HOMESTEAD APPLICATION & LAND PATENT Randolph County, AR ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Submitted by: Kim Curlin Wettroth Email: kwet@mindspring.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free Information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Jesse J.J. Curlin applied for a homestead for 161.05 acres of land lying in Randolph County, Arkansas in March 1884. The land description was the Northwest 1/4 of Section 5 in Township 19 North of Range 2 West. He had been living on this land for almost a year at the time of his application, since 3 April 1883. He would have been living with his family which probably consisted of him and his wife Hypasia. He had improved the land by building a dwelling and clearing 8 acres. The value of this was $100 at the time. He paid $14 for the land to the District Land Office in Little Rock, Arkansas. It was too far for him to travel to Little Rock, so his affidavit was taken by the County Clerk in Randolph County. HOMESTEAD APPLICATION NO. 14333 BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT LITTLE ROCK DISTRICT LAND OFFICE 1 B., PAGE 274 17 MAR 1884 / 20 MAR 1884 No. 14333 HOMESTEAD APPLICATION Jesse J.J. Curlin Little Rock, Ark. March 20, 1884 Sect. 5, Town 19N, Range 2W Ex pd per receipt No. 16747 Oct 28/89 1 B 1 B.p.274 (4-089.) HOMESTEAD AFFIDAVIT Under Section 2294, Revised Statutes, for settlers who cannot appear at the District Land Office Office of the Clerk of the Court For Randolph County, March 17, 1884 I, Jesse J. Curlin, of Randolph County having filed my Homestead Application No. 14333, do solemnly swear that I am a Citizen of the United States over the age of 21 years & head of a family that said application No. 14333 is made for the purpose of actual settlement and cultivation; that said entry is made for my exclusive use and benefit, and not directly or indirectly for the use or benefit of any other person or persons whomsoever; that I am now residing on the land I desire to enter, and that I have made a bona fide improvement and settlement thereon; that said settlement was commenced April 3 1883 that my improvements consist of dwelling and 8 acres cleared and that the value of the same is $100; that owing to distance & want of means I am unable to appear at the District Land Office to make this affidavit, and that I have never before made a homestead entry except [except is crossed out]. Jesse J.J. Curlin [his signature] Sworn to and subscribed before me this 17 day of March, 1884 J.T. Robinson Clerk of the Court for Randolph County Ark. (4-062) NON - MINERAL AFFIDAVIT COUNTY OF Randolph} State of Arkansas } ss Jesse J.J. Curlin being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that he is the identical Jesse J.J. Curlin who is an applicant for the Government title to the NW4 Sec 5 T 19 N R 2 West that he is well acquainted with the character of said described land, and with each and every legal subdivision thereof, having frequently passed over the same; that his knowledge of said land is such as to enable him to testify understandingly with regard thereto; that there is not, to his knowledge, within the limits thereof, any vein or lode of quartz or other rock in place, bearing gold, silver, cinnabar, lead, tin, or copper, or any deposit of coal; that there is not within the limits of said land, to his knowledge, any placer, cement, gravel, or other valuable mineral deposit; that no portion of said land is claimed for mining purposes under the local customs or rules of miners or otherwise; that no portion of said land is worked for mineral during any part of the year by any person or persons; that said land is essentially non-mineral land, and that his application therefor is not made for the purpose of fraudulently obtaining title to mineral land, but with the object of securing said land for agricultural purposes. Jesse J.J. Curlin [his signature] Subscribed and sworn to before me this 17 day of March, A.D. 1884, and I hereby certify that the foregoing affidavit was read to the said applicant previous to his name being subscribed thereto; and that deponent is a respectable person to whose affidavit full faith and credit should be given. J.T. Robinson Clerk Circuit Court Randolph Co Ark (4-08?) HOMESTEAD APPLICATION No. 14333 Land Office at Little Rock [date in 188? left blank] I, Jesse J.J. Curlin, of Randolph County, do hereby apply to enter, under Section 2289, Revised Statutes of the United States, the NW4 of Section 5, in Township 19N of Range 2 West, containing 160 [160 crossed out and 161-05 written above it] acres. Jesse J.J. Curlin Land Office at Little Rock, Ark. March 20, 1884 I, M.W. Gibbs, REGISTER OF THE LAND OFFICE, do hereby certify that the above application is for Surveyed Lands of the class which the applicant is legally entitled to enter under Section 2289, Revised Statutes of the United States, and that there is no prior valid adverse right to the same. M.W.Gibbs Register (4-137.) RECEIVER'S RECEIPT, No. 14333 APPLICATION, No. 14333 HOMESTEAD Receiver's Office, Little Rock, Ark. March 20th, 1884 Received of Jesse J.J. Curlin the sum of Fourteen 14 dollars --- cents; being the amount of fee and compensation of Register and Receiver for the entry of NW 1/4 of Section 5 in Township 19N of Range 2W, under Section No. 2290, Revised Statutes of the United States. 16105 C.E. Kelsey Receiver $14 Note - It is required of the homestead settler that he shall reside upon and cultivate the land embraced in his homestead entry for a period of five years from the time of filing the affidavit, being also the date of entry. An abandonment of the land for more than six months works a forfeiture of the claim. Further, within two years from the expi8ration of the said five years he must file proof of his actual settlement and cultivation, failing to do which, his entry will be cancelled. If the settler does not wish to remain five years on his tract, he can, at any time after six months, pay for it with dash or land warrants, upon making proof of settlement and cultivation from date of filing affidavit to the time of payment. Timberland embraced in a homestead, or other entry not consummated, may be cleared in order to cultivate the land and improve the premises, but for no other purpose. If, after clearing the land for cultivation, there remains more timber than is required for improvement, there is no objection to the settler disposing of the same. But, the question whether the land is being cleared of its timber for legitimate purposes is a question of fact, which is liable to be raised at any time. If the timber is cut and removed for any other purpose it is subject the entry to cancellation, and the person who cut it will be liable to civil suit f9or recovery of the value of said timber, and also to criminal prosecution under Section 2561 of the Revised Statutes. (4-138.) Receiver's Duplicate Receipt, No. 14333 Application No. 14333 HOMESTEAD Receiver's Office, Little Rock, Ark. March 20th, 1884 Received of Jesse J.J. Curlin the sum of Fourteen 14 dollars --- cents; being the amount of fee and compensation of Register and Receiver for the entry of NW 1/4 of Section 5 in Township 19N of Range 2W, under Section No. 2290, Revised Statutes of the United States. 