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What is Bounty Land?

Revolutionary War bounty land warrant for 160 acre
If you’ve looked closely at Fold3’s Revolutionary War Pensions and War of 1812 Pension Files, you may have noticed that some pension files include correspondence or claims regarding bounty land. And, of course, Fold3 also has the Bounty-Land Warrant Applications Index. But just what is bounty land?

Bounty land served as both an incentive and reward for military service. It was issued to eligible veterans or their heirs by the Continental Congress and federal government through congressional acts passed between 1776 and 1856. Most early federal bounty land was in military districts like Ohio and other parts of the former Northwest Territory. Later, land was set aside in the territories of Michigan, Illinois, and Louisiana. Post-1847, land anywhere in the public domain qualified.

Unlike military pensions, qualifying veterans didn’t have to demonstrate financial need to apply for federal bounty land, but they (or their heirs) did need to file a claim. Some states also offered bounty land, but the collections on Fold3 contain information about federal bounty-land claims.

Early on, federal bounty land applications were handled by the War Department, but later they became the purview of the Pension Office and Department of the Interior. If a veteran’s application for bounty land was approved, they would receive a bounty land warrant (sometimes abbreviated in the files as B.L.Wt.) for a certain number of acres. They could then either transfer or sell the warrant (which is what many did), or file it with a land office for a selected portion of land. They then received a land patent, which is what gave them ownership of the land.

Letter regarding a bounty land warrant

The amount of bounty land granted changed over time through a series of acts of Congress. Most Revolutionary War veterans were originally offered 100 acres (with larger amounts offered to those of higher rank), but many veterans of the War of 1812 were eligible to receive at least 160 acres, which in some cases was later doubled. In 1855, the minimum acreage for surviving Revolutionary War veterans or their heirs was also raised to 160 acres; those who had already been granted a warrant for a lesser acreage could apply for the difference. Eventually, qualifying veterans of the Mexican-American War and Indian Wars also became eligible to apply for bounty land. Civil War veterans were not offered bounty land.

Did any of your ancestors apply for or settle on bounty land? Tell us about it! For more information about bounty land, read the National Archives’ descriptive pamphlets for the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 pension files.

81 Comments

  1. Mary Hartsell says:

    My great-great grandfather received bounty land in Louisana for his service in the Mexican War.

    John Carr, Pvt.
    3rd Reg Tennessee Volunteers

    Information obtained from National Archives

    Mary Ann Haersell

  2. My 4 X great grandfather, Jacob Parkerson, received a bounty land warrant in 1786 for land in Washington County, Georgia. Jacob was a native of Northampton County, Virginia and served in both Virginia and North Carolina regiments during the American Revolution.

  3. Leonard Chapman says:

    My Rev. War veteran, received his pay, then he died in 1849. His widow applied for her widows pension, then after many months of back and forth with Washington, they said her husband didn’t serve the required 6 months needed for her payments. She finally was awarded “bounty land”. I hope I can find the document, it will help with my application to the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).

    • Fuller C. Jones. CG says:

      Leonard,

      Please send me an email; I can help you with your application to join the NSSAR.
      I have the software, and can prepare the application ready to submit.
      This I do free; it is my way of “giving back” and “paying forward.”

      Fuller Jones (“Sonny”)
      Chapter Genealogist
      Brevard Chapter FLSSAR
      National Number 177760
      CG = Certified Genealogist (SM)

  4. Grace Nola says:

    My 3 X grandfather served in the Mexican American War and received bounty land.

    Military Unit: Capt. Miller, Col.Mitchell
    1st Ohio Volunteers
    Service year 1846 State of Ohio
    Sgt-Pvt Frederick Brehmer
    Warrant Number: 47-160-2520

    How can I find his application for more information?

    • Rhea Gilbert says:

      Grace, You go to the National Archives site and you will find an application you can fill out and send for the copy of that application. Using the Bureau of Land Management site you can then find out more information on the land he acquired and where it was located as well as if he sold the land.

  5. Sherry Georg says:

    My 3x grandfather John Lint received bounty land (160 acres) in PA. for service in War of 1812. How does one find out where the land was located…..

    • Diane Fisher says:

      This is something that I would like to know as well. I have a number of relatives from each branch of the family that served in the Revolutionary War as well as the War of 1812. Is there a place where you can put in a name and see if land was issued through a land grant that still may belong to the family?

    • Sherry Georg says:

      I found my first clue in his War of 1812 pension papers on Fold3….But, have been told that on National Archives site there is an application you can fill out and send for copy of application for bounty land. Then, Using the Bureau of Land Management site you can find out more information on the land he acquired and where it was located as well as if he sold the land. Then you would have to follow through in the county records and tract the land through deeds or if in family maybe , passed on in will.

