From The American Settler
published London, England
8 January, 1881

HEIRS WANTED FOR LANDS IN TEXAS
_______________

MATAGORDA, Texas, Nov. 23, 1880
   EDITOR OF THE PILOT. -- In the early history of Texas many persons, male and female came to this country from Ireland, and died here. Some of them at their decease owned lands or land claims for which no claimants have ever appeared, and in many instances the lands have been lost to the heirs, through adverse claims under the laws of limitations.
   A man named Patrick McHugh came here in 1837 and died in a year or two. I think he came from Dublin. He acquired several tracts for land by purchase. No heirs have ever appeared.
   Ellen Gilliland came from Ireland in about 1832; her husband died at an early date, and she obtained a land claim; went to New Orleans in 1841, and died in the Charity Hospital. Patrick Gilliland, brother of Ellen’s husband, obtained a land claim, and died. No heirs have ever appeared. Also Wm. Ryan obtained a like grant. Ellen Gilliland’s maiden name is not known to me.
   There are many other persons of Irish birth who obtained lands and died here without any heirs in Texas.
   Is there any way of hunting up the heirs of such persons after such a lapse of time?
I am, very respectfully,        
D. E. E. BRAMAN.

-- transcription by Kate Maynard, 2010