16105 C.E. Kelsey Receiver $14 Note - It is required of the homestead settler that he shall reside upon and cultivate the land embraced in his homestead entry for a period of five years from the time of filing the affidavit, being also the date of entry. An abandonment of the land for more than six months works a forfeiture of the claim. Further, within two years from the expi8ration of the said five years he must file proof of his actual settlement and cultivation, failing to do which, his entry will be cancelled. If the settler does not wish to remain five years on his tract, he can, at any time after six months, pay for it with dash or land warrants, upon making proof of settlement and cultivation from date of filing affidavit to the time of payment. Date of Transcription: 23 April 1998 KCW Location: Cary, NC Note: The above transcription was copied from a reproduced copy of the original to the best of my abilities. The handwritten words are in italics and underlined. The notation [ ] indicates my personal comments - Kim Curlin Wettroth Summary: This is a letter written by Hypasia P. Curlin, widow of Jesse J.J. Curlin, to Mr. R.N. Yeakle of the U.S. Land Office in Little Rock, Arkansas. She is responding to his correspondence. She wants to know if she can prove her deceased husband's homestead claim in her name. In this letter we find out that Jesse J.J. Curlin died 29 May 1888 at 70 years old. Therefore we can use this as proof that he was born in 1818. It also mentions that he had two sons - these were probably from his marriage to Chasy A. [Edmonson?] being James A.V. and George G. Curlin. Lastly, it states that Hypasia has no children [at this time at least]. RAVENDEN SPRINGS, AR LETTER RE: HOMESTEAD FROM HYPASIA P. CURLIN ORIGINAL HOMESTEAD NO. 14333 22 APRIL 1889 Ravenden Springs po? Randolph Co Ark The 22 April 1889 Mr. R.N. Yeokle Dear sear i received your letter i gess i cold proof up more but monny is scare and it it bissy time ever boddy seems to have ther hands foul Mr Curlin my Dear husband is Dead he Died the 29 May 1888 he was 70 years old [therefore born 1818] left 2 sons [James A.V. Curlin and George G. Curlin] well to do they said it didnt pay them to bother with the homestead so i am carrying it out the best i can i am A old lady no children i feel mity lonly i want to ask you a few question i want to now if i carry out Mr Curlin contract on the homestead and proof up carden to law if the patten or Deed will come in my name i have ben told by several that it would come in my name i am ankious to kno i need all i can get pleas ancer this letter and give me instructons how to carry it out in my name if it can come in my name i am the widder of Jesse J J Curlin Mrs Hypasia P. Curlin Ps No of Jesse J J Curlins homestead entry No 14333 Sec 5 T ?? R 2 W ########## Ravenden Springs po [post office] Randolph Co Ark The 22 April 1889 Mr. R.N. Yeakle Dear Sir, I received your letter. I guess I could prove up now but money is scarce and it is busy time. Every body seems to have their hands full. Mr. Curlin, my dear husband, is dead. He died the 29 May 1888. He was 70 years old. [He] left 2 sons well to do. They said it didn't pay [for] them to bother with the homestead, so I am carrying it out the best I can. I am an old lady [with] no children. I feel mighty lonely. I want to ask you a few question. I want to know if I can carry out Mr. Curlin's contract on the homestead and prove up according to law if the patent or deed will come in my name. I have been told by several that it would come in my name. I am anxious to know. I need all I can get. Please answer this letter and give me instructions how to carry it out in my name if it can come in my name. I am the widow of Jesse J.J. Curlin. Mrs. Hypasia P. Curlin ************************************************* Date of Transcription: 14 Jun 1997 KCW Location: Cary, NC Note: The above transcription was copied verbatim from the original to the best of my abilities. This entire document was written by hand by Hypasia P. Curlin; no doubt this is her spelling. I have translated her spelling. The [ ] notation denotes my personal comments - Kim Curlin Wettroth. Summary: This letter informs Hypasia P. Curlin, widow of Jesse Jackson J. Curlin, that she doesn't have to actually reside on the homestead in Randolph County, Arkansas in person but she must keep up cultivation to keep it. She must file for final proof (which will be in her name) within seven years of the initial homestead receipt filed. She has until March 20, 1891 to complete final proof. LITTLE ROCK, AR LETTER RE: HOMESTEAD FROM R.?. YEAKLE LAND OFFICE FILE ORIGINAL HOMESTEAD NO. 14333 25 APRIL 1889 NW fil 4 5 - 17 N. 2 W. HE 14333 March 20/84 [March 20, 1884] by Jesse J.J. Curlin - 161.05a U.S. LAND OFFICE LITTLE ROCK, ARK. April 25, 1889. Dear Madam: The law does not require the widow of a homesteader to reside on the land after his death, unless she choses, but she must keep up the cultivation regularly every year until she completes final proof. She may do this by tenant or hired labor as she may find it convenient and such tenant would acquire no right to the land provided the cultivation is kept up and provided she completes the final proof within 7 years from the date of the duplicate homestead receipt. You have until March 20, 1891, within which to complete final proof. The final certificate and patent would issue in your name provided you make acceptable final proof within the time required by law. The tract contains 1.05 acres over the 160 a. allowed under the homestead law for which you must pay $2.32 at time you submit final proof, in additoin to the legal