Hi gang, Judy writes: << " . . .Know ye that by Virtue of a Certificate in Right of Settlement given by the Commissioners for adjusting the Titles to unpatented lands in the district of Washington and Montgomery. . . " >> My notes: In 1778, the state of Virginia made known to the settlers of Virginia, primarily aimed at the western parts of Virginia, that even though they were living on the lands, they were going to have to prove ownership or apply for ownership from the State of Virginia. This was done because Virginia was taking over control of the land of Virginia. This was supposed to take effect and be bound by law, I believe in the year 1783 or 84. Early settlers could prove ownership by "squatter's rights" in a lot of cases. Some could go to the state and prove ownership by showing the state where they had purchased the land from a land company. Some could prove ownership of where they had purchased the land from another legal owner. The state then, for a small fee, registered the land in the name of the applicant and gave them a Certificate in Right of Settlement to prove to anyone the ownership of the land. Until later, good hunting, Jerry in Kingsport, TN www.penjaccphoto.com