Hockings v. Westmoreland, 205 Ill. App. 196 (1917)

April 19, 1917 · Illinois Appellate Court · Gen. No. 6,394
205 Ill. App. 196

Frank Hockings, Appellee, v. Thomas Westmoreland, Appellant.

Gen. No. 6,394.

(Not to be reported in full.)

Abstract of the Decision.

1. Apbeal and error, § 1802 * —when case reversed and remanded. In an action where a default judgment was entered, a motion to vacate the judgment was denied and the prayer for appeal was in general terms, and on appeal it was contended that there was not sufficient evidence in the reebrd to sustain the judgment, and it appeared questionable whether the plaintiff was entitled to a judgment for any amount as damages, and a certain amount was included for taxes without any showing why the defendant should be liable therefor and interest was allowed without any contract to pay interest or any other fact entitling the plaintiff to interest being shown, held that because of the inclusion of the item of interest the judgment should be reversed and the cause remanded.

2. Judgment, § 124*—what is effect of default. As a general rule a default admits the cause of action and the material traversable allegations of the declaration, although not the amount of damages, and hence the amount to be recovered is all plaintiff is required to prove or théi defendant is permitted to controvert.

Appeal from the Circuit Court of Grundy county; the Hon. Samuel C. Stough, Judge, presiding. Heard in this court at the October term, 1916.

Reversed and remanded.

Opinion filed April 19, 1917.

Statement of the Case.

Action in assumpsit by Frank Hoekings, plaintiff, against Thomas Westmoreland, defendant. From an order overruling a motion to set aside a judgment obtained by default, defendant appeals.

J. W. Rausch, for appellant.

F. H. Hayes, for appellee.

Mr. Justice Carnes

delivered the opinion of the court.