fees and commissions. Very respy R.V. Yeakle Register ************************************************* Date of Transcription: 1 Jun 1997 KCW Location: Cary, NC Note: The above transcription was copied verbatim from the original to the best of my abilities. This entire document was written by hand by the same person except that the lines at the very top of the page were written in pencil by another hand. The [ ] notation denotes my personal comments - Kim Curlin Wettroth. Summary: Homestead testimony by Hypasia P. Curlin, widow of Jesse J.J. Curlin, for their land near Ravenden Springs, Randolph County, Arkansas dated 26 October 1889. The homestead was located in Janes Creek Township. This document cites Hypasia's age as 53, thus placing her birthdate as 1836; she is a native born citizen of the United States. It also cites Jesse J.J. Curlin's death date as May 29, 1888. It refers to the fact that she has no children at the time, that they died in infancy. It cites the date that they took over the homestead as early March 1884; they had been living in the immediate neighborhood prior to this. The original homestead claim was filed 20 March 1884. It establishes the number and types of buildings that Jesse J.J. Curlin built on the property and that the land was used primarily for personal farming. They grew corn, cotton and grass. Hypasia has a brother (unnamed) who lives 3/4 miles from the homestead. She also owns some wild land in Grant County, Arkansas. LITTLE ROCK, AR TESTIMONY OF CLAIMANT LAND OFFICE FILES ORIGINAL HOMESTEAD NO. 14333 FINAL CLAIM NO. 5914 26 OCTOBER 1889 [4-369 a.] TESTIMONY OF CLAIMANT. Pre. D.S.No.______Cash No._______ Orig. H. No. 14333 F.C.No. 5914 NAME OF CLAIMANT, Hypasia P. Curlin LAND OFFICE AT Little Rock, Ark. Approved: P. Ra???, Register. A.J. Quindley, Receiver. [4-369 a.] HOMESTEAD, PRE-EMPTION, AND COMMUTATION PROOF. TESTIMONY OF CLAIMANT. Full and Specific Answers must be given to each Question. Evasive Answers will be Fatal to the Proof. Hypasia P. Curlin, claimant, being first duly sworn, testifies as follows: Question 1. - What is your correct name, your age, and occupation? If employed by any person, state by whom. Ans. Hypasia P. Curlin, age 53 yrs. [therefore born 1836] House Keeping & now superintending my farm. Ques. 2. - What is your post-office address? Ans. Ravenden Springs Randolph Co. Ark. Ques. 3. - Are you the identical person who made pre-emption filing No. [blank] (or homestead entry No. 14333) at the Little Rock land office on the 20 day of March 1884 and what is the true description of the land now claimed by you? Ans. I am the widow of the identical person Jesse J.J. Curlin cant give no.s of land. Ques. 4 - Where did you live before settling upon this land and what was your occupation? Ans. In immediate neighborhood. House Keeping for husband. Ques. 5 - Are you a native born citizen of the United States, or have you declared your intention to become such? Ans. Yes. (In case the party is of foreign birth, a copy of his declaration of intention to become a citizen or full naturalization certificate, officially certified, must be filed with the case. The latter is only required in final homestead entries.) Ques. 6 - Are you interested in any other entry or filing than the one upon which you now seek to make proof? Ans. No. Ques. 7 - Have you ever made a pre-emption filing for any other tract of land, or made any other homestead entry or filing or entry of any kind? (Answer each question separately, describe the land, and state what disposition you made of you claim.) Ans. No. No. No. No. Ques. 8 - Is your present claim within the limits of an incorporated town or selected site of a city or town, or used in any way for trade and business? Ans. No. No. No. Ques. 9 - What is the character of the land? Is it timber, mountainous, prairie, grazing, or ordinary agricultural land? State its kind and quality, and for what purpose is it most valuable? Ans. Ordinary agricultural land. Most valuable for farming. Ques. 10 - Is the land valuable for coal, iron, stone, or minerals of any kind? Has any coal or other minerals been discovered thereon, or is any coal or mineral known to be contained therein? Are there any indications of coal, salines, or minerals of any kind on the land? If so, describe what they are. Ans. No. No. No. No. No. Ques. 11 - If the land is timber land, state the kind, quality, and amount of timber thereon at date of initiating your claim, the amount still standing, how much has been cut and removed, and by whom, and whether the same has been disposed of, and to whom; also whether any other person than yourself has any interest in the timber, and if so, what kind of interest. Ans. No timber used except to improvement of the farm. A sufficient still standing for use of farm (no one) Ques. 12 - If the land is used for grazing purposes, state how and by whom it is so used, and whether it is within any stock range or fence or other inclosure, and who owns or controls the range or inclosure. Ans. Used for farming purposes. Ques. 13 - When did you first make an actual personal settlement on this land? State what you did to make such settlement, and the character and value of the improvements you then placed upon the land. Ans. Mch. 1884 Husband & I made settlement We erected one hewed log dwelling with side room & stone chimney then[?] to value $100. Ques. 14 - Was the land occupied by any other person when you made such settlement? If so, state who lived there, and how you obtained possession. Ans. No. Ques. 15 - When did you actually move on this land and commence living permanently thereon? Ans. March 1884. First of month. Ques. 16 - Where has been your actual personal residence and home during the whole time since the date of this filing or entry? Ans. On this claim except as hereafter explained. Ques. 17 - Has your residence on the land now claimed been actual or constructive, continuous or at intervals? Explain what you mean by actual continuous residence. Ans. Actual & continuous. My husband died May 29/88 [May 29, 1888] I being left alone no one to live with me Oct 29/88 [October 29, 1888] I moved myself & one bed to my brothers 3/4 mi. from this claim & lived there during the winter & last of Mch returned to the claim & cooked for my hands & returned to my brothers last June & then back to claim last July 1889 & still remain. Ques. 18 - Have you resided or boarded elsewhere than on this land since commencing your