A patent was like a deed from the gov't. It was more like a title or certificate. I would have thought there was money involved. It could have been a settlement or homestead grant from the gov't. I don't know the land law of MO at that time. -eddie Date sent: Thu, 18 Mar 1999 07:57:30 -0500 To: "Edgar A. Howard" <swvaroot@swva.net> From: Barbara <barbiluv@erinet.com> Subject: Re: Cash for Land Purchases Is a land patent different? Although it says cash purchase I can find no amount. This has a presidential signature by proxy of James Buchanan. I ran across it yesterday while researching my daughter in law's tree. Dated October 1857, Missouri. Sorry this isn't list related but it has me curious. Barbara At 10:16 PM 3/17/99 -0500, you wrote: >Members, > > In the past three months I have spend a lot of time on maps, >land grants and deeds. I have focused on my families they were >average in their wealth. Typical of many in SW VA. > > The BIG QUESTION on my mind is where did these poor >pioneers get the cash to make these purchases. I see purchase >sums of $100, 200, and up to $500 for land purchases. I don't see a >source for this cash. The access to markets east of the Blue Ridge >were limited. I don't think the farms were so productive above >subsistance enough to produce that cash. It is a mystery. >There settlement right and other early grants were cheap but when >they later bought from each other the price went up. I would love to >hear possible answers. > >-eddie > >"Toto, I don't think we are in NH any more." > > >==== SW_VA Mailing List ==== >#1 When you have a new email address please UNSUBSCRIBE from the >old BEFORE you lose it; and SUBCRIBE from the NEW address as soon >as you get access to it. If you fail to do this please send the >old and new address to: ehoward@conknet.com and the Mailing List name >-sysop > > > "Toto, I don't think we are in NH any more."