Land Sales Records

              T
Jesse White • Secretary of State and State Archivist
ILLINOIS STATE ARCHIVES
Genealogical Research Series Pamphlet No. 1
HIS PAMPHLET IS THE FIRST IN A SERIES DESIGNED TO ASSIST THE GENEALOGICAL
researcher In using the most pertinent related federal, state, and local governmental records
in the possession of the Illinois State Archives and its Illinois Regional Archives Depositories
(IRAD). The topic of this pamphlet is the sale and transfer of land.
HAMMES COLLECTION 1678–1814
Historical Background
The sale of Illinois land began in the late 17th century, nearly 100 years before the
establishment of the United States. While under the control of three separate and distinct
governmental authorities: France (1678–1763), England (1763–1778), and the state of
Virginia (1778–1784), individuals residing in what was to become the state of Illinois received
and conveyed title to lands there. Throughout these periods respective government agents
registered land transactions. After the United States established its control over Illinois in
1784, the federal government eventually began a review process to determine the legitimacy
of preexisting land claims. When examinations were completed in 1814, federal authorities
had confirmed title to less than half of the claims presented to them.
Record Contents
The Raymond H. Hammes Collection at the State Archives chronicles Illinois land
transfers during 1678–1814. The collection consists of 157 microfilm reels and includes
selected governmental records and private papers. Federal records consist of documents and
volumes of the U.S. General Land Office. Records of Madison, Randolph and St. Clair
counties primarily include deeds, mortgages, and probate and county court papers. The
collection’s private manuscripts are from French settlements in Kaskaskia and Cahokia and
with them are included available translations.
In 12 years of independent research Raymond Hammes abstracted these records and
recorded more than 10,000 ancient land grants, transfers, and other contract transactions.
Together, they make up an unpublished 20-volume set. The first two microfilm reels of the
Hammes Collection contain the 20 volumes of abstracts along with a cumulative index.
These abstracts usually detail the names and relationships of sellers and purchasers, a
description and location of the real estate and/or personal property in question, the selling
price, and sale and filing dates. Often provided are the names and relationships of prior
owners, ancestors, and neighbors. The collection’s remaining 155 microfilm reels contain
copies of the original records from which the abstracts and the cumulative index were
prepared.
Finding Your Ancestor
RESEARCHING ON YOUR OWN
The collection includes a comprehensive alphabetical surname index of the principal
individuals involved in land transfers as well as cited individuals who were neighbors or
witnesses to transactions. Occasional contract transactions other than land transfers also
are provided. Entries refer to the unpublished 20 volumes of abstracts. Original transaction
recordings can in turn be traced back from the abstracts.
MAIL, TELEPHONE AND INTERNET REQUESTS
The researcher must furnish an individual’s complete name to allow for an effective
search. The Archives will provide, if located, an uncertified and unofficial photocopy of the
abstract. As a result of limitations on staff research time, the Archives can research no more
than two names per inquiry. Send inquires to: Illinois State Archives, Reference Unit, Norton
Building, Springfield, Illinois 62756. Telephone: (217) 782-3553. Fax: (217) 524-3930.
E-mail: dmorse@ilsos.net
#1:1
Land Sales Records