Sounds like the 1862 Homestead Act under which so much land out West was acquired by settlers... One of my kin in Madison County, FL, got some of his land the same way. RW Epanske@aol.com wrote: > > I have come across a land patent for what I think is my great grandfather > William James McNeal in Escambia county, Fl. > It says under "Authority", May 20 1862: Homestead Entry (12 Stat.392) > Does anyone know what that indicated ? Under what circumstances ? > Any info at all will be appreciated. > Emma in NM