333.10977352 [Edward Coles] . Report H-e679r . . . for the relief of the inhabitants of Peoria. (1821) ILLINOIS HISTORICAL SURVEY REPORT iis©S3S=3rii3s^ ®w ^mM ^iB:mA§wmis:^ XK COirrORMITT TO THE PROVISIOJfS OF THE ACT OF FIFTEENTH MAY, 1820, EOR THE BEUEF OF THE INHABITANTS OF THE VILLAGE OF PEORIA, IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIjS. FEBRUARY 1, 182h Printed by order of the Senate of the United States. WASHINGTON-^ PHISTED BT GALES & 5EATQS. 1821. L 76 ] Treasury Department, January 10, 1821, Sir: In conformity with the provisions of the act of the fifteenth bf May, 1820, for the relief of the inhabitants of the village of Peoria, In the state of Illinois, I have the honor to submit the report of the Register of the District of E d ward svi lie, upon the claims exhibited under the said act, with the substance of the evidence in support thereof. I have the honor to be. Very respectfully. Sir, Your obedient servant, WM. H. CRAWFORD^ The Hon. the President of the Senate. [ 76 Land Office at Edwardsville, JVovember 10, 1820. ^iR : In compliance with an act of Congress, entitled " An act for the relief of the inhabitants of the village of Peoria, in tlie state of Illinois," I have the honor to transmit to you a report of seventy claims to lots in Peoria, and the substance of the evidence in support thereof, which have been received, and now remain on file in my office: to which I must add my regret at the insurmountable difficulties I have met with, in complying with a provision of this law, which requires me to make out a list of such claims as, in my opinion, ought to be confirmed. The law not having defined the nature of tiie claims in- tended to be confirmed, nor prescribed any rule of adjudication, nor referred to any laws or usages by which I was to be governed, in forming an opinion, I have been at a loss to determine upon what prin- ciples to decide, and have, therefore, been compelled to omit making out a list of such claims as, in my o])inion, ought to be confirmed. I have, however, added to the rej)ort a tabular statement, shew ing, at one view, the character of all and each of the claims; from which, af- ter having decided w hat date or length of possession shall give a title to the occupant, it will be easy to select the particular claims which should be confirmed. Believing that the chief object of Congress in passing the law was to obtain information as to the nature of the claims to lots in Peoria, I have endeavored to collect all the information w hich could be ob- tained, and to transcribe it in detail in the i-eport of evidence iicrewith transmitted. And to guard, as far as possible, against inaccuracies or frauds, and to obtain as full and correct information as practica- ble, I desired that the testimony should be taken in my presence; ex- cept where advanced age. or infirmity, oi- the remoteness of the wit- nesses, rendered their attendance at my office inconvenient. M ith a few exceptions, all the depositions have been thus taken; and the evi- dence, though sometimes contradictory, and no doubt often inaccu- rate as to dates, will in general be found as consistent as could rea- sonably have been expected, considering the length of time which has elapsed, and the illiterate character of most of the deponents. The old village of Peoria was situated on the nortliwest shore of Lake Peoria, about one mile and an half above the lower extremity or outlet of the lake. This village had bceji inhabited by the French previous to the recollection of any of the present generation. About the year 1778, or 1779, the first house was built in what was then called La Ville de Maillet, afterwards tlie New Village of Peoria, and, of late, the place has been known by the name of Fort Clark, situated about one mile and an half below the old village, immediately at the lower point or outlet of Lake Peoria, The situation being C76] 6 preferred in consequence of the water being better, and its being thought more healthy, tlie inhabitants gradually deserted the old vij- lage, and, by the year 1796, or 1797, had entirely abandoned it, and removed to the new village. The inhabitajits of Peoria consisted generally of Indian traders, hunters, and voyagers, and had long formed a link of connection be- tween the French, residing on the waters of the Great Lakes and the Mississippi river. From that happy facility of adapting themselves to their situiition and associates, for which the French are so ro- markable, the inhabitants of Peoria lived generally in harmony uith their savage neighbors. It would seem, however, that, about the year 1781, they were induced to abandon the village from the apprehension of Indian hostility; but, soon after the peace of 1783, they again I'eturned, and continued to reside there until the autumn of the year 1812, when they were forcibly removed from it, and the place destroyed by a captain Craig, of the Illinois militia, on the ground, as it was said, that him, and his company of militia, were lired on in the night while at anchor in their boats before the village by Indians, with whom the inhabitants were suspected by Craig to be too intimate and friendly. The inhabitants of Peoria, it would appear from all I can learn, settled there without any grant or permission from the authority of any governmejit; that the only title they had to their land w as deriv- ed from possession, and the only value attached to it grew out of the improvements placed upon it; that each person took to himself such poition of unoccupied land as Ije wished to occupy and cultivate, and made it his by incorporating his labor with it; but, as soon as he abandoned it, his title was understood to cease, with his possessions and improvements; and it reverted to its natural state, and was lia- ble again to be impioved, and possessed by any one who should think proper. This, together with the itinerant character of the inhabi- tants, will account for tlie number of persons who will frequently be found, from the testimony contained in the report, to have occupied the same lot; many of whom, it will be seen, present conflicting claims. As is usual in Fi'cnch villages, the possessions in Peoria consisted generally of village lots, on which they erected their buildings, and made their gardens; and of out-lots, or fields, in which they cultivat- ed grain, &c. The village lots contained, in general, about one half of an ar{)ent of land; the out-lots, or fields, were of various sizes, de- pending upon the industry or means of the owner to cultivate more or less land. As neither the old or new village of Peoria were ever formally laid out, nor had defined limits assigned them, it is impossi- ble to have of them an accurate map. I have, however, sketched off ojie, founded on the testimony received in support of the claims, and from the information obtained from the most intelligent of the former inhabitants of the place; and, though I am aware of its inaccuracy, yet I am induced to forward it along with the report, as it will tend to shew the claims, and elucidate the testimony in support of them. I 7 C 76 ] have not been able to ascertain, ■with precision, on ^vllat particular quarter sections of the military survey these claims are situated. It is believed, however, that the greater part of the land covered, botii by the old and new villages, are in fractional quarter sections, and that the out-lots, or fields, are included in quarter sections, which have been granted as bounty lauds to the soldiers of the late war. I am, very respectfully, EDWARD COLES, Register of fhe Land Office at Echvanhxillet The Hon. William H^ Crawford, Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. 6] mu :e at the ' the \f re- ining f the d or outh- Bap- is or I Et- tjts of i was if the to at" must ;e and le ar- John ilinois / eceas= i-.A<^^va,«. uviuio ii!\5 luuiniui^aiui iiio founiry Dy colonel Clark? ;1 2 *^ '^ ^ ^ -? o |; a K ^ n S" Ife'* alo S^ ^ 2] 9; e - f A M A P waaiiLi\(^3i ©IF i?ii©3iai^^ . r B li ° Is^i i -- si' !2§ 3? ^f ■fas fjl ? .-■ H s- r „i? 1 ll ii •2 ■= 1 ^ 1 ; II fej s 1 r |g.3 >• 1 a r '5 '1 i' ^1 &.