The Journey’s End

All good things come to an end, don’t they?  We’ve known for five months that our 10 year old Springer Spaniel Rider, had cancer…. specifically Hemangiosarcoma, a deadly cancer that arrises in the spleen and gradually becomes more and more engorged with blood finally rupturing causing the dog to bleed to death.  Because of his age and the uncertain prognosis for successful surgery we decided not to subject Rider to surgery  to remove the tumor.  Feeding into the decision is the fact that even with successful surgery, many dogs die quite soon, sometimes within a couple of weeks and we simply didn’t want Rider to live his last days in recovery from major surgery. Hence the decision.

Canines usually die within a few weeks of diagnosis anyway, but  Rider lived just past five months. And for that five months we’re very grateful.  He wasn’t in pain, had a good appetite, was generally happy and full of pep.  His only symptom an enlarged abdomen.

On Tuesday night, November 3rd Rider suddenly quit eating and later in the evening vomited a couple of times.  He began to weaken and didn’t want to move around much, and his breathing started to be more labored.  We knew then that the end was near.

Throughout the night I stayed with Rider, petting him and talking softly to him.  He seemed quite comfortable and even wagged his tail several times.  About 6:30 Ed awoke and wanted to spell me so I could get some rest, but before I even dozed off Rider collapsed and in short order died.  Both Ed and I were there with him as he went to sleep for the last time.  We cried together.

Ed buried Rider with his favorite toy out in the forested part of our property called “The Island.”  He’s right next to Muffin, our old cat who died a couple of weeks ago. We lost a great friend when Rider crossed the Rainbow Bridge… but we just know he must be frolicking with his canine buddies now.  His journey is over.

Susan Edminster, Granite Falls Washington, November 5, 2009, All Rights Reserved.

Obituary of Theresa McDonough Shane

This article, like the one that follows was provided to me by the Public Library in Crosby, North Dakota.  Publication date and news media are unknown.

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Aged Lady Died December 18th at Powers Lake

Mrs. Theresa Shane, one of the pioneers of the Stady area, died at St. Olav’s Home in Powers Lake, Thursday December 17th, at the ripe old age of 97 years.  She had been making her home at Powers Lake for something more than two years.  Funeral services were held from the Catholic Church at Williston and the remains were brought to Fortuna for burial in the family plot in the Catholic cemetery there, beside her husband and two sons.  Rev. Fr. Daniel F. Flavin of Crosby officiated at the committal services at Fortuna.

Born at Cascade, Ia., on August 15, 1867, her span of life almost reached the century mark.  She grew to womanhood in the Cascade area, where in June, 1888, she was united in marriage to James Shane.  They lived for some years at Larimore, N.D. and in 1907, moved to the Stady area, where they homesteaded and where she made her home for more than 55 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, two sons and a brother, Tom McDonough, all of whom lived in the Stady area and for whom she cared in their declining years.

Mrs. Shane was always friendly and hospitable and was a willing worker in her church and club.  She was a charter member of the Sioux Trail Homemakers Club and had served as its president.

Only survivors are several nieces and nephews, of whom Mrs. Helen Kalil of Williston is numbered.

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SOURCE:  Unknown, probably the Fortuna Leader newspaper.

Susan J. Edminster, Granite Falls Washington, October 25, 2009.

Mrs. Theresa Shane

Theresa (McDonough) Shane was the wife of James Shane, my dad’s uncle. The Public Library in Crosby, N.D. sent me this lovely article about Theresa, evidently  from a book about the Powers Lake Catholic Nursing Home.  The year of publication is unknown.

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MRS. THERESA SHANE

On 1908 or 0′09, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Shane came to what is now Alexandria Township and took up a homestead a mile east of Stady.  Theresa’s maiden name was McDonough, and her mother and three brothers homesteaded in the same township.  They came from Cascade, Iowa, where Mr. Shane’s doctor had found he had tuberculosis and recommended the dry climate of Dakota for health improvement.  They had two sons, Frank and Glenn (Thomas).  Mr. Shane lived until 1918, and Glenn passed away in 1922, at the age of 23 years, of the same ailment as his fathers.

Because her husband could not help with the work, Mrs. Shane and the boys did the farming.  Her neighbors remember her driving horses, making hay or anything else usually thought of as man’s work.  Both boys were fond of athletics, and were members of the Stady baseball and basketball teams for years.  One of Mrs. Shane’s prized possessions still hangs in the living room, an oval photo showing both boys in basketball attire.

