"Tonight's challenge: 1) Use the FREE FamilySearch Full-Text Search (https://www.familysearch.org/search/full-text) to find a record for one of your ancestors that is new to you. +6 2) Share your results on your own blog or in a Facebook post."
His example of land grants, inspired me to search for my Grandfather, Jasper Patterson's records.
Here is the first item I found: "Caldwell, Texas, United States Deed 1895 …to me ┃ in hand paid by the promissory note of ┃ Jasper Patterson for said sum of Twenty ┃ two Hundred and … …annum from date and ┃ said note is signed by said Jasper Patterson, and the vendor's lien is hereby … …presents do grant sell and convey unto the said Jasper Patterson of the County of Hays ┃ and State of Texas… …thereto in anywise belonging with the said ┃ Jasper Patterson his heirs and assigns forever and ┃ I hereby …"
I knew he lived in Hays County Texas, but didn't know he owned land in Caldwell County. Actually, when reading the complete document, I see his father, G. B. Patterson, is the seller and Jasper had to pay $2250 + 8% interest for the land. He married my grandmother, Katie Tadlock, in Hays County, Texas on 14 Nov 1894 so they were a young family. Per his obituary they moved to Granite, Greer County, Oklahoma Territory in 1901.
website for this document: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3SF-B6BZ? view=fullText&keywords=Jasper%20Patterson&groupId=M9MZ-B3N
Jasper is also mentioned as posting a bond to be a suretie on another person's will in 1910.
Here is the transcription: "Jasper Patterson , being first duly sworn on oath say : That I am one of the sureties whose name is subscribed of the above bond , that I am a resident and householder , and freeholder , within the State of Oklahoma, and am worth the sum of Four Thousand Dollars, over and above all my just debts and liabilities, exclusive of property exempt from execution."
This one is found at: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G97G-SYLW?view=fullText&keywords=Jasper%20Patterson&groupId=M99J-C33 December 17, 2024 update: I must have been interrupted and didn't publish this near the time I wrote this. The information is good so am publishing it now.