residence thereon? If so, state when and where, how often, and for how long? Ans. Have not except as stated above. Ques. 19 - Where have you voted since establishing residence on this land, and where did you last vote, and how long have you voted there? Ans. Female. Ques. 20 - How many times have you been absent from said tract since you commenced actual residence thereon? Give the dates when each absence commenced and terminated, and the cause therefor. Ans. Oct 29/88 [October 29, 1888]. Moved to my brothers 3/4 mi from claim & then resided there until the last of Mch. Following when I returned to my claim & cooked for hands cultivating the claim & there 4remained until July last & then again moved to my brothers & returned to claim July last. & remain there still Ques. 21 - Have you a family, and of whom does your family consist? Ans. None except myself. Ques. 22 - Has your family resided with you on this claim? If so, state when they moved on the land, how long they have lived there, and whether they actually reside there still. Ans. Have no family. I with my husband moved on the land Mch. 1884. Ques. 23 - If your family has been absent any part of the time since moving on the land, state the causes for and the dates when each absence commenced and terminated. Ans. (No family) Have not been absent as explained above. Ques. 24 - When and by whom was your house built? Is it habitable at all seasons of the year? Ans. In 1884 by my husband. It is. Ques. 25 - Did you and your family live in said house during all of each or any winter since the date of your filing or entry? If not, state the duration and causes of each absence. Ans. Have except last winter from Oct 29/88 [October 29, 1888] to last of Mch. 1890. My husband died My 29/88 [May 29, 1888] & had no one to stay with. Hence I could not live alone & lived with my brother 3/4 mi from the claim. Ques. 26 - If your family has not lived with you on this claim since the date of your filing or entry, state the causes therefor, where they did reside, and where they are now living. Ans. My children died in infancy. Husband & I lived together on the claim until his death. Since which time I have lived thereon except as stated. Ques. 27 - Do you own any other residence house than the one now on your claim? If so, state where, and who occupies the same. Ans. No. ( I own some wild land in Grant Co. Ark) Ques. 28 - Describe fully the house on this claim, giving value thereof; also describe fully all other improvements thereon of whatever kind, giving the value of each and total value of all improvements. Ans. One hewed log dwelling 16 X 18 ft & one box dwelling, two stone chimneys, shed room thereto attached Value $200. One log smoke house 12 X 14 ft Value $14. One cistern $30. One log stock barn 24 X 30 ft. with shed all around Value $75. 16 acres cleared & fenced land & 25 acres fenced used for woods pasture $200 = Total $519 Ques. 29 - What farm implements do y9ouown and use on this claim? State kind and number, and how long you have owned the same. Ans. Plows. Hoes. Rakes. Ques. 30 - What domestic animals and live stock do you own and keep on this claim? State kind and number of each kind. Ans. 8 cattle. Hog 1. Ques. 31 - State what articles of furniture of every kind you keep and use in your residence on this claim, and how long you have had them there. Ans. Bed steads. Tables. Chairs. Ques. 32 - Have you any personal property or live stock of any kind elsewhere than on this claim? If so, describe the same, and state where the same is kept. Ans. No Ques. 33 - How many seasons have you raised crops on this land, and what kind of crops have you raised each season? Ans. 6 seasons. Husband & I together. Ques. 34 - How many acres have you put in crops each year, and ho much did you raise? State the amount in bushels of each kind. Ans. Put in cleard. [?cleared land only??] Corn, cotton, grass. Ques. 35 - Have you the land in crop this year, or is it prepared for cropping the coming season? How much of the land is so cropped prepared? Ans. Yes. Ques. 36 - Do you carry on any trade, profession, or business elsewhere than on this land? If so, state what business you have been engaged in while claiming this land, where it was carried on, and the distance from your claim. Ans. No. Ques. 37 - If you have been employed in working for others away from this claim since you established residence thereon, state when, where, and for whom, in what occupation or capacity, how long you have so worked, and where you staid and lived during that time. Ans. Have not Ques. 38 - Where are you assessed for taxes, personal, real estate, or license, and when and where you have paid taxes since claiming this land? Ans. Janes Creek Tps. Randolph Co. Ark. Ques. 39 - Are the improvements on this land assessed for taxes; if so, at what valuation? Have such taxes been paid; if so, when and by whom? Ans. No Ques. 40 - What use is made of this land, and who besides yourself and family , uses it or causes it to be used? Ans. Farming. (no one) Ques. 41 - Have you sold, transferred, or mortgaged this land, or offered or agreed to sell or dispose of it, and at what price? Ans. No. No. No. Ques. 42 - Do you make this entry in the interest or for the benefit of any one else, or has any person other than yourself and family any interest, immediate or prospective, in this entry? If so, state for whom the entry is made. Ans. No. No. No. Ques. 43 - Has any person paid your expenses for making this entry, or paid you wages for a salary on condition that you make said entry, or agreed to do either, or agreed to pay the entry money for you, or to pay the fees or commissions, with the agreement of understanding that you will deed the land after entry is made? Ans. No. No. No. No. No. Ques. 44 - Do you make this entry in good faith, for the exclusive purpose of a home and farm for yourself and family? Ans. I do. {Signature of claimant.