In the early years (1915-16-17), Mrs. Shane delivered children to Lee School No. 1 for $40.oo per month.  The Soby chiuldren were among those on her route.  Always deeply interested in advancement and education, she served as President of Lee School Board.  Students remember her regular twice-a-year visits to the schools, and on Arbor Day she always supervised the planting of a tree.  Frank Shane was School Treasurer for 15 years, from 1937 to 1952.

Frank died in 1957, at the age of 63.  Mrs. Shane still lives, and is a resident of the Powers Lake Catholic Nursing Home.  Born in 1879, she will soon mark her 95th birthday.  While she still resided on her farm, which she did until 1959 or ‘60, her birthday party was an annual event to her neighbors, Father O’Leary, and members of Our Lady of Good Council Catholic Church of Hanks, where she was an active member.

A true pioneer, Mrs. Shane will long be remembered in the Stady area.

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SOURCE UNKNOWN – Appears to be an article from a book about the Powers Lake Catholic Nursing Home.

Susan J. Edminster, Granite Falls Washington, October 25, 2009

Obituary of James Shane

“The funeral of Jas. Shane of Stady, who died last Sunday was held from the Catholic Church in this city conducted by Rev. Fr. O’Sullivan, on Tuesday of this week and interment made in the Catholic Cemetery south of the city.  Mr. Shane was born in Sand Springs, Iowa in November 1964.  Here he lived and grew to manhood.  He was united in marriage to Miss Tessie McDonough, to which union was born two sons, Frank and Glen, who with the wife remain to mourn the loss.  He also leaves two sisters and one brother in Oregon.  A large number of friends from Stady were present at the funeral.  Mr. Samuelson,* of Minneapolis and Mrs. Leo Brady, of Comer, Mont., were out-of-town relatives who were present.

*  Probably Ray Samels, sister of Susan Samels.  Ray Samels is named in the estate of Theresa Shane

SOURCE: Fortuna Leader, June 12, 1918

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Susan J. Edminster, Granite Falls, Washington, All Rights Reserved

The Marriage of James Shane and Theresa McDonough

Wedding of James Shane and Theresa McDonough

My grandfather’s brother James Shane married Theresa McDonough on February 13, 1889 in Sand Springs Iowa.  The Delaware County Courthouse provides a detailed record:

Affidavit by:    Dennis Kehoe

Groom:     James Shane, Sand Springs Iowa, Occupation: Farmer, Age: 24, caucasian, born in Sand Springs.

Parents:  Robert Shane and Bridget Hogan.  First marriage.

Bride:   Theresa McDonough, age 19, caucasian.

Parents: Frank McDonough, Mary Keyes, first marriage.

Married at: Sand Springs, Iowa, Date: February 13 1889

Witnesses: Joe Shane, Mary McDonough

Married by:  I. McCormack, Catholic Priest

Recorded February 15, 1889

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Susan J. Edminster, Granite Falls Washington, October 16, 2009, All Rights Reserved.

From Iowa to North Dakota…….

James P. Shane was born in Sand Springs Iowa in 1864/1865, the third child of Bridget Hogan and Robert Shane.  At the age of 25, James married 19 year old Theresa McDonough, daughter of Frank McDonough and Mary Keyes. Theresa and James were the parents of two sons, Frank Earl and Thomas Glen Shane and in 1900 the family was living in Lester Township, Black Hawk County, Iowa, west of Delaware County.  The city of Waterloo is located in Black Hawk County as is LaPorte City where James’ siblings John, Mary and Frances were living.

James at some point became a victim of Tuberculosis and was advised by his doctor to leave Iowa and move to a drier climate in North Dakota.  Now it could be argued that the climate in North Dakota was probably not advantageous to combatting the ravages of  TB, but nevertheless on the doctor’s advice James, Theresa and their sons did make the move to North Dakota, first settling in Larimore, Grand Forks County.   In 1907 the family moved further west to Stady, Divide County, in the Northwest corner of North Dakota where they homesteaded. A copy of their land patent is transcribed below:

