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By Iley B. Browning, Louise Barton Freeman, Coleman D. Hunter

During 1942, production of oil in Kentucky reached a total of 4,169,163 bbl. of which 1,807,809 bbl. came from eastern Kentucky. This was more than a million barrels less than in 1941, owing partly to the low price of crude oil, which almost eliminated wildcatting, and partly to spacing regulations, which limited the number of wells drilled in small, shallow pools where the pressures are not sufficient to maintain maximum recovery in widely spaced wells. In eastern Kentucky much of the oil was produced from outliers of the Mauch Chunk series at the disconformable contact of the Mississippian and Pennsylvanian. Although wells producing from this horizon, known as the Maxon, are sprinkled over the entire area, the greatest concentrations are in Martin, Floyd, Knott and Pike Counties. A new 30 to 40-bbl. well has been completed in this formation in ,Pike County, where the carbon ratio is so high that ordinarily oil would not be expected. Pike County is one of the largest producers of Maxon gas, and the offset well to this oil well produced gas. Of the 412 gas wells drilled in Pike County, 12.2 per cent produced gas from the Maxon horizon. During 1942, the old Menifee " Cornif-erous" field, the Mariba-Denniston field, was redrilled between old wells, and although it did not produce any large amount of oil it did contribute 2018 bbl. In the oldest oil field in eastern Kentucky, the Ragland pool, operators are cleaning out abandoned wells and are using this oil for fuel oil. There is a possibility that some of this may be used in the future as distilled fuel oil. Eight wells were completed in 1942 in the Jackson County gas field. The development of Jackson County, which was started in 1934 and in which commercial quantities of gas were encountered at a depth of 1100 to 1200 ft., has become of importance in 1942 with the completion of eight wells, making a total of 24 commercial producing wells with an average rock pressure of 140 lb. At this time the gas is not being marketed. In the last year it has been found that these wells, which produce from the Niagaran dolomite ("Cornif-erous"), respond to acidizing and the production has been thus greatly increased. There has been less development in Estill and Lee Counties than for several years. Two wells were drilled in Greenup County, one of which had a show of oil in the Berea sandstone. One deep test, drilled by the Owens-Libbey-Owens Co. in Lawrence County, was dry. This well was drilled to a depth of 4975 ft. into the top of the Clinton shale sequence. Of the 202 wells completed in Floyd, Martin, Knott and Pike Counties, 187 were gas wells, 3 oil wells and 12 dry holes. In Floyd County 66 per cent of the gas production was from the Devonian-Mis-sissippian black shales, 53 per cent in Martin, 79 per cent in Knott and 65 per cent in Pike. This is probably the largest continuous gas field east of the Mississippi

Jan 1, 1943

By Louise Barton Freeman, Coleman D. Hunter

The total production of oil in Kentucky during the year 1943 reached 7,010,776 bbl., which is more than at any time since 1930. Of this total, 5,287,659 bbl. was produced from the counties west of the Cincinnati arch, 692,359 bbl. from the 18 new pools opened during the year, and 3,260,765 from the Smith Mills pool, which was discovered in August of 1942. This is an important increase in western Kentucky in spite of the low price of crude, and demonstrates effectively the desire of the industry to cooperate in meeting the increased demands made by the war. Western Kentucky Two deep tests were drilled in the Kentucky portion of the Mississippi Embayment this year. Both were drilled to test the St. Peter. One well, drilled in Marshall County by the Adams Oil and Gas Co., did not encounter any St. Peter sandstone but drilled 650 ft. of formation below the position of the St. Peter and above the true Knox dolomite. The other well, in Ballard County, was reported to have tested the St. Peter and to have been temporarily abandoned at 3069 ft. At this depth the well probably was stopped in about the same formation as the Marshall County well. No accurate information is available on the Ballard County well. Several new producing areas were added to the list of fields in the western Kentucky coal basin, in Daviess, Henderson, McLean, Ohio, Union and Webster Counties. The Smith Mills pool was enlarged and production was found in the McClosky (Ste. Genevieve) in addition to the Cypress sandstone from which much of the earlier production had been obtained. There was some interest during the year in testing the Devonian and Silurian formations in the area south and east of the western Kentucky coal basin. In the fall of 1943, a 15 to 20-bbl. well was drilled in Allen County and two more wells are now being drilled. The production was obtained from within a few feet of the base of the Chattanooga black shale, probably in the upper Silurian. One well in Simpson County was drilled completely through the Silurian section before it was abandoned. Several wells were drilled in Logan, Todd and Christian Counties to test the Devonian where it is thinned by removal of the upper formations before deposition of the Chattanooga shale. None of these wells was successful but several other locations are now being tested. The Silurian thins in like manner on the eastern flank of the coal basin as the crest of the Cincinnati arch is approached, and it is along this thinning edge that such fields as the LeGrande, Logsdon Valley, Magnolia, Bowling Green and the Barren County pools were developed. A number of wells were drilled around these old pools in an effort to extend them, some of which were successful. The wells listed this year in Larue, Hardin, Barren, Hart and Warren Counties were drilled in the search for other such fields.

