Hi List! :) I have got a question~does anyone know where a Washington (city not county), Ill. would have been in December 1859? I have been told there was one in Tazwell county....could it of been on the border of a different county? I am looking for a Thomas/Mary Brown son Elmer b. December 1859, Washington Ill. I have looked at the census(1860) and do not see a Elmer with either of the two Thomas' listed in the index for Washington County? And there is no Thomas listed for Tazwell county? Suggestions anyone? I read somewhere that Washington County courthouse had a fire and the records were destroyed is that correct? Beth Andrews Portland, Oregon [email protected] Surnames: Gemar, Stoller, Hoerth, Engel, Hempy, Mason, Brown, Schultz, Gregory, Andrews, Schmidt, Efner, Hedges, Johnson

I know that I should know the answer to this but it escapes me. Are there any naturalization papers kept at the county seat or are they at the state level? Thanks. Harlean

Well, Well......it's the first stupid question of the New Year.....and of course it has to come from me...... On sources......what does "ibid" mean? See, I told you it was stupid......I should know this right???? :-) Marci

I notice that the Marissa Historical Society publishes a book on Washington County cemeteries. I might be interested in obtaining this book. However, does anyone know what is in this book? Is it just a listing of cemeteries and where they are located or are they actual inventories of the graves in each cemetery? Russell Russell D. James Delta, Colorado [email protected]

Received this site from another list and found it informative. You can research any town, county, or state in the US in 1895. It is a 1895 US Atlas with maps, info on population (in 1895), whether town had post office, train station and/or freight depot. You can download maps and print them out for your records, also. http://www.livgenmi.com/1895.htm When the home page is downloaded, click on the list of towns and cities in the state you are researching. This will take you to a site that lists them by beginning letter. Click on the approp. letter and a whole list will come up. After you find the town you want and get the info from the list, click back to the home page and click on the approp. map. The maps take about 5 minutes download, but are well worth the wait. Nancy in S. C.

Hi Cousin, Yes, most country churches did have a cemetery close by. The two burials in question both occured in August of 1878. One was at the Union Church Cemetery, and the other at the Old Christian Church Cemetery, both in Washington Co., IL. Our people are buried at the Brick Cemetery, which has also been called the Union Cemetery. I'm in hopes that the three are one in the same, and that the Old Christian Church Cemetery isn't being farmed over. :-( Bill From: Marci <[email protected]> To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Date: Tuesday, February 22, 2000 7:00 PM Subject: Re: [ILWASHIN] Cemetery Question >Bill, the first time I went down to Ashley and talked to some of the locals they told me that there used to be a church and a school out by Brick .....They may have been confused, but didn't most churches have their own cemeteries close by? >Marci >----- Original Message ----- >From: "levanti" <[email protected]> >To: <[email protected]> >Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2000 6:39 PM >Subject: [ILWASHIN] Cemetery Question > > >> Help! >> >> Can someone tell me if "The Old Christian Church Cemetery, Union >> Church Cemetery and The Brick Cemetery" are one and the same? >> >> Death information on three Flanigan family members who lived across >> the county line in Casner Twp., Jefferson Co., IL. said they were >> buried in the above cemeteries in Washington Co., IL. The one buried >> at the Brick Cemetery does have a headstone there. >> >> I've heard the Brick Cemetery called the Union Cemetery, but never the >> Union Church Cemetery. I have never heard of the Old Christian Church >> Cemetery. Members of my Smith - Flanigan family were members of the >> Christian Church. I have never found where that church was located in >> the Ashley area. I'm trying to turn a cold trail HOT. Can anyone help >> me? >> >> Bill >> >

In a message dated 2/22/00 6:26:06 PM Central Standard Time, [email protected] writes: << Can someone tell me if "The Old Christian Church Cemetery, Union Church Cemetery and The Brick Cemetery" are one and the same? >> Bill, Somewhere in my vague memory, I think I have heard something about what a church there. It also seems to me that the Jeff Co. Cemetery Volumes carry the Brick listings. Perhaps in the intro to the cemetery there is mention of that. Did you check the Mt. Vernon Library. I think they are very helpful and I think you can get to their page from the Jeff Co. page. Delores

