My GGrandfather arrived in Jasper County around 1838 and supposedly bought a farm. Government Land Office records show that he purchased land from the US Government several times beginning in 1849. Who "owned" the land that he supposedly purchased prior to 1849? By that I mean, if one could purchase land from the government, I would assume he would do that earlier than 1849. And if the government didn't own the land, how did someone else get title to it? Would the transaction be available in the Jasper Couny Deeds office? Another question. The first homestead act passed by Congress in 1862. Soon thereafter, 160 acres adjacent to the property my g.grandfather purchased from the government, was homesteaded by a Mr. Bristow. Does any one know if that 160 acres was "just vacant" all that time? My ggrandfather couldn't "homestead" that 160 acres or any other because he already owned over 160 acres, but the thought of that 160 acres being "just vacant" and owned by the government until it was homesteaded just doesn't seem possible. Any ideas?? Thanks John