Kays v. Bundy

DORAN, J. In this action to quiet title, the record reveals, as recited in respondents’ brief that, “There are three separate interests represented in this litigation. Plaintiff and appellant, who is the successor in interest of Allie M. Kays. The original owners of the property in question who are Ross F. Bundy and Blanche A. Bundy. The respondents Dean A. Tobias, Helen M. Philpott and Title Insurance and Trust Company, holders of a trust deed.”

The record further reveals as recited in respondents’ brief that, “On August 31, 1930, Bundys, who were then the owners of the property in question, mortgaged it to Allie M. Kays to secure a note for $8,000.00. The mortgage note was due August 31, 1935, and in normal course of events would have been barred by the statute of limitation August 31, 1939. On September 10, 1932, the trust deed to Tobias was made by Bundys, that being second to the Kays mortgage.

“On October 15, 1940, Allie M. Kays commenced an action to foreclose the mortgage. That action was never brought to trial nor was service made upon the parties defendant. The action was subject to dismissal pursuant to Section 581a of the Code of Civil Procedure for want of prosecution and was treated at the trial by all parties as being of no force and effect and upon appeal appellants so treat the action. At the trial respondents Tobias moved dismissal of that action because of the want of prosecution. The lower Court first granted the motion to dismiss, then withdrew the order granting the motion to dismiss recognizing that the action was subject to dismissal but stating that the matter was not before the particular department of the court.

“On June 1, 1942, Bundys executed a deed to Allie M. Kays of the property in question and deposited that deed with Allie M. Kays’ attorney. The deed was not recorded until after the death of Allie Kays. The Trial Court held [499]that the deed was not delivered and was not effective as a conveyance of the property. ...

“It was shown at the trial that there was a transaction entered into between Bundys and Allie M. Kays whereby Allie M. Kays agreed to resell it to Bundys for six thousand dollars ($6,000.00) upon receiving title to the property and clearing the Tobias obligation. It was not possible to clear off the Tobias trust deed so that transaction never was completed. However, beginning in 1942 and continuing without interruption, Bundys paid to Kays, or the successors of Kays, monthly amounts equal to six per cent (6%) interest on six thousand dollars ($6,000.00). The court found that the payments were not made as payments upon the original mortgage note.