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Simple English definitions for legal terms
headright certificate
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A quick definition of headright certificate:
Headright Certificate: A special paper given to people who moved to Texas between 1837 and 1840 and were the head of their household. If they lived in Texas with their family for three years, they were given 640 acres of land. This land was theirs to keep forever.
A more thorough explanation:
A headright certificate is a document that was issued under the authority of a Republic of Texas law in 1839. This certificate entitled a person to a grant of 640 acres of land if they met certain criteria:
- Immigrated to the Republic between 1 October 1837 and 1 January 1840
- Was a head of household
- Actually resided within the Republic with their family
The grant was held under the certificate for three years and then conveyed by absolute deed to the settler.
For example, if a person immigrated to the Republic of Texas between 1 October 1837 and 1 January 1840, was the head of their household, and lived within the Republic with their family, they could apply for a headright certificate. If approved, they would receive a grant of 640 acres of land that they could hold for three years before receiving an absolute deed to the property.
This was a way for the Republic of Texas to encourage settlement and development of the land. It also helped to attract new settlers to the area.