Spratling v. Butler

This is a suit for damages to a house brought by its owners, Claude Spratling and Alonzo Jackson, petitioners, against W. K. Butler and Henry L. Jones, respondents. The house was damaged when struck by a truck belonging to Butler but driven by Jones, his employee. A trial court judgment for petitioners was reversed by the Court of Civil Appeals and the cause remanded. 237 S. W. 2d, 793.

In the absence of Butler, his son, who had full authority to act, employed Jones to drive a truck in a transport business operated by Butler. The son testified that Jones said he had a driver’s license; that “I…