Jan 1, 1944

By Louise Barton Freeman, Coleman D. Hunter

The total production of oil in Kentucky during the year 1943 reached 7,010,776 bbl., which is more than at any time since 1930. Of this total, 5,287,659 bbl. was produced from the counties west of the Cincinnati arch, 692,359 bbl. from the 18 new pools opened during the year, and 3,260,765 from the Smith Mills pool, which was discovered in August of 1942. This is an important increase in western Kentucky in spite of the low price of crude, and demonstrates effectively the desire of the industry to cooperate in meeting the increased demands made by the war. Western Kentucky Two deep tests were drilled in the Kentucky portion of the Mississippi Embayment this year. Both were drilled to test the St. Peter. One well, drilled in Marshall County by the Adams Oil and Gas Co., did not encounter any St. Peter sandstone but drilled 650 ft. of formation below the position of the St. Peter and above the true Knox dolomite. The other well, in Ballard County, was reported to have tested the St. Peter and to have been temporarily abandoned at 3069 ft. At this depth the well probably was stopped in about the same formation as the Marshall County well. No accurate information is available on the Ballard County well. Several new producing areas were added to the list of fields in the western Kentucky coal basin, in Daviess, Henderson, McLean, Ohio, Union and Webster Counties. The Smith Mills pool was enlarged and production was found in the McClosky (Ste. Genevieve) in addition to the Cypress sandstone from which much of the earlier production had been obtained. There was some interest during the year in testing the Devonian and Silurian formations in the area south and east of the western Kentucky coal basin. In the fall of 1943, a 15 to 20-bbl. well was drilled in Allen County and two more wells are now being drilled. The production was obtained from within a few feet of the base of the Chattanooga black shale, probably in the upper Silurian. One well in Simpson County was drilled completely through the Silurian section before it was abandoned. Several wells were drilled in Logan, Todd and Christian Counties to test the Devonian where it is thinned by removal of the upper formations before deposition of the Chattanooga shale. None of these wells was successful but several other locations are now being tested. The Silurian thins in like manner on the eastern flank of the coal basin as the crest of the Cincinnati arch is approached, and it is along this thinning edge that such fields as the LeGrande, Logsdon Valley, Magnolia, Bowling Green and the Barren County pools were developed. A number of wells were drilled around these old pools in an effort to extend them, some of which were successful. The wells listed this year in Larue, Hardin, Barren, Hart and Warren Counties were drilled in the search for other such fields.

Jan 1, 1944

By C. D. Hunter, I. B. Browning, N. W. Shiarella

During the year 1936 improvement in the oil industry in Kentucky continued at about the same rate as shown by that of the year 1935 over the year 1934. The development of several new pools in western Kentucky and the increase in the application of repressuring methods to the old fields of eastern and to a lesser extent of western Kentucky increased the total production to 5,481,227 bbl., as compared to 5,175,054 produced in 1935. The principle sources of this increased production are the Livermore field and the new Bates Knob field in McLean County, in western Kentucky, and the result of repressuring operations in the " Corniferous" pools of Lee, Powell, Wolfe, Morgan and Estill Counties and the "Weir" sand (of Mississippian age) fields of Magoffin, Lawrence and Johnson Counties in northeastern Kentucky. The last named fields have a producing sand especially adaptable to these methods. Drilling No new fields were opened in eastern Kentucky during the year. All new drilling was codned to pressure wells and new oil wells to complete patterns around the intake wells. Owing to the relatively low "initial" or flush production of the wells in this section—even though the ultimate recovery per acre is as large—higher prices for crude will have to prevail before extensive search for new fields is begun; as in northwestern Kentucky, where active exploratory work has been carried on as in the several preceding years, resulting in numerous new and prolific, although comparatively small fields. In this section approximately 500 new oil wells drilled in the Owensboro field, embracing several pools in Ohio, Hancock, Daviess, McLean, Henderson, Webster and Nuhlenberg Counties in the northwestern part of the state. The total oil production for this field during 1936 exceeded by many thousand barrels the 2,821,722 bbl. produced in 1935. In these fields the producing sands range from the middle Missis-

