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The availability of land attracted many immigrants to America and encouraged westward expansion. Land records are primarily used to learn where a person lived and when he or she lived there. They often reveal other family information as well, such as the name of a spouse, an heir, other relatives, or neighbors. You may learn a person’s previous residences, his occupation, if he had served in the military, if he was a naturalized citizen, and other clues for further research. | The availability of land attracted many immigrants to America and encouraged westward expansion. Land records are primarily used to learn where a person lived and when he or she lived there. They often reveal other family information as well, such as the name of a spouse, an heir, other relatives, or neighbors. You may learn a person’s previous residences, his occupation, if he had served in the military, if he was a naturalized citizen, and other clues for further research. | ||
Vermont’s first landholders were called proprietors. There are many proprietors’ records in the [[Vermont Town Records| | Vermont’s first landholders were called proprietors. There are many proprietors’ records in the [[Vermont Town Records|town records]] of each town. Most of these records are available at the [http://www.bgs.state.vt.us/gsc/pubrec/referen/ Vermont Public Records Division, General Services Center.] Vermont is a state-land state. After the Revolutionary War, the land was controlled and dispersed by the state government. | ||
Originally, Vermont was part of Massachusetts. In 1749, New Hampshire claimed a large portion of the area and granted land for 129 towns in Vermont. In 1764, New York claimed jurisdiction over a large portion of the land held by New Hampshire. In 1777, Vermont became independent, and claimed the land was under its jurisdiction. The towns remained the same, and the town records contain the land deeds without regard to the political jurisdiction of the time. | Originally, Vermont was part of Massachusetts. In 1749, New Hampshire claimed a large portion of the area and granted land for 129 towns in Vermont. In 1764, New York claimed jurisdiction over a large portion of the land held by New Hampshire. In 1777, Vermont became independent, and claimed the land was under its jurisdiction. The towns remained the same, and the town records contain the land deeds without regard to the political jurisdiction of the time. | ||
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Vermont. Secretary of State. ''Petitions for Grants of Land 1778–1881''. State Papers of Vermont, v.5. Montpelier, Vermont: Secretary of State, 1939. (FHL book 974.3 B4s v.5.) This source includes an index. Each petition describes the property, location, and the reason for the petition. | Vermont. Secretary of State. ''Petitions for Grants of Land 1778–1881''. State Papers of Vermont, v.5. Montpelier, Vermont: Secretary of State, 1939. (FHL book 974.3 B4s v.5.) This source includes an index. Each petition describes the property, location, and the reason for the petition. | ||
Before 1780 jurisdiction over land records was with the county. During the 1780s the town clerks were given jurisdiction over land records. You should consult | Before 1780 jurisdiction over land records was with the county. During the 1780s the town clerks were given jurisdiction over land records. You should consult [[Vermont Town Records|records of the town clerks]]. | ||
Additional information on available land and property records can be found in the Family History Library Catalog by using a Place Search under: | Additional information on available land and property records can be found in the Family History Library Catalog by using a Place Search under: | ||
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http://www.myvermontgenealogy.com/vt_records/land.htm | http://www.myvermontgenealogy.com/vt_records/land.htm | ||
[[Category:Vermont]]<br> | |||