Weather and Initial Conditions: Clear day with excellent visibility for compass readings
Equipment Verification: Chain tested against county standard, showing no significant variation
Ancient Indian Burial Mound: Careful measurements taken to preserve location for historical record
Creek Crossing: Width measurements taken at three points for water rights documentation
Timber Assessment: Notable stands of valuable black walnut marked for preservation
Soil Quality: Test pits dug at regular intervals showing consistent loam depth
Property Corners: All marked with permanent monuments and witness trees
Boundary Disputes: Previous claims by Harrison Estate noted but not validated
Weather & Atmospheric Conditions
April 15, 1855: Dawn temperature 48°F, rising to 62°F by midday. Clear skies, barometer 30.12", light westerly breeze. Excellent visibility for compass readings. No magnetic disturbances noted.
Equipment Calibration
Gunter's Chain verified against county standard - variation less than 0.1 links over full length. Compass adjusted for 4°15' western magnetic deviation. Transit level bubble calibrated at dawn.
Soil & Geology Assessment
Rich loam soil, depth 18-24 inches. Underlying limestone bedrock. Six test pits dug at 10-chain intervals. Water table at 8 feet. Clay substrata present in NE quadrant.
Corner Monuments
NE Corner: Limestone post 6"x6"x30", set 24" deep. Witnessed by 36" White Oak bearing S45°W, 28 links. SE Corner: Original GLO monument found, verified position with 1842 notes.
Timber Survey
Primary growth: White Oak (40%), Sugar Maple (30%), Black Walnut (15%), misc. hardwoods (15%). Notable stand of Black Walnut in NW quarter, trees 24-36" diameter. Estimated 50,000 board feet merchantable timber.
Water Resources
Spring-fed creek, 6' wide, 8" deep, flowing SE at est. 15 cubic feet/minute. Two permanent springs marked. Creek crossing points at chains 12+50, 24+75, and 31+20. Water rights noted in 1842 grant.
Archaeological Features
Indian burial mound, 20' diameter, 4' height at N38°15'E, 15 chains from SW corner. Ancient trail crossing property NE to SW. Pottery fragments observed. County Historical Society notified.
Boundary Disputes
Harrison Estate claims 2 rods encroachment along east line - no evidence found supporting claim. Original 1842 monuments verify current survey. Boundary agreement signed by all adjacent owners.
Property Improvements
Log cabin (20'x30') at N20°E, 25 chains from SW corner. Root cellar, barn foundation, and well noted. Stone wall along north boundary, varying 6-8' width. Agricultural clearing approx. 40 acres.
Map Legend
Property Boundaries
Survey Markers
Natural Monuments