A series of documents outlining the acquisition of a village lot might appear to be family specific, but in fact the documents can teach us much about Richmond’s history. In 1845 merchant George Brown (see factoids #113-115) bought lot 8 on the west side of McBean St. (Across the street from St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church). The documents reveal information about the leading Richmond characters: Lewis, McElroy and Burke, and introduce a new one, Craig. They tell us about the mysterious Royal Navy Lieutenant, James William Horrie who had partnered with John Bower Lewis to buy lumber from George Lyon in 1821 (see factoid # 23). The documents also tell us how land was transferred when a resident died without a will and with a young heir.
They raise questions about the terms of settlement for acquiring land in the village. It is stated that the land was returned by the Military Settling Department to the Heir and Devisee Commission of the Crown Land Department “without description for Patent”. Does this mean that the land was given to Lieutenant Horrie without any terms of settlement?
George Neville has transcribed the Brown documents. The transcription and Neville’s introduction appear below. What additional information do they provide to you about mid-19th century Richmond life?