} Hypasia P. Curlin I HEREBY CERTIFY that each question in the foregoing deposition was orally propounded to the said Hypasia P. Curlin, and the foregoing answers severally given by her thereto before he signed the same and after being sworn according to law; that the said Hypasia P. Curlin is to me personally known [last 2 words crossed out] (or satisfactorily identified by W.I. Tanner) as the person he represents to herself to be in making this proof; that I have called her attention to the laws and penalties against false swearing, and that the foregoing deposition was sworn to and subscribed before me this 26 day of October, A.D. 1889. A.J. Witt County Judge ************************************************************************ Date of Transcription: 25 May 1997 KCW Location: Callao, VA Note: The above transcription was copied verbatim from the original to the best of my abilities. Words appearing in italics were hand written. The [ ] notation denotes my personal comments - Kim Curlin Wettroth. Summary: Homestead witness testimony by George F. Basinger, a neighbor of Hypasia P. & the late Jesse J.J. Curlin in Ravenden Springs, Randolph County, Arkansas. He is a farmer also and lives 2 miles away from the Curlins. He has lived there approximately six years. He has known the Curlins for about seven years, six of which were on the homestead, one in the immediate neighborhood Ravenden Springs where he lived 1/2 mile from the Curlins. His testimony mimics (practically verbatim) the testimony of the other witness, Joshua A. Holder. Hypasia P. Curlin is on her homestead at this time with at this time and has a family living with her (presumably to help with the homestead?). LITTLE ROCK, AR TESTIMONY OF WITNESS LAND OFFICE FILES ORIGINAL HOMESTEAD NO. 14333 FINAL CLAIM NO. 5914 26 OCTOBER 1889 [4-369 b.] TESTIMONY OF WITNESS Pre.D.S. No._____Cash No._____ Orig. Hd. No. 14333 F.C. No. 5914 NAME OF CLAIMANT Hypasia P. Curlin LAND OFFICE AT Little Rock, Ark. Approved: P.R. Ali??t?,Register. A.J. Quindley, Receiver. (4-369 b.) HOMESTEAD, PRE-EMPTION, AND COMMUTATION PROOF TESTIMONY OF WITNESS. (The testimony of two witnesses, taken separately, in addition to the testimony of claimant, is required in each case.) (The testimony of witnesses must be taken at the same time and place and before the same officer as claimant's final affidavit.) The answers must be full and complete to each and every question asked, and officers taking testimony will be expected to make no mistakes in dates, description of land, or otherwise. Question 1. - What is your true name (christian and surname), given in full, your age, residence, and present post-office address? (Give description of land on which on which you reside, quarter-section, township, and range.) Answer. George F. Basinger, age 49 yrs. Randolph Co, Arkansas. Ravenden Springs, Arkansas. S 1/2 NW 1/4 Sec 28 Twp 20 Range 2 W. Ques. 2 - What is your present occupation, and where and by whom have you been employed since Mch 20/84 [March 20, 1884], the date of claimant's alleged settlement on said tract? Ans. Farmer on above described land for myself. Ques. 3 - Are you related to claimant or in any way interested in this claim, or are you connected with her in business of any kind? Ans. No. No. No. Ques. 4 - How far from the residence of claimant, on said tract, do you reside, and how long have you lived there? Ans. About 2 mi. 6 years next November A year previous in Ravenden Spgs. 1/2 mi from claimant. Ques. 5 - Give the names and residence of two or more persons living nearer to the claimant of this tract than yourself. If none are nearer than you, give the names of two or more next nearest, and state the land on which they reside. Ans. J.N. Armantrant R.D. Welch. Cant give nos. of their land Ques. 6 - How long have you known Hypasia P. Curlin, widow of Jesse J.J. Curlin, the claimant, for whom you appear as a witness, where has she been living since you first knew her up to the present time, and is she the identical person she represents herself to be? Ans. Near seven years. First knew her when she lived in Ravenden Springs in 1883. She has been living on this claim since Mch./84 [March 1884]. Ques. 7 - Are you well acquainted with the land embraced in this claim? Give correct description thereof; also state the extent of your knowledge, and how you know what you affirm. Ans. Yes, Sec 5. Tps. 19. R 2W. Cant give facts of section. By having been on and over the claim frequently. Hence my knowledge. Ques. 8 - How often have you been on this tract of land since claimant's alleged settlement thereon, at what time or times, and when did you last see her on the land? Ans. Frequently I saw her Oct 25/89. [October 25, 1889] Ques. 9 - Is said tract within the limits of an incorporated town or selected site of a city or town, or used in any way for trade or business? Ans. No. No. No. Ques. 10 - State specifically the character of this land - whether it is timber, prairie, grazing, farming, coal, or mineral land. Ans. Farming. Timber sufficient for farm use. Ques. 11 - Are there any indications of coal, minerals, or salines on this land? Ans. Not that I know of. Ques. 12 - Is it within any stock range or fence or other inclosure? If so, give names of the parties owning or in any manner controlling such inclosure or range. Ans. No. Ques. 13 - If the land is timber land, state whether the timber, or portion thereof, if any, has been cut or removed, and by whom? Ans. No timber used except for the improvement of the claim. Ques. 14 - What is this land used for, and who (if any one) besides the claimant is in any manner interested in or uses or controls the land or claims the timber thereon? Ans. Agriculture purposes. ( No one) Ques. 15 - What has been claimant's occupation since you first knew her and where has she been employed, and by whom? Ans. During her husbands life time she kept house for him since which time she has been keeping house & superintending the claim. Ques. 16 - Has he had any other living or boarding place than on this land during the existence of her present claim? If so, state where he has been living or stopping. Ans. She lived on the claim with her husband while he lived. he died May 28/88 [May 28, 1888]. She still there lived until Oct 29/88 [October 29, 1888] having no one to live with her she took her bed & moved to her brothers 3/4 mi from this claim & there lived during the winter & in the spring of 1889 moved back on claim & cooked for the hands tilling the land. & is still living on the claim. Ques. 17 - Does claimant's family reside on said land? When did they move thereon? How long have they lived there, and do they still reside thereon? If no, where do they reside? Ans. She has no family of her own but now has a family living with her on the claim. Ques. 18 - Has claimant's family been absent from said land since moving thereon? If so, state how often, how long each time, and the cause of said absence or absences. Ans. No except as above stated after her husbands death