Title ExaminerAbstractorDue Diligence

Permian-Delaware BasinUtilizing the county courthouses and online resources, conducted abstract research for various projects (pipeline, water, electrical, etc.) in, through, and across Reeves, Culberson, and Loving Counties, Texas.

Rogersville Shale, Johnson CountyMineral ownership reportsPatent to Present (1890s to current) Metes and bounds legal descriptionsResources used:County Deed Records/Plat Books and associated websitesKentucky Oil and Gas Records DatabaseNote: Due Diligence.

Rogersville Shale, Floyd CountyMineral ownership reportsPatent to Present (1890s to current) Metes and bounds legal descriptionsResources used:County Deed Records/Plat Books and associated websitesKentucky Oil and Gas Records DatabaseNote: Due Diligence. Kentucky metes and bounds descriptions were the worst I have ever encountered. I worked on a lease that was for 80 acres, but upon further research could only find a deed description to various landmarks (e.g. a tree, the creek, etc.) without a unit of measurement constituting 20 acres. This was common.

Marcellus Shale, Potter CountyMineral ownership reportsPatent to Present (roughly 1840s to current)Metes and bounds legal descriptionsResources used: County Deed Records/Plat Books and associated websitesNote: First time dealing with Dunham's Rule, and also, I learned of the practice of "Washing the Title"​. It was common between individuals and the timber companies. Example: 1. 1880 Thomas Proctor sells to Elk Tanning Company, excepts and reserves oil, gas, and mineral rights.2. 1890 Elk Tanning Company sells to Union Tanning Company, excepts and reserves oil, gas, and mineral rights.3. 1900 Union Tanning Company sells to Central Pennsylvania Lumber Company, excepts and reserves oil, gas, and mineral rights.4. 1930’s – Central Pennsylvania Lumber Company sells parcel toA) Private party orB) Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,excepting and Reserving oil, gas, and mineral rights.So, who owns oil, gas, and mineral rights? Central Pennsylvania Lumber Company. Here's how:In 1910, Central Pennsylvania Lumber company let surface go to tax sale and the parcel was bought at Treasure’s Sale by straw man A. W. Mallinson. Straw man records Treasure's Deed after waiting 2 year redemption period and then reconveys parcel to Central Pennsylvania Lumber Company WITHOUT THE EXCEPTION AND RESERVATION of oil, gas, and mineral rights. Central Pennsylvania Lumber Company owns surface and oil, gas, and mineral rights. There is a five (5) year statute of limitations to challenge.

Barnett Shale, Johnson CountyBrief cursory checks from the time of original oil & gas lease to present verifying current owner of the property, if minerals had been reserved at time of conveyance, possible foreclosures, and the need for Subordination Agreements.Predominantly Lot/Block descriptions and platted SubdivisionsMetes and bounds legal descriptionsResources used: Affiliated Computer Software (ACS)County Deed Records/Plat Books and associated websitesLeasePro

Eagle Ford Shale, Zavala, Maverick, and Dimmit CountiesMineral ownership reportsPatent to Present (1840s to current)Large tracts (Ranches with acres into the thousands)Metes and bounds legal descriptionsResources used:County Deed Records/Plat BooksLocal Abstract companyTexas Railroad Commission GISCountyRecords.comCourthouseDirect.com

Barnett Shale, Tarrant CountyBrief cursory checks from the time of original oil & gas lease to present verifying the need for Subordination Agreements.Predominantly Lot/Block descriptions and platted SubdivisionsMetes and bounds legal descriptionsResources used: Affiliated Computer Software (ACS)County Deed Records/Plat Books and associated websites

Illinois Basin, White County, Illinois, and Posey and Gibson Counties, IndianaHeld by Production/Determined Working Interest and Net Revenue InterestMineral ownership reportsPatent to Present (1850s to 2012) Metes and bounds legal descriptionsResources used:County Deed Records/Plat Books and associated websitesIllinois Oil and Gas Resources (ILOIL) Interactive MapDNR: Indiana Department of Natural Resources GISNote: Initial project was Due Diligence. The assignment that I completed constituted some 2400 acres that the client had purchased 6 years prior. Of those 2400 acres, half turned out to be defected because the individual that the client acquired said interests from did not actually own the leases/mineral interest. Subsequently, stayed within the area to secure new oil and gas leases.

Marcellus Shale, Tyler and Wetzel CountiesMineral ownership reportsPatent to Present (1850s to 2012) Metes and bounds legal descriptionsResources used:County Deed Records/Plat Books and associated websitesNote: Whatever stories you have heard about the Tyler County Deed Records room are probably true.

Williston Basin, Slope, Billings, and Golden Valley CountiesMineral ownership reportsPatent to Present (1880s to 2012)Large tractsSection-Township-Range legal descriptionsResources used:County Deed Records/Plat Books and associated websitesLocal Abstract companyNorth Dakota Recorders Information NetworkNorth Dakota Industrial Commission, Oil and Gas Division ArcIMS ViewerNote: One particular assignment that stands out was a Section that had 84 mineral interest owners. The fractional interests were a bit of challenge.

Barnett Shale, Tarrant County30-year cursory reportMineral ownership reportsPatent to Present (roughly 1870s to current)Predominantly Lot/Block descriptions and platted SubdivisionsMetes and bounds legal descriptionsResources used: Affiliated Computer Software (ACS)County Deed Records/Plat Books and associated websitesLocal Abstract companyTexas Railroad Commission GISSubdivide Plotting software

Eagle Ford Shale, Atascosa CountyMineral ownership reportsPatent to PresentLarge tracts (Ranches with acres into the thousands)Metes and bounds legal descriptionsResources used:County Deed Records/Plat Books and associated websitesLocal Abstract companyTexas Railroad Commission GISSubdivide Plotting software

Barnett Shale, Tarrant and Johnson Counties30-year cursory reportMineral ownership reportsPatent to Present (roughly 1870s to current)Predominantly Lot/Block descriptions and platted SubdivisionsMetes and bounds legal descriptionsResources used: Affiliated Computer Software (ACS)County Deed Records/Plat Books and associated websitesLocal Abstract companyTexas Railroad Commission GISSubdivide Plotting software

MOS 11B Infantryman: May 2005 – April 2006Medically discharged with disability: Injured during trainingMOS 92A Automated Logistical Specialist: October 1992 – October 1995Member of the only deployable map unit in USAEUR (United States Army Europe)Managed the stock inventory of topographical maps necessary for the use in strategic planning of military operationsHonorable Discharge upon completion of initial 3-year enlistment

Prepared court docket for probate and guardianship hearingsProcessed and issued various legal documents as ordered by the court

Maintained, updated, and ensure the accuracy and integrity of court recordsAssisted attorneys and the general public with the search for recorded information utilizing microfiche, microfilm, and computer database system