Idaho Homestead Patents

I am holding my grandfather's homestead patents for two - 160 acre parcels of land in Idaho.

They were registered in 1903 and 1905. One parcel is on the St Joe River and the other on Lake Couer D'Alene. Looking at my grandfather's old photographs of the properties, it was rough going and quite likely that they simply left the property without selling it. I have no record that he had ever sold these lands, nor does my father.

Is there a potential present value to these documents other than historic?

[RickA]

I don't know specifically what you are asking, but the parcel on Lake Couer D`Alene probably isn't cheap. Remember also, you are in the heart of silver country.

[fulltitle]

WITHOUT PREJUDICE
There may be a value to the documents. Make copies, and store the originals somewhere safe. Stamp the copies in red ink as "COPY" and scrawl "NOT NEGOTIABLE" across them. I know someone who had a lawyer and others rip them out of almost 400 acres of land because hey allowed the lawyer to hold on to the original deed while they 'investigated'.

Try to identify the land and if you can go and see it, check it out with the respective authorities. Remember there is possession and there is ownership. To different things.

Originally Posted by evanhall

I am holding my grandfather's homestead patents for two - 160 acre parcels of land in Idaho.

They were registered in 1903 and 1905. One parcel is on the St Joe River and the other on Lake Couer D'Alene. Looking at my grandfather's old photographs of the properties, it was rough going and quite likely that they simply left the property without selling it. I have no record that he had ever sold these lands, nor does my father.

Is there a potential present value to these documents other than historic?