Monteith v. Lukins ( 1922 )

Clark, J.

On March 1,1918, for a.term of two years beginning April 1, 1918, plaintiff leased her farm of 63 acres to defendant for money rent of $375 per year, reserving, however, 28 acres of fall wheat then upon the land, which wheat belonged to plaintiff and Wiley, a former tenant, but giving defendant the right to sow a like crop of 28 acres during the last season of his term, and to harvest the same in the season following. Just before April 1, 1920, defendant sought a lease for an additional year. The parties agreed upon terms which included a like money rent, and the right to defendant to sow 28 acres of fall wheat in such year and to have and harvest it in the season following. By mistake of the parties and of the scrivener, who prepared the lease for the year, the term was made to end absolutely on April 1, 1921, without mention of the right of defendant to have and harvest such wheat in the season following. Defendant discovered the mistake in the lease before the beginning of the term. He was advised by the scrivener to postpone applying to plaintiff for correction of the lease. He continued in possession of the farm. Just before sowing the wheat in such last year he talked with plaintiff about it. We quote:

“She says, * * * ‘put in just what you are supposed to have, the same as Wiley had when he was here/ 1 says ‘all right Mrs. Monteith, that is what I wanted to know/ and that is what I put in.”

Defendant’s wife testified that plaintiff said to defendant respecting' the wheat:

“Just put in the 28 acres you have coming to you.” * * *

Defendant paid the rent.

The record fairly indicates that plaintiff first questioned defendant’s right to such wheat shortly before he left the farm in March, 1921. Defendant attempted to harvest the crop. Plaintiff filed an injunction bill and had a restraining order. She caused the wheat to be harvested and sold. Defendant answered and prayed reformation of the lease and an accounting. We think the facts as stated are established by the evidence. The trial judge found the defendant was estopped to urge the mistake and to ask the relief prayed because of his taking possession of the land and paying the rent with knowledge of the mistake and without seeking a correction thereof. From the decree entered defendant has appealed.

We think there was not such laches and acquiescence of defendant as to preclude his claiming the wheat. He sowed the wheat on the assurance of plaintiff that he might have it in accordance with their agreement for the lease. Therefore she should not now be heard to deny, upon the mistaken provision of the lease, the right of defendant to have the crop. The decree will be modified to allow to defendant the net proceeds from the sale of such wheat as shown by the proof. We are in accord with the other provisions of the decree respecting the account.

The decree as to the relief afforded, and so modified, is affirmed, with costs of this court to defendant.

Fellows, C. J., and Wiest, McDonald, Bird, Sharpe, Moore, and Steere, JJ., concurred.