Lincoln County Surrogate Court Records

Surrogate Court Records Available on Interloan   Indexes 1794-1968     Registers 1794-1902     Estate Files 1794-1930   1931-1963   Post 1963     Guardianship Files 1827-1941     Additional Information on Researching Surrogate Court Records

To View the Microfilm: Use the listings below to identify the reel of microfilm that contains the information that you need. You may then: Consult the appropriate reel at our reading room on the ground floor, 77 Grenville St., Toronto, or Borrow the reel through the Interlibrary Loan Department of your public library. Quote GS 1, GS 2 or MS 887 and the appropriate reel #. These reels cannot leave the borrowing library, so make sure to request them from a library that has a microfilm reader. or Purchase the appropriate microfilm reel directly from the Archives of Ontario. Quote GS 1, GS 2 or MS 887 and the appropriate reel #. For purchasing details, write the Archives of Ontario, 77 Grenville St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 1B3 (put "Attention: Customer Services - Micrographics" on the envelope), telephone 416-327-1600 weekdays 8:15am - 5:00pm (call toll-free 1-800-668-9933 in Ontario only), fax 416-327-1999, or email reference@ontario.ca. For pricing information consult Customer Service Guide 105: Reproduction Services and Fees.

Indexes - 1794 to 1968

The Indexes are organized by surname initial, then by the date that the deceased's estate was dispersed. Most indexes will provide the number of the deceased's estate file. However, some indexes will only list the register and page number where the estate file number is recorded (in these cases, you must next order the appropriate register for the date when the deceased's estate was probated).

In the table below, determine the reel of microfilm that you need and note the Microfilm Reference code. Please note that many estates were not dispersed until the spouse had died. Once you have the microfilm, search for the name alphabetically, then record the estate file number.

• 1794-1858: Files are arranged in one alphabetical sequence. See table below. If you cannot locate a particular file, check the register for that year. NOTE: No registers were kept between 1812 and 1833. You may wish to consult RG 22 Appendix A25 instead of the index.
  
  
• 1859-1880: Look up the page listed to find the date of the filing of the will. The estate files are ordered by year. If you cannot locate a particular file, check the register for that year.
  
• 1880-1930: Use the 2nd number in the GRANT column in the indexes (e.g. "5-7731", the estate file is #7731).

Go to Estate Files to determine what microfilm to order to see the estate file.

Registers - 1794 to 1902

The registers, also known as Probate and Administration books, contain the courthouse's copy of the grants of Letters of Probate (for estates with wills) and of Administration (for estates without wills).

In the table below, identify the volume that covers the time period relevant to your search and note the Microfilm Reference code. Once you have received the microfilm, look up the relevant entry using the volume and page number found in the index.

Estate Files - 1794 to 1930

Estate files contain all the documents needed to grant Letters Probate or Letters of Administration, including the petition for probate or administration, the original signed Will, oaths of executors or administrators, tally of assets, and related evidence.

In the table below, identify the microfilm which covers the time period and estate file number relevant to your search. Use the indexes to determine the estate file number. Order the appropriate microfilm, citing the Microfilm Reference code. Once you have the microfilm, look for the estate file number, which usually appears at the beginning of each file on the docket wrapper, and may appear elsewhere throughout the file.

Estate Files - 1931-1963

The estate files processed during 1931-1963 have not yet been microfilmed. To order a copy of all or part of an estate file please contact the Portfolio listed below with: the estate file number; year; name of county/district; and name of the deceased. Please include: your name; address; telephone number; and a brief description of what documents you would like copied (eg. the entire file, only the will, etc.).

Enquiry Officer
Archives of Ontario
77 Grenville Street, Unit 300
Toronto, Ontario
M5S 1B3
reference@ontario.ca

Please see our Customer Service Guide 105: Reproduction Services and Fees for details on photocopy charges.

Estate Files - Post-1963

The estate files processed after 1963 have not yet been transferred to the Archives of Ontario. You must contact the courthouse listed below which originally dealt with that court matter.

Superior Court of Justice - Estates Division
59 Church Street, 1^st floor
St. Catharines, Ontario
L2R 7N8
905-988-6200

Guardianship Files - 1827-1941

This series of files was kept separately from the estate files, and there are many gaps. Files from 1827 to 1858 are in alphabetical order by last name. Files from 1859 to 1941 are in file number (chronological) order.

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