Declaratory Statement Form #2 (For Land Settlement)

This declaratory statement form is dated May 24th, 1862, and refers to land in San Joaquin County just east of the San Francisco bay area. The claimant, James Olds, is self described as "a married man over the age of twenty-one years, a citizen of the United states and State of California." 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.