Declaratory Statement Form #1 (For Land Settlement) - 1863

This declaratory statement form is dated March 10th, 1863, and refers to land in Stanislaus County just east of the San Francisco bay area. The claimant, Michael McGovern, is self described as "a single man over the age of twenty one years and a native born citizen of the United States." The form is from the Land Office at Stockton, California.

Background Info:

The "Declaratory Statement" form was used for individuals or entities who wanted to make a claim on land that was not subject to private ownership, such as government-owned land or land held in trust by Native American tribes.

The form would have been used to declare the claimant's intention to use and improve the land for a specific purpose, such as farming or mining, and to request permission to do so from the appropriate government agency or authority.

A signed Certificate of Authenticity will accompany your purchase, as well as an archival grade document holder with UV protection. You will receive the exact item shown in the photos above.