    • Rhea Gilbert says:

      Sherry, check out the Bureau of Land Management site. This should give you the information you are looking for.

    • Sherry Georg says:

      Thank you…I found his pension papers for War of 1812, and it was a treasure trove of information . Including a child his wife ( 3x grandmother) had before they were married…that no one knew about…Plus he wrote out , where he was and battles they fought in…and more. A copy of bounty papers are in there ,too. So am really curious to see where property was, because I do not believe he ever lived on the land…Sherry

    • Rhea Gilbert says:

      Sherry, YEA!!! Glad you found awesome info. I hesitated to send for the bounty land application papers, as I had the pension papers which were loaded with info. But am glad I did as lots more good stuff showed up. Isn’t this so exciting to go on the hunt? Hope more good info is ahead for you.
      Rhea

    • David Hanush says:

      Sherry and others, The legal description of the land should be on the Deed (that’s the definition of “Deed”). Then you can simply follow the legal description given; generally state, County and township. Then Latitude and Longitude which can place you within a couple feet of the property. You can use Google Earth which gives that Longitude and Latitude coordinates and just move around until you can locate the proper location. I took only about 1/2 hour at most to locate my 6x Great Grandfathers Bounty land. (Like Leonard Jones,) if you send or E-Mail me a copy of the Bounty Land Deed I can take a look and try to locate the property for you. [email protected]

    • David Hanush says:

      Opps!! I referred to Leonard Jones. It is Fuller C Jones.

  6. Nancy DeVault-Holt says:

    My 3xGreatGrandfather Abraham DeVault was in the War of 1812. He received two land grants. 80 acres each for a total of 160 acres. He was born Apr 1791 in VA? and died Apr 1863 in Monongalia Co., VA/WV. His land grant # was 12542-80-1850 and #621-80-1855. He enlisted in the infranty under Capt James Morgan’s Company on 19 Sept 1812 in Monongalia Co., VA USA and was discharged at Ft. Meigs, Lucas Co.,? OH on 05 Apr 1813.

    • Alyssa Taylor says:

      Hi Nancy, Ft. Meigs is located in Perrysburg, Wood County, Ohio. I grew up in the area. Very neat info on your relative!

    • Vickie Cates says:

      I believe he is a relative of mine. I can’t wait to get home and look. Thanks for the post !

      Vickie Cates

    • Ben Figueroa says:

      Where do I go to find out about bounty land and my ancestry history , if they received certificates of land. Wher can I find out? Please advice.

    • Rhea Gilbert says:

      Ben, I did a quick search on Ancestry.com to see what I could find on your Abraham DeVault. I see that the pension application was made by Abraham’s wife Mary (Mary Steele) So the the application would be considered a widow’s pension application. I would highly recommend that you send to the National Archives for a copy of the application made out by Mary. Hopefully this will give you information that you may not have about the family. 2nd I checked the Bureau of Land Management to see about land acquired for Abraham DeVault- the document is there and available to download. Abraham was granted his military warrant on 6/1/1855 for land in Benton County, Iowa which contained 80 acres. Within this document it gives the warrant # of 12542 for 80 acres issued to Abraham DeVault corporal in Captain Mirgun’s (sp ?) Company-7 Regiment Virginia Militia War of 1812. Hope this helped a little. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you have any questions. Regards, Rhea

    • Rhea Gilbert says:

      Ben, I forgot to mention that my Ancestry.com search also revealed a will that Abraham DeVault made out on April 14, 1863. The will is really quite detailed in regards to his children and wife and what they will receive upon his death. This will is available to download also from Ancestry.com. If you don’t have a membership to Ancestry I would be happy to print it out and send it to you.
      Regards, Rhea
      [email protected]

    • Nancy DeVault-Holt says:

      Rhea and Ben, Abraham DeVault is my 3rd Great Grandfather. I have alot of info on his large family. My line is from his son Oliver Perry DeVault. We have a group on Facebook (200 members) ” DeVaults of West Virginia”. Check it out ……if I can help please get in touch with me. Nancy

    • Rhea Gilbert says:

      Nancy, I am not related to this family, just thought I’d lend a hand to Ben in trying to locate some family info. I’ll bet he is going to be overjoyed to hear from a direct ancestor!!!!

    • Nancy DeVault-Holt says:

      I hope he will be Rhea. I do have a question for you regarding the #12542 land grant. you stated that land was issued on 01 Jun 1855. Abraham had 2 land grants and the other was granted in 1855 (#621). The #12542 was granted in 1850 according to the records I received. Is there a site I can go to on the computer for looking up the original land grants? I can not find. I am a member of Ancestery.com. Thank you for your help.

  7. Ethel Gooden says:

    John Narramore was my relative. I think he received land in what is mow Crossville,Tennessee. It was at one time name Narramore..!