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Patent Number 144215

United States of America

Williston, 010769

Whereas, James P. Shane has deposited in the GENERAL LAND OFFICE of the United States a Certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Willistopn, North Dakota, whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said James P. Shane according to the provisions of the Act of Congress of the 24th of April, 1820 entitled “An Act making further provision for the sale of the Public Lands,” and the acts supplemental thereto, for the southwest quarter of Section thirty-three in Township one hundred sixty-one north of Range one hundred west of the Fifth Principal Meridian, North Dakota, containing one hundred sixty acres, according to the Official Plat of the Survey of the said lands, returned to the GENERAL LAND OFFICE by the Surveyor General, which said Tract has been purchased by the said James P. Shane:

NOW KNOW YE, that the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, in consideration of the premises, and in conformity with the several Acts of  Congress in such case made and provided, HAVE GIVEN AND GRANTED, and by these presents DO GIVE AND GRANT, unto the said James P. Shane his heirs the said Tract above described; TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities, and appurtenances, of whatsoever nature, thereunto belonging, unto the said James P. Shane and to his heirs and assigns forever; subject to any vested and accrued water rights for mining, agricultural, manufacturing, or other purposes, and rights to ditches and reservoirs used in connection with such water rights, as may be recognized and acknowledged by the local customs, laws, and decisions of courts, and also subject to the right of the proprietor (sic) of a vein or lode to extract and remove his ore therefrom, should the same be found to penetrate or intersect the premises hereby granted, as provided by law; and there is reserved from the lands hereby granted, a right of way thereon for ditches or canals constructed by the authority of the United States.

The document is signed in the name of  William H. Taft President of the United States of America……

Given under my hand at the City of Washington, the FOURTEENTH day of JULY, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and TEN and of the Independence of the United States the one hundred and THIRTY-FIFTH.

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As James became more and more ill with tuberculosis he was unable to work on the farm so Theresa and her sons picked up the farm work.  According to neighbors Theresa was often seen driving the horses, making hay and doing other farm chores.  James succumbed to tuberculosis on June 9, 1918 and is buried in Fortuna Catholic Cemetery.

SOUCES:

1870 US Census, Delaware County, Iowa, population schedule, South Fork Twp, p. 206, digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.Ancestry.com: accessed 7/26/2007)

1880 US Census, Delaware County, Iowa, population schedule, South Fork Twp.,  p. 531, dwelling 8688, digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.Ancestry.com: accessed 7/26/2007)

1885 Iowa State Census, Delaware County, Iowa, population schedule, South Fork Twp., p. 294 dwelling118, digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.Ancestry.com: accessed 7/26/2007)

1900 US Census, Delaware County, Iowa, population schedule, South Fork Twp., p. 76 (supv. district) dwelling unknown, digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.Ancestry.com accessed 3/29/2009)

1910 US Census, Williams County, North Dakota, population schedule, Twp 161, dwelling 15, digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.Ancestry.com, accessed 3/28/2009)

1915/1925,  North Dakota State Census, population schedule, Twp., Alexandria, dwelling unknown, Line 14, digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.Ancestry.com, accessed 3/28/2009)

1920 US Census, Divide County,  North Dakota, population schedule,  Alexandria Twp., line 14, digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.Ancestry.com, accessed 4/5/2009)

1930 US Census, Divide County, North Dakota, population schedule, Alexandria Twp., dwelling 36, digital image, Footnote.com (http://www.footnote.com, accessed 3/28/2009)

Gravestone records, Fortuna, Divide County, North Dakota, digital image, Find A Grave.com (http://www.findagave.com, accessed 5/16/2009

North Dakota Death Certificate #  Frank Shane,  Alexandria Twp. Divide County, North Dakota

Obituary, Thomas Schane (sic) Crosby Journal, April 28, 1922, Crosby, Divide County, North Dakota

Obituary, Theresa Shane, unknown newspaper

Article re: Theresa Shane, unknown publication

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Susan J. Edminster, Granite Falls, Washington, October 14, 2009, All rights reserved

The Death of Robert Shane – 1884

Robert Shane’s Obituary, September 25, 1884 as printed in the Monticello Express

Robert Shane was my great-grandfather, not to be confused with Robert Nolan Shane (1863-1918) who was my grandfather. Robert Shane (the first) was born in Limerick, Ireland about 1816-1822.  There’s some confusion about his birthdate because Census records vary significantly about that piece of information.  It’s possible he simply didn’t know.

For some time I’d been wondering why it is that the 1870 Federal Census for South Fork Township, Iowa clearly lists Robert as head of the household with Bridget’s occupation listed as “keeping house.”  But just ten years later the census for South Fork lists Bridget first with an occupation of “Farmer” and Robert listed just after the family, living in a separate household.  Apparently Bridget and Robert were separated.

