Cryder Well Company v. Stangl

— Although this is an action in equity to foreclose a mechanic’s lien, the main controversy on appeal is between defendants, Bakers and Brown. Plaintiff drilled a well on a farm which was involved in a conditional contract exchanging it for a motel. We must determine who is responsible for the payment of the cost of drilling the well.

Bakers owned two quarter sections of land in Palo Alto County. In July 1961 they listed the farm for sale or trade with Brown, a realtor. In a contract dated December 14, 1963, the farm and cash were exchanged for a motel in Brookfield, Missouri, owned by Litkes,…