=• 5 1 ? '"/ 1 1^1 &. ILLINOIS KIVER >. [76 3 REPORT. in obedience to an act of Congress, entitled *< An act for the be- lief of the inliabitants of the village of Peoria, in the state of IIli= nois," approved May 15th, 1820, the Register of the Land Office at Edwardsville has the honor of laying before the Secretary of the Treasury the following Report of Claims, and the substance of the evidence in support thereof, which have been received and now re- main on file in his office. No. 1. Ettiennc Bernard claims a lot in the village of Peoria, containing about one arpcnt of land, situated about 40 or 50 yards south of the lot of Joseph Graveline, and bounded, eastwardly, by a road or street separating it from the lower part of Lake Peoria; south- wardly, by a road separating it from a lot occupied by John Bap- tiste Mailletj and, wcstwardly and" northwardly, by commons or prairie. PROOFo Toiisant Sonlard and Joseph Graveline testify, on oath, that Et- tiene Bernard improved and cultivated a lot of one or two arpents of land in Peoria, which they describe as above, about the year 1778^ and contiiuied to cultivate the same for about ten years, when he was driven oft' the premises by the depredations of the Indians. BE MARK. The evidence in this case was not taken in the presence of the Register, the deponents being (it was said) too old and infirm to at- tend at his office. Judging from its situation, the above lot must have been afterwards built upon and occupied by Francis Wilette and now claimed by Louis Pilette. See claim AU 11, No. 2. Augustine Roque claims a lot in Peoria, containing about one ar- pent of land, and bounded, northwardly, by a lot occupied by John Baptiste Maillet; eastwardly, by a road separating it from the Illinois river; and, southwardly and westwardly, by the prairie. PROOF. Ettienne Bernard testifies, on oath, that Augustine Roque, deceas- ed, did, the year before the conquest of the country by colonel Clark, 3 [ 76 ] 10 Imild an house on and improve the above dcscribeil lot in Peoria, Avliich lot contaiiiod about one arpentof land; an Forsyth, in the year 1806, made the above described lot or field. [ 76 1 1^ . \\liuli, to llic best of their rocollrctioii, contained about iifteen or six- teen arpcnts of laiwl; and Mette well recollects that Forsyth culti- vated the said field at least two years. No. 10. . Thomas Forsyth claims an out-lot or field, containing about twenty ai'pents ot'lajid; situated in t!»e little Prarie about two miles IVoni Peoria. I'ROor. Jjicques Mette and Felix Fountain testify, on oath, that Thomas Forsyth connncnced the improvement of the above described lot or field, in tlie year 1807 or 1808; and that he cultivated it for one year; and (hat the said lot or field contained, to the best of their belief, not more than about seven arpcnts of land. No. 11. Louis Pilette, in ri.£,lit of his wife Ans^elica, the daughter of the late Francis Wilette, of the village of Peoria, claims a lot in Peoria, containing about one half of an arpcnt of laud; and bounded, north- wardly, by a street; eastwardly, by the lot of Antoine Deschamps; southwaidly, by a street separating it from the Illinois river; and, "westwardly, by a street. mooF. Drezy Blondeau testifies, on oath, that Francis Wilette built an bouse on and improved tlie above described lot in Peoria, in the year 1788 or 1789, and lived thereon until his death, in the year 1806 or 1808. Simon Roi testifies, on oath, that he went to live in Peoria about the year 1793, at which time he found Francis Wilette living on tlic abo\ e described lot in Peoria, where be continued to reside until iiis death: and both lilondeau and lloi testify, that the said lot contained about one-half of an arj)ent of land; and tliat Francis Wi- lette died leaving but one child, who, to tlieir certain knowledge, is nowtlic wife of (he above named Louis Pilette. IIEMAUK.. It is believed there is an unintentional mistake in the boundaries of the above described lot. For it to cori-espond with the descriptions given of the other lots in Peojia. it should have been, noithwardly, by An(ciine Doscliatnps' lot; eastwai'dly, by a street sej)arating it from (iie Illinois river; and, to the south and west by streets. 'J'his lot is, also, claimed by Felix Fountain, who contends that Francis Wilette sold it. as will be seen hv reference to his claim, No 41. 15 [76] No. 12. Louis Pilette, in rigiit of his wife Angelica, the daughter of the late Francis Wilette, claims a lot containing one half of an arpentof land in the village of Peoria, immediately in the rear of tlic last de- scribed lot, and separated from it by a street, and adjoining to the east (north,) a lot of Antoinc Dcschamps, and bounded to the south and west by streets. PROOF. • Drezy Blondeau, testifies, on oath, that Francis Wilette built stables and other out-houses on the above described lot, in the year 1788 or 1789, and continued to use the same until his death, in the year 1806 or 1808. Simon Roi, in like manner, testifies, that, when he went to live in Peoria, ahout the year 1793, he found Francis Wilette in possession of tlie above described lot, whicli he continued to occu- py till his death. And, they both testify, that it contained about one half of an arpentof land, and that Francis Wilette and his wife, on their decease, left but one child, who is now the wife of the above named Louis Pilette. No. 13. Louis Pilette, in riglit of ids wife Angelica, the daughter of tlie late Francis Wilette, claims an out lot or field containing fifteen or twenty arpents of land, situated about three-fourths of a mile northeast- wardly (northwestwardly) from the village of Peoria. PROOF. Drezy Blondeau testirtes, on oath, that Francis Wilette com- menced improving and cultivating an out lot, or field, of from fifteen to twenty arpents of land, situated as above described, about tlic year 1786, which he continued to cultivate until his death, in the year 180G or 1808. And Simoa Roi testifies, on oath, that, when he went to live in Peoria, in the year 1793, he found Francis Wilette in posses- sion of, and cultivating the above described out lot or field, uliich he supposed to contain about fifteen or twenty arpents — that he (Roi) had often assisted Wilette to harvest his grain, and that he well knows that Wilette continued to cultivate it until his death. And, they both testify that the wife of the above named Louis Pilette was the only child left by the said Wilette and his wife at their death. No. 14. Jacques Mette claims a lot in Peoria, of eighty feet front by three hundred feet in depth, (French measure,) and bounded on the east by a street separating it from the Illinois river, on the north by a lot claimed by Thomas Forsyth, on the west by a back street, and on the south by a lot of Francis Bucke. [76] 16 rRoor. Uypolitc Maillct tes'tilics, on oatli, that he is now about forty-two or forty- three years oC aj^c, and, that fi'oin his earliest recollection the ahovc described lot was possessed and cultivated by his father, John Baptist Maillet, who continued to cultivate it until his death, in the year 1800 or 1801. And Pierre Lavassieui- dit Chamberlain, also, testifies, on oath, that, when he went to live in Peoria, in the year 1790, he found John Baptistc Maillet in possession of, and cul- tivating the above described lot. And they both testify, that they always undcrst»)od that the above named Alette had purciiased the said lot, (but when, is not stated,) wliicli, they well recollect, he con- tinued to occupy until the spring of tiie year 18l!