    • Dusti says:

      John Narramore’s granddaughter, Mahulda Paralee Narramore married my great granduncle, James Washington Brown. I have information on this family if you are interested in collateral lines.

    • Ethel Gooden says:

      Yes I am very interested. John’s son Fredrick was my 3-4 x great grandfather. I have a missing link on paper trail from Micheal to Samuel my great grandfather. Joesph was my grandfather and and my father was George. I have quite a bit of info on our family. Even paper trail and census though up until today. I don’t have branches that go in all directions. I know John had a 2nd wife and had 8-10 more kids after Fredricks mother. I’ve even gone to Crossville and found his grave. I would appreciate any other info you have love knowing my relatives no matter how distant…!

    • Dusti says:

      Hello Ethel,

      I have prepared several pdfs of information on the Narramores for you. Please send me an email at catsmeow11@cox. net so that I may send them as attachments.

      Hope to hear from you soon!

      Dusti

    • Ethel Gooden says:

      My email is [email protected]…thanks again so much. Sorry it took awhile I had to go to Dr
      With my husband.
      E.J.

    • Dusti says:

      Hi E. J.,

      Your pdfs are on their way!

      Dusti

    • e.j. says:

      got them, hope you got my reply,

    • Dusti says:

      I did! 🙂

      Talk with you soon,

      Dusti

  8. Nancy DeVault-Holt says:

    Thank you Alyssa for giving me the correct county. I have updated my info. When he was discharged they gave him $4,44 travel pay. We believe he helped build the fort. He was a carpenter by trade. Trying to find out where the land was located and to see if there is a certificate.

  9. Rhea Gilbert says:

    My 4th great grandfather, Joshua W. Law served in the War of 1812 with Cpt. Joseph Kirk’s Company with the TN Militia. Joshua was born Aug. 1, 1795 in VA and died Dec. 19, 1843 in Somonauk, DeKalb County, Illinois. His wife, Nancy R. “Dyer” Law applied for a widows pension. I sent to the National Archives for both the pension application and the bounty land application. With the this info I then went to the Bureau of Land Management site and found that Nancy sells the 160 acres bounty land on Mar. 10, 1860. That bounty land was located in Chatfield, Filmore County, Minnesota. I think that the Bureau of Land Management is a very valuable tool in searching for land that our ancestors either were granted or purchased.

  10. My grt grandfather Bradford Worthington served in the 1831-1832 Black Hawk War and I have a copy of his 160 acres Bounty Land certificate dated in 1856 with a No: on it. -how do I find out if he sold the land or lived on it for a short time or not. He recieved some the land in Bates Co. MO. Thanks Joyce Worthington Brewer

  11. Eunice R. Wink says:

    How do I find out if any of my ancestors received bounty and?

  12. Nancy L. says:

    My Maryland Line soldier didn’t have a pension record on file, probably because of fires in DC. He did however have a Federal Bounty warrant awarded to his widow in 1790 which gave proof of death. The later Ohio deed of sale by his son revealed proof of connection to MD town where the soldier wrote pension requests filed in the Maryland State Archives. Those letters have lead me on an incredible discovery on the MD Lines’ activities in the southern campaign 1781 to 1783.

    Be sure to check for State Bounty Land as well. Maryland awarded bounty land. Files are at the MD archives and have been abstracted and published.

    Bureau of Land Management has a web site which may help with identifying land. After finding the bounty and other records which give a land description, you need to check appropriate courthouse for records relating to sales or transfers. Some of the people who purchased the land became land speculators and sold the property for large sums. Some sold the parcels two or three times. Fraud claims resulted.

    The bounty lands records can lead you on to new adventures or may not yield much except proof of service. Never the less, you will learn something new in the process.

  13. Hubert Welborn says:

    Where can I obtain a copy of the Death Certificate of my Great Grandmother, who was a full blood Cherokee Indian. (Names: Coaksaw (Indian_ and Polly Phillips (American). It is believed she married a man by the last name of Russom. She is buried in Stubbs Cemetery, Abbeville, GA. Please reply by email to: [email protected]. Thank you so very much.

