Land Records Are Genealogy Sources
Land records are great genealogy tools for researching your early ancestors in America, and your state probably has a free database for you to use. I know Texas does!
Have you ever wondered what a "headright" was? I have come across the term several times and never given it much thought until today. The "Headright System" was used to encourage emigration to Colonial America. Every person who came here to settle was "granted" the right to buy 50 acres of land for themselves and every other head (person) brought with them including indentured servants and slaves. This system was in place from 1618 - 1700 in the 13 American colonies.
It was also used in the newly independent Texas beginning in 1836. Once an immigrant could prove his citizenship, a grant was issued, the new owner would ask for a survey, and then a patent would be granted. The survey was titled for whoever paid for it.
This is a group of Collins family surveys in East Texas. Father Wade, son Robt., and their future in-law, J.M. Tompkins (among others).
There were four different types of Headrights in Texas:
First Class: For those living in Texas before March 2, 1836. Heads of families received 1 league and 1 labor (4,605.5 acres); single men received one-third of a league (1,476.1 acres).
Second Class: For those who arrived between March 2, 1836, and October 1, 1837. Heads of households received 1,280 acres; single men received 640 acres.
Third Class: For immigrants arriving between October 1, 1837, and January 1, 1840. Heads of households received 640 acres; single men received 320 acres.
Fourth Class: For immigrants arriving during a final 24-month window after the third class expired, offering identical amounts (640 acres for families, 320 for single men).
You can go to Texas Archival Resources Online to search for and see the records for free. https://txarchives.org/tslac/finding_aids/10176.xml
The full title of the page is "Texas General Land Office Copies and District Clerk Returns (Reports of Headright Certificates): An Inventory of General Land Office Copies of County and District Clerk Returns (Reports of Headright Certificates) at the Texas State Archives,1857 (originals date from 1836 to 1855)."
You will also find your ancestors as buyers or sellers. Land Records can be of great use to you in your Genealogy research. You may find out when your ancestors arrived, when they died, or when they left. And if you are a Texan and your family has a headright or survey name, you may qualify for a special Texas State Heritage certificate!
I love sharing these free records sources with you. I'd love to help you with your brick wall too or your own Heritage Certificate. Send me an email for a free review and lets get started!
Thank you,
Leslie Ryan
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