Batto v. Gafford

OPINION

TOM GRAY, Justice.

Ronnie Gafford thought he had the opportunity of a lifetime. He believed Leo Batto offered him his farm in return for taking care of Batto and his wife and for taking care of the farm. The Gaffords uprooted their home, cleared a plot on and moved to the Batto farm, and began working for Batto. Gafford provided hay; he penned and hauled cattle; he made bridges; he cleared land; and he built and mended fences.

After eleven years of toil, Gafford and his family were evicted by Batto with only four days notice. Gafford never billed Batto for all his labors and hay because…