Illinois. Land Commissioners of the Commons of Kaskaskia.

In 1810 U.S. Congress confirmed rights of Kaskaskia residents granted by Frnch and British. Illinois' first constitution reconfirmed grant and also prohibited lease, sale or division of commons in any manner. 1848 constitution reversed this stand, allowing action when requested by petition of majority of qualified voters.

In 1851 General Assembly created corporation called President and Trustees of the Commons of Kaskaskia, with responsibilities to survey and divide commons, record plat of survey and lease lots at public auction for period not to exceed fifty years. Proceeds of leases were to be applied to education of children of Kaskaskia, including creation of schools, employment of teachers and establishment of library for schools.

In 1905 when fifty-year leases made on lots surveyed in 1855 expired President and Trustees of Commons of Kaskaskia made controversial decisions regarding methods of re-leasing lots. Illinois Supreme Court upheld charges brought forward in suit against Trustees and village residents, determining that power to authorize sale of land rested only with state.

Resulting 1909 act provided for Governor to appoint three Land Commissioners of the Commons of Kaskaskia to sell commons and create permanent school fund for Kaskaskia inhabitants from sales proceeds. Land Commissioners were to take possession of all records and real and personal property relating to commons from President and Trustees of Commons and were to have area resurveyed and platted. The were then to appraise lands and file certified copy of appraisals and plats with Auditor of Public Accounts, along with list of lessees and owners and brief description of leases.

When work was finished in 1913 Commissioners made final report to Governor and turned over all proceeds to State Treasurer to be kept in Kaskaskia Commons Permanent School Fund. All other records were turned over to Auditor of Public Accounts.

From the description of Minutes of the Land Commissioners of the Commons of Kaskaskia, May 12, 1910-January 3, 1913. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37183229