  14. I am so happy to find you and these people. I just found of my 4xgt.father Deeds of his LAND GRANT of 1823,1833, and signed by the Govenor of Texas Mr. John l. Ireland, sign by him on 1873 for 166 acres. l JUST FOUND THE OTHER DEED FOR MY GRT. GRTFATHER FOR 166 ACRES. Dated and recorded 1884 for my grandmother father who died in 1905.
    FROM THE LAND GRANT. At first I was too shock to make out what the Deeds were.
    SO I called the RED RIVER COURT HOUSE TO LOOK UP THE RECORDS. IN THE MEANTIME I CONTACT TEXAS GO.LG .O IN AUSTIN, TEXAS IN 2014 AND THEY EMAIL ME A COPY OF THE EXACT DEED OF 1873.I AM SO HAPPY I CANNOT HOLD MY PEACE. THE ONLY THING IS THE RED RIVER COUNTY COURT HOUSE SAY THEY DO NOT HAVE ANY RECORDS OF WHO WAS THE OVERSEER OF THE LAND AFTER 1905, THEY SAID IT MUST HAVE BEEN SOLD BY SOME ONE IN THE FAMILY AND THEIR COMPUTER RECORDS DO NOT GO BACK ANY LATER THAN1984.
    THEY DO NOT ANY RECORDS OF THE LAND GRANT OF 1884. THAT SHOWS 166 ACRES WERE GIVEN TO THE GRT.GRTFATHER WHO WAS MY GRANDMOTHER FATHER, I ALSO HAVE THE LAND GRANT MAPS, THE OLD WRITTEN DESCRITION OF THE LOCATION OF THE PROPERTY.I WAS TOLD THE PROPERTY HAS BEEN LEASE FOR YEARS TO GAMES HUNTERS, BECAUSE OF ALL THE WILD HOGS, DEERS, GEESE AND GOOD FISHING THAT IS ON THE LAND.
    SO WHAT DO YOU DO NOW. ALSO IT WAS OIL DRILLING ON THE PROPERTY IN THE 1930-1960. any help will be appericated . I have been researching all the old heirs and the young heirs who are left. THE ARE JUST IN DISBELIVE AND SHOCK AS I AM, THAT NO ONE TOLD THEM ABOUT THE LANDS GRANTS. UNTIL I FOUND IT OUT IN 2014. BY ACCIDENT WHILE DOING MY FAMILY TREE.

    • Kristy Gravlin says:

      I find you letter interesting. If there are “no” records does that mean they were not collecting any taxes on the property all these years? Highly unlikely.
      Maybe they don’t have any records on the computer (which are easily searched.) And maybe they do have records that are hand written. Which, of course are not easily searched. You might try finding a genealogist in your area that knows the court house and their ways of doing. S/he could explain better to you (I’m just guessing from experience.) and might know the court
      house well enough to give you helpful information. Good luck!

    • I found all the GOV LAND GRANT DEEDS. It was more than one in the records. Since my GRTFATHER SERVED IN THE WAR 1823 SPANISH/ MEXICAN. AND LATER YEARS HIS OLDEST GRANDSON SERVED IN ANOTHER WAR. I HAVE HIS UNIT, COMPANY HE WAS ASSIGN TO RECORDS. BUT SORRY TO SAY ALL THE PROPERTY HAS BEEN SOLD. THE SALES WERE IN 1997.BUT I HAPPY TO KNOW ABOUT THIS HISTORY AND HAVE THE PROOF TO SHOW .

  15. ALSO ONE MALE AND FEMALE OUT THE FAMILIES HAS SERVICED IN SOME BRANCH OF THE WAR DEPT, OR ARMS SERVICE AND THE WAAC SINCE 1812.UNTIL 1980 AND CAMEOUT WITH HONORABLE DISCHARGES.

  16. David Hanush says:

    My 6x GreatGrandfather, Micah Wethern, received 80 ac of Bounty Land in Minnesota for his service in the Revolutionary War. I found my first evidence of that through Ancestry and others who had filed Sons of the American Revolution applications back in 1919 and 1924. BUT this article is the first thing I have heard of about a potential ADDITIONAL 80 ac Bounty Land Grant for early Rev War veterans. So more research is now warranted.

    His original application was made March 24, 1855 for service in 1780.As far as I can tell he was in one battle (but not while in the service), and one skirmish. His time of service is contradictory, but probably only about 4 months. (His birthdate also has unresolved contradictions.)

    The Bounty Land Grant was signed by President Buchanan March 10, 1860, AFTER Micah had died. The Land Grant Deed states that the land had been sold (probably by the family) BEFORE the Land Grant was issued.

    I have located the actual land that was granted (although have not yet personally walked the land) through the description on the Land Grant Deed and using Google Earth maps. The satellite map pictures of the property now (or within the last few years) is STILL undeveloped, although probably farm land, and probably a lot of marsh land.

    Further research indicates that the land had “originally” been in an earlier land grant to some General, who somehow fell out of favor. The land had become available when the US Government moved the Indians off the land and to a reservation further away.

    Although the family sold the property, they eventually DID move to that general area of Minnesota. I can find no other reason for their move from Maine to Minnesota other than the proximity of the Land Grant AND that the area was at the FRONTIER of the country at that time.

