Today's document in William H. Ballinger's preemption file states that he purchased 160 acres on 3 April 1865 for $1.25 per acre totalling $200. This is consistent with the
Answers.com discussion which states,
The act of 1841 permitted settlers to stake a claim of 160 acres (65 hectares) and after about 14 months of residence to purchase it from the government for as little as $1.25 an acre before it was offered for public sale.
It also contains the legal description of the property which we can place on a map. That is something we will look at in our next post, along with some current day pictures of the area.
Finally, I note that for this transaction, William's last name is spelled Ballinger instead of Ballenger as it has been spelled in other transactions. No doubt this was done to keep people like me on my toes!
First, the transcription. Then an image of the document. Oh, yes. Bonus points for whoever can figure out what the Registrar's name really is. (There will be several future opportunities to try and decipher if you can't get it on this one.)
No. 244 LAND OFFICE at Denver City, C. T. April 3d 1865.
It is hereby certified, That in pursuance of Law, William H.
Ballinger of
Boulder County, State of Col. Ter'y on this day purchased of the Register
of this Office, the Lot or S.W. 1/4,, S.W. 1/4 Sec. 17 & S.E. 1/4,, S.E. 1/4 Sec. 18 & N.E. 1/4,, N.E. 1/4
Sec. 19 & N.W. 1/4,, N.W. 1/4 of Section No. Twenty in Township No.
One North of Range No. Seventy West containing
One hundred and sixty acres, at the rate of
One dollar and - 25- cents per acre, amounting to Two hundred
dollars and ------ cents, for which the said William H. Bal-
linger has made payment in full as required by law.
Now, therefore, be it known, That, on presentation of this certificate to the
COMMISSIONER OF THE GENERAL LAND OFFICE, the said William H.
Ballinger shall be entitled to receive a Patent for the Lot above described.
JSMMel[_]ilcott [unsure about signature] Register.
[written across the document]
Preemption act of 4th Sept.
1841
Here are links to the entire series, in case you are interested:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Summary
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© 2011, copyright Michelle Goodrum