We are looking for owner information regarding our great-great-grandmother, who homesteaded 160 acres in the Northwest Quarter of Section 9, Township 15N, Range 1 West, I.M., Logan County, Oklahoma, according to 1987 U.S. Land Records.
The only record we found was a 1926 mineral deed selling 50% of minerals and keeping the remaining 120 surface 1920, and an oil and gas lease, 1926. Where should we start to find out the current state of ownership?
Okcountyrecords.com only starts in 1985 for Logan County. You would need a landman to search the records from 1929 to 1985, then go to okcountyrecords to finish it.
Alternatively, you could ask the county clerk to send you the index for Section 9. It will cost, but you would be able to see all the pertinent instruments recorded against Section 9.
Now, the biggest concern is that prior to 1979, if there was a tax sale, it also included the minerals, even though the mineral owner was not obligated to pay property taxes. During the Depression and the Dust Bowl (probably didn’t affect Logan County substantially), many owners lost their land due to tax sales. But the finding or absence of a tax deed from 1929-1985 would probably give you some indication whether the family still owns it.
Now, to clear title, you would probably need a multi-generation probate or quiet title suit.
Ok, looks like the county clerk option to send the index for Section 9, to see all the pertinent instruments recorded against Section 9, would be a good starting point. Thank you so much.