127 Mich. 163 | Mich. | 1901
In the year 1892 John D. McKeith was a merchant doing business at Tale, in this State, and the owner of about 79 acres of land and other property. He owed some debts. On the 6th day of December, 1892, he and his wife executed and delivered a deed of the 79 acres to his son, Duncan A. McKeith. The consideration mentioned in the deed was $1,700. Complainants claim that there was no actual consideration. The only testimony upon the subject is that of Duncan and John McKeith, who say that the deed was given in consideration of a promise by Duncan to work for his father iñ the store for two years, and that he worked there some over a year, and until the father made an assignment for the benefit of' his creditors. The deed was recorded on January 18, 1894. On the 10th day of January, 1894, John D. McKeith made an assignment for the benefit of his creditors. The stock was purchased by the complainants for $1,379.71, of which, after taking out exemptions, there remained $1,120, less assignee’s expenses' to be paid upon an indebtedness of about $4,400. The stock was bought from complainants by Duncan A. McKeith, at the suggestion of complainants, to whom he gave a mortgage for the purchase price, and he continued the business, all in conformity-to a prearranged plan between them. On May 7, 1894, Duncan A. McKeith conveyed the 79 acres of land
The defendants contend that the complainants are in no position to obtain the relief sought, for the reason that they became owners of the claims after the alleged fraudulent transfer was made, and a cause of action for fraud is not assignable. The contention is sufficiently answered by the citation of the cases of Sweet v. Converse, 88 Mich. 1 (49 N. W. 899), and Howd v. Breckenridge, 97 Mich. 65 (56 N. W. 221).
It is also claimed that John D. McKeith has a homestead interest in a portion of this land; but, as the attachment was levied long before he acquired the title, the levy has precedence' of such claim. Avery v. Stephens, 48 Mich. 246 (12 N. W. 211); Davis Sewing-Machine Co. v. Whitney, 61 Mich. 518 (28 N. W. 674).
, The decree of the circuit court is reversed, and a decree will be entered for the complainants as prayed, with costs of both courts,