in May/88 [May 1888]. Oct 1888. She moved to her brothers 3/4 mi from claim & staid during winter & moved back there in spg 1889. & still lives therein. Ques. 19 - State in full and in detail all the facts within your knowledge as to claimant's actual residence upon this claim; when and how often you have seen him upon the land; what were the evidences that he actually lived on the tract; how long has he lived there, and whether he lives there now. Ans. By having often & frequently seen her on the land with her husband working & improving the same since Mch./84 [March 1884]. Since his death she has been on the claim constantly except as stated above assisting & seeing after the same. And when she lived with her brother she did it because she had no one to live with her & owing to the inclemency of the winter she could not attend to her work & while with her brother her things were left on the claim except one bed she took with her Hence her move was a matter of neccessity. Ques. 20 - If claimant has been absent from said land since his alleged settlement, state fully how often, when, how long each time, and for what purpose. Ans. Oct 29/89 [October 29, 1889]. She moved to her brothers 3/4 mi & there lived until about the last of Mch./89 [March 1889] & there returned to her claim & there remained until about the middle of June/89 [June 1889]. And about the last of July /89 [July 1889] returned on the claim & still remain thereon. Ques. 21 - State in detail the character of the improvements; what they consist of, and when they were made; the value of each distinct improvement, fully describing the same; also whether they were made by the claimant or by some other person. Ans. One hewed log dwelling 16 X 18 ft. One box dwelling 14 X 16 ft. at end of log house with two stone chimneys. One side room the length of both dwellings value $200. One log smoke house 12 X 14 ft value $14. One log stock barn 24 X 30 ft sheded all around value $75. 16 acres cleared & fenced land & 25 acres fenced & used as woods pasture value $200.00. Orchard included, one cistern value $30. Improvements made by Jesse J.J. Curlin husband of present claimant Hypasia P. Curlin. Ques. 22 - Give the size, construction, and material of claimant's house on said tract, and also state whether the same is habitable during all seasons of the year. Ans. One hewed log dwelling 16 X 18 ft one box dwelling 14 X 16 ft at end of log house with two stone chimney & shed room length of both dwellings. They are. Ques. 23 - What is this land worth, and was it ever offered for sale? Ans. $200 Never. Ques. 24 - When did claimant commence living upon this land? Ans. March 1884. Ques. 25 - How much of said land has been broken, how much plowed since being broken, and how much put into crop each season? State kind of crops raised, their value, and number of seasons crops were raised. Ans. All that has been cleared . All that has been broken.. Corn cotton & vegetables & grass. 6 seasons. Ques. 26 - Is said land in crops this season, or has it been prepared for cropping the coming season? Ans. Yes Ques. 27 - Do you believe that claimant intends to continue her residence on this land after making final proof, or does she intend to remove therefrom? Ans. I do Ques. 28 - Does claimant, with her family, reside on said land at the present time? You will explain how you know she has resided there, as you have heretofore stated. Ans. She resides there she has no family. she has a family living with her. By having often seeing her & her husband living thereon working & improving the same & since his death she doing the same as best she could. {Signature of witness.} George F. Basinger SPECIAL CERTIFICATE (To be used in all cases when proof is made before a clerk of court or judge of probate.) State of Arkansas }ss: County of Randolph} I, A.J. Witt County Judge in and for Randolph Co Ark, do hereby certify that the claimant Hypasia P. Curlin and her witnesses George F. Basinger, Joshua A. Holder in this proof were identified by W.S. Tanner to be the identical persons named in the published notice herein. That before proceeding to take the proof and testimony I read to the claimant and to each of the witnesses Section 5392 of the Revised Statutes of the United States and explained to each of them the import and meaning thereof. That each of the printed questions in the testimony was read to said claimant and to each of said witnesses, and their respective answers thereto were by me reduced to writing and read to each respectively, and was there and then by them subscribed and sworn to before me. That said proof and affidavits were taken and made between the hours of eight A.M. and six o'clock P.M. on the 26 day of Oct , 1889, at my office in Pocahontas, in said Randolph Co. Ark. That no protest or objection of any kind against said proof as been made or filed in my office by any person. Given under my hand and official seal this 26 day of Oct 1889. A.J. Witt County Judge We hereby certify that the within and foregoing testimony of claimant and witnesses has been carefully examined by us before transmittal to the General Land Office. P.R. Aligh?, Register. A.J. Quindley, Receiver. ************************************************* Date of Transcription: 1 Jun 1997 KCW Location: Cary, NC Note: The above transcription was copied verbatim from the original to the best of my abilities. Words appearing in italics were hand written. The [ ] notation denotes my personal comments - Kim Curlin Wettroth. Summary: Homestead witness testimony by Joshua A. Holder, a neighbor of Hypasia P. & the late Jesse J.J. Curlin in Ravenden Springs, Randolph County, Arkansas. He is a farmer also and lives 3/4 mile away from the Curlins. He has lived there six years. He has known the Curlins for about eight years, six of which were on the homestead, two in the immediate neighborhood. His testimony mimics Hypasia P.'s in the description of the land, dwellings, dates of occupancy. Hypasia P. Curlin is on her homestead at this time and has a family living with her (presumably to help with the homestead?). LITTLE ROCK, AR TESTIMONY OF WITNESS LAND OFFICE FILES ORIGINAL HOMESTEAD NO. 14333 FINAL CLAIM NO. 5914 26 OCTOBER 1889 [4-369 b.] TESTIMONY OF WITNESS Pre.D.S. No._____Cash No._____ Orig. Hd. No. 14333 F.C. No. 5914 NAME OF CLAIMANT Hypasia P. Curlin LAND OFFICE AT Little Rock, Ark. Approved: ____________,Register. A.J. Quindley, Receiver. (4-369 b.) HOMESTEAD, PRE-EMPTION, AND