Fractional Question:

The last 1/4 mile are called Lots. Those sections I call irregular Sections, fractional sections are sections that have, for example, been invaded by a lake.

It all depends, upon where and when. Check the wording on the patent deed.

As Doug points out, this is how it was done in the First Meridian Survey. From my experience, few of us in Ohio working in this original survey, feel like "updating" an original grant description for any reason.

It seems to be the same next door in the Second Meridian Survey, and so on....

The point is that the PLSS has changed over the many years it has proceeded west from here, but once patented (Doug has posted the original patent for your review) it is under state law and later naming conventions valid in later western iterations of the PLSS are without effect regarding these earlier patents.

So Nate, you are correct; some are some way, and some another.

> I really hate interrupt you with an actual surveying oriented question, but here goes

I like these kind of interruptions, main reason I lurk here. To be honest, I would like to see more about your surveying in Arkansas, much like on the old POB forum. I liked the Lawton Blog, Daryl Moistner's photo blogs, J.Penry's corner recoveries and rehabs, etc. Mainly because they have pictures I guess, but my point is I wish more of those things would be shared.

Here's some of Bob Dahl's thoughts on the subject (although somewhat dated).

http://www.blm.gov/cadastral/Manual/pdffiles/FractionalRegularIrregularSections.pdf

Something to think about (and compare to the 2009 Manual).

Loyal

:good:

That's a good reference Loyal. It's interesting to see that that what Dahl calls regular lots Lots were called fractional in the early PLSS. As Mr. Zeiss says; things change over time with respect to the PLSS.

Nate,
Fractional means Fractional. Any portion of a section that is not regular is fractional, whether elongated, invaded by water, protracted, etc. A fractional section along the north tier of sections in a township is fractional and noted by it's lots.

Pablo

You have to check the original patent ot warrant. If the entryman bought the whole or 1/2 section, or if the 1/4 section was conveyed with a warrant, no 'lots' were created and the entryman could sell his land however he wished.

Any section that was not 'regular', that is supposedly containing '640' acres, it was a fractional section.

Richard Schaut

Thanks everybody.

That can explain alot of things!

Nate