Jan 1, 1937

By C. W. Donnelly, Louise B. Freeman, Coleman D. Hunter

It is with pride that the authors of this paper report. that during 1944 the production of petroleum in Kentucky passed its all-time peak, 9,496,985 bbl. being contributed. The delivery of natural gas, especially from eastern Kentucky, was maintained and possibly exceeded the highest deliveries of the past. To raise the production of oil and gas was not easy with inferior and worn-out equipment and the shortage of skilled labor. Reminiscent of the early days of the industry in the state, particularly in the hills of Elliott County, where mud roads often have gradients of 45º, was the replacement of worn-out trucks and tractors by oxen. Of the total 9,496,985 bbl., 17 per cent was contributed by the part of Kentucky that is east of the Cincinnati arch, as compared with the total of 7,010,776 bbl. contributed in 1943, of which 25 per cent was contributed by eastern Kentucky. This discrepancy is due to the discovery of more new fields in western Kentucky rather than to a decrease in production in the eastern fields, where the average has been maintained by reconditioning and secondary recovery of old fields and further development of new pools reported for the first time in 1943. In all, 1103 wells were known to have been drilled in the state during 1944, of which 659 were drilled in western Kentucky and 444 in eastern Kentucky. The exact number of wells drilled for any year is never known, as drilling permits are not required except 'when it is planned to drill through a workable coal seam. Of the total number of wells drilled, 459 were oil wells, 229 gas wells and 415 dry holes. The monthly production was as follows: January........................... 659,496 February.......................... 658,606 March...................... ...... 711,619 April............................. 649,926 May............................... 754,892 June.............................. 730,369 July.............................. 761,762 August............................ 878,053 September...................... 863,150 October........................... 968,732 November........................ 961,999 December........................ . 898,636 Western Kentucky In western Kentucky 352 wells were completed as oil wells with a total initial production of 47,922 bbl. of oil, the average being 136 bbl. per well. Two wells produced gas, the total initial production being 1,594,000 cu, ft. One hundred and eighteon wildcat wells were drilled, of which 107 were dry holes and 11 were oil wells. Three of the latter proved to be the discovery wells of commercial pools. Twelve new pools were discovered during 1944, none of major importance, as indicated in Table 2. The Utley pool, due to a stratigraphic trap on the flank of a closed structure, found oil in the Mcclosky at 2565 ft. in the discovery well, with initial productioil of 1000 bbl. The average daily production is now 227 bbl. from seven wells. The East Poole field, with the discovery well in the Tar Springs sandstone at 1811

Jan 1, 1945

By T. Wasson

Midland and Isabella counties have been the centers of activities for the year 1932. The major part of the 6,967,000 bbl. produced during the year was obtained from the old Mt. Pleasant field and the Eastern Extension field. The total production to the end of 1932 for Michigan, from all fields since discovery, is 20,679,600 bbl. Production in the Eastern Extension field was obtained from Dundee limestone of Devonian age, at a depth of about 3600 ft. As a result of the year's activity in this area, the limits of the Eastern Extension have been defined. No new fields have been discovered. A number of prospective areas have been drilled and condemned by dry holes. Probably the most outstanding development of the year was the discovery of oil on the Yost farm, in sec. 35 of Greendale Township, Midland County, by the Pure Oil Co., in the early part of December. Production is from the Dundee limestone similar to that in the Eastern Extension but is 4 miles south of that area. The first well has averaged about 500 bbl. per day since completion. It is near the center of a solid block held by the Pure Oil Co., so that rapid development due to competitive drilling is not expected. During the early part of the year the Midland-Isabella area was under proration, but on May 17 proration restrictions were discontinued and remained so until the end of the year. While the Eastern Extension saw the principal activity, some work was done in other fields of Midland and Isabella counties, but very little new production was added. The Vernon field on the north showed a slight increase in production over 1931. The Leaton field decreased. The well in Porter Township, Midland County, is still kept in the production ranks but very little drilling was done in that area. The old Saginaw field, Saginaw County, still remains the only spot in the state where commercial production is obtained from the Berea sand. It showed a slight decline over 1931 with no new producers for the year. The Muskegon field on the west side of the state showed a considerable decline over 1931, but owing to the rejuvenation of some wells by the use of acid this drop was not as great as might have been expected. Only two new producers were drilled in that area.

Jan 1, 1933

By Theron Wasson

Michigan has had another record year. Its production has been maintained by the development of fields discovered in 1938. Two minor fields were listed as discoveries in 1939. These are in the southwestern part of the state, where the greatest drilling activity took place. During the year 1465 tests were completed, of which 828 were oil wells, 56 gas wells and 581 dry holes. The four southwestern counties—Allegan, Ottawa, Kent and Van Buren—had 1077 tests drilled, while nine other southwestern counties had 70 tests, making a total of 1147 for this part of the state, 78 per cent of all drilled during the year. Michigan's production of 23,400,000 bbl. during 1939, equal to an average daily production of 64,110 bbl., exceeded 1938 by 4,655,000 bbl., thus establishing another annual record, which brought the cumulative amount for the state to a little over 125,000,000 barrels. A map showing location of Michigan oil and gas fields was published in the TRansactions in 1939 (Vol. 132, p. 353). Active Oil Fields.—The Walker field, near Grand Rapids, Kent County, had a rapid development during the year. Traverse limestone production was discovered here in September 1938, and development has been rapid during 1939. At the end of the year 5500 acres have been proved by drilling. The Traverse limestone is found in Walker field at a depth of about 1810 ft. The Temple field, Clare County, was the most active in Central Michigan. Its production is from the Monroe dolomite at a depth of 3890 ft. In this field 2500 acres have been proved by 125 producing wells. Michigan's largest producer for 1939 was drilled in the Temple field, with a rated potential of 8760 bbl. per day. The Wise field, Wise township, Isabella County, discovered in 1938, had a steady and orderly development because the operators agreed on a staggered 20-acre spacing program. So far 760 acres have been proved for production from the Dundee limestone, found at 3650 feet. Active Gas Fields.—The most active areas in which drilling was done during the past year for gas were the Freeman and Lincoln fields in Clare County, the Clayton field of Arenac County, and the Home field of