COMMUTATION PROOF TESTIMONY OF WITNESS. (The testimony of two witnesses, taken separately, in addition to the testimony of claimant, is required in each case.) (The testimony of witnesses must be taken at the same time and place and before the same officer as claimant's final affidavit.) The answers must be full and complete to each and every question asked, and officers taking testimony will be expected to make no mistakes in dates, description of land, or otherwise. Question 1. - What is your true name (christian and surname), given in full, your age, residence, and present post-office address? (Give description of land on which on which you reside, quarter-section, township, and range.) Answer. Joshua A. Holder, age 49 yrs. Randolph Co, Arkansas. Ravenden Springs, Arkansas. Sec 31 Tps. 20 R. 2W. Ques. 2 - What is your present occupation, and where and by whom have you been employed since Mch 20/84 [March 20, 1884], the date of claimant's alleged settlement on said tract? Ans. Farmer on above described land for myself. Ques. 3 - Are you related to claimant or in any way interested in this claim, or are you connected with her in business of any kind? Ans. No. No. No. Ques. 4 - How far from the residence of claimant, on said tract, do you reside, and how long have you lived there? Ans. 3/4 mi 6 years. Ques. 5 - Give the names and residence of two or more persons living nearer to the claimant of this tract than yourself. If none are nearer than you, give the names of two or more next nearest, and state the land on which they reside. Ans. J.N. Armantrant R.D. Welch. Sec 6. Tps 19. R 2W. R.D.Welch., Sec 32, Tps. 20. R 2W., Armantrant. Ques. 6 - How long have you known Hypasia P. Curlin, widow of Jesse J.J. Curlin, the claimant, for whom you appear as a witness, where has she been living since you first knew her up to the present time, and is she the identical person she represents herself to be? Ans. About 8 years. On this claim 6 years, previous to that in the immediate neighborhood. Ques. 7 - Are you well acquainted with the land embraced in this claim? Give correct description thereof; also state the extent of your knowledge, and how you know what you affirm. Ans. Yes, NW 1/4 Sec 5. Tps. 19. R 2W. By having often & frequently been over & on the land for many years past. Ques. 8 - How often have you been on this tract of land since claimant's alleged settlement thereon, at what time or times, and when did you last see her on the land? Ans. Frequently Oct 25/89. [October 25, 1889] Ques. 9 - Is said tract within the limits of an incorporated town or selected site of a city or town, or used in any way for trade or business? Ans. No. No. No. Ques. 10 - State specifically the character of this land - whether it is timber, prairie, grazing, farming, coal, or mineral land. Ans. Farming. Timber sufficient for farm use. Ques. 11 - Are there any indications of coal, minerals, or salines on this land? Ans. Not that I know of. Ques. 12 - Is it within any stock range or fence or other inclosure? If so, give names of the parties owning or in any manner controlling such inclosure or range. Ans. No. Ques. 13 - If the land is timber land, state whether the timber, or portion thereof, if any, has been cut or removed, and by whom? Ans. No timber used except for the improvement of the claim. Ques. 14 - What is this land used for, and who (if any one) besides the claimant is in any manner interested in or uses or controls the land or claims the timber thereon? Ans. Farming. No one Ques. 15 - What has been claimant's occupation since you first knew her and where has she been employed, and by whom? Ans. During her husbands life time she kept house for him since which time she has been keeping house & superintending the claim. Ques. 16 - Has he had any other living or boarding place than on this land during the existence of her present claim? If so, state where he has been living or stopping. Ans. Her husband died May 29/88 [May 29, 1888]. She remained on the claim until Oct 29/88 [October 29, 1888]. Having no one to live with her she moved one bed & herself to her brothers 3/4 mi from this claim & there remained during the winter & in the following spg returned to claim & there remained until June last & then went to her brothers again & there remained until July last & then returned to claim & has lived there ever since. Ques. 17 - Does claimant's family reside on said land? When did they move thereon? How long have they lived there, and do they still reside thereon? If no, where do they reside? Ans. She has no family of her own but now has a family living with her on the claim. Ques. 18 - Has claimant's family been absent from said land since moving thereon? If so, state how often, how long each time, and the cause of said absence or absences. Ans. Have no family were not absent in life time of husband & claimant not absent except as above stated. Ques. 19 - State in full and in detail all the facts within your knowledge as to claimant's actual residence upon this claim; when and how often you have seen him upon the land; what were the evidences that he actually lived on the tract; how long has he lived there, and whether he lives there now. Ans. By having often & frequently seen her on the land with her husband working & improving the same since Mch./84 [March 1884]. Since his death she has been on the claim constantly except as stated above assisting & seeing after the same. And when she lived with her brother she did it because she had no one to live with her & owing to the inclemency of the winter she could not attend to her work & while with her brother her things were left on the claim except one bed she took with her Hence her move was a neccessity. Ques. 20 - If claimant has been absent from said land since his alleged settlement, state fully how often, when, how long each time, and for what purpose. Ans. Oct 29/89 [October 29, 1889]. She moved to her brothers 3/4 mi & there lived until about the last of Mch./89 [March 1889] & there returned to her claim & there remained until about the middle of June 1889. And about the last of July /89 [July 1889] returned on the claim & still remain thereon. Ques. 21 - State in detail the character of the improvements; what they consist of, and when they were made; the value of each distinct improvement, fully describing the same; also whether they were made by the claimant or by some other person. Ans. One hewed log dwelling 16 X 18 ft. One box dwelling 14 X 16 ft. at end of log house with two stone chimneys. One side room the length of both dwellings value $200. One log smoke house 12 X 14 ft value $14. One log stock barn 26 X 30 ft sheded all around value $75. 