Shane Family in 1870

Shane Family in 1880

Both of these census documents show my grandfather, Robert Shane along with his siblings, children of Robert and Bridget. The family enumerated “next door” to them is the Quirk Family, and Johanna Quirk is believed to be the sister of Robert Shane.

I’m not sure how much this obituary and census information clarify the status of the Shane Family except that the obituary solves a question that’s been nagging at me for some time… i.e., why was Robert Shane enumerated in a separate household in 1884?  One more mystery resolved…  hundreds yet to go!

SOURCES:

Iowa, Delaware County, 1870 U.S. Census, population schedule.  Digital image. Ancestry.com.  http://www.ancestry.com.

Iowa, Delaware County, 1880 U.S. Census, population schedule.  Digital image. Ancestry.com. http://www.ancestry.com.

Iowa, Jones County, The Monticello Express, September 25, 1884. Jones County Genealogical Society.

Susan J. Edminster, Granite Falls, Washington, All rights reserved.

The Marriage of Robert Shane and Bridget Hogan

One of the documents I recently obtained is the marriage certificate of Robert Sheen (Shane) and Bridget Hogan who were married September 3rd, 1858 in Jones County, Iowa.

The certificate is a little tough to read but has the number “93″ in the upper right corner and “655″ on the left side.   This indicates it’s license #655 on page 98 of the marriage register.  The text of the document asks for the “Names of Parties” which would be Robert and Bridget, “When Married” September 3th (sic), 1858, and “By Whome Married,” James Slattery, R.C. Priest.

So that’s about it for the marriage record.  Even though the information is sparse it’s an exciting record to obtain!

Susan J. Edminster, Granite Falls, Washington, September 17, 2009, All Rights Reserved.

Following the Deeds, Part 2

My grandfather, Robert Nolan Shane died of Pernicious Anemia in 1918. He was just 55 years old at the time of his death.  Robert must have known he was dying as he deeded the farm property to his wife Susan (Samels) Shane in November of 1917 which was about three months prior to his death. The text follows.

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C.I. Calkins

Notary Public in and for the State of Oregon.  Commission expires October 3rd, 1920.

Filed for record February 19th, 1918 at 9 A.M.  James H. Davis, Recorder of Conveyances

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1714     R.N. Shane to Susan C. Shane

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That I, R.N. Shane, hereafter designated grantor, of the county of Washington, State of Oregon, in consideration of $1.00 and the love and affection which I bear and sustain towards my wife Susan C. Shane, hereafter designated grantee, of the county of Washington, State of Oregon, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, do hereby grant, bargain, sell and convey unto said Susan C. Shane her heirs and assigns all the following bounded and described property, situate in the County of Washington, State of Oregon, to wit:

Beginning at a stone on the North line of the Peter Scholl D.L.C. No. 40 in section 3 T. 2 S. of R. 2 W of the Will, Mer., in Washington County, Oregon, South 70 deg 29′ East 11.35 chains from the Northwest corner of said D.L.C.;  thence on said north line of D.L.C. 70 deg. 29′ East 1096 feet to an iron; thence North 7 minutes East 1633 feet to South line of John Griffith’s D.L.C. number 43; thence on said South line of said D.L.C. West 1047.3 feet to a stone; thence South 29′ East 1266.7 feet to the place of beginning containing 34.6 acres.

Also beginning at a stake on the East line of the hereinbefore described tract of land 20 feet south of its Northeast corner; thence East 20 feet to a stake; thence North 7′ East 15.85 feet more or less through the lands of Thomas Nissen to County road; thence West 20 feet; thence South 7′ W. 1585 feet more or less to the place of beginning containing .728 acres.

It being my intention to hereby convey the land conveyed to me on the 16th day of April, 1913, by Thomas Nissen, et. al, by deed recorded at page 558 of Book 97 of Deed records of Aforesaid County and State.

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the above described and granted premises unto the said Susan C. Shane grantee her heirs and assigns forever.  And I, R.N. Shane, the grantor above named do covenant to and with the above named grantee her heirs and assigns that we are the owners in fee simple of the above granted premises, that they are free from all incumbrances except a certain mortgage thereon in the sum of 1100.00 in favor of Thomas Nissen and the grantor will and my heirs, executors and administrators shall warrant and forever defend the above granted premises, and every part and parcel thereof, against the lawful claims and demands of all persons whomsoever, except said mortgage.

IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 23rd day of November, A.D. 1917.

Signed, Sealed and delivered in the presence of us as witnesses

Wm. G. Hare

Mrs. Lutitia Jack

STATE OF OREGON, County of Washington….ss..This Certifies, That on this 22 day of November A.D. 1917, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for said county and State, personally appeared the within named R.N. Shane who is known to me to the the identical person described in and who executed the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the same IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and notarial seal the day and year last above written.

B. Akin

Notary Public for Oregon

My Commission expires May 17, 1921.

Filed for record February 19th, 1918 at 10-45 A.M.

James H. Davis, Recorder of Conveyances.

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Although the deed represents the same farm purchased by Robert Shane in 1913, this deed reads almost like a will.  Indeed, I’ve not found a will or probate record for Robert so perhaps this was his way of providing for Susan and my dad, Frank Shane.  There’s one more deed record and that’s the deed Susan Shane filed when she conveyed the property to my dad.  Here’s the text, minus the legal description of the property.

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_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1655   Susan C. Shane to Frank L. Shane

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That I, Susan C. Shane, widow of R.N. Shane, deceased, hereafter designated grantor, of the County of Multnomah State of Oregon, in consideration of $10.00 and other valuable considerations to me paid by Frank L. Shane hereafter designated grantee, of the County of Multnomah, State of Oregon, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, do hereby grant, bargain, sell and convey unto said Frank L. Shane his heirs and assigns all the following bounded and described property situate in the County of Washington, State of Oregon, to-wit:

(same legal description as above)

It is my intention to hereby convey the land conveyed to me on the 23th day of November 1917, by R.N. Shane, by deed recorded at page 187 of Book 111, deed records of Washington County, Oregon.

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the above described and granted premises unto the said Frank L. Shane, grantee his heirs and assigns forever.  And Susan C. Shane grantor above named does covenant to and with the above named grantee his heirs and assigns that I am the owner in fee simple of the above granted premises, that they are free from all incumbrances except a certain mortgage thereon in the sum of $1100 in favor of Thomas NIssen and the grantor will and her heirs, executors and administrators shall warrant and forever defend the above granted premises, and every part and parcel thereof, against the lawful claims and demands of all persons whomsoever, Except said mortgage.

In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 7th day of October A.D. 1919.

Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of us as witnesses:

J.J. Oeder

N.D. Samds

State of Oregon                                  Susan C. Shane

County of Multnomah….ss… THIS CERTIFIES, That on this 7th day of October A.D. 1919, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for said county and state, personally appeared the within named Susan C. Shane, widow of R.N, Shane, deceased, who is known to me to be the identical person described in and who executed the within instrument, and acknowledged to me that she executed the same.

In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and notarial seal the day and year last above written.

J.J. Oeder, Notary Public for Oregon.  My commission expires September 17, 1923

Filed for record October 15th, 1919 at 11:20 A.M.

Fred A. Everest, Recorder of Conveyances

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Again, this deed conveyance has the feeling of a will, and since Susan Shane died October 7, 1919 and this conveyance is dated October 15th 1919 it likely was drawn up just days before her death (although there’s no date on the document except the date the record was filed).

One other thing:  One of the witnesses is listed as N.D. Samds.  I believe this to be Nicholas D. Samels, uncle to Susan Shane and the informant for information on her death certificate.

SOURCE: Multnomah County, Oregon.  Deed conveyance 1665 dated October 15, 191 at 11:20 A.M.

Susan J. Edminster, Granite Falls, Washington September 16, 2009.  All Rights Reserved.

Following the Deeds

Recently, my sister and I had a chance to spend a couple of days in Portland, Oregon looking for information on our paternal grandparents, Robert and Susan (Samels) Shane.  They had a farm near Portland, in the community now known as Farmington, which is just south of Hillsboro. I’d been curious for some time about where their farm was located and whether or not Robert’s sisters purchased or inherited the farm after his death.  So without further ado, here is the first of three deeds filed in Washington County Oregon.. all three pertain to the same property.

This first deed is one I’d found on an earlier trip and documents Robert’s initial purchase of the land from Thomas Nissen, Theodore Nissen and his wife Mary, dated April 16, 1913.  Here’s page one:

As you see it has many cross-outs, areas where the type spacing results in some lines being partially covered by the following line… etc., etc, etc…  So I’ve transcribed the document as best I can, just as its typed, (typos and punctuation errors included, italics as called for). Hopefully I’ve gotten it all!

