Thomas Lamont establishes homestead and timber claims

The family arrived in Great Bend, KS from Pittsburgh, PA in early Jan 1878. They found housing in Great Bend while Thomas was searching and establishing a homestead for the family. 

The National Archives Homestead record show Thomas Lamont settled on his homestead 9 Jan 1878 and papers were filed 19 Jan 1878. The property was 160 acres, located twenty miles south of Great Bend, Barton, KS and six miles northwest of St John, Stafford, KS at the North West Quarter of Section 8, Township 23S, Range 13W (SE Corner of NW 80th & NW 20th, St John, Stafford, KS)

He worked to improve the land by building a sod house 12x14, dug out 14x15, stable 14x32; digging a well; planting 300 forest trees, 50 peach trees. Witnesses describe that he moved his family (Mary, Ida, Edwin, Evelyn) onto the homestead 1 Feb 1878. His claim was final 14 Oct 1881 and approved 14 Oct 1881. The homestead patent was issued 15 Mar 1882.

Thomas Lamont, homestead - taken Oct 2022

Thomas had his eye on a timber claim northwest of his homestead claim. This claim was settled, but no improvements were done. Thomas petitioned to take over the land and got approval.

The National Archives Timber claim record show Thomas Lamont papers were filed 12 Feb 1884. The property was 160 acres, located twenty miles south of Great Bend, Barton, KS and six miles northwest of St John, Stafford, KS at the South East Quarter of Section 6, Township 23S, Range 13W (NW Corner of NW 80th & NW 20th, St John, Stafford, KS)

He worked to improve the land by cultivating 11.25 acres from 1884-1892 (8 years), planting 875 cottonwood, catalpa, mulberry, locus, and walnut trees. The trees grew to an average of three inch diameter and ten feet high. His claim was final 25 Apr 1892 and the timber patent was issued 21 Mar 1893. 

Thomas Lamont, Timber Claim - taken Oct 2022