AGENCY: Washington County (Utah). County Recorder
SERIES: 84209
TITLE: Agreements and leases
DATES: 1923-1954.
ARRANGEMENT: Chronological in the order recorded.
DESCRIPTION: Agreements and leases were recorded by the county recorder when certain privileges were granted to one party while the other party retained property ownership or when two parties wanted to make an agreement between them official. Many kinds of leases and agreements are contained in these books, however, the majority of records involve mineral rights. In accordance with a 1920 Congressional act designed to promote the mining of coal, phosphate, oil, oil shale, or gas and sodium on the public domain, (Statutes at Large, Treaties, and Proclamations, of the United States of America, vol. XLI, part 1, chap. 85) individuals or corporations could obtain prospecting permits on the public land which entitled them to extract coal or other mineral deposits. In addition to prospecting permits, Washington County lease and agreement books contain numerous documents granting one individual the right to enter to procure oil, gas, or minerals while another individual retains ownership and the right to use the land for agricultural purposes. Documents in these books define who is leasing from whom; describe the property being leased; define the covenant or agreement and its terms; identify encumbrances, benefits, royalties; and define both lessee and lessor privileges and responsibilities. Other issues which may be discussed include liens, who will pay taxes, and compensation in case of damages.
RETENTION
DISPOSITION
RETENTION AND DISPOSITION AUTHORIZATION
These records are in Archives' permanent custody.
FORMAT MANAGEMENT
Microfilm master: Retain in State Archives permanently.
Microfilm duplicate: Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.
APPRAISAL
Historical Legal
Leases and agreements include many legal agreements or leases, but in particular they document mining activity and petroleum production in Washington County.
PRIMARY DESIGNATION
Public