In all cases of sale of lands for taxes, if the purchaser or his assigns shall die before a deed shall be executed on such sale, the deed may be executed by the collector, to his heirs at law or devisees; which deed shall vest the title in the heirs or devisees of such deceased person in the same manner and liable to like claims of creditors and other persons as if the same had been executed to such deceased person immediately previous to his death, or the executor or administrator may assign the certificate of purchase, and the deed may issue to the assignee thereof.