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Permalink Reply by Nancy Mosley on November 29, 2013 at 9:13am

What county is that? Do you live there in the county? Do have a deed where you bought it or inherit it? There are ways to search, depending on your situation.

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Permalink Reply by Dan on November 29, 2013 at 10:02am

Was inherited. Wetzel county, wolf run road and consists of about twenty eight acres. Was part of an old family farm my wife inherited. Have the deed but not clear about mineral rights. I am willing to pay someone to find out for me. I live in Cleveland and have no time or knowledge about this. Any help is appreciated!

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Permalink Reply by Nancy Mosley on November 29, 2013 at 2:30pm

If the deed says something about reserving the mineral rights then probably you don't have them. If it doesn't mention them, inconclusive.

If you were at the courthouse, start with the deed you have, I guess to your wife's parent or grandparent? Then if the deed mentions where the grantor (the one selling) obtained it, often listing the earlier deed book and page, you get that document. And keep going back until you see mention of minerals or oil and gas. I have read it is best to go at least to 1865 when they discovered oil and gas because before that it was not likely anything was severed, maybe coal in some parts of the state.

I don't know any landmen or researchers in Wetzel. You might call the county clerk's office and see if they have any names. 

This company is based in Ritchie but might have someone in Wetzel

http://www.hawkeyeresearchinc.com/

Maybe someone will add more help here. 

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Permalink Reply by Dan on November 29, 2013 at 2:35pm

Thanks Nancy, will check th deed and the website.

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Permalink Reply by Nancy Mosley on November 29, 2013 at 2:39pm

If you have a deed book and page citation for the earlier deed in the deed you have, you might be able to call the county clerk and order that. The more info you have ahead of time the less you'll have to pay somebody. 

Good luck! it can be time consuming but worth doing right. That is a good enough acreage that it is well worth learning about.

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