Looking for information on the Pugh family of Washington Co. and Perry Co. Illinois. My ancestral line is traced back to SAMUEL PUGH. Samuel was born in Va. and married a Nancy born in Ohio. Shayne Descendants of Samuel Pugh Generation No. 1 1. SAMUEL1 PUGH was born 1815 in Va.. He married NANCY. She was born in Ohio. Notes for SAMUEL PUGH: 1850 Federal census Washington Co. Illinois: Page Line Surname Name Age Place 1154a 26 Pugh Samuel 35 Va 1154a 27 Nancy 33 Oh 1154a 28 Milo 14 IA 1154a 29 Mary J. 13 IA 1154a 30 David 11 IA 1154a 31 Charles 10 Illinois 1154a 32 Samuel 4 Illinois 1154a 33 Clarinda 2 Illinois 1158b 14 Pugh Daniel 31 TN 1158b 15 Elizabeth 29 Ky 1158b 16 Thomas 12 Illinois 1158b 17 Sarah 5 Illinois 1158b 18 Martha 3 Illinois 1158b 19 Henry 1 Illinois NOTE: 1840 Census of Washington co does not show the Samuel Pugh Family. More About SAMUEL PUGH: 1850 Federal Census take from Augus 13 to November 7, 1850 of Washington Co. Illinois: Pugh, Samuel 35 Male Virginia Farmer " Nancy 33 Female Ohio " Milo 14 Male IA. " Mary J. 13 Female IA. " David 11 Male IA. " Charles 10 Male Illinois " Samuel 4 Male Illinois " Clarinda 2 Female Illinois Children of SAMUEL PUGH and NANCY are: 2. i. MILO2 PUGH, b. 1836, Ia. ii. MARY JANE PUGH, b. 1837, Ia; m. JOSEPH COX, February 06, 1853, Washington co., Illinois book A page 35. Marriage Notes for MARY PUGH and JOSEPH COX: Washington co. marriage records book A page 35 3. iii. DAVID PUGH, b. April 01, 1838, Ia; d. March 09, 1900, Perry co. Illinois. iv. CHARLES PUGH, b. 1840, Illinois. 4. v. SAMUEL PUGH, b. 1846, Illinois; d. November 01, 1897. vi. CLARINDA PUGH, b. 1848, Illinois. Generation No. 2 2. MILO2 PUGH (SAMUEL1) was born 1836 in Ia. He married TABITHA WEAVER March 26, 1854 in Washington co., Illinois book a page 39. Marriage Notes for MILO PUGH and TABITHA WEAVER: Washington co. marriage records Book A page 39 Child of MILO PUGH and TABITHA WEAVER is: 5. i. WILLIAM MILO3 PUGH. 3. DAVID2 PUGH (SAMUEL1) was born April 01, 1838 in Ia, and died March 09, 1900 in Perry co. Illinois. He married CHRISTINE ANN HELD May 12, 1863 in Washington co., Il. book B page 435. She was born June 24, 1845 in Strathberg, Germany, and died March 31, 1927 in Mathews, Il.. Notes for CHRISTINE ANN HELD: Obituary: GRANDMA PUGH DIES AT THE AGE OF 81 YEARS Christine Held was born in Strathberg, Germany, June 24, 1845, and departed this life March 31, at the age of 81 years, 9 months and 7 days, after a lingering illness. She was bedfast for the last eight months. She came to this country at the age of 4 years and has resided here since. She was united in marriage to David Pugh June 7, 1863. To this union ten children were born, three of whom with the husband preceded her to the Great Beyond. Mr. Pugh having passed away March 9, 1900, Eliza Jane and Leona Frances died at a tender age; David died at the age of 31 years. Those who survive are John S. of Cutler, Charles W., George A. and Perry of Vergennes; Mrs. Catherine Becker of Pinckneyville; Mrs. Allie Schimpf of Vergennes; Vallee Pugh, who remained in the home; 26 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. She was baptized in the Lutheran church in Germany, when she was an infant and has always been a loving and faithful believer in the church. Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at the family residence, conducted by Rev. A. Friz of this city. Interment in the Green Brier cemetery. Family history tells us that she came to this country at the age of 4 years (1849) with her mother, a brother that died at sea, and brother John Health. Brother John Americanized his name to Health and homestead 40 acres 1-1/2 miles N.W. of Rockville Mo. Marriage Notes for DAVID PUGH and CHRISTINE HELD: Washington co. records indicate W. David Pugh marriage may 12, 1863 Book B page 435 Children of DAVID PUGH and CHRISTINE HELD are: 6. i. JOHN SAMUEL3 PUGH, b. September 09, 1865, Washington co. Il.; d. December 20, 1948, Cutler, Illinois. ii. LEONA FRANCIS PUGH, b. January 31, 1868. Notes for LEONA FRANCIS PUGH: Died at a tender age. iii. ANDREW DAVID PUGH, b. October 23, 1870; d. February 06, 1901. iv. ELIZA JANE PUGH, b. October 23, 1870. Notes for ELIZA JANE PUGH: Died at a tender age. 7. v. CHARLES WILLIAM PUGH, b. October 09, 1874, Illinois. 8. vi. CATHERINE PUGH, b. January 16, 1876, Perry co, Illinois; d. March 21, 1960, Pinckneyville, Illinois. 9. vii. PERRY PUGH, b. Bet. January 21 - 28, 1878; d. 1958. 10. viii. GEORGE ANN PUGH, b. March 20, 1880; d. June 28, 1940. ix. VALLIE PUGH, b. May 10, 1884; d. July 12, 1963, Cutler, Illinois. Notes for VALLIE PUGH: Lived with his parents at home. Later in life he lived with brother John Samuel in Cutler, Illinois. 11. x. ALICE PUGH, b. November 24, 1886; d. November 05, 1955, Jackson co. Illinois. 4. SAMUEL2 PUGH (SAMUEL1) was born 1846 in Illinois, and died November 01, 1897. He married ELLEN MYERS January 08, 1885 in Perry co, Illinois. Notes for SAMUEL PUGH: Enlisted 10/18/1864. Served in the Civil War Co. H 42 Ill. Inf. that was commanded by Captain Koonts. He was honorably discharged at Port Lavaca Texas on the 20th Oct. 1865 He married Mrs Elen Myers 1/8/85 - William M. Breese J.P. Lic. #64 Volume "B" Page 173 Children Georgianna and Frank were under public guardianship McLean Co. Illinois 03/30/1906. They filed for Samuel's disability pension. Children of SAMUEL PUGH and ELLEN MYERS are: i. GEORGIANNA3 PUGH, b. April 19, 1892. ii. FRANK PUGH, b. July 19, 1896. Generation No. 3 5. WILLIAM MILO3 PUGH (MILO2, SAMUEL1) He married ROSA HENSON. Child of WILLIAM PUGH and ROSA HENSON is: 12. i. ORWIN HADLEY4 PUGH. 6. JOHN SAMUEL3 PUGH (DAVID2, SAMUEL1) was born September 09, 1865 in Washington co. Il., and died December 20, 1948 in Cutler, Illinois. He married (1) CARRIE E. MOORE November 05, 1891 in Perry co., Illinois, daughter of ABSOLOM MOORE and SPOLONA WILLIAMS. She was born in Randolph Co. Illinois, and died January 18, 1902 in Perry County Illinois. He married (2) CLARA VIOLA BROWNING October 08, 1908 in Chester, Il, daughter of JOHN BROWNING and EMELINE PHILLIPS. She was born October 24, 1879 in St. Clair co. Illinois, and died March 06, 1958 in Cutler, Il. Notes for JOHN SAMUEL PUGH: He was active in mining and miners' organizations from a an early age until his retirement at age 81. Notes for CARRIE E. MOORE: Marriage in Perry Co. Illinois Lic. #118 Volume "B" Page 175 More About CLARA VIOLA BROWNING: Burial: March 09, 1958, Cutler Cemetery Cutler, Illinois Children of JOHN PUGH and CARRIE MOORE are: 13. i. ANDREW H.4 PUGH. 14. ii. ROY PUGH. 15. iii. LEONA PUGH. iv. WALTER PUGH. v. CHARLES PUGH. ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com

