Reaugh v. McCollum Exploration Co.

This suit was brought to remove cloud from title to land caused by the recording of a purported oil and gas mining lease, and to recover actual and exemplary damages for slander of title. The material question to be determined is the measure of damages to be applied in such a case.

In brief, two of the four joint owners of a tract of land signed an oil and gas mining lease to the defendant on the land and delivered it to the defendant’s agent, while the understanding that it was not to become binding until signed and acknowledged by all joint owners of the land. Without securing the signatures…