Jan 1, 1940

By Theron Wasson

Michigan has had another record year. Its production has been maintained by the development of fields discovered in 1938. Two minor fields were listed as discoveries in 1939. These are in the southwestern part of the state, where the greatest drilling activity took place. During the year 1465 tests were completed, of which 828 were oil wells, 56 gas wells and 581 dry holes. The four southwestern counties—Allegan, Ottawa, Kent and Van Buren—had 1077 tests drilled, while nine other southwestern counties had 70 tests, making a total of 1147 for this part of the state, 78 per cent of all drilled during the year. Michigan's production of 23,400,000 bbl. during 1939, equal to an average daily production of 64,110 bbl., exceeded 1938 by 4,655,000 bbl., thus establishing another annual record, which brought the cumulative amount for the state to a little over 125,000,000 barrels. A map showing location of Michigan oil and gas fields was published in the TRansactions in 1939 (Vol. 132, p. 353). Active Oil Fields.—The Walker field, near Grand Rapids, Kent County, had a rapid development during the year. Traverse limestone production was discovered here in September 1938, and development has been rapid during 1939. At the end of the year 5500 acres have been proved by drilling. The Traverse limestone is found in Walker field at a depth of about 1810 ft. The Temple field, Clare County, was the most active in Central Michigan. Its production is from the Monroe dolomite at a depth of 3890 ft. In this field 2500 acres have been proved by 125 producing wells. Michigan's largest producer for 1939 was drilled in the Temple field, with a rated potential of 8760 bbl. per day. The Wise field, Wise township, Isabella County, discovered in 1938, had a steady and orderly development because the operators agreed on a staggered 20-acre spacing program. So far 760 acres have been proved for production from the Dundee limestone, found at 3650 feet. Active Gas Fields.—The most active areas in which drilling was done during the past year for gas were the Freeman and Lincoln fields in Clare County, the Clayton field of Arenac County, and the Home field of

Jan 1, 1940

By Theron Wasson

The discovery of two new fields—the Reed City area of Osceola County and the Headquarters field, of Roscommon County —and the important development in Winterfield township, Clare County, again demonstrate the fact that it is the unknown and unexpected that enter very definitely into the oil-producing history of Michigan. This is particularly true in the area of thick glacial drift in the north central part of the state, where the new prolific fields have been discovered this year. This shifts the interest from the southwestern part of the lower peninsula, where a number of pools were rapidly developed during 1939 and 1940, back into the Central Basin area. As a result of strict proration in the new areas, the production for the state of Michigan for the year has not been as great as in 1940 or 1939. In 1941 the total production was 16,300,000 bbl., in 1940 it was 19,551,000 bbl., and in 1939, which was the peak year, it was 23,300,000 bbl. However, the discovery of the new fields this year nearly doubles the estimated reserves for Michigan reported at the end of 1940 In 1941 about 12,000,000 bbl. of oil was produced from the older fields, in which the individual well productions were so small that proration was not an important factor. The total production for the state from the discovery of oil in 1925 through 1941 now stands at 161,205,000 barrels. ActIVe Oil Fields Reed City Field.—In the Reed City field, Lincoln township, Osceola County, only small oil wells were completed during 1939 and 1940. The discovery of much larger production in wells drilled somewhat deeper, by The Pure Oil Co. and the Weber Oil Co., in the early part of 1941, led to the rapid development in this area. Some wells have had initial productions as high as 10,000 bbl. By the end of the year III producing wells were completed, with an average depth of 3600 ft., from the Detroit River formation of Devonian age. The entire development of the field to the end of 1941 was on 20-acre spacing. Headquarters Field.—The Headquarters field, which lies along the line between Clare and Roscommon Counties, was one of the most important discoveries of 1941 and will be the scene of vigorous development during 1942. Production so far has been from the Traverse lime at about 3400 it., and development has indicated that this is probably one of the most productive Traverse pools yet discovered. One well had been given a potential of 10,000 bbl. per day. Dry holes well located in relation to big producers indicate that it is a typical Traverse development. Winterfield Field.-This field, in Winter-field township, Clare County, was discovered late in 1940. By December 1941, 14 Dundee and 5 Traverse producers had been completed. The Dundee lime is found at a depth of 3750 it. and the Traverse lime at 3070 it. Producing conditions in the Dundee seem to be erratic because of varying porosity in the dolomit-ized limestone. Kawkawlin Field.—The Kawkawlin field, which was discovered by the Gulf Refining Co. in 1938, is in Monitor and Kawkawlin townships, Bay County. Small production

