The Last Claim

[W. Gray]

Elk County began with 416,640 acres (one-half of Howard County).

A male settler over 21, or a male or female head of family regardless of age, could claim only 160 acres of Elk County land at $1.25 an acre.

He or she could buy all the available private land desired but could claim no more than 160 acres of federal land. Private land was those 160 acres already claimed and paid for by another settler.

In 1883, Elk County still had 83,000 acres of federal land available for claim.

Has anyone seen or heard of when the last 160-acre claim was made?

[genealogynut]

As a suggestion, you may want to contact the Elk County Register of Deeds and ask Neva Walter.  That's suppose to be her area of expertise.