Land Records
Book of Original Land Grants
This book records transactions where the U.S. Government (agents) was the Grantor. Some early settlers walked into the Land Office and made a purchase. For others, they were given a tract of land in payment for their service in the United States Armed Forces.
These records may be found on-line by going to The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) These Land Grants transactions are indexed by location ie. Range and Township.
PDF of the BLM Glo Records 1850-1859(?) Listed by name
Article on Real Estate Transfers, 1885
1st Land Entries Polk Co., Ia. - Camp Twp.
Des Moines Suburb Growth article with map showing incorporations since 1853