Haddock v. McClendon

This appeal raises this general question: What acts on the part of a lessee constitute a compliance with the provision to “commence drilling operations” before the expiration of an oil and gas lease?

On February 23, 1943 appellees, L. A. McClendon and Susie McClendon, executed a standard oil and gas “Commencement Form Lease,” form No. 88, on certain lands to appellants, Fred T. Haddock and W. S. Bellows. The principal term of the lease was 10 years from the date of execution and was to be kept in force by the payment of yearly rentals, which in this instance were all paid, thereby extending…