    I am planning to eventually go to Minnesota and WALK the land. My Granddaughter lives just about 40 miles from the property, and I found a (distant) cousin through this search who lives even closer. Although neither of their presence there had anything at all to do with the ancestral family having lived in that area in the past.

    • Nancy DeVault-Holt says:

      David, Brand new to this site but make sure when you search for that other 80 acres you look for it before/or around 1850. From reading some of the information (especially in my paperwork) the 1855 date is for the second land grant they approved., Good luck on your search.

    • David Hanush says:

      Thanks, that’s an interesting thought.
      Maybe the 1st one is where the family actually settled.

  17. Oh how I love you. Went back in my old flies and found these old copies of Woods and some of my grt. grt. grt.father children and grandchildrens records when they served in the 49th U.S.Colored Infanity, Misd Cards. 1864 at age 44years old. And another one
    Widow in 1907 request for the widow pension
    from the VETERAN ADMISTRATION from when her husband served in 1864,the application is on flies at the N.A.RA.
    You have opened up so much family history and information .I want to just say, THANK, YOU, THANK YOU! And make me so Proud of these old records I have been researching.

  18. Mary ruessing says:

    G2g? Grandfather rev. War granted land in or near Greenville MO. There are 2 large granite graves in the family cem there where he and another veteran are buried. Can be verified thru Daughters of American Revolution branch. POPLAR BLUFF, MO. 63967

  19. mary doss says:

    My great great great grandfather received bounty land in Illinois near Palestine He received 149 and 200th of an acre signed by President Millard Fillmore. and that is all i know

  20. Geoffrey Zollikoffer says:

    While reading the book ” Zollies Tree”, I discovered that Captin George Zollicoffer was a commissioned officer in the Revolutionary War. After the war he acquired 10000 acres of land in Halifax North Carolina, as part of his pension. This amount of land differs from what was provided for by congress. George Zollicoffer is my Greatest of Grandfathers in North America, I would like to know the whole truth.

  21. I am always always a $1.00 short but it never hurts to inquire.

  22. I, too, have a great great grandfather who served with the War of 1812. He was a private on the roll of Capt William Gill’s Company of Ohio, county unknown. He served from April 16, 1812 to April 17, 1813 as a private. He received 157.91 acres of land in Henry Co., Illinois from President Millard Fillmore. So far I haven’t found any other info regarding his service. I was hoping I could find some info on his family etc. thru some of his war papers on file. Any hints if that is possible with War of 1812 records.

    • Rhea Gilbert says:

      Carolyn, It is well worth your $$$ to send to the National Archives for the bounty land application and if he or his wife applied for a military pension. If you have a subscription to Fold3 you may want to check that first. The pension and or bounty land applications from the National Archives cost about $30 a pop! My experience has been about 90% success hitting the jackpot of info from either of the applications. If you want to find out more about your gg grandfather’s military company he served in, I would use google or yahoo with the words ” War of 1812 Captain William Gill Ohio.” Do you use Ancestry for your genealogy? This is a wonderful website for gleaning info, however, it is not free and you have to pay for a subscription. A free website is http://www.familysearch.org This is the LDS Church website for genealogy and another great site. I hope you find what you’re looking for and if I can help in any way let me know.

  23. Tim Delaney says:

    I entered my ancestors surname with the hopes of finding someone. I received 6 hits of different people and when I clicked additional facts I found my ancestor listed on each one of them. My question is this: What good does it do me to find that someone else was granted bounty land when my ancestor is only listed as the Captain from Virginia during the War of 1812?

    As you can tell I am new to genealogy.
    Thank you
    Tim Delaney

    • Hazel Copeland Buehler` says:

      I had relatives in the Revolutionary War. Their names were Arron Copeland and
      Ripley Copeland. Is there any information on them?

  24. Joanne petrillo says:

    My great great grandfather owned 800 acres in Fox Chapel, PA. i don’t know if it was a land grant. i have many documents about this and his last will and testimony. His name was Alexander Campbell. Born in 1802
    Died 1874. He is buried in pine creek Presbyterian cemetery. I have pictures of this and have seen it. Can you tell me where to look for This?

    • Rhea Gilbert says:

      Joanne, Alexander Campbell would have been too young to have served in the War of 1812, but may have served in the Civil War even at age 58. I checked the FindAGrave site and see that Pine Creek Presbyterian Cemetery is located in Fox Chapel, Allegheny County, PA. Probably your best bet would to check the USGENWEB site for Allegheny County and also the various Allegheny County genealogical societies as well as the Pennsylvania State archives. Alexander may have applied for a pension application if he served in the Civil War. Since his wife Mary, died in 1872 there would be no widows pension application. In looking for land records you would need to look for both grantee and grantor records.
      My Flick family resided in both Alleghney and Butler County, PA so I’ve done lots of research in that area. Another site you may check that is free is http:///www.familysearch.org. This is the LDS Church site and has been very useful for my research. Ancestry.com is another very good site but is fee based.

