Hi List, I was up on the BLM site this morning, thinking I would for sure find land patent information on my 3rd-grandfather, Michael Manning. Not only did the 1870 census indicate that he owned land (real estate and personal estate was valued at $8000), but Margie found his wife Elizabeth as a land owner in 1878 ... thank you Margie :) :) :) So now my question ... what would it mean if I didn't find any land patent information? Does this just mean that the Manning's bought their property from a private individual rather than homesteading or doing a cash sale with the Federal Government? Could it mean the BLM doesn't have all its records up yet? And another question for you wonderful list members ... is there anyone here that does deed searches? I'm willing to hire a researcher in the Will County area, and/or Channahon area to help me get closer to the homestead of my Manning's for a possible trip this summer to pay my respects. Thank you! Lori Our Mixed Nuts .. err .. Roots http://www.redrival.com/alana