^2 — and that the said lot was, they thought, about eighty feet in front by about three hun- dred feet in depth. KEMAKK. The land embraced by this lot must, in pait, ha>e been covered by the lot of Augustine Roque. See claim, No. £, No. 1 5. Jacques Mettc claims a lot in Peoria, of eiglily feet in front by three hundred feet in depth, (French measure,) situated immediately in the rear of the last described lot, and separated from it by a street, and bounded north by a lot of Thomas Forsyth, and to the west and souUi by unoccupied lands. PROOF. tlypolite Maillct teslilies, on oatli, that lie is now forty-two or forty-three years of age, and that, from his earliest recollection, his father, John Baptistc Maillet had cultivated the above described lot. And Pierre Lavassicur dit Chamberlain testifies, in like man- ner, that he went to live in Peoria in the year 1790, at which time he found John Baptiste Maillet in possession of and cultivating the above described lot. And both testify that the said Maillet continued Jo cultivate the said lot until his death, in the year 1800 or 1801; and that they had always understood that the above named Mette puichased it, and they well recollect he cultivated it until the spring of the year 1812, and that it was about eighty feet in front by about three hundred in depth. No. 16. Pierre Lavassieur dit Chamberlain claims a lot or square of about two arpents of land, in the old village of Peoria, bounded north- 17 [76] •«\'ai'dly by a Fiill, to the south and east by streets, and to the west by an out-lot, also claimed by him. PROOF. Joseph liapattre and Hypolite Maillet testily, on oath, that Au- g-ustine Filteau, in the year 1789, '"established himself on four lots., of eighty by three hundred feet each," ^vhich lots they describe as being bounded on the nortli by an hill, south by a cross street, east by a street, and west by an out-lot, then possessed l)y the said Filteau, and that the said Filteau sold the said lots to the above named Pierre Lavassieur dit Chamberlain in the year 1794. REMARK. The testimony in this case was not taken in the presence of the register. This lot is, also, claimed by August. Fiailteau. See claim, No. 21. No. 17. Pierre Lavassieur dit Chamberlain claims an out-lot or field, con- tainlng about twelve arpents of land, near, if not adjoining to, the old village of Peoria, and adjoining to the south and west the field of Louis Chatellereau. PROOF. Josepb Lapattre and Hypolite Maillet testify, on oath, that Au- gustine Filteau " established" the above described lot or field, which contained about twelve arpents of land, in the year 1789, and tliat he sold it in the year 1794, to the above named Pierre Lavassieur dit Chamberlain. REMARK. The testimony in this case was not taken in the presence of the the register. No. 18. Pierre Lavassieur dit Chamberlain claims a lot in Peoria, bounded northwardly and uestwai'dly by unoccupied lands, eastwardly by a street separating it from the lot of Louis Bisson, and southwardly by a cross street. PROOF. Hypolite ISIaillet and Michael Laclaire testify, on oath, that Pierre Lavassieur dit Chamberlain fenced in and built an house on Hio 4 [76] 18 above (Icsciil)cd lot, about the year 1798; but tbey do not know that he ever occupied the house or cultivated the said lot; they de- scribe tl»c lot to have been about the usual size, that is, about one half of an arpent of land. No. 19. Pierre Lavassieur dit Chamberlain claims a lot in Peoria, of eighty feet iti fiont, by tliree lumdred feet in depth, (French mea- sure) and bounded northwardly, by a lot of Michael Le Croix; east- wardly, by a street separating it from the Illinois river; southwardly, by a lot of Augustine La Roche; and westwardly, by a street. PROOF. Hypolite Maillet, and Michael La Claire, testify, on oath, that Francis Jourdan made an improvement on the above described lot in Peoria, about tlie year 1800, or 1801, wiiere he resided about one year, when he, (Jourdan) sold the said lot to Pierre Lavassieur dit Chamberlain, who resided oti it until he was forced from it by cap- tain Craig, who destroyed the village of Peoria in the fall of the year 18l!2; that the said lot was about eighty feet in front, by about three hiuidred in depth. No. 20. Pierre Lavassieur dit Chamberlain claims an out-lot or field, containing about seven arpents of land, situated near half a mile to the south west of Peoria, and adjoining on the north the field of An- toine Lapaucc. PROOF. Hypolite Maillet, and Antoine Lapance, testify, on oath, that Pierre Lavassieur dit Chamberlain did, in in the year 1810, enclose and cultivate the above described lot, or field, and that he continued to cultivate it, until he and all the inhabitants were forced to leave Peoria, by captain Craig, in the year 1812. No. 21. Gabriel Lattraille, as administi-ator of August Fiailteau, claims a lot in the old village of Peoria, containing about o)ie half of an ar- pent of land, and bounded eastwardly by a lot of one Lapierre; southwardly, by a street, sej)arating it irom a lot claimed by Louis Chatcllereau; and to the north and west by unoccupied land. PROOF. Ettienno Bernard testifies, on oath, that he saw August Fiailteau living on and cultivating the above described lot, in the old village of 19 C 76 ] Peoria, about the year 1791, on which he, Fiailteau, had a black- smith's shop, and that he continued to reside on the said lot for about jfive or six years, when he abandoned it, and that the said lot contain- ed about one half of an arpent of land. Tousant Souliere testifies, on oath, that August Fiailteau, deceased, lived on, and cultivated the above described lot, (but when is not stated) and that he continued to reside on it for at least ten years, when he was driven off by savage depredations. REMARKS. The testimony of Tousant Souliere was not taken in presence of the register. This lot is also claimed by Pierre Lavassieur dit Chamberlain, who contends that he purchased it in the year 1794 of Fiailteau. See claim No. 16. No. 22. Thomas Lusby claims a lot in the old village of Peoria, contain- ing about four arpents of land, and bounded on the east by a street or road, at the distance of about one hundred andjtwenty yards from lake Peoria; on the south, by a street separating it from the lot of Joseph Leframbroise; w^est by unoccupied lands; and on the north by the lot of one Parent. PROOF. Joseph Lapatre and Louis Coinoi testify, on oath, that Thomas Lusby purchased, about the year 1795, a lot, which they describe as containing four arpents of land, and situated in the upper town of Peoria, from one Saint John, who they state had resided on the said lot for near fifteen years. Simon Roi testifies, on oath, that, when he went to live in Peoria, in the year 1794, he found one Saint John living on a lot, which he describes as it is above described by Lusby, and that he had been informed that Saint John sold the said lot to Thomas Lusby. Michael La Cr^ix testifies, in like manner, that, in the year 1797, Thomas Lusby purchased the said lot from one Saint John, who had previously lived thereon, and that the said Lusby lived on the said lot for one or two years, when he abandoned it; and both Rio and Le Croix testify that the lot contained about four arpents of laud. No. 23. Thomas Lusby claims a lot in the old village of Peoria, containing about one half of an ar])entof land, and bounded on the east by lake Peoria; south, by a lot of one Bouche; west, by a street, separating it from the lot of Louis Chatellereau; and north, by the lot of one Lapierre. [[ 76 ] 20 PROOF. Joseph Lapati'e, and Louis Coiuoi, testify, on oath, that Thomas Lushy pmrhased of one Liiioach a lot, on which he (Laroach) re- sided seven yeai's, and Mhicli they merely desciibe as bein;^ in the upper toN\ n of Peoria, and containing about one half of an aipent of land. They do not state wlien Lusby purchased, or how long he retained possession of the lot. REMARK. The above testimony was not taken in the presence of the register. No. 24. Thomas Lushy claims a lot in the new A'illage of Peoria, contain- ing about one half of an aipcnt of land, and bounded castwardly, by a street separating it ft'om the Illinois river; southwardly, by a lot, once occupied by Chorette, aftei-wards by Louis Defond; westwardly, by a back street; and, northwardly, by a lot of one Champlaine. % PROOF. Simon Roi testifies, on oath, that, when he went to live in Peoria, in the year 1794, he found one Uj-quette living on the above describ- ed lot; that he (Roi) does not know whether Urquette sold it or not, but that he well recollects seeing one Castion afterwards living on it, who sold it to Thomas Lusby about the year 1798 or 1799, and that when he (Roi) removed from Peoria, in the year 1802 or 1803, he left the said Lusby living on the said lot. Louis Coinoi and Joseph Lapatre testify, on oath, that they knew of Thomas Lusby's purchas- ing a lot of about one half of an arpent, in the lower town, about the year 1794, from one Castion, and that the said Castion purchased the said lot the year before of one Urquette, w ho had lived on the said lot, they thought, lor near twenty years. REMARK. This lot is also claimed by Antoine La Claire, who contends that Thomas Lusby sold it. See claim No. 25. Coinoi and Lapatre's testimony not taken in the presence of the Register. No. 25. Antoine La Claire claims a lot in Peoria, of eighty feet in front, by three hundred feet in deptli (French measure) and bounded, east- wardly, by a street separating it from the Illinois river; southwardly, by a lot of John Baptistc Defond; westwardly, by unoccupied lands; and, northwardly, by a lot, which he (La Claire) purchased of J. B. Champlaine. 