If you have time for a smile read on. If you are pressed for time, do it another time. Jerry -------------- Meticulous Mel" loves to research and will go anytime anywhere to find anything. He's so meticulous that it's intimidating to correspond with him. He never lets a typo get past him, never writes in the margins. He promptly answers letters the same day he gets them and gently reminds you that you asked the same question he answered for you six months earlier. His findings are superbly filed in plastic page protectors within color coordinated notebooks, with supporting documents in numbered folders in neat file cabinets. His conclusions are yet to be published, but he has included in his will that he leaves his marvelous collection to local historical society. "Listen To Me Lollie" enthralls librarians and drop in patrons with genealogical wonder tales. Yet, she answers her genealogical correspondence six months later than you expected, telling you all of the family troubles on three long-hand pages, but she hasn't gotten around to doing any genealogical research but hopes you will send her all that you have done. If you do, don't hold your breath for a reply. "Defensive Dan" published a genealogy of the family. He assigned some ancestors a wee bit loosely with little or no verifiable proof. If you ask him what his evidence was, he can't tell you, so he just keeps repeating the unproven assertion, hoping you'll tire from asking. "Scattershot Sal" asks so many questions that it would be a 2 day job to answer them all ... and expects $33 of info for 33 cent stamp. She reads queries from sixty people with the surname she's looking for and sends every one of them a photocopied letter asking them to fill in a family group sheet. She totally ignores the fact that she's looking for Smiths in Kentucky in 1870 and your query was for Smith in Massachusetts in 1750. "Promising Paul" answers your every letter with a promise to photocopy those missing pages which will, you think, complete your ancestry in one line back to the 1600's. He writes each time: "I know I"ve got it, if I can just find time to send it to you. I'll be doing it soon for sure." But, of course, he never does. "Gap-jumper Gert" loves to make charts climb. She has her ancestors on one line back to a man in Virginia in 1850. She can't identify his father, but she's sure he's a great-grandson of the family of the same name she's read about in a published genealogy, so she promptly claims those people as ancestors and wants to correspond about them. The gap between her generations means little to her, and the longer it exists, the more likely she is to forget about it entirely. "Brusque Brutus", the Know It All, has all the answers and will not listen to any suggestions of items to check. Brusque Brutus has been a genealogist for 30 years and has no patience whatsover. If he gets a letter without a self-addressed stamped envelope (even from a beginner who obviously didn't realize he was being discourteous by failing to include one), it goes right into the wastebasket. If someone dares to question any of Brutus' findings, the inquiry will be summarily dismissed, because Brutus is sure he's right and won't consider any other possibility. "Naive Nancy" is a newcomer to genealogy. She's heard that her ancestors were kidnapped by Indians but later rescued and that she is related to a former President of the United States. She's also heard that a maiden aunt "finished all of our family's history on all lines all the way back," and she wants your help in locating the book "that tells it all." Will believe the first thing heard or seen in print and never believe anything else. "Publication Prudence" instructs all correspondents to send her completely filled out group sheets for her upcoming publication which will be "upcoming" for 20 years. By that time, everyone, including Prudence, will have long forgotten it. If only Prudence could get together with her cousin Rushing Rusty. "Rushing Rusty" is in and out of the courthouse in 5 minutes. Rushing Rusty announces he's going to publish a family genealogy in six months and sets a specific day as a deadline. Amazingly, he does it. Laggards complain that their lines are left out, but at least Rusty has made a contribution to genealogical literature, which too few of us ever get around to doing. The Balanced Researcher will take the time necessary to do the job right; will know the rules of the places where they are researching and will abide by them. They will seek to help a library and make their visit remembered with joy. They will record their findings and publish quality works from time to time. Which one of these correspondents is most like you? . . . I'm sure, to one degree or another, most of us have some of their failings. We hope we have some of their good points too. The fact that we're all different is part of what makes corresponding about our ancestors so much fun.

