The Southern Claims Commission request are for those people that had a claim against the Federal government when such things as animals, crops, or some property such as furniture was taken by the troops.

To track the exchange of property you will have to refer to the County Deed Books if they still exist. They do in many counties. You will want to look at county court records for any judgement against a person that would result in the selling of their property to pay a debt.

Also remember that Slaves were property and are in the value of property in the 1860 Federal Census. I am not sure off the top of my head on the 1850 Federal Census, so if your person owned Slaves, the value of property after the War Between the States would be less than what they in the rear prior to the war.

I hope this helps.

Respectfully,

Gerald D. Hodge, Jr.
War Between the States Historian
Historian: 39th Georgia Volunteer Infantry Regiment