Schooley, Benjamin
On 9 May 1795, Benjamin Schooley, seventeen years of age, born in Jersey State, farmer appeared before John Small and took the prescribed oaths and was recommended for a grant of two hundred acres of land. (Humberstone Township Papers 0265)
On 1 Dec 1795 Acting Surveyor General D W Smith gave an allocation to Benjamin Schooley for 200 acres of land in Lot 18 Concession 2 Humberstone Twp. (Humberstone Township Papers 0265)
Acting Surveyor General D W Smith gave an undated description to Benjamin Schooley for Lot 18 Concession 2 Humberstone Twp. (Humberstone Township Papers 0267)
Senn, Joseph
On 19 Dec 1800 Joseph Senn of Humberstone Twp. was given a fiat for Lot 3 Concession 4 Humberstone Twp. (460)
Acting Surveyor General D. W. Smith gave an undated survey to Joseph Senn for Lot 3 Concession 4 Humberstone Twp. (462)
Sherk, Gasper/Casper
On 12 May 1795 John Small certified Casper Sherk aged forty-five, born in Pennsylvania, farmer appeared before him and took the prescribed oaths and was recommended for a grant of 200 acres of land. On 12 Nov 1795 Acting Surveyor General D. W. Smith gave a certificate to Gasper Sherk for 200 acres in Lot 10 Concession 1 Humberstone Twp. (Humberstone Township Papers 0099)
Gasper Sherk of Humberstone, Yeoman was given an undated Surveyor’s Ticket from Acting Surveyor General D. W. Smith for 200 acres in Lot 10 Concession 1 Humberstone Twp. under a magistrate’s recommendation and Attorney General’s Fiat Number 1792. (Humberstone Township Papers 0097)
Sherk, Casper (2)
On 26 Nov 1831 the Executive Council of Upper Canada ordered the name of Casper Sherk to be entered on the plan of Lot 21 Concession 1 Humberstone Twp. claimed under the Heir and Devisee Commission (Humberstone Township Papers 0159)
Sherk, Jacob
In a letter dated at Humberstone Twp. on 26 Dec 1824 Jacob Sherk wrote to Surveyor General Thomas Ridout noting about fourteen years earlier he had built at considerable expense a grist and saw mill on Lot 4 Concession 3 Humberstone Twp. The mill pond overflowed about twenty-five acres on the north end of Lot 3 Concession 2 which lot is vacant. He asked if by petitioning to His Excellency in Council of Upper Canada he might have any chance of obtaining a grant if the lot were to be sold and if not whether he would be liable for any damages (Humberstone Township Papers 0229)
On 25 May 1825 the Executive Council of Upper Canada granted to Jacob Sherk of Humberstone Twp., yeoman 200 acres in Lot 3 Concession 2 in consideration of having built a grist and saw mill at considerable expense on the adjoining Lot 4 Concession 3, the mill pond overflowing twenty acres of the lot now granted. (Humberstone Township Papers 0364)
On 10 Feb 1839 Jacob Sherk and John Bochman of Humberstone Twp. filed a letter to the Commission of Crown Lands requesting a grant of 48 acres in the northeast part of Lot 6 Concession 1 Humberstone Twp. which was as yet ungranted. Jacob Sherk has erected a dwelling house and out houses on the east half. John Bochman has cleared and cultivated the west half. (Township Papers 0043, 0044)
In a letter to Sir Edmund Walker Head, Governor General of Canada dated 3 Mar 1858 eighty inhabitants of the Township of Humberstone signed and attested that Jacob Sherk resided upon 49 acres in the northeast part of Lot 6 Concession 1 Humberstone Twp., land he purchased from Christian Bauchman. They have now learned that a portion of the land was never granted by the Crown and, Jacob Sherk to save himself from great loss has applied by petition to purchase the ungranted part. The memorialists support that purchase. Signed by Daniel Near Esq., Nicholas Micheal, Abraham Micheal, William Michael, Joseph Sherk, Jacob G Zavitz, George Zavitz, Christian Sherk, Jacob Ott, Peter Sherk, Daniel Sherk, Simon Zavitz, John T. Beach, Casper Vanderveer, Robert N Beach, Abraham Shisler, George Foreman, William Halpain, John Baughman, Christoph Petzke, Jacob J Benner, George Sherk, John Sherk, William Steele, Dilbert Schooley, Abram Overholt, J. D. [S] [Obir], London, Willson, [F] G[w]amis, Edward Graf, Jacob Bearss, George W. Troup, George Sherk, Frederick Hechaston, David S Sherk, Titus Sherk, George Smith, J.P., John Shirk, Peter Neahr, John Thompson, J. P., Samuel S Senady, N. P., Samuel Hopkins, J[ohn] R Hande, Alex Lawson, Thomas Green[eston], Joseph Near, John Y Sholfield, S. G. Carter, Thomas Armstrong, Jas. Fortier, Jesse Zavitz, E. W. Fares, D. H. A. Fortner, Daniel Stoner, A. Boyer, William Pope, Samuel Stoner, Charles H. Carter, James G Hardison, Alpheus Kinsey, Edwin Smith, John M. Elsworth, William Lawson, Christian Sherk, Benjamin P. Zavitz, David Sherk, Abram Ramey, Levi Cornwall, John Near Sr., Leonard Halpman, George Storm, William Kasager, Carl Malze, Abraham Sherk, Jacob Storm, Joseph Zavitz, Heinrich Pellman and Abraham Nehr. (Humberstone Township Papers 0039)
