Then What? Part 10 BLM Homestead Applications Step One of Three

Part 10: BLM Homestead Applications

Step One is how to search on the BLM site for a homestead application. This is a marvelous index.
Step Two is how to find the latitude and longitude for the property and locate it on Google Maps.
Step Three is how to find the patent on the Utah State BLM site as well as the Master Title Plat.

Case Study:
This case study is for John McCormick Wiser who was an original settler in Alpine but left by 1860 for Cache County. Tracing an ancestor from each place they lived adds immensely to a history. Land records are vital to tracking migration.

Step One How to search on the BLM site for a homestead application

Utah is a Federal Land State. For every ancestor who lived in Utah it is wise to search for a homestead application. If they owned property they could have owned a federal homestead grant and/or county lands. This post is about finding federal land records. Go to this website: http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/.

Click "Search Documents" and search fields will display.

One John M. Wiser is listed in the results. Click on him and the following page will appear:

 

The patent number is listed as the Document Nr: 655; the Township (Twp) and Range (Rng) are listed as 14 N and 1 E. His land is in Section 5. He received 160 acres in Cache County. Notice what the meridian is. 

To Learn More about Homesteads and Federal Public Land systems check out the following webinars that are free online:

U.S. Measurement and Distribution of Public Land States [click here]
Homestead Records [click here]
Sections, Ranges, and Townships [click here]

Painted Wooden Butter Bowl

This gorgeously painted bowl was used to hold the butter by Mary Loveless, mother of David Loveless. It can be found at the Alpine Relic Hall.

Henreka Hanson Beck

Henreka Hanson Beck was a quiet, unassuming woman, with a heart full of humility. She married her husband in Denmark in 1856 and was baptized in 1865. When she immigrated to America her children were ages 9, 5, and 1. She and her husband, Frederick Jacob Beck, had seven children:

Emma Dorothea 1857 Marr: Michael Sylvester McDaniel

Julius Conrad 1860 Marr: Rhoda Francis Vance

Janius Jacobsen 1864 Marr: Mary Jane Hamnett    

Fredrick  Jan 1868 - Dec 1871

Ella Henrietta 1871 Marr: Esdras Martin

Maria Francisnia 1873 Marr: Edward Clark Cayton 

Joseph Henry 1875 Marr: Nora Henefer

 

Then What? Part Nine Heritage Quest - Margaret McCullough petitions Congress

 Here is Utah everyone can access Heritage Quest Online through their local library. This is a large and helpful collection.

1) Census images can be found in the census search. There is a different index and type of search here than those used at Ancestry.com or FamilySearch.com. If you haven't found your ancestor on the other census records try searching here.

2) Over 28,000 family and local histories listed. This is a great place to start to find what has already been done by others. What is available for Utah?

3) PERSI Archive. Incredible is the word to describe it. Find articles in periodicals, in fact, over 2.3 million articles. This is an index. Once a desired article is found search the periodical lists at a local university or the Family History Library in Salt Lake City to get a copy. If not available, information is listed to contact Allen County Public Library who will copy the article for a small fee.

4) Revolutionary War records. At the side of the search field there is a button for learn more. A very lengthy description of what this database is and has is listed. Worth checking.

5) Freedman's Bank records.These are invaluable for finding information regarding an African-American Ancestor.

6) U.S. Serial Set. Did your ancestor petition congress for relief? This was a common thing. One can search by place, name, or keywords. The case study shows further information.

 Case Study for Heritage Quest Online

In the Place field "Alpine, Utah" is typed in.

 One result is found for Margaret McCullough.

 By clicking on her name the following field shows up:

By clicking on the Section 1 option above the original report is shown. The example is below:

 

This document has rich information in just a few paragraphs. Thomas J. McCullough served in the Mexican War from October 23, 1847 to July 31, 1848, his wife has a pension, his military rank and regiments are listed, as well as his marriage date.

When ordering the pension file from National Archives be sure to also obtain Thomas J. McCullough's service record, see if he was awarded bounty land, and most especially the final payment voucher. One can order using forms on the National Archives site. Perhaps a quicker and less costly way would be to hire a researcher in the D.C. area who is familiar with the records to obtain the files. I recommend two professional genealogy sites: Certified Genealogists or Association of Professional Genealogists.

Highland Camp

Highland Utah from The Timp Trail by Scott Barlow at Flickr

The Highland Camp began in 1982 with 15 women. Monthly meetings are rotated monthly at members homes and are eagerly attended. Refreshments are provided afterwards. They own and run the Highland Cabin on 10400 North at Heritage Park. Members of their group provide tours upon request. Further information is available on the cabin at the Utah North Company website. Click here to go to the website.