Mo. Rev. Stat. § 490.400: Sheriff's deed in tax sale, evidence of what.

All deeds heretofore executed, or that may hereafter be executed, by any sheriff to a purchaser of land sold for delinquent and back taxes, shall be prima facie evidence that the persons named therein as defendants in the suit to enforce the lien of the state of Missouri for the delinquent and back taxes, were the absolute owners of the land conveyed, at the time of the institution of the action.