21 [ 76 3 PROOF. Francis Racine testifies, on oatli, that one La Blond made an ini provemcnt on the above described lot in the year 1798 or 1799, and that the said lot was afterwards in possession of several persons, among whom he well recollects Joseph Castion and Thomas Lusby; that Lnsby sold the said lot. in the year 1805, to him (Racine) who sold it to Joseph Dejeney, who sold it to the above named Antoine La Claire in the year 1809, who occupied said lot till the year 1812, when Peoria was destro} ed by captain Craig. Jacques Mette testi- fies, on oath, tliat Tliomas Lusby was in possession of the above de- scribed lot in the year 1801, v. hen he (Mette) went to live in Peoria, and that Lusby continued to reside tliereon for about two years, after which, he (Mette) saw the said lot in possession of one Joseph De jeney, who, he understood, sold it to the above named Antoine La Claire, in the year 1809, who contiiuied to occupy the same until the year 1812. Both Racine and Metto testify that the said lot was about eighty feet in front, by about three hundred feet in depth. REMARK. This lot is also claimed by the above named Thomas Lusby. See claim No. 24. No. 26. Antoine Laclaire claims a lot in Peoria, of eighty feet in fiont, by three hundred feet in (le{)tli, (French measure) and boinided eastward ly by main street, sepai-ating it from the Illinois rivei-; northwardly, by a lot of Francis Racine; westwardly, by unoccuj)ied land^ and southwardly, by a lot, on which he (Laclaire) lived. PROOF. Francis Racine and Jacques Mette testify, on oath, that John Bap- tiste Champlaine made an improvement on the above described lot, in the year 1801, or 1802; and that he (Cliainplaiue) sold the said lot in the year 18 iO, to the above named Antoine Leclaire, who cultiva- ted it as a garden until the year 1812. Both Racine and Mette testify that said lot was about eighty feer in front, by about three hundred feet in depth. No. 27. Micliael La Croix claims a lot in Peoria,'of eighty feet iji front, by three hundred feet in deptii, (French measure,) ar.d bounded, east- wardly, by a street separating it fromtiie Illinois river; southwardly, by a lot occupied by Pierre Lavassieur dit Chambei-lain; westward- ht ^y a hack street,' and uorthwai-dly, by a cross street. [76] 22 PROOF. Anioine Deschanips testifies, on oatli, that Louis La Bossieur had the above des( ribed lot in possession, and was living on it in the year 1794, and that La Bossieur sold it to Michael Coursoll; and Jacques jMette testifies, in like manner, that when he went to live in Peoria, in the year 1801, or 1802, he found Michael Coursoll living on the above described lot; that Michael Coursoll sold the said lot to John M. Coursoll, who he (Mette) understood sold it about the year 1808, or 1809, to the above named Michael La Croix; Antoine Saint Dennis, as well as the above named Mette, testify, on oath, that Michael La Croix, very soon after he purchased the above described lot, built a large two-story dwelling house, a large store-house, and other out dwellings, and cultivated a garden on the said lot, and con- tinued to occupy the same until the year 1812, when the village of Peoria was destroyed by captain Craig. No. 28. Simon Roi claims a lot in Peoria, containing about one half of an arpent of land; and bounded on the east by a lot of John Coursoll; on the west, by a lot of Louis Bisson, on the south and north, by streets. PROOF. Drezy Blondcau, and John Baptiste Blondeau, testify, on oath, that Simon Roi, went to Peoria sometime during the year 1793, soon after which he made an improvement, and built an house on the above described lot, in whic'a he lived near two years, when he abandoned it. REMARK. The above boundaries are presumed not correct. To correspond with the points of the compass, as stated in the other descriptions in Peoria, it should have been stated, northwardly, by the lot of John Coursoll; and southardly, by the lot of Louis Bisson. No. 29. Simon Hoi, in right of his wife, who was the wife of Charles Le Doux, of Peoria, claims a lot in Peoria, containing about one half of an arpent of land; and bounded on the south by a lot of Antoine Roi; on the north, by the lot of Francis Dupre; and on the east and west, by streets. PROOF. Drezy Blondeau, and John Baptiste Blondeau, testify, on oath, that Charles Le Doux made an improvement on the above described 28 [76] lot in the year 1793, and continued to reside on, and cultivate the same until his death; that the ahove named Simon Roi married the widow of the said Charles Le Doux, ahout the year 1799, and that they, the said Simon Roi and wife, continued to reside on, and culti- vate the said lot, until about the year 1808, or 1809, when they re- moved from Peoria. No. 30. Simon Roi, in right of his wife, the late widow of Charles Le Doux, deceased, claims a lot in Peoria, containin,^ about one half of an arpent of land; and situated immediately in the rear of the last described lot, and separated from it by a street. PROOF. Drezy Blondeau, and John Baptiste Blondcau, testify, on oath, that Charles Le Doux commenced an improvement on the above describ- ed lot, during the year 1793, by building a stable and other out-hou- ses on it, and that he continued to occupy the said lot until his death; that the above named Simon Roi married his widow about the year 1799, and that they (Roi and wife) continued to use the same until they left Peoria, which was about the year 1808 or 1809. No. 31. Simon Roi, in right of his wife, the late widow of Charles Le Doux, deceased, claims an out-lot, immediately in the rear of, and^ad- joining to the last described lot, containing about six arpcnts of land. PROOF. Drezy Blondeau, and John Baptiste Blondeau, testify, on oath, that Charles Le Doux made an improvement on the above described out-lot or field, in the year 1793, and tiiat he continued to cultivate it until his death; that the widow of the said Charles Le Doux marri- ed the above named Simon Roi, about the year 1799, and that they (Roi and wife) continued to cultivate the same until about the year 1808 or 1809, when they left Peoria. No. 32. Simon Roi claims one third of an out-lot, or field, containing about thirty arpents of land, improved and cultivated by himself, his brother Antoine Roi, and Francis Racine; situated on the east bank of the river Gatinau, near one league south-westwardly from the vil- lage of Peoria. [76] 24 PROOF. Aiitoinc Cicarc, and AntoincRoi, testily, onoatli, that, in the year 1802, Simon Roi, with his brother Antoinc Roi, and Francis Racine, improved and ciiltivatcd an out-lot, or field, at the river Gatinau; con- taining about thirty arpents of land, which they continued to culti Aate for many years. No. 33. Antoine Roi claims a lot in Peoria, containing about one half of an arpcnt of land; and bounded, northwardly, by a lot of Cliarles Lc Doux; castwardly, by a street separating it from the Illinois river; southwardly by unoccupied laud; and, westwardiy, by a street. PROOF. Michael Le Claire and Simon Roi testily, on oatli, that Antoine Roi, in the year 1793 or 1794, built a house on, and cultivated as a garden, the above described lot, whicii contai)ied about one half of an arpent of land, and on which he coiitimied to reside and cultivate for five or six years, when he abandoned it, and removed from Peoria. No. 34. Antoine Roi claims a lot in Peoria, containing about one half of an arpent of land, and situated immediately in the rear of the last described lot, and from which it w as separated by a street; and, to the north, it adjoined the lot of Charles Le Doux; and, to the south and west it was bounded by commons or prairie. PROOF. Michael Le Claire and Simon Roi testify, on oath, that A)itoine Roi, in the year 1793 or 1794, made an improvement by building stables, and other-out houses, on the above described lot, which lot and buildings he continued to use for five or six years, when he abandoned them, and removed from Peoria; that the said lot contain- ed abo.ut one half of an arpent of land. No. 35. Antoinc Roi claims one third of an out-lot or field, containing about thirty arpents of land, improved and cultivated by himself, his brother, Simon Roi, and Francis Racine; situated on the east bank of the river Gatinau; near one league, southwestwardly, from the village of Peoria. 