  25. Rhea Gilbert says:

    Joanne-I went back to http://www.findagrave.com for Pine Creek Cemetery and found that there are 13 Campbell’s buried there, one of which was Ann Campbell Hodil (wife of Frederick Hodil) -born April 1, 1839 in Allegheny County and died May 20, 1916 in Allegheny County. Her birth date indicates that it possible that she may be your Alexander’s daughter. Someone has posted her death certificate with her listing. In viewing the certificate one of the things listed is that her father was Alexander Campbell born in Pennsylvania and her mother Mary Wilson who was born in Ireland. Does this info ring any bells for possible child of Alexander and Mary? Even though this note has nothing to do with land records, it may be a step in your research regarding Alexander and Mary. You possibly already have this information but I just wanted to mention it to you.

  26. I contact our Texas capitol. In Austin,Texas for information and they sure have furnish me with a lot of information on the GOVENOR LAND GRANTS OF TEXAS.I did the follower up on the VGLO information .Also I found the old deeds, the abstract, warrant, heirship affvidate , and the transcation deeds of when the property was sold to. With the help of the County Coury House Records dated back from 1823,1833,1873, 1884and signed by the Govenor John l. Ireland ,in the County where the GLG. Have given the property to.
    Also I visited the libray and got books on the subject matter of the Texas Land Grants,
    Who got the Lands Grants, the Uncondition, and conditions, guildlines and how many acres they were entitle too. So much good information is in the books on these subject.
    It would be worth anyone to check out the library first of the LAND GRANTS, given to your loves first . Then go the way some of these good people on email is helping you with. Stephen F. Austin, and Sam Huston, was the one who gave my 4x grt. grtfather his land in 1823. 1833,. But Malbuera Lamar,it back because of the races. No Nergo or Cherokee Indians were entitle to the Land GRANTS.
    That why were the 2 DEEDS, one in 1823, 1833.Then other DEED 1884, that was sign by the then Govenor L.Ireland, who had been relected for the second time. All this are in the Library on the Subject of the Early Settlers in Texas. Some very good reading for anyone who are doing the researching on their family tree. I am so happy and sad too.
    But to know we were once a part of this history and have the old records to prove it.

  27. Lawrence Price says:

    How does one find out if their relatives had bounty land?

  28. Millie Meyerholz says:

    I have a copy of the 160 acres of bounty land document that my great-great-grandfather Nathaniel Hamilton as heir-at-law acquired through the June 1848 death of his son, Private Ellington Hamilton — age 14 — who signed up at Jefferson Barracks in Missouri. The family story states that Ellington “ran away to join” the Mexican War, “from which he did not return.” The land document is a transfer to a neighbor of Nathaniel Hamilton, William Pryce (misspelled as Price).in what was then Shelby County, Illinois.
    The original was brought to me over 30 years ago when a descendant of Pryce came to share information after I, a feature writer for a local newspaper, Pana News-Palladium, Pana, Illinois, wrote a story about a two story log house that had been turned into a barn in the 1860s. It was the remnant of Stone Coal settlement that preceded Pana.
    This document helped me find a relative whom a family historian declared as having not existed: Ellington Hamilton. As the result of research, I authenticated him and his military service, and about 2002, obtained an “in memory” military stone that was set up in the Coal Creek Cemetery — an acre which William Pryce donated: a graveyard which already was established as “Connor Cemetery,” originally named after neighboring residents.
    He left Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas “sick. Since has died,” states the military service document about him. Rebecca Hamilton, his oldest sister, married my great-grandfather, Matthew Alexander “Alex” Elam, who in 1880 became part of William Pryce’s official establishment of Coal Creek Cemetery–where the oldest marked graves are 1850.
    By chance, Hamilton’s little daughter, Grace, and great-granddaughter, Laura Ann Elam, were buried therein. Ellington’s stone stands next to Laura’s. I feel with satisfaction that he had came home, for I have honored this ancestor.

    • Diane Fisher says:

      Millie, what a great story. Your family should be so very proud of you. I recently found a great aunt in Italy (she’s been gone since 1958…the year I was born), that was rumored to be in our family. I have looked for 5 years, and had to go to Italy to find her! She still has two living daughters that I was able to meet! It is so good to recognize someone’s life! Great job!!

