Land Records

First Heir and Devisee Commission (1797-1805)

Prior to 1795, no system existed for issuing patent deeds to settlers who had received land grants in Upper Canada. In 1797, the Heir and Devisee Commission was formed to clarify the titles to those properties.

The Heir and Devisee records include a wide variety of documents, such as affidavits, bonds, location certificates, powers of attorney, orders-in-council, copies of wills, mortgages, deeds of sale, testimonial letters.

The First Heir and Devisee Commission lasted until 1805. In 1805, the nature of the commission changed significantly. From 1805 until 1896 approx. it was called the Second Heir and Devisee Commission.

1797 - 1805  First Heir and Devisee Commission

Most of the records from the First Heir and Devisee Commission are held by Library and Archives Canada. These records can be browsed on the Heritage-Canadiana website (see resource linked below). However, they are not indexed and it is not possible to search by surname online. Their record group number is RG 1 L5.

For Kingston-Frontenac Ancestors

You can search by surname in the book From Settler to Land Owner: The First Heir & Devisee Commission for the Midland District, 1797-1803, by Linda and Gary Corupe (linked in the resources section below). Find out more about the Midland District on the Ontario Locator database.

For Ancestors in Other Parts of Ontario

The same authors have also published From Settler to Land Owner: The First Heir & Devisee Commission for the London District, 1802-1803, and Western District, 1798-1803, and From Settler to Land Owner: The First Heir & Devisee Commission for the Johnstown District, 1800-1803 (linked in the resources section below). Find out more about the London District, the Western District, and the Johnstown District on the Ontario Locator database.

      Resources