25 f'76] PKOOF. Aiitoiiie Cicai'C aud Simon Roi testify,, on oath, that, in the year 1802, Antoine Roi had in possession and cultivated an out-lot or field at the river Gatinau, in partnership with Simon Roi and Fran- cis Racine, which field they citltivated many years; that the said field contained about thirty arpcnts of land. No. 56. Francis Racine, senior, claims a lot in Peoria, containing about one half of an arpent of land: bounded, northwardly, by across street; eastwardly, by a street separating it from tlic Illinois river; south- wardly by a lot occupied by one Champlainc; and, wcstvvardly, by a back street. PROOF. Simon Roi testifies, on oath, that, when he went to live in Peoria in the year 1794, the above described lot constituted a part of a field, jthen possessed and cultivated by John BaptisteMaillet; that he (Roi) understood Maillet afterwards gave it to Francis Racine, senior, who, in the year 1796, built an house on it, and continued to reside on the said lot until the village was destroyed by captaiji Craig in the year 1812. Antoine Burbonne testifies, on oath, that, when he went to live in Peoria, in the year 1803, he found Francis Racine, senior, living on the above desa'ibed lot, where he continued to re- side until the year 1812. Francis Racine, junior, testifies, on oath, that he is now twenty-six years of age, and that, from his earliest re- collection, his father, Francis Racine, senior, lived upon the above described lot, and that he continued to live on it until the year 1812; all three of them state that the said lot contained about one half of an arpent of land. No. 37. Francis Racine, senior, claims an out-lot or field, containing about twenty arpents of land; situated nearly adjoining the village of Peo^ ria, and between the fields of Simon Roi and Antoine Burbonne. FEOOF. Antoine Burbonne and Francis Racine, junior, testify that Fran- cis Racine, senior, improved the above described out lot or field, about the year 1807, and continued to cultivate it until the yeap 1812; and that it contained about twenty arpents. No. 38. Francis Racine, senior. d»ims an, out-lot or field, containing about 5 176] »6 cipjliteen arpents of land, and situated about two miles below the vil- laji^c of Peoria; and bounded, to the north, by the out-lot of Simon Roi; to the south and west by tlie river Gatinauj and, to the east, by the prairie. PROOF. Simon Boi testifies, on oath, that, in the year 1802 or 1803, that he (Simon Roi) his brotlier, AntoineRoi, and Francis Racine, senior, enclosed and cultivated a field on the bank of the Gatinau river, about two or three miles below the village of Peoria; that the said field contained about thirty arpents of land, and that it was divided equally between the above named three persons; that they continued to culti- vate the said field, each one his own separate portion, of about ten arpents, for two or three years, when he (Roi) removed from Peoria. Hy polite Maillet and Antoine Roi testify, on oath, that, about the year 1803, Francis Racine, senior, made a field on the bank of the river Gatinau, about two miles from Fort Clark, (Peoria) which they think contained about eighteen arpents. REMARK. The above testimony of Hypolite Maillet and Antoine Roi was not taken in the presence of the Register; and it is quite certain, from the evidence received in claims No. 32 and No. 35, that this claim does Slot exceed about ten arpents of land. No. 39. Francis Racine, junior, in right of his wife, the late widow of John Baptiste Defond, deceased, claims a lot in Peoria, containing about one half of an arpent of land, and bounded, northwardly, by a lot, occupied formerly by Thomas Lusby, afterwards by Antoine Le Claire; eastwardly, by a street, separating it from the Illinois river; and, to the south and west, by streets. PROOF. Antoine BurbonniB and Francis Racine, senior, testify, on oath, that, about the year 1800, one Chorette made an improvement on the above described lot, which contained about one half of an arpent; and that, soon afterwards, he (Chorette) sold the said lot to John Baptiste Defond, who resided on it until the village was destroyed by captain Craig in the year 1812; that since then the said Defond has died, and his widow has married the above named Francis Ra- cine, junior. No. 40. Francis Racine, junior, in right of his wife, the late widow of Johis 27 [76] Baptiste Defend, deceased, claims a lot in Peoria, containing about three or four arpents of land, and bounded, eastvvardly, by a street separating it from the lot last described; southwardly, by a cross street,* and, to the north and west, by unoccupied lands. PROOF. Antoine Burbonne and Francis Racine, senior, testify, on oath, that John Baptiste Defend made an improvement on the above de- scribed lot about the year 1805 or 1806, and continued to cultivate it as a garden and field till the year 1812; and that the said lot con- tained three or four arpents of land. No. 41. Felix Fontaine claims a lot in Peoria, of eighty feet in front, by three hundred feet iu depth, (Frencli measure) and bounded east- wardly by a street, separating it from Lake Peoria; northwardly, by a lot formerly occupied by Antoine Dcschamps, but now claimed by bim (Fontaine) and to the south and west by streets. PROOF. Antoine Deschamps testifies on oath that he saw the above describ- ed lot in possession of, and cultivated by, John Baptiste Maillet, in the year 1792, and that Maillet gave it to Francis Wilette, who re- mained in the possession of it until his death, in the year 1804. Hy- polite Maillet and Pierre Lavassieurdit Chaniberlain, testify, in like manner, that Francis Wilette made an improvement, and built an house on the above described lot, about the year 1 797 or 1798,. where he continued to reside until his death, in the year 1804 or 1805; and all three of the deponents testify that his widow continued to occupy the said house and lot until her death, which happened about two years after the death of her husband: and the said Deschamps fur- ther testifies, that, after the death of Wilette and his wife, he (Des- champs) purchased from Wilette's administrators tlie said lot, and occupied it until the year 1811, when lie sold it to Felix Fontaine: and tlie Said Maillet and Chamberlain further testify that the said Fontaine continued to occupy the said lot until the village of Peoria was destroyed, and the inhabitants driven off by Captain Craig, in the year 1812; and that the lot was about eighty feet in front, by about three hundred in depth. REMARK. This lot is also claimed by Louis^Pilctte, in right of his wife, who was the daughter of the above named Francis Wilette;, ai \riU be seen by reference to clain* No. 11. [76] 28 No. 42. Felix Fontaine, in right of Iiis wife, Josette Carscrcau dit Fon- taine, claims a lot in Peoria, of eighty feet in front by three hundred feet in depth, (French measure) and bouiKh'd eastwardly by a street separating it fiom Lake Peoria; nortiiwai'dly by a lot claimed by the heirs ofLe Boushier; westwardly by a street; and southwardly by a 5ot on which he (Fontaine) lived. PROOF. Ilypolite Maillet and Pierre Lavassieur dit Chamberlain, testify, on oath, that Francis Wilcttc enclosed and cultivated the above de- scribed lot in Peoria, about the year 1797 or 1798, and that the said