Cook-Martz law suit - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

A case in which more than the usual ill feeling prevailed occupied the attention of the circuit court for three days this week. It was the famous suit Hannah Cook vs. William Martz and came to an end Wednesday by the jury finding for the plaintiff and assessing her damages at $2,142.99.  The parties reside in Sugar Creek Township, where it is claimed, the feeling runs high, both participants having a strong following of zealous friends. The bad blood was strongly manifest among the witnesses on the stand and proved contagious for at one time during the argument the lie was passed between Attorneys Anderson and Will Johnston. The history of the case was about as follows: Some time ago Hannah Cook solder her undivided interest in a farm to Wm. Martz for $1,800 taking a note in payment therefor, with instructions to pay the note when due to her husband, Abraham Lincoln Cook.  Cook afterwards became insane and when his papers were examined the note was gone.  Martz claimed that he had paid it in cash to Lincoln Cook and had been given back his note, destroying it.  Mrs. Cook refused to accept this explanation and suit was brought.  The verdict gives her the face of the note with interest and attorneys’ fees.