  29. Barbara Force Johannes says:

    My second great grandfather, Isaac Force, b. 1794 in Essex, County New Jersey, homesteaded in Trumbull Co. and Mahoning Co. Ohio in 1820. Two men named Isaac Force are listed as serving in the War of 1812. Could either of them have claimed Bounty Land? One was listed as Rejected: True; the other as Rejected: False. What does that mean?
    Is either of these two men my great-grandfather? Isaac Force d. 1865, buried in Duck Creek Cemetery, Trumbull Co. OH. An Isaac Force is also listed in the Revolutionary War–was he my 3xgreat grand father?

  30. James K Boyter says:

    My 3rd Great Grandfather, William Rice from Prince Edward County, Va, received swamp land in Arkansas County, Arkansas in 1855: a big mistake. It was a low lying place of bad water, Dysentary (sp), Malaria and yellow fever: today it is rice fields. Most of them died there. My orphaned grandmother, Josie Scales, lived 1st w her Great Aunt Cornelia “Dump” Lyles and then w her Great Uncle Manson Rice who had moved to Cass County, Texas: dry land.

  31. Cathy Neal says:

    My 3rd great grandfather was Jonathan Harvey, born 1786 in Holliston, Middlesex, Massachussetts to Jonathan Harvey and Mary Marshall. He received a Seaman Protection Certificate in 1809 and I have always presumed (family lore) he served in the War of 1812 but have found no record of that service. He shows up in Spencer County, Indiana in 1818/19 and is recorded as one of the earliest settlers there. He owns land and becomes a prominent citizen of the county. Again, I have presumed he may have received bounty land in return for his war service but have found no records to that effect. What reason would he be in Indiana otherwise? His widow applied for a pension after his death in 1863 so he must have served at some time. I have the forms for the Nat’l Archives records but do not have sufficient info to fill them to their satisfaction. Any ideas on other resources where I may find the info I am seeking?

  32. I want everyone to know with the help of the red river county court house records. Then went back into the old 1823-1873,1884 LAND GRANT FLIES Records, they had IN OLD BOOKS AND VOLUMES. We have piece together of the mystery of my Grt.,GRT.GRT.,GRTFATHER LAND GRANT PROPERTY. RED RIVER COUNTY COURT HOUSE HAD THE PLD HEIRSHIPS PAPERS.When and how the LAND GRANT PROPERTY, was deicided to each one.
    I am so glad to get the correct information on the property althou it is all sold.But I have in my records flies of the history of the LAND GRANT OF TEXAS.

  33. Gary Robert Prout says:

    Wonder if AC McKinley Prout qualifies? He was from England originally and was in the US Army around the 1850’s or later.

  34. REBECCA ACREE-LOTT says:

    My 4xGreat Grandfather volunteered for service in the Revoluntionary War from the State of Virginia. He received a land bounty of approximately 400 acres in what would become Habersham County, GA. He made it to Tenn. and barely into GA. before his death. His son and grandsons and great-grandsons continued toward GA for decades. In the late 1860’s James Clayton Acree was found living on the property and the sole support for his family and the families of his 3 sisters. James Clayton was my great grandfather. The family still lives in the now Banks, Stephens, and Habersham Counties area. I have done genealogical research and have documented support tracing my Acree family. The family has a webiste for descendants of Wm. Acree which also offers DNA testing for all males with the Acree (and derivative names) who have directly descended from males. My father took the test prior to his death and was able to identify his descent from Wm. Sadly I am the last living member of this line of descendent and am an only child.

  35. Richard M. Meyer says:

    My father was not very forthcoming about his family history but said a great-grand father had come from Prussia and joined the revolution. Dad stated he was some level of nobility and was given all the land that is now Canton, Ohio. There is Meyer Lake and I’m told a family estate still there. That is all the information I was ever able to get. I believe great grandpa was named William or Andrew as I was once told the two names were found in each generation for 400 years. there was even a family history, I’m told, done that had disappeared before I was born. I have very little other information but would be interested to find out more. I was also told my father had a 2nd cousin that rode with Custer and the 7th Cavalry. He was killed at Little Big Horn but I have no idea what his name may have been or how to find out.

  36. Yolanda Holeyfield says:

    Both of my great grand Father’s served in the war

  37. Jo Henn says:

    This will be very helpful. Thank you for sharing it! I wanted to tell you that I’ve included your post in my Noteworthy Reads for this week: http://jahcmft.blogspot.com/2015/10/noteworthy-reads-23.html

  38. Roger W. Hollister says:

    My Hollister ancestors fought in the American revolution and all wars afterwards.

  39. Bobbie Neely says:

    Did any Jarrard get any land in Ga. in182-30 in Ga.

  40. What happen after you find out the familes are Cherokee Indians and Choctaws ?

    • Rhea Gilbert says:

      If I were you I really would take advantage of Fold 3’s Native American Collection that is going to be available for free this month. It would be a wonderful way for you to get familiar with the records that are available for Native American research.