On 28 Feb 1858 Jacob Sherk affirmed before Daniel Near J. P. he was the grantee named in a deed of bargain and sale of Christian Bauchman and wife bearing the date of 21 Mar 1853 and at the date herin was in possession of all the lands described in the deed (Humberstone Township Papers 0052)
James W Fell, Provincial Land Surveyor certified on 10 Feb 1859 stating Jacob Sherk is in possession of the northeast 24 acres of Lot 6 Concession 1 Humberstone Twp. and appended a map of the lot (Humberstone Township Papers 0045)
On 14 Nov 1859, Daniel Near for Sherk and Bauchman wrote to the Commissioner of Crown Lands requesting the deed and bod of Sherk and Bauchman that he left in the Commissioner’s Office last spring on Lot 6, first concession township of Humberstone and whether there was an order passed to grant them the land as Bauchman was anxious to make a payment on his land and get the deed for the granted portion. (Humberstone Township Papers 0065)
Skinner, Aaron
On 2 Aug 1794 the Executive Council of Upper Canada gave to Aaron Skinner Crown Grant for 200 acres of land. On 9 Aug 1794 Actikng Surveyor General D. W. Smith assigned to Aaron Skinner Lot 2 Front Concession Humberstone Twp. (Humberstone Township Papers 0013)
Acting Surveyor General D. W. Smith gave to Aaron Skinner an undated survey for 200 acres of land in Lot 2 Front Concession Humberstone Twp. (Humberstone Township Papers 0015)
Skinner, Timothy
Acting Surveyor General D. W. Smith gave an undated survey to Timothy Skinner of Humberstone Twp., yeoman for 200 acres of land in Lot 26 Concession 5 Humberstone Twp. as per an Order of Council of Upper Canada dated 4 Apr 1797 and warrant of 5 Apr 1797 (Humberstone Township Papers 0768)
Starkie/Starkey, John
On 6 Dec 1794, Peter Edsal sent to Administrator Peter Russell a letter including John Starkie’s assignment of his improvement on Lot 30 First Concession, Humberstone. Edsal then relinquished his claim to two lots in Township No. 9 on the Chippewa. (Humberstone Township Papers 0191) The following is the transfer included:
On 6 Dec 1794, John Starkey transferred to Peter Edsal for forty pounds New York currency all his right and title to his improvement made on Lot 30 in the first concession of the Township of Sugar Loaf east now Humberstone with the intent that Edsal may gain a royal grant of confirmation. Signed John Starkey. Cover letter dated 6 Dec 1794 from Peter Edsal enclosing the assignment of John Starkies improvement on Lot 30 in the first concession. He requested sent by the bearer John Starkie an assignment for Lot 30 in which case Edsal would relinquish his claim to two lots in Township No. 9 on the Chippewa. Signed Peter Edsal (Humberstone Township Papers 0189)
On 19 Jun 1810 Acting Surveyors General Chewett and Ridout gave a survey to John Starkie or Starkey of Humberstone Twp., yeoman for 200 acres of land in Lot 22 Concession 3 Humberstone Twp. acting on a recommendation of May or Jun 1796. The patent fees were paid to the Receiver General on 19 Jun 1810. (Humberstone Township Papers 0425)
Steel, David
On 2 Feb 1836 Gilbert McMicking M.P.P. Wrote from the House of Assembly saying the 26 acres of land in the north end of Lot 21 Concession 2 Humberstone Twp. was as yet vacant and in the hands of the Crown. He enquired on behalf of David Steel who appeared to have land adjoining it as to be sold and at what price. (Humberstone Township Papers 0288)
Steel, John
Acting Surveyor General D W Smith gave to John Steel an undated description of Lot 5 Concession 3 Humberstone Twp. as per a warrant of 8 Jun 1796 (Humberstone Township Papers 0370)
Steel, Solomon
On 17 Nov 1818 the Lieutenant General’s Office wrote to Surveyor General Thomas Ridout requesting issuance of the usual description of Clergy Glebe Reserve Lot 18 Concession 4 Humberstone Twp. for Solomon Steel. (Humberstone Township Papers 0528)
On 20 Nov 1859 the Executive Council of Upper Canada gave to Solomon Steel of Humberstone Twp., yeoman, permission to settle on 200 acres in Clergy Glebe Reserve Lot 18 Concession 4 Humberstone Twp. with yearly payment of one pound five shillings in two equal payments on January and July 1 of each year. (Humberstone Township Papers 0530)
