Land Entry Files

Before the homesteaders, soldiers, and other patentees received their patent, some government paperwork had to be done. Homesteaders had to file applications, witnesses had to testify that the homesteader had actually lived on the land, and those purchasing the land were issued receipts. These documents are on file at the National Archives.

The National Archives welcomes researchers to use both original and microfilmed records. The reference staff can help you to plan your research and to locate and understand records. If you are unable to visit the National Archives, or its regional archives, you may obtain copies of documents through the mail.

You can order copies of Land Entry Files from the National Archives using a copy of NATF Form 84. Full instructions for payment are explained on the form. The cost of the search and copies can be charged to a credit card or you can pay by check. Forms may be obtained from:

National Archives and Records Administration
(telephone 202-501-5170)
Textual Reference Branch - Land (NWDT1)
7th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20408

What Does a Land Entry File Contain?

A Land Entry File for a homestead contains some or all of the following:

• Receipt for register's and receiver's fees to file a Declaratory Statement (DS).



• Copy of a Final Proof Notice published in a newspaper and an a sworn statement by the newspaper publisher.



• Statement by register that Final Proof Notice was posted in his office for a period of thirty days.



• Affidavit by settler making application for homestead.



• Homestead Proof - Testimony of Claimant.



• Homestead Proof - Testimony of First Witness.



• Homestead Proof - Testimony of Second Witness.



• Settler's Pre-Emption - Homestead Affidavit.



• Homestead Proof - Final Affidavit Required of Homestead Claimants.



• Settler's Application for Entry.



• Receiver's Receipt for Fee and Compensation of Register and Receiver for Entry.



• Receiver's Duplicate Receipt for Fee and Compensation of Register and Receiver for Entry.



• Final Receiver's Receipt for the Balance of Payment for Entry.



• Final Receiver's Receipt for the Balance of Payment for Entry. (This copy contains a notation: "PAT. DELIVERED BY R.R." stamped across the face of the document.



• Homestead - Final Certificate.



• A note that records the Final Certificate Number, Homestead Application Number, Date the Homestead Application was Approved, Date the Land Patents was Issued and the Page and Volume Number Where the Land Patent was recorded.



• Settler's Record of Naturalization to United States Citizenship.



• Land Patent.

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URL: http://www.rootsweb.com/~mnbecker/patents.htm