Trotter v. Wells Petroleum Corp.

Brazil, J.:

Oil and gas lessors appeal the trial court’s holding that the words “growing crops” in their lease did not include naturally occurring pasture.

In 1977, J. David, Claude, and H. Darby Trotter purchased some land in Chautauqua County, in David’s name. David, a Texas attorney specializing in oil and gas law, and his wife executed an oil and gas lease to the property in 1980. David and his wife deeded the property to Claude and Darby in 1981. The various defendants all have a portion of the lessee’s interest in the lease.

The trial court summarized the Trotters’ claims, only some of…