A Smörgåsbord of Stories
The North Dakota Federation of Women’s Clubs instituted the Pioneer Mothers Project in 1929. They sought to collect biographical sketches of women who, prior to November 1889, lived in the area of Dakota Territory and who were married at that time. The State Historical Society … read more
Franklin Hesse (1861-1935) lost his parents at an early age. Seeking opportunity, he filed a homestead claim for land in Dakota Territory (D.T.) under the provisions of the 1862 Homestead Act. The Act granted surveyed public land to adult heads of families for a minimal … read more
About three years ago, I learned about the genealogical value of Homestead Land Entry Case Files. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) houses these original documents. Five of my direct ancestors successfully filed six land claims with the U.S. Government. The completed applications are … read more