I recently found an "X" scribed in a "double elm tree in the south margin of brushy creek" as described in an original patent from the state. This is on some old family land and I am messing around trying to find some of the original markers and trees in my free time. I was wondering if anyone here knew what the county surveyor, H. H. Russel, might have used as his "stake" when he set these corners? I know whatever it is will have quite a bit of silt. I already did some digging and found barbed wire up to 1.5 feet deep in the sand there. I have heard of old Boid 'd arc posts being used, but I was wondering if this surveyor had a "stake" he liked to use. Survey is dated 1884.
Do you have the abstract number? I don't have any experience in Lavaca County, but I'd love to check out the field notes.
I think that Holy Cow's Hispanic cousin lives down there.
Abstract No. 585 to I. Langford
Corrected field notes start on page 22. I couldn't guess what type of material his stake is. Hopefully he selected a durable species like bois d'arc. I have found bois d'arc stakes set in late 1800s, early 1900s here in Tarrant county that have eroded down to the size of a pencil from what was probably 2" square when original set. As to whether your stakes are still existing, that will depend on local soil and weather conditions. Are you a surveyor or landowner?
I am an SIT and it is some of my family's land. I work for a company that doesn't do a lot of surveys in Lavaca county and the surveyors here weren't sure what it might be. One thought they were 2"x2" square posts set, but I think he was talking about Victoria County. last time I went out I only had a shovel and a shonstedt. I plan to go out with a compass and tape this weekend.
This is in the creek bottom and I know the fence posts that are there, which appear to be original, appear to have sunk or had silt added to them. At least 1.5' deep just based on where I was finding barbed wire. The dirt is deep deep sand.
BrandonA, post: 377844, member: 11837 wrote: I plan to go out with a compass and tape this weekend.
Don't forget your camera and small chalkboard. I personally would also take 6 aluminum beer cans, one brown glass bottle, and a r/r spike to leave in the hole you dig...you know...as monument memorials.
DDSM:beer::beer::beer:
(NOTE: I AM NOT LICENSED IN TEXAS. I AM NOT GIVING PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. POSTS ARE PRESENTED AS HUMOROUS FABRICATION AND ARE FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES)
BrandonA, post: 377844, member: 11837 wrote: I am an SIT and it is some of my family's land. I work for a company that doesn't do a lot of surveys in Lavaca county and the surveyors here weren't sure what it might be. One thought they were 2"x2" square posts set, but I think he was talking about Victoria County. last time I went out I only had a shovel and a shonstedt. I plan to go out with a compass and tape this weekend.
This is in the creek bottom and I know the fence posts that are there, which appear to be original, appear to have sunk or had silt added to them. At least 1.5' deep just based on where I was finding barbed wire. The dirt is deep deep sand.
Sounds like you caught the bug. That's a lot of work just for the satisfaction of knowing you found it. Keep it up. Not many enjoy the finding history anymore...
The fact that it is family history is what makes it all worthwhile. Especially when it involves the Cow family history. We go way back. We used to hang out with the bees in what some referred to as The Land of Milk and Honey.
Just so you know. I am not related to any on this list:
Danny Vaca (born 1990), Ecuadorian football (soccer) player
Doyle Vaca (born 1979), Bolivian football (soccer) player
Edder Vaca (born 1985), Ecuadorian football (soccer) player
Eduardo Vaca, Argentine politician
Jorge Vaca (born 1959), Mexican boxer
Joselito Vaca (born 1984), Bolivian football (soccer) player
PiraÌ? Vaca, Bolivian classical guitarist