Mo. Rev. Stat. § 241.180

If the purchaser of any swamplands has absented himself from this state, so that no process at law can be served on him, the county commission of the county where the said swampland lies may, upon the application of anyone who may have become surety for the purchase of said lands, cancel the contract on such terms as may be deemed equitable and not inconsistent with the provisions of sections 241.010 to 241.280, as provided in section 241.160.