Index to Upper Canada Naturalization Registers, 1828-1850 [Canada West / Ontario]

By Ottawa Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society

This book is a comprehensive index that helps researchers find specific information for early Ontario immigrants from countries outside of the British Commonwealth. Upper Canada was renamed Canada West, then later renamed 'Ontario' in 1867. 

Each person's entry includes:

• Surname (Contents of the book are organized alphabetically by surname of applicant)
• Given names
• Place of residence
• County/District
• Year [of naturalization]
• Volume [original register volume number]
• Entry [entry number in the original register volume]
• Reel [microfilm number that holds the Volume and Entry for this individual]

Contents include:

• Introduction
  • Upper Canada Naturalization Registers - Intro
  • Requirements for Naturalization
  • Index Information - Explanation
  • Additional Details
  • Locating the Original Entry
  • Reminder - spelling variations
  • For Further Reference - recommended reading
• Index to Upper Canada Naturalization Registers 1828-1850 - Organized alphabetically by surname then given names
• Appendix A - Sequence of Listing of County/District Registers
• Notes

Background: Who Was and Was Not Required to Naturalize

• Immigrants from the United Kingdom (Britain, British Colonies, and Commonwealth countries): Settlers from England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales did not need to naturalize, because they were already considered British subjects by birth.
• Aliens (Non-British Foreigners): Individuals born in foreign countries (such as the United States or mainland Europe) who lived in the colonies and wished to acquire full legal rights—such as holding real estate or participating in local governance—had to formally apply or swear an oath.
• Land Applicants (Pre-1828): Before formal naturalization acts were widely structured, anyone applying for a land grant in Upper Canada had to swear an oath of allegiance to the Crown, which converted them into British subjects.
• Married Women and Children: Under coverture and historical family laws, a married woman shared the status of her husband; if he was a British subject or became naturalized, she was included automatically without a separate application. Minor children were similarly covered under their father's or widowed mother's status

Details

• 56 Pages
• 8.5 X 11"
• This edition published by Global Heritage Press, Carleton Place, 2023. New ISBN 978-1-77240-225-4 (Coil bound edition)
• Originally published by Ottawa Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society, 1999. Original 1999 ISBN 0-7779-1472-7 Was know as "Publication 99-05"