Summary
Back to Archive Search
Special Acts are legislation approved by the Texas Legislature granting land to individuals or their heirs. The records include handwritten copies of the Acts and an index. However, neither the records nor the index are comprehensive.
Biographical Note
In legislation generally, special acts are private laws or acts which are made for particular persons or private concerns, rather than for the public generally. In regards to this collection specifically, special acts are legislation approved by the Texas Legislature granting land to individuals or their heirs. They are also referred to as "Relief Acts" as the legislation is entitled, "An Act for the Relief of ...". The legislation does not specify why these individuals received land through a special act. However, some of their petitions to the Texas Legislature are available in the Memorials and Petitions, 1836-1937 Records at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Scope and Content
Special Act Certificates contains certified copies of legislation, drafts of legislation, petitions, and affidavits in support of granting land to individuals or their heirs. The records include an index that lists certificate number, name of grantee, quantity (acreage), when issued. The Special Act Certificates records are not comprehensive and neither is the index.
Date
December 15, 1858-March 29, 1862
Extent
6.60 Linear feet (10 oversized boxes, 1 bound volume)
Language
English
Arrangement
The files are physically arranged in alphabetical order by surname. The index is organized by surname in two index lists: certificates issued by the Commissioner of Claims and an index of certificates issued by the Land Commissioner. Date is date of issuance of certificates.
Preferred Citation
Special Act Certificates (AR.SAC). Archives and Records Program, Texas General Land Office, Austin.
Access Restrictions
Unrestricted access.
Use Restrictions
Most records created by Texas state agencies are not copyrighted and may be freely used in any way. State records also include materials received by, not created by, state agencies. Copyright remains with the creator. The researcher is responsible for complying with U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17 U.S.C.).