Lee v. Kellogg , 108 Mich. 535 ( 1896 )

Grant, J.

(after stating the facts). The theory of the complainant’s bill, and of his answer to the cross-bill, was that he owned and had in his possession the original and genuine mortgage and notes. He did not prove, or attempt to prove, their execution; but, although forgeries, they were admitted in evidence. The complainant made no case entitling him to relief. Under his bill it was incumbent upon him to prove and produce the original mortgage and notes. His bill was not framed upon the theory upon which he now seeks to recover.

Forged papers cannot be made the basis of a recovery, either at law or in equity, against the supposed maker, or those in good faith holding and owning the genuine papers. Austin v. Dean, 40 Mich. 386; Camp v. Carpenter, 52 Mich. 375; Crawford v. Hoeft, 58 Mich. 21; Laprad v. Sherwood, 79 Mich. 520; Williams v. Keyes, 90 Mich. 290. Had the suit been against Mrs. Baker alone, either at law, upon the notes, or in equity, to foreclose the mortgage, the suit would have failed, upon proof that the papers were forged.

Where an assignor does uot have the papers to be assigned, to deliver, this is sufficient to put the purchaser upon his guard, to put his good faith in doubt, and to charge him with any defect in his assignor’s title. 1 Jones, Mortg. (5th Ed.) § 483. Forged papers cannot give to an assignee any greater or better right than he would have without any, nor can they be made the basis of a valid assignment, or held to convey to such pretended assignee the original papers, which have been, in good faith, purchased by another. The recording laws do not apply to such a case. Complainant might as well claim that if Mrs. Baker had sold and conveyed the land, by warranty deed, to Kellogg, and, before she had recorded it, Breck had forged a deed from Mrs. Baker, to himself, and then conveyed to complainant, he would have been a bona fide purchaser, entitled to the protection of the recording law. Kernohan v. Manss, 53 Ohio St. 118.

The decree is affirmed, with costs.

The other Justices concurred.