Bill, the first time I went down to Ashley and talked to some of the locals they told me that there used to be a church and a school out by Brick .....They may have been confused, but didn't most churches have their own cemeteries close by? Marci ----- Original Message ----- From: "levanti" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2000 6:39 PM Subject: [ILWASHIN] Cemetery Question > Help! > > Can someone tell me if "The Old Christian Church Cemetery, Union > Church Cemetery and The Brick Cemetery" are one and the same? > > Death information on three Flanigan family members who lived across > the county line in Casner Twp., Jefferson Co., IL. said they were > buried in the above cemeteries in Washington Co., IL. The one buried > at the Brick Cemetery does have a headstone there. > > I've heard the Brick Cemetery called the Union Cemetery, but never the > Union Church Cemetery. I have never heard of the Old Christian Church > Cemetery. Members of my Smith - Flanigan family were members of the > Christian Church. I have never found where that church was located in > the Ashley area. I'm trying to turn a cold trail HOT. Can anyone help > me? > > Bill >

Help! Can someone tell me if "The Old Christian Church Cemetery, Union Church Cemetery and The Brick Cemetery" are one and the same? Death information on three Flanigan family members who lived across the county line in Casner Twp., Jefferson Co., IL. said they were buried in the above cemeteries in Washington Co., IL. The one buried at the Brick Cemetery does have a headstone there. I've heard the Brick Cemetery called the Union Cemetery, but never the Union Church Cemetery. I have never heard of the Old Christian Church Cemetery. Members of my Smith - Flanigan family were members of the Christian Church. I have never found where that church was located in the Ashley area. I'm trying to turn a cold trail HOT. Can anyone help me? Bill

To All: >From Tyler Laird: 2/21/00 Tyler Laird [email protected] I am researching Laird's In Washington Co. I know there were Laird's in Dobois,IL. Any information you give me I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks, Tyler Laird. Robert J. Middleton Nanaimo, Vancouver Island BC Canada Fax/Phone (250) 751-8624 email [email protected] Washington County IL ILGenWeb Co-ordinator Washington County IL Mail List Washington County IL Web Page http://mypage.direct.ca/m/mid/northam.html

Hi All: I just posted some new queries to the web page. http://mypage.direct.ca/m/mid/qryindex.htm If you wish to check them out. http://mypage.direct.ca/m/mid/qryindex.htm Robert. Robert J. Middleton Nanaimo, Vancouver Island BC Canada Fax/Phone (250) 751-8624 email [email protected] Washington County IL ILGenWeb Co-ordinator Washington County IL Mail List Washington County IL Web Page http://mypage.direct.ca/m/mid/northam.html

This is for, Barbara Carter Cooper I believe the institution was the Chicago Industrial League, but I won't swear to that. She would be wise to contact the Jane Addams' Hull House Museum, which I believe was the home of the League (I forget my history...). Mary Ann Johnson is the director at 312-413-5354, . If I'm wrong, they should be able to direct her to the right source. Cathy That is the information I got from my sister-in-law Cathy, hope its of some help to you. Tammy

Thanks Marci, You do such a good job at keeping us informed. Kay in Washington County ----- Original Message ----- From: Marci <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, February 20, 2000 10:49 AM Subject: [ILWASHIN] information The 1850 Mortality schedule is now online.... The Pre-1910 Probate index is being added 1 letter at a time.... Rountree Cemetery pictures are also online..... http://genweb.net/~hinton/wshngtn.html

Can anyone help Barbara with this question ??????? Thanks, Robert J. Middleton. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Hello Robert, I am hoping that you can tell me if there is or was a, Chicago Industrial Home for Children. I am looking for history of my father, Charles B. (Charley) Carter. I recieved today, records of his being in the Tennessee Preparatory School, in Nashville, Tn. On his admission papers it gave information that he had been in an Orphan Home in the Chicago school. I would assume that it would have been between the years of 1910-1920 time period, I believe. It gives as his parents Charles & Lilly Carter. He was adopted by Ella Anderson of Duck River, Tn. I have found that that info. was not correct, and that Ella Anderson was his birth mother. She came from an aristocratic family and I am sure that is why there is such a mystery about where he came from. It says he was eight yrs. of age when adopted by her. I know this all sounds like a novel and not like a reality. If you could check or just let me know about the Chicago school, I would appreciate it very much. Regards, Barbara Carter Cooper 1411 Stricker Road Memphis, In. 47143 812-246-5911 Robert J. Middleton Nanaimo, Vancouver Island BC Canada Fax/Phone (250) 751-8624 email [email protected] Washington County IL ILGenWeb Co-ordinator Washington County IL Mail List Washington County IL Web Page http://mypage.direct.ca/m/mid/northam.html

The 1850 Mortality schedule is now online.... The Pre-1910 Probate index is being added 1 letter at a time.... Rountree Cemetery pictures are also online..... http://genweb.net/~hinton/wshngtn.html

