I am researching an ancestor who purchased land (most likely through the Homestead Act) in Fergus County, MT in about 1915-1916. I have located Records of Patent (dated 13 Oct 1915) for land purchased under the Bureau of Land Management website. I have copies of public newspaper notices for "Public Land Sales" published in May & June 1915. I have researched how the Homestead Act worked. I would also like to know if there are records available for when a land parcel is relinquished (i.e. not meeting the Homestead qualifications). What I need is someone to explain the "legalese" of the Records of Patent and the public notice.
Can you point me to a website or resource who can help me?
Thank you,
Ramona Nahorny