Recently we have been approached by many companies offering to purchase our mineral rites. We were told in Steubenville that many of the owner rites from around the 1920’s had been lost in a fire. How will ever verify ownership. Nothing mentioned on Grandparent’s deed.
The old CourtHouse fire challenge. The actual deed record may have been lost, but an index (Grantor/Grantee or Reception) may still exist. You should also contact a title/abstract company that covers this area and inquire as to their records. You may have to contact a title attorney that works within this county and ask how this issue has been resolved in the past. Good Luck.
Welcome to the forum.
Any time you have a buyer wanting to buy, you need to find out what activity is going on nearby.
Jefferson County, Ohio has extensive horizontal drilling, many new permits and lots of leasing. I would not be too quick to sell until you really understand where you are, what you have and what the potential for the future might hold. Most offers to buy are low ball to see who will bite. Buyers want those current royalties and future royalties. “Many Companies” makes it even more important that you find out. They know something you don’t know.