The Homestead Act, enacted during the Civil War in 1862, allowed any adult citizen, or intended citizen, who had never borne arms against the U.S. government the chance to claim 160 acres of surveyed government land. The person making the claim was required to improve the plot by building a dwelling and cultivating the land. After 5 years on the land, the original filer was the owner of the property, free and clear, except for a small registration fee.
Max Schlund filed an application for Homestead in the state of Nebraska on August 26, 1878. One the same day he also submitted an affidavit swearing that he had served in the Civil War. He also received a receipt for paying a fee of $18 for the Homestead. He applied for 160 acres in Section 34, Town 12, Range 13.
On October 1, 1878 Max Schlund began residing on the land that he had staked a claim on. Over the next five years he built a home and out buildings and made improvements to the land valued at $800. He also planted crops on the land.
On August 16, 1883 a notice was printed in the Shelton Clipper, a newspaper in Buffalo County. It was the final proof notice for Max Schlunds homestead. On October 6, 1883 a final hearing was held to allow Max to present the final Homestead Proof. Two witnesses, Obed(iah) Riddle and Fred Urwiller, provided testimony. (Fred Urwiller is my second great grand father too. His daughter Merna Urwiller marries Max Schlund Sr, son Max.) Max also provides testimony as the claimant as well as a Final Affidavit required of Homestead claims swearing that he has resided on the land and that he has not abandoned it. On October 6, 1883 Max Schlund also made the final payment of $8.
On June 10, 1884 the Grand Island Nebraska Land Office received a letter from the war department acknowledging Max's service in the war. After just over 6 years from his original claim, his Homestead was finally approved on September 11, 1884. The homestead was patented on October 15, 1884. Max Schlund and his heirs finally owned the land that had given them a second chance, the land they had come to Nebraska for, and had resided on for the last six years.
On April 4, 1890, Timber-Culture certificate number 433 granted 160 acres of land to Max. The Timber-Culture was to encourage the growth of timber on the Western Prairies.
The entire packet of Max Schlunds Homestead documents are posted below. The application, receipts, affidavits, even Max's discharge papers and a copy of his naturalization. They can be clicked to make bigger, however if you would like the large file size to expand to read easier click the contact me button above and email me. I will be happy to email them to you.
