In every action for the recovery or possession of real estate, the person establishing the legal title to the premises is presumed to have been in possession of the premises within the time limited by law for bringing such action, unless it appears that the same has been possessed adversely to such legal title by the defendant or by those from or under whom he claims, or that the grantee, or his assigns, in a contract of purchase have been in possession claiming title by virtue of said contract of purchase for a period of 20 years after the last payment was due on said contract or after the last payment was made on said contract of purchase.