State Land Grants or Patents for Genealogy

We've recently been helping a client discover more about an ancestor who lived in North Carolina in the mid- to late-1700s. Southern U.S. research that's this early requires a careful look at existing documents, especially since often there aren't nearly as many documents available as there are for the mid- to late-1800s. We were happy to find that this particular ancestor had received a state land grant from North Carolina so we could obtain more information about him as we searched for the link to his parents.

What is a state land grant?

Where deeds between private individuals generally involve only one document registered with the county, state land grants usually generate four separate documents.

1. First, an entry was made to the state or county office by an individual who wanted to claim a parcel of land.
2. Next, a survey would be ordered and performed to ensure that the land being claimed was available.
3. Appropriate fees must be submitted to pay for the parcel of land.
4. Then a warrant (order) would be issued granting that parcel of land to the individual.

All of these documents can help provide additional details about an ancestor. You can use the patent number and the Manuscript and State Archives System (or MARS) of the state archive where research is being conducted to obtain these additional documents. These documents will often contain a map of the exact location of the land along with additional information that may just be the key to extending your family history!

Do you have a family history mystery or genealogy “brick wall” you can’t seem to break through? The experienced team at Legacy Tree Genealogists can help! Contact us today to request a free quote!