lot was about eighty feet in front, by about three hundred feet in depth; that they had understood that the said Wilettc, about two years after he made the improvements, gave the said lot to one Jo- sette Carsercau, wlio afterwards married the above named Felix Fontaine; and that, soon after the lot was given, it was built upon, and that they (Fontaine and his wife) coutinued either to live upon the said lot, or to cultivate it, until they were driven from Peoria by Captain Craig, in the year 1812. No. 43. Felix F'ontainc claims an out-lot, or field, containing about nine firpents of land, situated about one lialf of a mile to tjje south v.est of 4hc village of i'eoi-ia, and bounded on the south by the out-lot of An- toine I.apance, and to the north by the out-lot of Francis Racine. PROor. Picrie Lavassieur dit Chamberlain and Ilypolite Maillet testify, on oath, that Aiitoine Desciiamps enclosed and cultivated the above dc- ■scriUcd field, in the year 1807; that he cultivated it for three years, ■when he sold it to the above named Felix Fontaine, who continued to cultivate it until tiie autumn of the year 1812; and that the said lot or field contained about nine arpcnts of land. No. 44. Felix Fontaine claims an out-lot, containing about two and a half arpents of land, situated about one fourth of a mile to the west of the village of Peoria. PROOF. Jacques Mette and Antoine La Claire testify on oath, that Felix Fontaine made an improvement in the spring of the year 1810, on the 29 [76T above described out-lot, and continued to cultivate it until the village of Peoria was destroyed by Captain Craig, in the autumn of the year 1812. No. 45. Baptiste Raboin claims a lot in Peoria, containing about one half of an arpent of land, and bounded eastwardly by a street separating it from the Illinois riverj southwardly by a lot claimed by Antoine Lapance; westwardly by a street, and northwardly by across street- PROOF. Simon Roi testifies, on oath, that when he went to live in Peoria, in the year 1794, he found the above described lot occupied by Louis Acare, who sold it to one Jourdan, vho sold it to Pierre Lavassieur dit Chamberlain, wJio sold it to him, (Roi) who sold it to Baptiste Raboin, whom he (Roi) left in possession of it when he left Peoria, which was about the year 1803 or 1804. Jacques Mctte testifies, on oath, that he saw Baptiste Raboin living on the above described lot, in the year 1807 or 1808, and that he w^ell recollects he continued to live on it until about the year 1809 or 1810, when he abandoned it, and that it remained unoccupied for about one year, when one Louis Binet went to live on it, which lie continued to do until the village of Peoria was destroyed by Captain Craig, in the year 1812. REMARK. This lot is also claimed by Louis Peucenneau, as assignee of the above nam«d Louis Binette. See claim 69. No. 46. Joseph Coudier, for himself and the other heirs of the late Joseph Coudier, claims a lot in Peoria, of eighty feet in front by three hun- dred feet in depth, and bounded northwardly by a lot claimed by Cha)les La Belle; eastwardly by a street separating it from a lot claimed by Pierre Lavassieur dit Cliamberlain; southwardly by a lot claimed by ilypolite Mailletj and westwardly by an out-lot claimed by Charles La Belle. PROOF. S4mon Roi, Pierre Lavassieur. and Hypolite Maillet, testify, on oatii, that Joseph Coudier, deceased, improved and built an house on the above described lot, in the year 1796, and that the said lot was about eighty i:» front, by about tiiiee hundred feet in depth; and the said Roi fui cher testifies that Joseph Coudier resided on the said lot one or two years, when he abandoned it and removed from Peoria. [76] 80 No. 47. Hypolite Maillct, in ri.^lit of hi* wife, Joscttc Deinouchelle, the late widow of Louis Ic Boushier, deceased, claims a lot in Peoria, con- tainini^ about one-half of an arpent of land; and bounded northward- ly by a lot occupied by Louis Binet; castwardly, by a street separat- ing it from the Illinois river; southwardly by a lot occupied by Fran- cis Wilctte; and v/cstwardly by a street. PROOF. Pierre Lavassieur dit Chamberlain, and Micliael Le Claire, testify on oath, that the late Louis Ic Boushier improved and built an house on the above described lot in Peoria, in the year 1796 or 1797, and that the said lot contained about one-half of an arpent of land, on Avhich he (Le Boushier) resided until his death, which happened in the year 1802 or 1803; after which, his widow lived about one year on the said lot, when she abandoned it; and that the said widow of Louis le Boushier has since married, and is now the wife of the above named Hypolite Maillet. No. 48. Hypolite Maillct, in right of his wife, Josette Demouchelle, th« late widow of Louis Le Boushier, deceased, claims an out-lot or field containing about four arpents of land, situated about one-half of a mile to the west of the village of Peoria. PROOF. Pierre Lavassieur dit Chamberlain, and Michael Le Claire, testify, on oath, that Louis le Boushier improved and cultivated, about the year 1796 or 1797, the above described lot as a garden, and which they think contained about four arpents of land, and that he continued to cultivate it until his death in the year 1802 or 1803; and that his widow cultivated it for one year after the death of her husband, when she abandoned it; and that she has since married, and is now the wife of the above named Hypolite Maillet. No. 49. Hypolite Maillet claims a lot in Peoria, containing about one-half of an arpent of land, and bounded northwardly by a lot of Charles le Belle; castwardly by a street; southwardly by a lot claimed by him (Maillet;) and v/estwardly by an out-lot claimed also by him. PROOF. Jacques Mette, and Antoine Lapance, testify, on oath, that HypO' Jitc Maillct commenced an improvement on the above described \.oth\ 81 ^ [76] the year 1809, and that he continued to reside on the said lotuntii the year 1812, when the village was destroyed hy captain Craig; and that the lot contained about one-half of an arpent of land. No. 50. Hypolite Maillet claims a lot in Peoria, containing about one-half of an arpent of land, and bounded northwardly by the last described lot; eastwardly and southwardly by streets; and westwardly by an out-lot claimed by him, (Maillet.) PROOF. Jacques Mette, and Antoine Lapance, testify, on oath, that Hypo- lite Maillet commenced an improvement on the above described lot in the year 1809, and continued to occupy and cultivate the said lot, which contained about one-half of an arpent of land, as a garden, un- til the year 1812, when he was driven from Peoria by captain Craig. No. 51. Hypolite Maillet claims aa out-lot immediately in the rear of, and adjoining to, the two last described lots in the village of Peoria, con- taining about six arpents of land, and bounded northwardly by an out-lot of Charles le Belle: and southwardly by an out-lot of John Baptiste Defond. PROOF. Jacques Mette, and Antoine Lapance, testify, on oath, that Hypo- lite Maillet improved tiie above described lot, which contained about six arpents of land, in the year 1809, and continued to cultivate it as a field, until he was forced by Captain Craig to abandon it, and the village of Peoria, in the year 1812. No. 52. Hypolite Maillet claims an out-lot or field, containing about fifteen arpents of land, situated about one mile and an half to the north of the village of Peoria, and hounded on tlie nortii by the out-lot of one Wilette; westwardly by the bluff; and to the south and east by the prairie. PROOF. Francis Racine, sen. Francis Jourdan, and Antoine Burbonne, tes- tify, on oath, that the above described field was " established" in the year 1797, by John Baptiste Maillet, the father of Hypolite Maillet, anJ that it contained;, to the best of their recollection, about fifteen arpents of laijd. [76] 32 EEMARK. The evidence in lavor ol' this and the following claim was not tak- en in the presence of the Register. No. 53. Hypolite Maillet claims an out-lot or field, containing about fifteen iivnciits of land, situated about two miles below the village of Peoria, on the eastern bank of the river Gatinau, and adjoining, to the south, tlie field of Francis Montplaiser. moor. Francis Racine, sen. Francis Jourdan, and AntoineBurbonne, tcs- tifv. on oath, tliat Hypolite Maillet had the above described out-lot or field in his possession in the year 1806, and that he continued to cul- tivate it until the year 1812, when he and all the inhabitants were forced bv Captain Craig to leave Peoria; and that the said field, or ont-lot, to the best of their recollection, contained about fifteen arpents of land. 1^0. 