I goofed on the address so I just forwarded it to the correct list-- the lazy way!. Jack Bates << Start of Forwarded message via Prodigy Mail >> From: Mail Delivery Subs Subject: Internet Message Date: 07/18 Time: 11:44 PM Return-Path: <MAILER-DAEMON> Received: from localhost (localhost) by pimaia4w.prodigy.com (8.8.5/8.8.5) with internal id XAA34102; Fri, 18 Jul 1997 23:47:19 -0400 Date: Fri, 18 Jul 1997 23:47:19 -0400 From: Mail Delivery Subsystem <MAILER-DAEMON> Message-Id: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/report; report-type=delivery-status; boundary="XAA34102.869284039/pimaia4w.prodigy.com" Subject: Returned mail: Host unknown (Name server: rootsweb.coml.: host not found) Auto-Submitted: auto-generated (failure) This is a MIME-encapsulated message --XAA34102.869284039/pimaia4w.prodigy.com The original message was received at Fri, 18 Jul 1997 23:47:18 -0400 from mime3.prodigy.com [192.168.253.27] ----- The following addresses had permanent fatal errors ----- <[email protected]> ----- Transcript of session follows ----- 550 <[email protected]>... Host unknown (Name server: rootsweb. coml.: host not found) --XAA34102.869284039/pimaia4w.prodigy.com Content-Type: message/delivery-status Reporting-MTA: dns; pimaia4w.prodigy.com Received-From-MTA: dns; mime3.prodigy.com Arrival-Date: Fri, 18 Jul 1997 23:47:18 -0400 Final-Recipient: rfc822; [email protected] Action: failed Status: 5.1.2 Remote-MTA: DNS; rootsweb.coml Last-Attempt-Date: Fri, 18 Jul 1997 23:47:18 -0400 --XAA34102.869284039/pimaia4w.prodigy.com Content-Type: message/rfc822 Return-Path: <[email protected]> Received: from mime3.prodigy.com (mime3.prodigy.com [192.168.253. 27]) by pimaia4w.prodigy.com (8.8.5/8.8.5) with ESMTP id XAA25394; Fri, 18 Jul 1997 23:47:18 -0400 Received: (from [email protected]) by mime3.prodigy.com (8.6.10/8.6.9) id XAA136684; Fri, 18 Jul 1997 23:42:25 -0400 Message-Id: <[email protected]> X-Mailer: Prodigy Internet GW(v0.9beta) - ae01dm04sc03 From: [email protected] (MR JACK BATES) Date: Fri, 18 Jul 1997 23:42:25, -0500 To: [email protected] cc: [email protected] Subject: Land Entry Files--Homestead etc Where to write for homestead files, Liz? Aye, `tis not an easy one word answer, Lassie. When we deal with bureaucrats they love to spread records around to keep all the "liddle elves" busy and confuse the citizens lest we catch on to them! Case 1: If your homesteader made application for land in one of the Public Land States (does not include any of the 13 original states) such as AL, AR,FL LA, MI, MN, MS, OH, or WI you are in luck. Take the easy way and search the CD-ROM for that state compiled by the Bureau of Land Management, Eastern States, for the General Land Office Automated Records Project. The CD can be purchased from the the Government Printing Office (I believe it is stocked in the Pittsburgh, PA, GPO.) The cost is approx $15 plus shipping. I have two of them but nowhere on the labels or instructions did they bother to print the address of the GPO who handles the sale!!!!! Write Bureau of Land Management, Eastern States, 7450 Boston Blvd., Springfield , VA 22153 Phone: (703) 440-1600 FAX (703) 440-1609 on the internet: http//:www. blm.gov. The CD has a rather simple search engine, a few confusing instructions re maps and meridians to be viewed, zoomed, and panned, and more record and file numbers than you ever wanted to know about one land transaction, but if your ancestor bought public land or homesteaded, the data is all neatly arranged so you can print it out and send in the info to BLM and order ALL the papers, reciepts, applications, witness affidavits, testimony of claimant and Final Affidavit and of course the Patent (same as a deed but is the term used when land passes from the government to a private party) That's the neat and clean easy method. Otherwise you must use method 2. Method 2 : Gather all the information you have about the ancestor, name, place, time, state, county, township, Range, Section pertaining to the land and include it in a letter requesting a search to: Textual Reference Branch (NNR1-Land) National Archives and Records Administration Washington, D.C. 20408 They may send you a form and ask you to use it to request the search and they will inform you of the fee(s). Some State Archives may maintain an index of homesteaders or more details, but you have to inquire in each case. You may be starting on a rather long trail involving a few weeks or months wait, but it can be very worthwhile. If your ancestor could write his name, the signature can be seen on a copy of the application for the land. Witness statements are those of people who knew him when he began the land entry and their testimonials as to character and his efforts to build a house and cultivate the land are priceless! See you on the trail, Liz. Jack Bates --XAA34102.869284039/pimaia4w.prodigy.com-- << End of Forwarded message >>