My emigrants purchased land in Ontonagon county shortly after arriving in the UP from England (mid 1850's). One died without obtaining citizenship. The women, never gained citizenship, but continued to own land. Rules for receiving land in government "give away" programs probably vary from program to program. Some land, known as bounty lands, were given in payment of service to the country during a time of war. Most of the government programs served the purpose of moving the population westward..... Cat Nielsen