In reply to Rebecca Sisk, have you looked at: http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/ The Official Federal Land Patent Records Site? I used it to find information on my great grandfather Frank A. Foster who also bought land in the Black Hills of South Dakota in the 1880's. This site will show if they have records for your relatives and the exact location of the land they purchased. With this information you can order copies of all the original paperwork which was really interesting! Terry -- Terry Kneen College of Education University of Oregon Eugene, Or 97403-1215 [email protected] Phone: (541) 346-2328