54. The heirs of the late Antoine Grand Bois, by their agent, Antoine Lapance, claim a lot in Peoria, of eiglity fetjtin front by tiiree hun- dred in depth, (French measure,) and bounded noi'thwardly by a lot of Raphael Belonge; eastwardly by a street, separating it from Lake Peoria; southwardly by a cross street^ and westwardly by unoccu- pied laud. PROOF. Pierre Lavassieur dit Chambes-lain, and Hypolite Maillet, testify, on oath, that the late Antoine Grand Bois itiiproved the above de- scribed lot, and built an house on it about the year 1801, and resided on it until his death in tlie year 1806 or 1807, after which his widow resided on the said lot for one or two years, when she abandoned it; after which she died, leaving several children; that the said lot was about eighty feet in front by about three hundred in depth. No. 55, Micliael Le Claire claims a lot in Peoria, containing about one- half of an arpent of land, and bounded eastwardly by a back street; southwardly by the lot of one Gunoille; westwardly by unoccup^erf land: and northwardly by a cross street. 33 [76] PROOF. Pierre Lavassieur dit Chamberlain, and Hypolite Maillet, testify, on oath, that one Whitby built an house on the above described lot, in the year 1801; that the lot contained about one-half of an arpent of land; that he (Whitby) sold the said lot to one Racine, who sold it to the above named Le Claire in the spring of the year 1803, and that he, the said Le Claire, occupied the said lot until the year 1806, when he abandoned it and left Peoria. No. 56. Francis Buche claims an out-lot or field containing about ten arpents of land, situated at the foot of the bluff, about half a mile west of the village of Peoria. PROOF. Jacques Mette and Felix Fontaine testify, on oath, that Francis Buche made an improvement on the above described out-lot or field in the year 1809, and that he continued to cultivate it until the fall of the year 1812, when he and the other inhabitants were driven from Pe- oria by captain Craig, of the Illinois militia; and that the said lot or field contained about ten arpents of land. No. 57. Joseph Boucher claims a lot in the old village of Peoria, containing about one half of an arpent of land, and bounded northwardly by a lot of Francis Belhuraer, eastwardly by lake Peoria, southwardly by a lot of Joseph Laframboise, and westwardly by a street. PROOF. Joseph Lapottue and Pierre La Vassieur testify, on oath, that Francis Boucher, deceased, had in his possession, in the year 1795, the above described lot, on which there was an house, which they afterwards well recollect seeing in a state of decay and ruin. REMARK. The evidence in this case was not taken in the presence of the register. No. 58. Joseph Boucher claims an out-lot, containing about six or seven arpents of laiid, situated near the old village of Peoria, 6 [76] ' 34 PROOT. Joseph Lapottue and Pierre Lavassieur testify, on oath, tliat Fran- cis Boucher, deceased, had in his possession, in the year 1795, an out- lot or field, at the hill near the old village of Peoria, containing about six or seven arpents. EEMARKp This testimony was not taken in the presence of the register. No. 59. John Baptistc Blondcau claims a lot in Peoria, containing about one half of an arpcnt of land, and bounded northwardly by a street, east- wai'dly by a lot of John Demouchelle, southwardly by a lot of Francis Dupre. PROOF. Drezy Blondeau and Simon Roi testify, on oath, that John Bap- tiste Blondeau made an impiovement on the above described lot in the year 1799, and resided on the same for more than five years, and that the said lot contained about one half of an arpent. REMARK. The boundaries of the above lot do not correspond with those gene- rally given of the other lots in Peoria. It should have been — east- wardly by a street separating it from the Illinois river, northwardly by a lot of Jobn Demouchelle, southwardly by a lot of Francis Dupre, and westwardly by a street. No. 60. The heirs of Charles La Belle, by their agent Antoine Le Claire, claim a lot in Peoria, containing about one half of an arpent of land, and bounded northwardly by a cross street, separating it from a lot of Pierre Lavassieur dit Chamberlain, eastwardly by a street, south- wardly by a lot of Joseph Coudier, and westwardly by an out-lot claimed by them. PROOF. Jacques Mette and Antoine Burbonne testify, on oath, that Charles La Belle, deceased, built an house on the above described lot in the year 1809 or 1810, and continued to reside on it until the village of Peoria was destroyed by captain Craig, in the year 1812; and that the said lot contained about one half oS an arpent. 85 [76j No. 61. The heirs of Charles La Belle, by their agent, Antoine Le Claire, claim an out-lot or field, containing about ten arpents of land, situated immediately in the rear of, and adjoining to, tiie last described lot, and adjoining, on the south, an out-lot of Hypolite Maillet. PROOF. Jacques Mette and Antoine Burbonne testify, on oath, that Charles La Belle, enclosed and cultivated tlie above described lot or field in the year 1809 or 1810, and that lie continued to cultivate it until he was forced by captain Craig to leavo it, in the fall of the year 1812, and that the said lot or field contained about ten arpents of land. No. 62. Simon Bertrand, in right of his wife Mary, the late widow of Joliu Demouchelle, deceased, claims a lot in Peoria containing about one half of an arpent of land, and bounded northwardly by a lot formerly occupied by Jourdan, afterwards by Raboin, castwardly by a street separating it from the Illinois river, southwardly by a lot of John B. Blondeau, and westwardly by a street. PROOF. Simon Roi testifies, on oath, that, in the year 1799 or 1800, Francis Dupre built an house on the above described lot, and lived in the same for two or three years — that the said Dupre sold tiiesaid lotto John Demouchelle, who also lived on it for two or three years, when he abandoned it and left Peoria. Jacques Mette, also, testifies that, in the year 1803 or 1804, he saw one John Demouchelle living on the above described lot, who continued to live on it for one or two years when he abandoned it, and the house and improvements went to ruin; that the said lot was again improved and built upon in the year 1810, by Antoine Lapance. Both Roi and Mette state that the lot contained about one half of an arpent. REMARK. This lot is also claimed by tiie above named xintoine Lapance. See claim No. 63. No. 63. Antoine Lapance claims a lot in Peoria, of eighty feet in front by about three hundred feet in depth, (French measure,) and bounded northwardly by a lot occupied by Louis Binet, eastwardly by a street separating it from the Illinois river, southwardly by unoccupied land, und westwardly by a street. [76] 36 PROOF. Pierre Lavassieur dit Chamberlain and Hypolite Maillet, testify, on oath, that Antoine Lapanrc built an house on, and cultivated as a garden, the above described lot, in the year 1810; and continued to reside on, and cultivate the same, until the fall of the year 1812; and that the said lot was about eighty feet in front by about three hun- dred feet in depth. REMARIO This lot is also claimed by Simon Bertrand. See claim No. 62. No. 64. Antoine Lapance claims an out-lot or field, containing about nine arpents of land: situated about one fourth of a mile from Peoria, and bounded, on the north, by an out-lot or field of Felix Fontaine; and, on the south, by the field of Pierre Lavassieur dit Chamberlain. PROOF. Pierre Lavassieur dit Chamberlain and Hypolite Maillet testify, on oath, that Antoine Lapance enclosed and cultivated the above de- scribed lot or field, in the spring of 1811, and cultivated it until the autumn of 1812; and that the