United States v. Hess

BRORBY, Circuit Judge.

This appeal arises from an action brought by the United States against Appellants Lulu Mae Hess, Loyd Hess, Alton Hess and LLH Development Corporation (collectively referred to as the “Hess family”). The government seeks quiet title to ownership of gravel located on a ranch acquired by the Hess family as successors-in-interest following a land exchange patent issued pursuant to the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, 25 U.S.C. §§ 461— 479. At issue is whether the reservation of “all minerals” in the exchange patent, as reserved by the government in trust for the Southern…