Jan 1, 1942

By Theron Wasson

The discovery of two new fields—the Reed City area of Osceola County and the Headquarters field, of Roscommon County —and the important development in Winterfield township, Clare County, again demonstrate the fact that it is the unknown and unexpected that enter very definitely into the oil-producing history of Michigan. This is particularly true in the area of thick glacial drift in the north central part of the state, where the new prolific fields have been discovered this year. This shifts the interest from the southwestern part of the lower peninsula, where a number of pools were rapidly developed during 1939 and 1940, back into the Central Basin area. As a result of strict proration in the new areas, the production for the state of Michigan for the year has not been as great as in 1940 or 1939. In 1941 the total production was 16,300,000 bbl., in 1940 it was 19,551,000 bbl., and in 1939, which was the peak year, it was 23,300,000 bbl. However, the discovery of the new fields this year nearly doubles the estimated reserves for Michigan reported at the end of 1940 In 1941 about 12,000,000 bbl. of oil was produced from the older fields, in which the individual well productions were so small that proration was not an important factor. The total production for the state from the discovery of oil in 1925 through 1941 now stands at 161,205,000 barrels. ActIVe Oil Fields Reed City Field.—In the Reed City field, Lincoln township, Osceola County, only small oil wells were completed during 1939 and 1940. The discovery of much larger production in wells drilled somewhat deeper, by The Pure Oil Co. and the Weber Oil Co., in the early part of 1941, led to the rapid development in this area. Some wells have had initial productions as high as 10,000 bbl. By the end of the year III producing wells were completed, with an average depth of 3600 ft., from the Detroit River formation of Devonian age. The entire development of the field to the end of 1941 was on 20-acre spacing. Headquarters Field.—The Headquarters field, which lies along the line between Clare and Roscommon Counties, was one of the most important discoveries of 1941 and will be the scene of vigorous development during 1942. Production so far has been from the Traverse lime at about 3400 it., and development has indicated that this is probably one of the most productive Traverse pools yet discovered. One well had been given a potential of 10,000 bbl. per day. Dry holes well located in relation to big producers indicate that it is a typical Traverse development. Winterfield Field.-This field, in Winter-field township, Clare County, was discovered late in 1940. By December 1941, 14 Dundee and 5 Traverse producers had been completed. The Dundee lime is found at a depth of 3750 it. and the Traverse lime at 3070 it. Producing conditions in the Dundee seem to be erratic because of varying porosity in the dolomit-ized limestone. Kawkawlin Field.—The Kawkawlin field, which was discovered by the Gulf Refining Co. in 1938, is in Monitor and Kawkawlin townships, Bay County. Small production

Jan 1, 1942

By Theron Wasson

The year 1942 in Michigan was devoted largely to the development of fields discovered in 1941 but was also characterized by a great increase in prospecting for new productive horizons below the Dundee limestone. Some new fields were discovered but as yet these have shown few signs of being of major importance. Michigan's total production for 1942, of 21,754,000 bbl. of oil, as reported by the U. S. Bureau of Mines, was second only to the record year of 1939 when 22,799,000 bbl. of oil were produced. All important fields were prorated throughout the year, and it is obvious that without proration a new all-time high would have been established for the state this year. From 1925 to the end of 1942, Michigan has produced annually the following amounts of oil: Year Barrels Source 1925 4,000 1926 94,000 1927 435,000 1928 592,000 1929 4,641,000 1929 Michigan Geological Survey 1930 3,928,000 3,785,000 1932 6,925,000 1933 7,942,000 1934 0,603,000 1935 15,776,000 U.S. Bur. Mines, 1937 1936 11,928,000 U.S. Bur. Mines, 1938 1937 16,628,000 U.S. Bur. Mines, 1939 1938 19,211,000 U.S. Bur. Mines, 1938 1939 22,799,000 1940 19,764,000 1941 16,361,000 1942 21,754,000 Total 183,170,000 This tabulation shows the steady growth of the industry in Michigan since the first discovery of oil in 1925. Maes A map of the oil and gas fields of Michigan in 1941, published in the report for 1942, shows the main producing areas and should be referred to if information in regard to their location is desired.* The main producing zones were shown in the columnar section in the same publication. Development in Fields Reed City Field.—During 1942 the Reed City field, which ended 1941 with 112 producing oil wells, added 70 new producers to bring the total at the end of the year to 182 wells and 4700 proven acres. A south extension of the field developed during the year was in large part responsible for the increase. Approximately 9,000,000 bbl. of oil was produced from the field during the year, bringing the total accumulated production to the end of the year to roughly 11,750,000 barrels. Headquarters Field.—The Headquarters field, which started the year with ro producing oil wells, ended the year with 41 wells aid 1240 proven acres. Approximately 2,300,000 bbl. of oil was produced in 1942. Kawkawlin Field.—Although not a 1941 discovery, the Kawkawlin field has been actively developed on the 40-acre spacing plan during the last year, 42 producers having been completed, bringing the total number of wells at the end of the year to 77. Nearly 500,000 bbl. of oil was produced during the year.

