Thanks for your interest and responses to my "Certificate in Right of Settlement" question. For those interested, I received the following information which provides a logical explanation for the need to prove ownership: "In 1777, the Continental Congress urged all States to seize and dispose of land owned by Loyalists and adherents to English King. All States had followed this advice by 1782, and were in the real estate business." (Kirkham) Kirkham, E. Kay, The Land Records of America and their Genealogical Value, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1964 Judy