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Thomas Nissen, et. al. to R.N. Shane                           F.L. Perkins, Recorder of Conveyances.

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that we, Thomas Nissen, unmarried, Theodore Nissen and Mary Nissen, his wife, hereinafter designated grantors, in consideration of Twenty-six Hundred ($2600.00) DOLLARS to us paid by R.N. Shane, hereinafter designated , grantee, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged here by grant, bargain, sell and convey unto said R. L. (sic) Shane,, his heirs and assigns, all the following described parcel of real property, situate Washington County Oregon.

1st Tract:  Beginning at a stone on the N. line of the Peter Scholl Donation Land Claim No. 40, in Section 3, T. 2 S.R. 2 W. Will. Mer. Washington county, Oregon, South 70 deg. 29′ East 11.35 chains from the N.W. corner of the said Donation Land Claim; thence on said N. line of Donation Land Claim South 70 deg. 29′ E. 1096 feet to an iron; thence N.O. deg- 07′ E. 1633 feet to the S. line of John Griffith Donation Land Claim No. 43 thence on said S. line of Donation land claim west 1047.3 feet to a stone thence S. 0 deg. 29′ E. 1266.7 feet to place of beginning, containing 34.6 acres.

2nd Tract: Beginning at a stake on the E. line of the herein described tract 20 feet S. of it’s N.E. Corner;  thence E. 20 feet to a stake; thence NO. deg 07′ E. 1585 feet, more or less, through the land of Thos. Nissen to the County Road; thence W. 20 feet, thence s. O deg. 07′ W. 1585 feet more or less, to place of beginning containing 0.728 acres,

(spaces)

Together with our estate, right title and interest in and to the same, including dower and claim of dower.

To  Have and to hold the above described and granted premises unto the said Grantee, his heirs and assigns forever.  And the grantors above named do covenant to and with the grantee his heirs and assigns that we are the owners in fee simple of the above granted premises that they are free from all incumbrances. and that we will and our heirs, executors and administrators shall warrant and forever defend the above granted premises, and every part thereof, against the lawful claims and demands of all persons whomsoever.

The Grantors Theodore Nissen and Mary Nissen reserve unto themseles their heirs and assigns the right to use for road purposes in common with the grantee herein the parcel or real property second above described.  IN WITNESS WEREOF we have hereunto set our hand.  Bond and seal (?) on this 16th day of  April, 1913.

In our presence:

W.G. Hare

C.S. Brooks

Thomas Nissen (seal)

Theodor Nissen (seal)

Mary Nissen (seal)

STATE OF OREGON,

Washington County, THIS CERTIFIES That on this 16th day of April 1913, before me the undersigned, A Notary Public in and for said County and State, personally appeared the within named Thomas Nissen, Theodore Nissen And Mary Nissen, his wife, known to me to be the identical persons described in and who executed the within instrument, and acknowledged to me that they executed the same.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year last above written.

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Whew!  That was a real exercise in “reading the fine print” and the almost unreadable print in some parts of the document.  Some of the terms in this document aren’t commonly seen these days (unless you’re like me, looking for OLD documents) so here are some definitions from Wikepedia:

A chain is a unit of length; it measures 66 feet or 22 yards or 4 rods or 100 links^[1] (20.1168m). There are 10 chains in a furlong, and 80 chains in one statute mile. An acre is the area of 10 square chains (that is, an area of one chain by one furlong). The chain has been used for several centuries in Britain and in some other countries influenced by British practice.

The Donation Land Claim Act of 1850 (ch. 76, 9 Stat. 496, September 27, 1850), sometimes known just as the Donation Land Act, was a statute enacted by the Congress of the United States intended to promote homestead settlement in the Oregon Territory in the Pacific Northwest (comprising the present-day states of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho). The law, which is considered a forerunner of the later Homestead Act, brought thousands of settlers into the new territory, swelling the ranks of the emigrants on the Oregon Trail. 7,437 patents were issued under the law until its expiration on December 1, 1855.

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SOURCES:

Washington County Oregon, Deed Record dated April 16, 1913

Wikipedia articles: Chain Measurement, Donation Land Claim Act of 1850

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Susan J. Edminster, Granite Falls, Washington, September 16, 2009, All Rights Reserved