Using Land Records to Solve Genealogical Problems - Part 7

After getting slightly out of order, I am back on track (I think).

So today we look at the next document in William Ballenger's Military Land Warrant File.

First the transcript, then the clues gleaned from the document. An image of the original will appear at the bottom of this post.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Office of the Commissioner of Pensions.

IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED, that the Land Warrant No. 12389 for 160 acres
has been issued in the name of Christopher Rian, Private
in Captain Montgomery's Company -
1st Regiment Illinois volunteers,
under the date of March 20th, 1848 - and will be deposited
in the GENERAL LAND OFFICE, at the Seat of Government, and that,
pursuant to the provisions of the subjoined ninth section of the Act of Congress,
approved on the 11th day of February, 1847, entitled "An act to raise for a limited
time an additional military force, and for other purposes," this Certificate of right
to locate said warrant on any quarter Section of land subject
to private entry, will be received at any of the Land Offices of the United States,
under the regulations and restrictions set forth in the accompanying statement of the
Commissioner of the General Land Office.


After the location of this Certificate, it is to be surrendered to the General
Land Office, whence the PATENT will issue.


GIVEN under my hand, at the Pension Office,
this 20th day of March, 1848


J. S. Edwards [signature]
Commissioner of Pensions.
By F[?] S. Evans

[notation below is to the left of the signatures]
Claimant
Winchester
Scott - Co:
Ills:

Clues:

• On 20 March 1848, Christopher Rian’s land warrant was issued for his military service.
• The notation “Claimant Winchester Scott – Co: Ills:” is a big clue since William and Lucinda Ballenger’s marriage return was filed in that location in November 1849.

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© 2011, copyright Michelle Goodrum