Jan 1, 1943

By Theron Wasson

The year 1942 in Michigan was devoted largely to the development of fields discovered in 1941 but was also characterized by a great increase in prospecting for new productive horizons below the Dundee limestone. Some new fields were discovered but as yet these have shown few signs of being of major importance. Michigan's total production for 1942, of 21,754,000 bbl. of oil, as reported by the U. S. Bureau of Mines, was second only to the record year of 1939 when 22,799,000 bbl. of oil were produced. All important fields were prorated throughout the year, and it is obvious that without proration a new all-time high would have been established for the state this year. From 1925 to the end of 1942, Michigan has produced annually the following amounts of oil: Year Barrels Source 1925 4,000 1926 94,000 1927 435,000 1928 592,000 1929 4,641,000 1929 Michigan Geological Survey 1930 3,928,000 3,785,000 1932 6,925,000 1933 7,942,000 1934 0,603,000 1935 15,776,000 U.S. Bur. Mines, 1937 1936 11,928,000 U.S. Bur. Mines, 1938 1937 16,628,000 U.S. Bur. Mines, 1939 1938 19,211,000 U.S. Bur. Mines, 1938 1939 22,799,000 1940 19,764,000 1941 16,361,000 1942 21,754,000 Total 183,170,000 This tabulation shows the steady growth of the industry in Michigan since the first discovery of oil in 1925. Maes A map of the oil and gas fields of Michigan in 1941, published in the report for 1942, shows the main producing areas and should be referred to if information in regard to their location is desired.* The main producing zones were shown in the columnar section in the same publication. Development in Fields Reed City Field.—During 1942 the Reed City field, which ended 1941 with 112 producing oil wells, added 70 new producers to bring the total at the end of the year to 182 wells and 4700 proven acres. A south extension of the field developed during the year was in large part responsible for the increase. Approximately 9,000,000 bbl. of oil was produced from the field during the year, bringing the total accumulated production to the end of the year to roughly 11,750,000 barrels. Headquarters Field.—The Headquarters field, which started the year with ro producing oil wells, ended the year with 41 wells aid 1240 proven acres. Approximately 2,300,000 bbl. of oil was produced in 1942. Kawkawlin Field.—Although not a 1941 discovery, the Kawkawlin field has been actively developed on the 40-acre spacing plan during the last year, 42 producers having been completed, bringing the total number of wells at the end of the year to 77. Nearly 500,000 bbl. of oil was produced during the year.

Jan 1, 1943

By Theron Wasson

The oil and gas fields of Michigan that have been under development since 1925 are in an area that extends across the middle of the lower peninsula from northeast to southwest, a distance of about 200 miles, and with a width of about 80 miles. In 19 years 70 fields have been discovered. Most of these are relatively small when compared with other oil-producing areas. This is borne out by the fact that since the first wells were drilled these fields have produced a total of only 204,000,000 bbl. However, Michigan is still maintaining its production, for during the past five years the annual production has remained fairly constant at approximately 20,000,000 bbl. Production for 1943, as reported by the Bureau of Mines, was 20,682,000 barrels. Roughly, one third oi Michigan's production in 1943 came from the Reed City field, which was discovered in 1941. During the year, 237 oil wells were completed in Michigan in 1943. The decrease of 56 from the 1942 total is probably due to the continuance of Government regulations requiring a 40-acre spacing pattern over most of the state. Fig. I shows the principal oil and gas fields of Michigan, and the columnar section, Fig. 2, shows the principal producing horizons in relation to the section drilled. The data of Table I and Table 2 have been carefully checked with previous reports to eliminate errors. Six new producing areas were discovered during 1943 and five areas discovered in 1942 were developed during the year. Both the new discoveries and the 1942 discoveries that were developed appear to be small and relatively unimportant. Goodwell Field.—The best discovery of the year is the Goodwell field, T. 14 N., R. 11 W., Goodwell township, Newaygo County. This small structure was located by core testing done by The Pure Oil Co. in 1942 and early 1943. The first producing well, C. R. Harris No. I, was completed on July 5, 1943, ill the Traverse limestone at a total depth of 2742 ft., with ail estimated potential of 1100 bbl. per day. By the end of the year, 18 wells had been completed in this field and approximately 281,000 bbl. of oil produced. The field operated under proration of 262 bbl. per day per well from Oct. I to Dec. I; 150 bbl. per day per well after that date. Woodville Field.—The small Woodville pool, T. 15 N., R. 11 W., 3 miles north of the Goodwell field, was discovered by core testing by the Ohio Oil Co. The discovery well was completed on May 5, 1943, flowing 650 bbl. of fluid, including 18 per cent salt water the first 18 hr., from the Traverse limestone at a depth of 2810 to 2815 ft. Seven wells had been completed by the end of the year and 67,000 bbl. of oil had been produced. Development is now practically at a standstill because further drilling does not aDDear economically iustified.

