Osten-Sacken v. Steiner

October 27, 1953, Maud Wood executed a deed conveying to her niece (appellee) an apartment house in Battle Creek, and on January 20, 1956, she conveyed the same property to appellants, Ernest Steiner and his wife, Edith Ruth Steiner. Henceforth in this opinion “appellant” shall refer to Ernest Steiner.

Both warranty deeds in fee simple reserved a life estate to grantor. Appellants’ deed was recorded on January 26, 1956. Appellee’s deed was not recorded previous to grantor’s death in November, 1956.

Shortly after grantor’s death, appellee started her action to declare appellants’ deed a nullity…