Using Land Records to Solve Genealogical Problems - Part 8

Today we look at the last document in William Ballenger's Military Land Warrant File. First we will look at  a clue and what I learned. Below that section you will find a transcription that basically says Christopher Rian sold his warrant to William H. Ballenger. For an image of the document, look at the very bottom of this post.

Clues:

• Christopher Rian did not know how to write his name.

What I learned:

• William purchased the warrant for 160 acres on 17 February 1849 at Winchester, Scott County, Illinois.

Question:

• William didn't actually sign this document. So does this put him in Winchester, Illinois on 17 February 1849 when the transaction occurred?

Transcription:
For value received I do hereby sell and assign


unto William H Ballenger all my right and
title to the within certificate or warrant No. 12389
for 160 acres of land . Witness my hand this 17th day
                                                    his
of February AD 1849 Christopher X Rian
                                                   mark
Acknowledged before me this 17th day of February
AD 1849
Attest Joseph H Berry
Jos. H Berry Justice of the Peace Scott County
D Johnson Illinois


State of Illinois
                       SS I Ornshe Wayrice[?] Clerk of the County Commis
Scott County
sioners Court and Recorder of Civil Commissions within and for Said County
Do hereby certify that Joseph W Berry Esq Whose name appears
to the above acknowledgments was on the date thereof an Acting
Justice of the Peace, within & for Said County of Scott duly Elected
and Commissioned and as Such full faith & credit is and Should
be given to all his official acts as Such
In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set
my hand and affixed the Seal of Said Court
at my office in Winchester this 17th day
of February AD 1840
Ornshe Wayrice[?] Clerk
C.C.C.S.C



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