Heir and devisee commission case files

Case files can be helpful in determining who was the initial owner of a piece of land. They may also explain why the individual who was originally granted the land did not receive a patent. Case files do not include the Commissions’ decisions. Instead, each case file may include the following types of documents.

Background information on the land, including copies of receipts issued by the Crown Lands Department documenting the payment of instalments on sales, reports from land agents, and maps showing the land claimed.

Searches conducted by the Surveyor General (later, the Crown Lands Department) for land grants and indication of whether settlement requirements had been met and if a patent was prepared.

Copies of receipts issued by the Crown Lands Department documenting the payment of instalments on sales, reports from land agents, and maps showing the land claimed.

Affidavits and testimonial letters signifying the intent of claimants to pursue a claim before the Commission and Affidavits from the local Clerk of the Peace, Land Registrars, claimants and supporting witnesses.

Copies of related court records, including:

• indentures assigning interest in the land in question
• memorials and wills assigning interest in land to heirs
• powers of attorney
• orders-in-council
• deeds of sale, mortgages, and bonds

Genealogical information, including:

• family trees
• occupation and family background of original grantee and claimant

Search an index to locate a case file number. Choose from three ways to access the indexes.

Online through Family Search

1. Consult the digitized index that matches the last name of your person of interest.
2. Once you locate their name, record their case file number.

Online through Collection Search

1. Search by name, year, or township.
2. Choose a result to determine the case file number.

In person on microfilm

1. Consult the table below to find the reel that matches the year range and last name of your person of interest.
2. Visit the Reading Room to consult the reel on self-serve microfilm or order the reel to your local library through the InterLibrary Loan program. Ask your librarian for help.

You can access case files online or in person on microfilm.

Online through FamilySearch

1.  Choose the case file microfilm that matches the year range and case file number of interest to search the case files.

In person on microfilm

1. Use the table below to determine which microfilm reel contains the case file number of interest.
2. Then choose the matching reel to consult the file.