Search for content in message boards

Question about the homestead act.

Replies: 3

Re: Question about the homestead act.

Posted: 4 Sep 2014 1:28PM GMT
Classification: Query
Edited: 4 Sep 2014 1:29PM GMT
Each Homestead Act was a bit different. It sounds like your homestead was given under the Homestead Act of 1860. You can request all documents in the file, up to issuance of the Patent Deed, by completing Form 84, at:

http://www.archives.gov/research/land/

They will charge a small fee and will offer to deliver the docs by mail or by email (pdf).

There will be documents filed

1) Upon application to reserve the property for the settler
2) Upon completion of all requirements, to include witness statements, description of improvements, etc.
3) Patent Deed. This is the original document from the Federal Government that this property is being released from Federal control to the homesteader

Now, you need one more document.

Now you need the first deed filed for that property at the County Courthouse, using the Patent Deed as its source. Many settlers either weren't aware they needed to record their deed at the county courthouse or they simply just "forgot" to do that. In that case, I have seen a period of over 50 years go by before the first county deed was recorded for that property. This is usually initiated when somebody wants to clear a property through probate, or they want to sell the property and discover they don't have the county deed to the property.

SubjectAuthorDate Posted
SarahEvrard79 28 Apr 2011 4:33AM GMT 
cjlaird 20 Nov 2011 7:14PM GMT 
EdMcConnell68 16 May 2012 2:36AM GMT 
silverfox3280 4 Sep 2014 7:28PM GMT 
per page

Find a board about a specific topic