Mo. Rev. Stat. § 510.260
The trial of such issues shall be by jury, and the issues shall be disposed of by a general or special verdict before a final judgment shall be made therein.
(RSMo 1939 § 1123, A.L. 1943 p. 353 § 110)
Prior revisions: 1929 § 972; 1919 § 1422; 1909 § 1992