The Sam Greer 1884 handdrawn map and landclaim letter to what became Vancouver’s Kitsilano Beach is one of the highlights of the Gerald Wellburn historic Vancouver collection. Lot 117. Realized $33,000
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Granville 15th Dec 1884 16/12/85 To the Hon W Smithe Chief Commissioner Land Works,
Honble. Sir, I beg to inform you that In the month of June 1884 I bought all the Right Title and Interest through Mr. Mc tiernan Indian Agent Belonging To four Indians Known as the Indian Settlement Near falce Creek the Improvements on the Settlement Constists of Seven houses Orchards fencing Cultivation abought 20 acres have expended abought Two thousand Dollars In Improving and Clearing the place. those Indians were in possessary and Continuous Occupation from the time of Crown Colony To the present time. In Addition to this 160 acres was prempted and applied for to you by J.M. Spinks In equal partnership with Myself your Official Answer was that the land would Soon be open for premption and purchase but was of other Value at present. I have the first application to the local Gov when Port Moody was the Declared terminus of the Pacific Railway I have Improved this land In good faith believing It to Myne the following is My Clame to this land in question first) that I bought the land and Improvements from British Subjects being In Possessory and Continued Occupation for 20 years and under the protection of the Dominion of Canada and Disposed of through there Agent. Second) that accordant to the land act No other person Can prempt or occupy a Indian Settlement by Lease or other Incumberances without first making provision and other Renumerations for the that privilage 3) that should the fee Simple remain Vested In the Crown they have No Disposing Power over the land, without first Respecting My first rights No other person have equal rights 4) that the land In question is well adapted for farming purposes being of first Class quality I am no speculator In order you May fully understand the position and Nature of Improvements I give you a Sketch on Back S Greer Indian Improvements and names of Indians Sign Indian Charly Mrs. Salpcan Kanachick Sweellamcan |