Jan 1, 1944

By Theron Wasson

The oil and gas fields of Michigan that have been under development since 1925 are in an area that extends across the middle of the lower peninsula from northeast to southwest, a distance of about 200 miles, and with a width of about 80 miles. In 19 years 70 fields have been discovered. Most of these are relatively small when compared with other oil-producing areas. This is borne out by the fact that since the first wells were drilled these fields have produced a total of only 204,000,000 bbl. However, Michigan is still maintaining its production, for during the past five years the annual production has remained fairly constant at approximately 20,000,000 bbl. Production for 1943, as reported by the Bureau of Mines, was 20,682,000 barrels. Roughly, one third oi Michigan's production in 1943 came from the Reed City field, which was discovered in 1941. During the year, 237 oil wells were completed in Michigan in 1943. The decrease of 56 from the 1942 total is probably due to the continuance of Government regulations requiring a 40-acre spacing pattern over most of the state. Fig. I shows the principal oil and gas fields of Michigan, and the columnar section, Fig. 2, shows the principal producing horizons in relation to the section drilled. The data of Table I and Table 2 have been carefully checked with previous reports to eliminate errors. Six new producing areas were discovered during 1943 and five areas discovered in 1942 were developed during the year. Both the new discoveries and the 1942 discoveries that were developed appear to be small and relatively unimportant. Goodwell Field.—The best discovery of the year is the Goodwell field, T. 14 N., R. 11 W., Goodwell township, Newaygo County. This small structure was located by core testing done by The Pure Oil Co. in 1942 and early 1943. The first producing well, C. R. Harris No. I, was completed on July 5, 1943, ill the Traverse limestone at a total depth of 2742 ft., with ail estimated potential of 1100 bbl. per day. By the end of the year, 18 wells had been completed in this field and approximately 281,000 bbl. of oil produced. The field operated under proration of 262 bbl. per day per well from Oct. I to Dec. I; 150 bbl. per day per well after that date. Woodville Field.—The small Woodville pool, T. 15 N., R. 11 W., 3 miles north of the Goodwell field, was discovered by core testing by the Ohio Oil Co. The discovery well was completed on May 5, 1943, flowing 650 bbl. of fluid, including 18 per cent salt water the first 18 hr., from the Traverse limestone at a depth of 2810 to 2815 ft. Seven wells had been completed by the end of the year and 67,000 bbl. of oil had been produced. Development is now practically at a standstill because further drilling does not aDDear economically iustified.

Jan 1, 1944

By Theron Wasson

The discovery of eight new oil fields, two of which may be of major importance, was the outstanding record in Michigan this year. These new fields have helped to support the declining production from old areas and place the total of 18,559,000 bbl. in line with the past six or seven years. Thus, it appears that Michigan is doing its part in maintaining the production of the country in the third year of the war. The new fields are in the central basin area where oil was first discovered in Michigan, thus tending to focus attention on the deeper part of the lower peninsula of the state. Through 1944 the state of Michigan has produced a total of 222,-641,580 bbl. of crude oil from 100 pools, many of which arc relatively small. Among the previous1y discovered fields Reed City is still the outstanding producer, with Fork, Headquarters, and Adams following in the order named. The Reed City pool produced a little over 5,000,00 bbl., which was more than one third of the state's total for the year. Almost two thirds of the year's total oil production came from fields discovered in the past five years. Maps A map of the oil and gas fields of Michigan in 1943, published in the A.I.M.E. report for 1944,* shows the main producing areas and should be referred to if information in regard to their location is desired. The producing zones are shown in the columnar section in the same publi- cation." The data in Tables I and 2 have been carefully ' checked and every effort has been made to show as complcte information as possible. New Discoveries and New Developments Eight new producing areas were discovered during 1944 which, in order of importance, are: Deep River Field.—The discovery well in the Deep River field was drilled by Don Rayburn and others, and should be listed as a chance discovery, as, from a geological standpoint, it was not considered favorable until oil was found at a depth of 2838 ft. in a dolomitic layer in the top of the Dundee limestone. The first well was completed in January 1944, with an initial production of 2500 bbl. By the end of the year 15 wells had been completed, proying an area 2 1/2 miles long and 1/2 mile wide. Coldttater Field.-The Coldwater field was discovered in August 1944, by the Sohio Oil Co. Production is from secondary dolomite at the top of the Dundee at a depth of 3703 ft. To the end of 1944 nine wells had been drilled on 40-acre spacing. Essexville Field.—Essexville field was discovered by United Drillers and Producers, Inc. Eight wells had been completed to the Dundee lime by the end of 1944, and prospects were good for further development during 1945. Hilliards Field.—Hilliards field was discovered by Cook and Fortney. Production is from the Traverse lime at an average depth of 1588 feet,

Jan 1, 1945

By Henry N. Toler

Oil and gas development in Mississippi during 1936 was about the same as during the past three or four years, with less drilling activity in the proven fields; although at the end of the year there was a decided increase in interest and activity. Jackson Gas Field Six wells were drilled in the Jackson gas field, three of which were producers and three dry holes. The gas production for 1936 was 12,968,-000,000 cu. ft., which is 2,500,000,000 cu. ft. more than for any previous year. The total gas production from the field to the end of 1936 has been 58,092,000,000 cubic feet. Thirteen producing gas wells were abandoned during the year because of encroachment of salt water. At present there are 99 producing gas wells in the field. The three oil wells on the edge of the field, which had been producing, were not produccd during 1936, although they are still capable of making some oil with much salt water. The rock pressure at the end of the year was 930 lb., which is a decline of 80 Ib. since the discovery of the field. In March of 1936, the State Legislature appropriated $115,000 to be used by the State Mineral Lease Commission in drilling some gas wells

Jan 1, 1937

By H. M. Morse

There was little change in the oil and gas industry in Mississippi during the year 1938. No new fields were discovered and the production from the Amory field was nil. In the Jackson gas field six wells were drilled and production was obtained in each instance, but none of these wells increased the area from which the gas is produced. Outside the Jackson gas field nine wells were drilled, of which details are given in the accompanying table. The seeming lack of activity in Mississippi belied what was actually happening, for a great many geophysical crews of the major companies were active in all parts of the state. There were approximately 65 structures mapped and for the most part these have been leased. It is believed that 1939 will see an increase in wildcatting over a large part of the state.