Yes there is a home in Chicago, my sister-in-law was raised there. It is still running today. I will forward this email on to her, she may be able to help you. Tammy

Dear folks, Here's new information about a database that should be of interest to anyone interested in United States land records. Although some records are on the database, a search of the index may lead you to a local BLM office to get a copy of a record made from their microfiche. Those living away from convenient offices may need to send a letter. What is new is that the database now includes records for lands west of the Mississippi River. Prior to this, only records for east of the Mississippi were online. Jerry in Idaho ------------------ Press Release: BLM expands internet we site: new searchable federal land patent database includes eastern AND western land records at www.glorecords.blm.gov Springfield, VA "Westward, Ho!" You might have heard those words many times if you were among the hardy pioneers who left the Colonies to seek a new life on the fertile lands of the Northwest Territory. You can still hear those words today, electronically speaking, in the Springfield, Virginia, Office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Department of the Interior agency responsible for the historic General Land Office (GLO) records that literally tell the story of the settlement of the West. The BLM's expanded web site now offers information on historic land patents from all thirty public land states (those not included in the original 13 Colonies), east and west. Patent images and data for 12 eastern public lands states have been online for about 2 years. Recently, BLM Eastern States has automated the "serialized" patents--those post-1908 conveyances issued chronologically from the headquarters General Land Office/BLM in Washington, D.C. The data and images for about 160,000 serialized patents are now online. Over the next 3 years, additional serialized patents will be added. The new web site also includes indexes to patents issued prior to 1908 from most western states. A special feature of the new site allows you to query the GLO database by name, whether the name belongs to the patentee, warrantee, assignee, or heir. Also, the image display capabilities have been expanded, permitting the user to choose among TIFF, GIF, and PDF file formats. BLM is the successor agency to the GLO and has responsibility for the Secretary of the Interior's copies of documents that transferred ownership of land from the Federal Government to private citizens. Genealogists have found these documents to be a valuable research tool to verify lineage or to place an ancestor in a specific place and time. Title companies also use the information to ensure clear land titles. The BLM has computerized millions of these federal land records and has made the data easily accessible on the Internet in a user-friendly, name-searchable format at www.glorecords.blm.gov.

Dear folks, Here's new information about a database that should be of interest to anyone interested in United States land records. Although some records are on the database, a search of the index may lead you to a local BLM office to get a copy of a record made from their microfiche. Those living away from convenient offices may need to send a letter. What is new is that the database now includes records for lands west of the Mississippi River. Prior to this, only records for east of the Mississippi were online. Jerry in Idaho ------------------ Press Release: BLM expands internet we site: new searchable federal land patent database includes eastern AND western land records at www.glorecords.blm.gov Springfield, VA "Westward, Ho!" You might have heard those words many times if you were among the hardy pioneers who left the Colonies to seek a new life on the fertile lands of the Northwest Territory. You can still hear those words today, electronically speaking, in the Springfield, Virginia, Office of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Department of the Interior agency responsible for the historic General Land Office (GLO) records that literally tell the story of the settlement of the West. The BLM's expanded web site now offers information on historic land patents from all thirty public land states (those not included in the original 13 Colonies), east and west. Patent images and data for 12 eastern public lands states have been online for about 2 years. Recently, BLM Eastern States has automated the "serialized" patents--those post-1908 conveyances issued chronologically from the headquarters General Land Office/BLM in Washington, D.C. The data and images for about 160,000 serialized patents are now online. Over the next 3 years, additional serialized patents will be added. The new web site also includes indexes to patents issued prior to 1908 from most western states. A special feature of the new site allows you to query the GLO database by name, whether the name belongs to the patentee, warrantee, assignee, or heir. Also, the image display capabilities have been expanded, permitting the user to choose among TIFF, GIF, and PDF file formats. BLM is the successor agency to the GLO and has responsibility for the Secretary of the Interior's copies of documents that transferred ownership of land from the Federal Government to private citizens. Genealogists have found these documents to be a valuable research tool to verify lineage or to place an ancestor in a specific place and time. Title companies also use the information to ensure clear land titles. The BLM has computerized millions of these federal land records and has made the data easily accessible on the Internet in a user-friendly, name-searchable format at www.glorecords.blm.gov.