Hello list! I have found a tiny clue in my recent research on John Piatt/Pyeatt (http://www.angelfire.com/ar/pyeatt/JohnP.html ) of Jefferson Co, MO. I had known for years that John had a large tract of land (Spanish Land Grant) from before 1790 in Jefferson County and that there are many records (I have abstracts of many) of his attempts to have this claim confirmed. Recently, a Hildebrand researcher from Lansing, IL, mentioned this claim and said that it had been denied because he had already received a claim. Now, this was the first that I have ever heard or realized that there were two pieces of property involved. And, since John's children sold their share of his property 'claimed by John and his father' in 1845 - I just ASSUMED (Oh, the shame of it!) that he had eventually had the claim confirmed. Now, I am starting to wonder if he and his father (whose name I do not know!) had received a land claim together that I should get original records for in case it names the father. So, here's the question! What is the best/easiest/cheapest/etc. way for me to go about finding out exactly what property John owned and getting an original to scour for more clues? Does anyone know anything about James Richardson? He was some some of agent on John's claim and I've seen his name several times as an agent for others. Below are some abstracts from various 'Missouri Pioneer' type books. Can anyone tell me if they refer to the same grant or two different ones? John Pyatt, claiming four hundred and sixty-two arpents of land, situate on the Negro fork of the river Merrimack, district of St Louis; Produces to the Board a survey of the same, dated the 21st January, and certified 17th February, 1806. Testimony taken, August 20, 1806. James Richardson, sworn, says that he knew the above claimant on the said tract of land about fifteen years ago; that he raised two crops on the same; that, in the year 1790, he was driven away by Indians; that he remained out until the year 1800, when he went back on said land; that, in 1801, he planted a crop of corn, and was again driven away; that some of the farmers were killed by the Indians in 1803; that, although not residing on said land, he still continued the cultivation of the same, and raised four crops; that, in the year 1805, he went again on said land, and has actually inhabited and cultivated it to this day. June 18, 1810: Present, Lucas, Penrose, and Bates, commissioners. It is the opinion of the Board that this claim ought not to be granted. "Commissioners' certificates issued in the month of February, 1809, for ascertaining and adjusting the titles and claims to lands in the Territory of Louisiana" No. 168; Date - February 7; Name of person under whose name land was claimed - John Pyatt; In whose favor issued - James Richardson; Nature of the claim - Concession; Water Course - Marais des Liards; Number of arpents - 120; District - St. Louis John PAYETT claiming 464 arpents of land, see Book No. 6, pg. 501. The Board are unanimously of opinion that this claim ought to be granted, the said John PAYETT having had a confirmation by the former Board, see Comm'rs. Certificate No. 168. ( (2d) No. 17) John PAYETT by his legal representatives claiming 464 arpents of land, situate on Big River, Marameck, see Book B, pg. 259, Minutes No. 1, pg. 482, No. 3, pg. 292, No. 4, pg. 389. Abraham HELDERBRAND, being duly sworn, says that he is 51 years of age. That in 1802, he helped said PAYETT to raise a house on the land claimed. That in the fall of 1803, he passed by said place and eat some water melons, which grew on said land, and saw a small patch of corn growing, and, in the same fall, the Indians becoming troublesome, he moved to the Marameck Settlement, about 12 miles below, and returned, as well as witnessed recollects, in the spring of 1805, and lived there till his death. Witness, further, says that his own farm lies about 6 miles from the land claimed, and that he has lived there for 32 years. That he recollects that said PAYETT lived on the land claimed since, he, witness, was about 10 years old, during which time the said PAYETT inhabited said place, except when compelled by the Indians, at different times, to leave the said place. Jonathan HELDERBRAND, being duly sworn, says that is in his 50th year. That in 1801 or 1802, he cannot say which of those years, he passed by said PAYETT's house, but did not see any white person there. He found an Indian with whom he passed the (cannot read) in said PAYETT's house. The said Indian being a friendly one and not an Osage, and that in 1805, he saw the said PAYETT living on said place. That he knows said PAYETT lived on the land claimed till his death. That said PAYETT had a family consisting of his wife & several children, but does not recollect how many. Jacob PAYETT, being duly sworn, says that he is 42 years of age. That in 1801, John PAYETT went on said place and planted some corn, and in 1802, he raised a house, but witness does not recollect whether said PAYETT moved there that same year, or in 1803. That in the said year 1803, the said PAYETT was driven away by the Indians and staid away about two years, and then returned and lived on said place until he died. Witness, further, says that, at that time, the said PAYETT had a wife and 8 or 9 children, that said PAYETT died about 5 years ago. Adjourned untill tomorrow at 9 o'clock A.M. The Board Met & Adjourned Feb. 22nd, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, March 1st, 3rd, 4th, 1834. Wednesday March 5th, 1834 Board Met-F.R CONWAY, Present. "Names of Original Claimants & Assignees" John PAYETT 464 arpents Comm. book 6 Pg #502; John PAYETT (2d) 464 arpents, comm. book 7 pg #71