Sec[Section] 1 Be it enacted by the people of the state of Illinois represented in the general assembly, That all notes in writing made and signed by any person or persons whereby he, she, or they shall promise to pay to any other person, body politic or Corporate, or bearer; or unto the bearer any sum1 of money or article of personal property therein mentioned, shall be due and payable as therein expressed; and the holder or holders of Every such note may maintain an action thereon for the recovery of the sum [e?] of money or article of personal property therein mentioned, in his, her, or their own name Provided, that nothing herein ^shall be^ construed to legalizing the taking of more than twleve per cent per annum interest in any case whatever.