On 1 Jun 1855 Levi Doan of Humberstone Twp. gave a deposition before Daniel Near J. P. stating about thirty-eight years earlier the late Solomon Steele of Humberstone Twp. applied to the Government of the Province for a lease on Lot 18 Concession 4 Humberstone Twp. and obtained possession of the lot. And held it until his death after which his widow Lavina Steele and then his son and heir at law William Steele held undisputed possession of the lot. They paid taxes and rent and made a clearing to the extent of about forty acres. Doan also noted David Kramer obtained possession of and settled on Clergy Reserve Lot 17 Concession 4 about seventeen years earlier and resided on the lot during that time, there being a log house and barn. He has cleared about 80 acres and paid taxes and rent. Doan further noted Charles White has had possession of the southeast quarter of Clergy Reserve Lot 16 Concession 4 during the last sixteen years, has cleared about nine acres and paid the taxes and rent. Doan also wrote that Benjamin Doan had possession of and resided on the southwest quarter of Lot 16 Concession 4 during the last seven years and has cleared about sixteen acres and erected a log house. Signed by Levi Doan. Adendums signed by Samuel Stoner and David Steele of Humberstone Twp. before Daniel Near on 1 Jun 1855 stating this to be true. (Humberstone Township Papers 0547)
On 5 Jun 1855 Zenas Fell, Provincial Land Surveyor certified by the request of William Steele of Humberstone Twp. that he examined Clergy Lot 18 Concession 4 Humberstone Twp. He ascertained under the oath of Levi Doan, Samuel Stoner and David Steele residing within a mile of the lot that the late Solomon Steele, deceased, father of William Steele applied for and obtained of the Government of the Province in the year 1818 a lease of the lot and held possession of it after which his widow Lavinia Steele and the son William Steele on attaining his majority held undisputed possession to the present time. The above parties have paid the rent and taxes and cleared it at the south end to the extent of about forty acres. The lot which contains two hundred acres is composed of about one hundred acres of what may be termed good land but the north hundred is low and wet and very difficult to bring into a state of cultivation. There is very little valuable timber on the lot and the growth of trees on the part not cleared is small. Fell put a value on the land exclusive of improvements at two pounds per acre. (Humberstone Township Papers 0551)
On 14 Feb 1856 Henry Smith Crown Land Agent wrote to Hon. Joseph Cauchon, Commissioner of Crown Lands forwarding the application of William Steele for the purchase of Lot 18 Concession 4 Humberstone Twp., the application of David Kramer to purchase Lot 17 Concession 4, the application of Charles White to purchase the southeast quarter of Lot 16 Concession 4 and the application of Benjamin Doan to purchase the south west quarter of Lot 16 Concession 4. He also included the certificate of Zenas Fell, P. L. S. and affidavits of Levi Doan, Samuel Stoner and David Steele. Smith inspected the lands and considered the report of Fell to be quite correct. As the north parts of Lots 17 and 18 are quite low and wet and hard to bring to a state of cultivation, he considered forty shillings per acre a fair valuation. Smith also stated that on learning the Church Wardens of St. Pauls Church in Bertie had claimed the rent on these lands, he wished to know whether the rent of right belonged to that Rectory before forwarding their applications. The best information he could get appears that an Order in Council of Upper Canada was passed allowing the church to receive rent until the land should be sold or otherwise ordered. He now forwarded the applications noting the parties were quite anxious to know whether they will be allowed to purchase these lands immediately and whether the church in Bertie be considered having a right to claim the rent any longer than until the application to purchase. (Humberstone Township Papers 0553)
