Wilson v. North Powder Milling Co.
Wilson v. North Powder Milling Co.
Opinion of the Court
On October 28, 1918, Arkell, who then held the record title, gave to H. T. Hill a three-day option to purchase the land, on condition that “the purchaser assume all indebtedness against the land and crop,” and that he should pay $500 down and $500 in ten days. Under this option Hill interested Eodger Eicks and Ezra W. Eicks, known as “Eicks Brothers,” and they advanced the first $500, later paying the other $500. On October 29th, at the instance of Hill,- Arkell and his wife for such consideration executed a quitclaim deed to the land, in which the name of the grantee was left blank. Hill testified as follows, regarding this feature:
“Q. Now what arrangement, if any, did you have with them in regard to inserting the name of the purchaser ?
“Á. I told Arkell at that time, that I didn’t know how that deed was going to go, to both of these boys or one of them, and I didn’t know their first names, and I didn’t know just where the deed was going to go, and I wanted the deed made in blank, and fill it in afterwards.
“Q. And he assented to that?
*370 “A. Yes. * *
“Q. Now, then, did yon afterwards insert in the deed the name of the purchaser?
“A. Some time afterwards I inserted in the name, yes. I don’t know just how long it was afterwards, some few days though. * * I put Mr. Wilson’s name in the deed. # * I recorded it. * *
“Q. You still have the deed?
“A. I think I have. * *
“Q. And did you tell Mr. Wilson that you would put his name in the deed and put it on record?
“A. Well, I think some little time afterwards, I met Mr. Wilson on the street, and I told him I was afraid somebody might attach the land, and I had part of the boys’ money, and for the protection of all of them, I put his name in the deed and filed it.”
Later, Hill drew a contract between Ricks Brothers and the plaintiff, which was signed by the former, but never signed by the plaintiff. Concerning this agreement Hill testified:
“Yes; he said he didn’t want to sign a contract until the matter was finally settled, and Arkell would give possession and everything, and he knew just exactly where he was, and I think he said there was some jangle in regard to the crop or something, and he didn’t want to sign a contract until everything was settled, and he had perfect authority to sign one, and then he said he would have Cochran look over it or something like that, when he got ready.”
After he inserted the name of Wilson as grantee in the deed, Hill took that instrument to the county clerk’s office and filed it for record. After it was recorded it was returned to him. He further testified:
“Q. Now in those conversations, what, if any, arrangement or agreement was made between you and him, whereby you were employed by him to obtain from Arkell the legal title to this land?
“A. I don’t know whether I was ever employed to secure that title for Wilson or not. Wilson said if*371 Arkell would get out of the road, and these young fellows were good workers, he would be willing to give them a chance. That was about the substance of the conversation.”
*373 “The lien hereby created shall have priority over all other encumbrances or liens upon such grain, save and except only the lien of laborers for labor performed in heading, harvesting and threshing said crop.”
There is no claim that any such lien was filed by Laughlin. At the time the grain was threshed the chattel mortgage was in full force and effect, and was a valid lien upon the grain. Although there was an agreement between Arkell and Laughlin to the effect that the latter should have his money out of the sale of the grain, there is no evidence that the plaintiff was ever a party to that agreement, or that he is bound by it. •
The decree of the Circuit Court is affirmed.
Affiemed.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- WILSON v. NORTH POWDER MILLING CO.
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- Published