J.

This was an action, commenced February 18, 1893, before a justice of the peace, by the First National Bank of Hays City, Kan., against A. S. Hall and John Yunker, on a demand note for $215.40, executed November 5, 1889. No answer was filed by the defendants ; but on the trial in the District Court Hall made defense by claiming that he signed the note as surety for Yunker, and that he was released from liability thereon because the time for payment had been extended by the Bank without his consent. The case was tried by a jury, and a general verdict returned in favor of the plaintiff.

Various matters which we deem unimportant were considered upon the trial, and are discussed at considerable length in the briefs of counsel. While the *494 note in suit was drawn payable on demand, it seems to have been the general understanding of the parties thereto that no demand óf payment would be made prior to August, 1890. On December 9, 1891, a note for the same debt was taken by the Bank from Yunker and wife, secured by a chattel mortgage on personal property, some of which was property not included in the chattel mortgage given to secure the first note. There was no unders tanding or agreement that the last note was not just what it purported to be — a note payable on demand. There was some evidence tending to show that the second note and mortgage were taken with the knowledge and consent of Hall, sufficient in this respect, we think, to maintain the verdict of the jury. But, apart from that, we think there was an entire failure of proof that any such extension of the time for the payment of this debt was made, as would release the surety. When the second note was taken, the Bank held, against Yunker as principal and Hall as surety, a note payable on demand. The new note was likewise payable on demand. The amount of the indebtedness of Yunker to the Bank was not changed, nor was any change made in the terms of payment. The mere taking of additional security for a debt does not release the surety. Neither will the giving of time or indulgence have that effect, unless it is based on a contract which ties the creditor’s hands and prevents him from enforcing payment for a definite time. To have that effect, there must not only be a valid agreement extending the time for payment, but the time of the extension must be definitely fixed. United States v. Hodge, 6 How. 281 ; Miller v. Stem, 2 Pa. St. 286; Rucker v. Robinson, 38 Mo. 154 ; McGee v. Metcalf, 12 S. & M. 535 ; Gardner v. Watson, 13 Ill. 352 .

*495 Under the facts in this case, there was nothing to prevent the Bank, at any time, from commencing proceedings against Yunker to collect its debt on either note ; nor was there anything suspending the right of Hall, as the security for the debt, to discharge the obligation and to be subrogated to the rights of the Bank. The rule, under which a surety for- a debt is released by the giving of time to the principal without the surety’s consent, is founded upon a supposed restriction of the rights of the surety by which he is presumed to be injured. The reason for the rule failing, as in this case, the rule itself should not be enforced.

We think no reversible error appears in the record The judgment will be affirmed.

Clark, J., concurring ; Gilkeson, P. J., having been of counsel, not sitting.