16 acres cleared & fenced land & 25 acres fenced & used as woods pasture value $200.00. Orchard included, one cistern value $30. Improvements made by Jesse J.J. Curlin husband of present claimant Hypasia P. Curlin. Ques. 22 - Give the size, construction, and material of claimant's house on said tract, and also state whether the same is habitable during all seasons of the year. Ans. One hewed log dwelling 16 X 18 ft one box dwelling 14 X 16 ft at end of log house with two stone chimney & shed room length of both dwellings. Ques. 23 - What is this land worth, and was it ever offered for sale? Ans. $200 Never. Ques. 24 - When did claimant commence living upon this land? Ans. March 1884. Ques. 25 - How much of said land has been broken, how much plowed since being broken, and how much put into crop each season? State kind of crops raised, their value, and number of seasons crops were raised. Ans. All that has been cleared . All plowed that has been cleared. Put in cleared corn cotton & vegetables & grass. 6 season Ques. 26 - Is said land in crops this season, or has it been prepared for cropping the coming season? Ans. Yes. Ques. 27 - Do you believe that claimant intends to continue her residence on this land after making final proof, or does she intend to remove therefrom? Ans. I do Ques. 28 - Does claimant, with her family, reside on said land at the present time? You will explain how you know she has resided there, as you have heretofore stated. Ans. She has no family. she resides thereon at the present. she has a family living with her. By having often seeing her & her husband living & working & improving the same. & since his death she doing the same as best she could. {Signature of witness.} Joshua A. Holder SPECIAL CERTIFICATE (To be used in all cases when proof is made before a clerk of court or judge of probate.) State of Arkansas }ss: County of Randolph} I, A.J. Witt County Judge in and for Randolph Co Ark, do hereby certify that the claimant Hypasia P. Curlin and her witnesses George F. Basinger, Joshua A. Holder in this proof were identified by W.S. Tanner to be the identical persons named in the published notice herein. That before proceeding to take the proof and testimony I read to the claimant and to each of the witnesses Section 5392 of the Revised Statutes of the United States and explained to each of them the import and meaning thereof. That each of the printed questions in the testimony was read to said claimant and to each of said witnesses, and their respective answers thereto were by me reduced to writing and read to each respectively, and was there and then by them subscribed and sworn to before me. That said proof and affidavits were taken and made between the hours of eight A.M. and six o'clock P.M. on the 26 day of Oct , 1889, at my office in Pocahontas, in said Randolph Co. Ark. That no protest or objection of any kind against said proof as been made or filed in my office by any person. Given under my hand and official seal this 26 day of Oct 1889. A.J. Witt County Judge We hereby certify that the within and foregoing testimony of claimant and witnesses has been carefully examined by us before transmittal to the General Land Office. P.R. Aligh?, Register. A.J. Quindley, Receiver. ************************************************* Date of Transcription: 1 Jun 1997 KCW Location: Cary, NC Note: The above transcription was copied verbatim from the original to the best of my abilities. Words appearing in italics were hand written. The [ ] notation denotes my personal comments - Kim Curlin Wettroth. Summary: This patent represents the final stage of the homestead on land in Randolph County, Arkansas begun in 1884 by Jesse J.J. Curlin. He is deceased by this time, but his widow Hypasia P. Curlin has completed the requirements for the homestead and is awarded it. The land is comprised of 161.05 acres and is described as the North West quarter of Section five in Township nineteen North of Range two West of the Fifth Principal Meridian in Arkansas. RANDOLPH COUNTY, AR DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT VAL? 10, PAGE 396 31 MAY 1890 / 3 APR 1899 United States to Hypasia P. Curlin Land Patent Homestead Certificate No. 5914 Application 14333 The United States of America TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, GREETING, Whereas these has been deposited in the GENERAL LAND OFFICE of the United States a CERTIFICATE of the Register of the Land Office at Little Rock Arkansas, whereby it appears that, pursuant to the Act of Congress approved 20th May 1862, "To secure Homesteads to actual settlers on the public domain" and the acts supplemental thereto, the claim of Hypasia P. Curlin, widow of Jesse J.J. Curlin, deceased has been established and duly consummated in conformity to law for the North West quarter of Section five in Township nineteen North of Range two West of the Fifth Principal Meridian in Arkansas, containing one hundred and sixty one acres and five hundredths of an acre according to the Official Plat of the Survey of the said Land returned to the GENERAL LAND OFFICE by the SURVEYOR GENERAL. Now know ye, That there is therefore granted by the UNITED STATES unto the said Hypasia P. Curlin the tract of Land above described: TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said tract of Land, with the appurtenances thereof, unto the said Hypasia P. Curlin and to her heirs and assigns forever. In testimony whereof, I, Benjamin Harrison, President of the Untied States of America, have caused these letters to be made Patent, and the Seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed. Given under my hand, at the City of Washington, the thirty first day of May, in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and fourteenth. By the President: Benjamin Harrison By M.McKean Sec'y. J.M. Townsend, Recorder of the General Land Office. Date of Transcription: 23 April 1998 KCW Location: Cary, NC Note: The above transcription was copied verbatim from a reproduced copy of the land patent filed with the Bureau of Land Management to the best of my abilities. Words in italics represent handwritten entries. An embossed seal is found at the bottom left corner of the document in my possession - Kim Curlin Wettroth