Hi Grant researchers and Loyalist historians,
I’m trying to put together a timeline for my ancestor, Peter Grant born abt. 1736. I need a little history lesson.
We know that many of the Scottish families from Sir William/John Johnson’s land left and moved to Upper Canada about 1783-4. I have found that the Crown provided provisions for loyalists in Charlottenburgh from approximately 1784-1786. My ancestor, Peter Grant, is listed on Lot 10, 1st Concession on the McNiff Map that was created in 1786. Yet, most of the Land petitions were much later than that. I found a land petition for a Peter Grant in 1796, which was really quite early. I understand that the Scotsmen may have lived in Montreal or in Johnstown (Cornwall) prior to moving to their land. How did folks know what land was theirs to choose prior to the Orders in Council where the land petitions were actually granted? I understand that the lots were chosen by “lottery” or by drawing lot locations out of a hat then they traded among themselves so that they could be nearer to their family members. When did that occur and who was in charge of determining the locations of the lots? Had someone already surveyed the land? What would have happened if they had settled the land and then the petition was denied? I am trying to figure out how my ancestor LEGALLY ended up on Lot 10, 1st Concession.
I am always grateful for your help.
Barbara Gressel