    • I have already sign up. Also I have the long list of the families blood lines. From when they were on the Trails of Tears. Also the Census 1900 records. That why I asked what do you do with all the information after you research it?

  41. I forgot to mention that the long list of my grt. grtfather who where Cherokee also have cards # and rolls #. On the Veteran Land Grants Records Flies List. It has my 4x grandfather listed as RED-1, with a number#, by his name as a Grantor, Patentee, another # after that. I got this list from the Texas Land Grant Offices Flies.
    Also a list of what the aberration means (EXPL.) MUS,REX-1,SCH. etc
    On the first Deed that has my grt. grt. grtfather name on it gives the description of the 166 acres property in details, To be given to his heirs and not be sold .sign by the Govenor of Texas John L. Ireland, 1873.
    On the second Deed it has my grt.grtfather name on it for 166 acres. The dates are 60 years later and sign in Red River County House. On 1884 for 166 acres of Land.
    These two Deeds are two different site of Land. And in two different names, Why?
    My grtfather died in 1904 had several children.
    And two wives were involued. It was a court order to divided the property of his Land Grant Property.
    No one can vertify of what happen to the other Land Grant Property of 1823. 1833,
    I have asked red river court house to look into the old volumes of #8 and #16 Books.
    The only books they are researching in are the volumes #405 where we found the 1st Land Grant Deed. It may seem I am going over the same things, but this is the way I am
    getting (bits and picies) of information by telephone from the Red River Court House.
    I contacted the Red River Historical Society and was email by them they did not have any information at all of what I was looking for.
    I lived over 200 miles away, and 800 miles from Austin Texas. All the time you never speak to the same person either in any of these business.

    • Rhea Gilbert says:

      Hi, Sounds like you are taking all the right steps to attain your goal. I have ancestors that were in Texas in 1832 and worked with the Texas State Archives and got good results. However, you are right you never get to talk to the same person! Just in the off chance that you may be able to find some additional information on the land grants, I’d check the Bureau of Land Management site to see if the records you are seeking are there. It’s an easy site to navigate within. Happy hunting and hope you find the answers you are seeking.
      Rhea

    • Thank you, I had already posted a reply before I read my email so thank you again. Glad some else know what we go thur with trying to get the information. They will tell you to go to the computers over there. Here in my city well most of us do not know how to use a computer. I been used to going to the old records books and looking in them for the years, months and dates. Thanks again.

  42. Thank you for the advices from all of you.I had to recheck some of my information that keep bugging me. On the dates on the LAND GRANTS. The deed of my 4x grt. grt. grt.father .Deed is called the HEADRIGHT-1 LAND GRANT. That gave him 166 acres, then addition 166 acres for the male sons.With conditions that they lived on the property for 6 years. In all you could acquire as many acres up to 1200 or more. According to the size of your family. This was in the LAND GRANTS RULES in 1823, 1833. My grt grandfather served in the COLORED INFRAMITY REG. 17, IN COMPANY B. I just finish finding this information. My grt. grandfather got his own LAND GRANT in 1884 in his name for serving in the War it is listed in the records of April 16, 1892. That why I keep telling RED RIVER COUNTY COURT HOUSE it two LAND GRANT that are issue to my relatives. Since it is such a large families of them by names.
    I am only researching the ones of my GRT FATHER, MY GRANDMOTHER’S, FATHER.
    Since the land and property was divided to each of his children. It was oil Drilling on all the Land from1930 to the 1980. Who gave the Oil company the premits to do the Drilling is another thing I had been asking for?
    They were all in the Wars, All serviced in the services also some are showing up in the N.AR.A as widows getting V.A. Penisons. In the 1863-1900 .I have the records of this from the N.A.R .A. Another thing has came to my attention Clarksville Texas was not given the name until 1836. 3 years after my grt. grt. grt.grtfather was given his land. In the RED RIVER COUNTY, THAT WHERE THE RECORDS ARE KEPT.

  43. Fuller C Jones says:

    Please contact need assistance for the Points family

  44. Searching to prove that my immigrant ancestor from Ireland fought in Revotionary War along with his brother – 6 g grandfather James Walker, Sr. and wife Margaret Reed Gray. His brother fought in the Revolutionary War (John’s grave is marked with a marker) but before now no one has had proof that James fought in the Revolutionary War also.
    DNA has definitely proved that they are brothers and all family history handed down states that James did fight in the war. James Sr. was called the Pioneer from Tennessee. Maybe this indicates that his bounty land was located in Tennessee. Brother John lived and is buried Blount Co. TN

    James moved to Madison County, Mississippi Territory. James b. 1750 in Ireland moved to Madison Co. about 1803 d. Feb. 6 1817 Arrived in Pennsylvania about 1775.

    Any help proving James fought in revolutionary war would be so appreciated.