On 27 Apr 1858 Levina Steele of Humberstone Twp., widow, took an oath before John Thompson a commissioner for taking affidavits in the Queen’s Bench for the County of Welland. She attested that the late Solomon Steele was her husband and that he obtained a lease of occupation from the Executive Government in the year 1818 for Lot 18 Concession 4 Humberstone and held it until his death. Solomon Steele died without a will in April 1824. She further attested that William Steele is eldest son and heir at law of William Steele. She continued to occupy and pay rent and taxes for the land during the minority of William Steele and that since William Steele has been of the age of twenty-one years he has continually and does at present time occupy said land. She attested that the rent paid for the laznd was five dollars up to 1834 which time the Church Wardens of Fort Erie came to her and told her that if she did not comply with their requests by entering into an agreement with them to pay such rent as they demanded the would dispossess her at once that by that kind of intimidation who was induced to comply that by the time her heir at law became of age to the present the aforesaid Church Wardens and their successors have been in the habit of raising the rent from time to time... (Humberstone Township Papers 0567)
On 27 Apr 1858 David Ramey of Humberstone Twp., yeoman appeared before John Thompson, a Commissioner for taking affidavits in the Queens Bench for the County of Welland. He swore he had a perfect recollection of Solomon Steele having a license of occupation from the Executive Government for Lot 18 Concession 4 Humberstone Twp. containing 200 acres and that he occupied the land until his death. Solomon Steele died without a will in Apr 1824 and his widow continued to occupy the land and pay rent and taxes during the minority of his eldest son and heir at law William Steele. He has been of the age of 21 years and continually and at the present time occupies the land. Ramey has understood by public rumour that William Steele has been sued several times by the Church Wardens of Fort Erie for rent. Signed David Ramey. (Humberstone Township Papers 0568)
On 27 Apr 1858 David Steele of Humberstone Twp., yeoman appeared before John Thompson, a Commissioner for taking affidavits in the Queens Bench for the County of Welland. He swore an oath similar to Ramey’s and added that Solomon Steele was a brother of the deponent. Signed by David Steele. (Humberstone Township Papers 0569)
On 27 Apr 1858 Jacob Stoner of Humberstone Twp., yeoman appeared before John Thompson, a Commissioner for taking affidavits in the Queens Bench for the County of Welland. He swore an oath similar to Ramey’s. Signed by Jacob Stoner. (Humberstone Township Papers 0570)
On 27 Apr 1858 Samuel Stoner of Humberstone Twp., yeoman appeared before John Thompson, a Commissioner for taking affidavits in the Queens Bench for the County of Welland. He swore an oath similar to Ramey’s. Signed by Samuel Stoner. (Humberstone Township Papers 0572)
On 28 Apr 1858 Elijah McCaul (sic: Macaul) of Humberstone Twp., carpenter appeared before John Thompson, a Commissioner for taking affidavits in the Queens Bench for the County of Welland. He swore an oath that in or about 1845 the agent for the Church Wardens of Fort Erie entered into an agreement to rent him Lot 18 Concession 4 Humberstone Twp. and gave him a written lease. McCaul called on the occupant William Steele and demanded possession. Steele refused to give it up and said if McCaul trespassed on the lot he would prosecute. McCaul then notified the agent who promised to give him possession but failed to do so. Signed by Elijah Macaul. (Humberstone Township Papers 0571)
Steel, William
On 14 May 1795 William Steel, 46 years of age, born in Ireland, weaver appeared before John Small and took the prescribed oaths and was recommended for 200 acres of land. On 14 May 1795 Acting Surveyor General D. W. Smith gave a grant to William Steel for 200 acres in Lot 20 Concession 3 Humberstone Twp. (Humberstone Township Papers 0419)
On 20 Jul 1795 the Executive Council of Upper Canada read the petition of William Steel saying he had been granted 200 acres of land and requesting additional land. The Council of Upper Canada ordered that he receive another 200 acres (Humberstone Township Papers 0411)
On 29 Jul 1795 Acting Surveyor General D. W. Smith assigned to William Steel 200 acres in Lot 19 Concession 3 Humberstone Twp. (Humberstone Township Papers 0413)
Acting Surveyor General D. W. Smith gave William Steel and undated survey of Lots 19 and 20 Concession 3 Humberstone Twp. (Humberstone Township Papers 0416)
Stoner, Christian
On 17 Apr 1797 the Executive Council of Upper Canada gave to Christian Stoner a grant of 400 acres of land in Lots 29, 30, 31 and 32 Concession 3 Humberstone Twp. (Humberstone Township Papers 0449)
On 17 May 1797 Christian Stoner was given a grant for 400 acres in Humberstone Twp. (Humberstone Township Papers 0447)