Lathrop v. Knapp
Wisconsin Supreme Court
APPEAL from the Circuit Court for Racine County. The case made by the complaint is as follows: In May, 1865, a paper was signed by the defendant and by numerous other persons and firms, containing the following agreement: “We, the undersigned, agree to pay the sums set opposite our respective names, for the purpose of purchasing from Messrs.
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APPEAL from the Circuit Court for Racine County. The case made by the complaint is as follows: In May, 1865, a paper was signed by the defendant and by numerous other persons and firms, containing the following agreement: “We, the undersigned, agree to pay the sums set opposite our respective names, for the purpose of purchasing from Messrs. Goddard, Steers & Co., twenty-five hundred acres of oil land in fee simple, and twenty-five hundred acres of oil lease, in all five thousand acres; the same to he selected from twenty thousand acres of fee and lease interests owned by the said Goddard,…
1Opinion of the CourtDixon, C. J.
The question in this case is, whether the writing subscribed by the defendant- and others is a contract, or whether it is to be regarded in law as a mere piece of blank paper. It purports on its face to be a contract or agreement between the several persons whose names are subscribed thereto, and to contain a promise on the part of each one of those persons to pay in the sum set opposite his name for the purpose of accomplishing the object therein designated. It is clear and unambiguous in its terms, and no doubt can be entertained as to the meaning and intention of the parties to it. They…
2Cases cited20 opinions
- Barnes v. . PerineNew York Court of Appeals · 1854
- Trustees of Farmington Academy v. AllenMassachusetts Supreme Judicial Court · 1817
- Trustees of Phillips Limerick Academy v. DavisMassachusetts Supreme Judicial Court · 1814
- Perkins v. LockwoodMassachusetts Supreme Judicial Court · 1868
- Trustees of Hamilton College v. . StewartNew York Court of Appeals · 1848
15 more not listed; retrieve them via the Exa API.
3Cited by24 opinions
- Continental National Bank of Chicago v. McGeochWisconsin Supreme Court · 1896
- Gibbons v. GrinselWisconsin Supreme Court · 1891
- Weidner v. Standard Life & Accident InsuranceWisconsin Supreme Court · 1906
- Lathrop v. KnappWisconsin Supreme Court · 1875
- Bergman Clay Manufacturing Co. v. M. L. BergmanWashington Supreme Court · 1913
19 more not listed; retrieve them via the Exa API.