said field contained about nine arpents. No. 65. Antoine Burbonne claims a lot in Peoria, bounded, eastwardly, by a street separating it fiom Lake Peoria; southwardly, by a lot of Louis Le Boushier; vvestwardly, by a street, and, northwardly, by a cross street. PROOF. Jacques Mette and Francis Racine, senior, testify, on oath, that Louis Binet made an improvement on the above described lot in the year 1801 or 1802: that he (Binet) sold said lot to one Parquette, who sold it to the above named Antoine Burbonne, who lived on the said lotujjtil he was driven tliercfrom, and the village of Peoria de- stroyed by captain Craig in the year 1812; and that the said lotcon- tained about one-half of an arpent of land. REMARK. This lot is also claimed by Louis Penccneau as assignee of the above named Louis Binet. See claim No. 68. No. 66. Antoine Burbonne claims a lot in Peoria, bounded, northwardly, 37 [76] by a street! southwardly, by a lot occupied by Louis La Bousliicr; eastwardly, by a street separating it from tbe last described lot^ aud^ ^ve^twardly, by a street. PROOF. Antoioe Le Claire and Jacques Mette testify, on oath, that they well recollect to have seen, in tbe year 1809 or 1810, Antoine Bur- boune have in his possession, and occupy as an out-lot for stables, the above tlescribed lot, wbich contained about one-fourth of an arpent of land; and which lot he continued to occupy until the year 1812, when Captain Craig compelled him to leave Peoria. No. 67. Antoine Burbonne claims an out-lot or field, containing four or five arpents of land; situated near Peoria, and adjoining, on tbe north, tbe field of Francis Racine. PROOF. Francis Racine, senior, and Francis Racine, junior, testify, on oath, that Antoine Burbonne enclosed and cultivated tbe above de- scribed out- lot or field, one year prior to his being driven away from it and tbe destruction of Peoria, by a captain Craig of the Illinois militia, in tbe year 1812; and that the lot contained about four or five arpents of laud. No. 68. Louis Penceneau claims a lot io Peoria, containing about one-half of an arpent ot land, and bounded, eastwardly. by a street separating it from Lake Peoria; southwardly, by a lot claimed by Louis La Boushier; and, nortbwardly and westwardly, by streets. PROOF. Simon Roi testifies, on oath, that Louis Einet improved the above described lot, and built an house on it in the year 1796 or 1797; and that he continued to reside on tbe said lot when he (Roi) removed from Peoria in the year 1802 or 1803. Jacques Mette, in like man- ner, testifies, that when he went to live in Peoria in the year 1801 or 1802, he found Louis Binet living on and cultivating tbe above de- scribed lot; and that he (Binet) continued to do so until about the year 1806 or 1807, when he (Mette) understood Binet sold tbe said lot to one Parquette, who afterwards sold it, as he (Mette) understood, to Antoine Burbonne, who resided on it until the year 1812. Both Roi and Mette state that the lot contained aboutone-half of an arpent. [76] 38 REMARK. This lot is also claimed by Antoine Biirbonne. See claim No. 65. No. 69. I^ouis ronccncau claims a lot in Peoria, containing about onc-lialf of an arpent of laud; and bounded, northwardly, by a cross sti-cet separating it from a lot of Louis Defond; southwardly, by a lot claim- ed by Antoine Lapance; eastwardly, by a street separating it from the Illinois rivcrj and, westwardly, by a street. PROOF. Jacques Mette testifies, on oath, that, in the year 1801 or 1802, Avhen he went to live in Peoria, he found one Jourdan living on the above described lotj that, afterwards, he (Mette) saw residing on the said lot one Raboin, who, to the best of his recollection, abandoned it about the year 1807 or 1808, after which the house being old and decayed was pulled down, and all the iinprovonents of the lot went to ruin; in which vacant or unoccupied state the lot remained until the autumn of the year 1810, wiien Antoine St. Dennis and Jacques Mette testify, that the said lot was again improved and built upon by Louis Binet, who continued to reside on the said lot until the autumn of the year 1812, when captain Craig forced the iidiabitants to leave Peoria. Both Mette and St. Dennis describe the lot as containing about one- half of an arpent of land. REMARK. This lot is also claimed by the above named Raboin. See claim No. 45. No. 70. Louis Penceneau claims a lot in Peoria, bounded, northwardly, by a lot of Pierre Lavassieur dit Chamberlaiii; eastwardly, by a street separating it from the Illitiois river; southwardly, by a cross street^ and, westwardly, by a back street. PROOF. Jacques Mette testifies, on oath, that when he went to live in Peoria in the year 1801 or 1802, he found Augustine Laroche residing on and cultivating the above described lot; where he coiitinued to reside until sometime in the year 1812. Antoine St. Dennis, in like man- ner, testifies, that when he went to live in Peoria, in the year 1810, he found Augustine Laroche living on the above described lot, where he continued to live until sometimetowards the close of the year 1811, and that the house was destroyed by captain Craig in the year fol- 39 [76] lowing. Louis Penceneau, jun. testifies, that he had always under- stood that Augustine Laroche gave the above described lot to his father, the above named Louis Penceneau. And Antoine St. Dennis and Louis Penceneau, jun. testify, that soon after the peace in 1815, the above named Louis Penceneau built an house on the above describ- ed lot, and that he continued to occupy the same until the autumn of the year 1817. And all three describe the lot as containing about one-half of an arpent of land. All which is respectfully submitted. EDWARD COLES, Register of the Land Office at Edwardsville. J\*ovember 10, 1820. William H. Crawford, Esq. Secretarii of the Treasury. r .[76] SYNOPSIS of the Claims to Lots in Peoria. NAMES OF THF. CLAIMANTS. JEtticnne Bernard Augustine Roquc Charlotte Trogc Heirs of Gabriel Cerrc Same Louis Chattel Icreau Thomas Forsyth Same Same t Same Louis Pilette Same Same Jacques Mette . Same Pierre Lavassieur (lit Chamterla Same Same Same Same August Fiailtcau Thomas Lusby Same Same .\ntoinc Le Claire Same Michael La Croix Simon Roi Same Same Same Same Antoinc Roi Same Same NO. OF CLAIM. 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 26 2- 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 33 SIZE OF TIIF. CLAIM. One arpcnt One arpcnt Two arpcnts IGO by 300 Icet 30 or 40 arpcnts Two ar()cnts 300 feet square 300 feet square Twenty arpcnts Twenty arpcnts Half an arpent Half an arpent 15 or 20 arpcnts 80 by 300 feet 80 by 300 feet Two arpcnts Twelve arpcnts Half an arpent 80 by 300 feet Seven arpcnts Half an arpent Four arpcnts Half an arpent Half an arpent 80 by 300 feet 80 by 300 feet 80 by 300 feet Half an arpent Half an arpent Half an arpent Sixarpenis Ten arpents Half an arpent Half an arpent Ten arpents TIIF. PERIOD OF ITS IMPROVEMENT. 1778 1778 Resided 12 1778 1778 1790 1778 1778 1806 1807 or 1808 1788 or 1789 1788 or 1789 1786 1790 1790 1789 1789 1798 1800 or 1801 1810 1791 1794 Not stated 1794 1798 or 1799 1801 or 1802 1794 1794 1793 1793 1793 1802 1793 or 1794 1793 or 1794 1802 years THE TIME WIIE.V ABANDONEU. 1778 i 1778 or 1790 cn(ilng40yrs. since 1795 or 1796 1793 or 1796 1795 1812 1812 1808 1808 or 1809 1806 or 1808 1806 or 1808 1806 or 1808 1812 1812 Bought 1794 Not stated 1812 1812 1796 or 1797 1798 or 1799 1802 or 1803 1812 1812 1812 1796 1808 or 1809 1808 or 1809 1808 or 1809 Several years 1798 or 1799 1798 or 1799 Several years tlEMARKS. Since occupied and now claimed by Pilette. Since occupied and now claimed by Forsyth and Mctte. Since occupied. Claimed also by Louis Clialcllercau. The size not stated by claimant, but proved to be 30 or 40. Claimed also by the heirs of G. Ccrre. Proved to contain 15 or 16 arpents. Proved to contain about seven arpcnts. Claimed also bv F'elix Fontaine. Claimed also by August Fiailtcau, Claimed also by Pierre La Vassieur dit Chamberlain. Claimed also by Antoine Le Claire. Claimed also by Thomas Lusby. o. 00 ■* K, p' V o o ^ >— ' »-J FT ^ O X 1. o rf P5 13- ::* ?• n rD • O • KT UNIVERSITY OF ILLIN0I8-URBANA 3 0112 050747002 i