Jan 1, 1939

By H. M. Morse

There was little change in the oil and gas industry in Mississippi during the year 1938. No new fields were discovered and the production from the Amory field was nil. In the Jackson gas field six wells were drilled and production was obtained in each instance, but none of these wells increased the area from which the gas is produced. Outside the Jackson gas field nine wells were drilled, of which details are given in the accompanying table. The seeming lack of activity in Mississippi belied what was actually happening, for a great many geophysical crews of the major companies were active in all parts of the state. There were approximately 65 structures mapped and for the most part these have been leased. It is believed that 1939 will see an increase in wildcatting over a large part of the state.

Jan 1, 1939

By H. M. Morse

Tinsley Oil Field.—Mississippi joined the oil-producing states when on Sept. 13, 1939, the Union Producing Company's G. C. Woodruff well No. 1, sec. 13, T. 10 N., R. 3 W., Yazoo County, was completed after drilling plug at 4540 ft. in the Woodruff sand of the Eutaw formation of Cretaceous, producing 300 bbl. per day of 34.4" gravity oil through a ¼-in. choke, with a gas-oil ratio of 80 to 1 and bottom-hole pressure of 2045 lb. This was the discovery well in the Tinsley oil field. The well was drilled to a total depth of 4567 ft. and no salt water was encountered. The sand underlies the Selma chalk formation. Nine producing oil wells and one dry hole were drilled and completed by the end of 1939. Two producing sands have been found in the Eutaw and a third sand in the top of the Tuscaloosa formation, called the Woodbine sand in Louisiana and Texas. Faulting is an important factor in the Tinsley field. Total oil production has been approximately 250,000 bbl. from the nine flowing wells. Total depth to top of productive zone was 4540 ft.; to bottoms of productive wells, 4580 ft. Net thickness of the producing formation is 20 to 40 ft., and its porosity is 24 per cent. The deepest zone tested was the Tuscaloosa, in which the depth of hole was 6112 feet. Six hundred and forty acres has been proved for oil production. Jackson Gas Field.—The Jackson gas field has shown a steady decline in the number of wells but the pressure has been maintained. This field is a perfect example of a water-driven field and the time of wells going to salt water is predictable. Five wells were drilled in the Jackson field, of which only one produced. Amory Gas Field.—Interest was renewed in the Amory gas field, where a new well was started in the fall of 1939. Geological Formations.—The deepest well drilled in 1939 was the Willmut Gas and Oil Company's Cleve Love S. F. Johnson No. 1, sec. 29, T. 6 N., R. 1 W., Hinds County. This well encountered the Lower Cretaceous, Trinity series from 3770 to 6422 ft.; Lower Mesozoic from 6422 to 6484 ft. The geological correlations and nomenclature of the formations in Mississippi are shown in the accompanying strati-graphic section.

Jan 1, 1940

By H. M. Morse

Tinsley Oil Field.—Mississippi joined the oil-producing states when on Sept. 13, 1939, the Union Producing Company's G. C. Woodruff well No. 1, sec. 13, T. 10 N., R. 3 W., Yazoo County, was completed after drilling plug at 4540 ft. in the Woodruff sand of the Eutaw formation of Cretaceous, producing 300 bbl. per day of 34.4" gravity oil through a ¼-in. choke, with a gas-oil ratio of 80 to 1 and bottom-hole pressure of 2045 lb. This was the discovery well in the Tinsley oil field. The well was drilled to a total depth of 4567 ft. and no salt water was encountered. The sand underlies the Selma chalk formation. Nine producing oil wells and one dry hole were drilled and completed by the end of 1939. Two producing sands have been found in the Eutaw and a third sand in the top of the Tuscaloosa formation, called the Woodbine sand in Louisiana and Texas. Faulting is an important factor in the Tinsley field. Total oil production has been approximately 250,000 bbl. from the nine flowing wells. Total depth to top of productive zone was 4540 ft.; to bottoms of productive wells, 4580 ft. Net thickness of the producing formation is 20 to 40 ft., and its porosity is 24 per cent. The deepest zone tested was the Tuscaloosa, in which the depth of hole was 6112 feet. Six hundred and forty acres has been proved for oil production. Jackson Gas Field.—The Jackson gas field has shown a steady decline in the number of wells but the pressure has been maintained. This field is a perfect example of a water-driven field and the time of wells going to salt water is predictable. Five wells were drilled in the Jackson field, of which only one produced. Amory Gas Field.—Interest was renewed in the Amory gas field, where a new well was started in the fall of 1939. Geological Formations.—The deepest well drilled in 1939 was the Willmut Gas and Oil Company's Cleve Love S. F. Johnson No. 1, sec. 29, T. 6 N., R. 1 W., Hinds County. This well encountered the Lower Cretaceous, Trinity series from 3770 to 6422 ft.; Lower Mesozoic from 6422 to 6484 ft. The geological correlations and nomenclature of the formations in Mississippi are shown in the accompanying strati-graphic section.

Jan 1, 1940