In a message dated 2/3/2003 3:22:46 PM Central Standard Time, JChan18003@aol.com writes: > Can anyone tell me what stray lists meant in the mid- 1800's? I have > Burrell > Tisdale Book 3, page 18 1848-1851, and again Book 2 pages 152/153 > 1842-1847. > I am trying to find out information on this party, and wonder if the > information contained would be of any help. Thanks in advance for your > response - Jim Chandler > > <A HREF="http://thelibrary.springfield.missouri.org/lochist/records/strtoc.htm">Index to Greene County Stray Records</A>These are records of stray livestock. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Missouri statutes provided specific guidelines for individuals finding and harboring lost cattle, horses, mules and other livestock. Before a person could take possession of the stray, he was required to post a notice of intent for at least thirty days and pay a bond to ensure that the animal would not be disposed of in that time. After notices had been posted in public places for thirty days, the finder was required to file a notice with a justice of the peace, who determined if the proper procedure was followed and collected a bond equal to the appraised value of the animal. After one year, if the animal remained unclaimed, half of the bond was returned to the finder. The justice of the peace submitted lists which were provided to the county clerk, who posted the information in the stray books. The records are at : TheGreene County Archives and Record Center > > 1126 Boonville Ave. > Springfield, MO 65802 > (417) 868-4021 > They are very helpful and may look up some things for free or very minimal fee usually no more than their cost for copies and mailing if needed. Their website is: http://www.greenecountymo.org/archives/ Richard L. Bench 1709 Taylor Ct. Olathe, KS 66062-2412 Richbench@aol.com