Wednesday, December 22, 2010

John Melzard of Massachusetts

August 16, 1814. Massachusetts. A receipt signed “John Melzard” for taxes paid on his property in his hometown of Marblehead, MA: “Received this 16 day of Augst., 1814 from John Melzard the sum of eight two cents for direct tax upon the property of J.M. in the Town of M.head in the ninth Collection District, in the State of Massachusetts, under the act of Congress passed the 2d August, 1813, to lay and collect a direct tax within the United States.” The document is in good condition, with light toning and tattering at the edges.

1812. No Place. A bill to John Melzard for the amount of $30.00 for shares of prize money owed to P. Smith.

August 15, 1822. Marblehead, MA. A state, town, and county tax assessment document for John Melzard in 1822. The document has several spots of toning but is, nonetheless, in good shape.

No Date. No Place. An extract from the report of Capt. Brown which mentions the sea captain John Melzard: “I therefore beg leave to acquaint you that John Melzard appears by the List that accompanied him from the Sandwich … a volunteer entered at Gravesend on the 2nd of May 1796 and received an able seaman’s bounty, and farther beg leave to inform that he has run from the Kite two months pass.”

Ebay Item number: 270680055640

Thursday, December 02, 2010

1814 URBANA, OHIO ESTATE APPRAISAL DOCUMENT

Handwritten inventory and appraisal of the estate of Alexander Wood.

Inventory includes:

2 Kettles Plank & tub for Hatters
4 Hatters Bows
2 Hatters Irons
1 Hatters Stamper
45 Hatters Blocks
6 1/2 dozen Boram Hats
9 1/2 dozen Carter Hats
98 Muskrat skins
70 Racoon Skins
9 Otter Skins
Plus...rifle gun, castings, cherry tree clock case, silver watch. More.

Signed twice each by appraisers: Jno Reynolds; Benjm Doolittle; William Millar.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Reuben Humphrey 1777

Official document relating to the reimbursement of 4 Pounds, 16 Shillings to one Reuben Humphrey for lost clothing . It is addressed to the Treasurer and officially signed and dated Hartford, July 17, 1777

Friday, November 26, 2010

New York City 1760 Jacobus Roosevelt

Document, dated 1760, where Jacobus Roosevelt, merchant, and his wife Catherine of New York City have sold to William Hunter, ship carpenter, a piece of land on the outward side of the city bordered by the East River and Cherry Streets.....signed at bottom by Jacobus Roosevelt, Catherine Roosevelt, Archibald Campbell and Harman Hoffman.

Find this item on E-Bay

Sunday, October 31, 2010

John Melzard of Marblehead Massachusetts

August 16, 1814. Massachusetts. A receipt signed “John Melzard” for taxes paid on his property in his hometown of Marblehead, MA: “Received this 16 day of Augst., 1814 from John Melzard the sum of eight two cents for direct tax upon the property of J.M. in the Town of M.head in the ninth Collection District, in the State of Massachusetts, under the act of Congress passed the 2d August, 1813, to lay and collect a direct tax within the United States.”

1812. No Place. A bill to John Melzard for the amount of $30.00 for shares of prize money owed to P. Smith.

August 15, 1822. Marblehead, MA. A state, town, and county tax assessment document for John Melzard in 1822.

No Date. No Place. An extract from the report of Capt. Brown which mentions the sea captain John Melzard: “I therefore beg leave to acquaint you that John Melzard appears by the List that accompanied him from the Sandwich … a volunteer entered at Gravesend on the 2nd of May 1796 and received an able seaman’s bounty, and farther beg leave to inform that he has run from the Kite two months pass.”

Bid on this Item

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Thomas Stagg 1806

Document dated 1806, where Thomas Stagg of the City of New York has sold to James C. Roosevelt; a piece of land in Palmer's Purchase, lot number 42, in the River Division......signed by Thomas Stagg, Catherine Stagg and William Rose.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Georgia, Macon County 1856

Georgia, Macon County
Before me Benjamin Harris, a justice of the Inferior Court and for said county, personally came Samuel M. McKenzie, who being duly sworn … saith that James H. Wadsworth and Henry Abraham, both of said county--

WITH FORCE AND ARMS … on the first day of July, in the year 1856, at or about the hour of 9 o’clock of the night, IN A VIOLENT AND TUMULTUOUS MANNER, WITH GUNS AND OTHER WEAPONS, DID APPROACH WITHIN 30 PACES OF THE DWELLING HOUSE OF MRS. MILLEY MCKENZIE … AND DID THEN AND THERE WITH TUMULT AND LOUD NOISE, the said James H. Wadsworth did CURSE, INSULT, AND USE HIGHLY ABUSIVE LANGUAGE toward the inmates of the said house, and did then and there FIRE OFF AND DISCHARGE A SHOTGUN LOADED WITH POWDER at the said dwelling house, which the said Milley McKenzie, one Maria C. McKenzie, Eusche Chatam a widow, two infants of the said Milley, and also George W. McKenzie and Samuel M. McKenzie, sons of the said Milley, and all members of her family, were quietly inhabiting said dwelling house as their regular place of abode.”

“And the said Wadsworth then and there FIRED OFF THE SAID GUN AS MANY AS SIX OR EIGHT TIMES, AND AT ONE OF THE FIRINGS, A NUMBER OS SHOTS STRUCK THE SAID DWELLING HOUSE. all the said time the said Wadsworth was in A GREAT RAGE, CURSING AT THE PERSONS IN SAID DWELLING AND DARING THEM TO COME OUT. And defendant states that the said Henry Abraham was present aiding and abetting the said James H. Wadsworth in the said outrages by loading the said gun for the said discharges and otherwise assisting the said Wadsworth to commit said violence.

And defendant also further states that A CERTAIN NEGRO MAN SLAVE BY THE NAME OF CAESAR the property of the estate of Ethel Wadsworth deceased, was also present, shouting and making a noise with the said James H. Wadsworth by his orders and directions, and by his command, THE SAID NEGRO CURSING THE SAID GEORGE W. MCKENZIE AND SAMUEL M. MCKENZIE, AND DARED THEM TO COME OUT OF THE HOUSE, AND HE WOULD GIVE THEM A WHIPPING, or language to that effect …”

Note written in lighter ink on the reverse: “The defendants Wadesworth NOT FOUND in the County after diligent searching. John(?) L. Parker, Sheriff.”


Bid on this Item

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

1817 PULASKI COUNTY GEORGIA SLAVE DOCUMENTS

“On or before the first day of January Eighteen Hundred and Seventeen we or each of us do promise to pay Jas Bryan or bearer the sum of one hundred and seventy eight dollars for THE HIRE OF TWO NEGROS upon condition of the said Negroes continuing with us twelve months from the date this 11th of January 1816.
Sam Fowle

The second from Pulaski, County, GA recording the details of a lawsuit that arose over this slave hire debt in the first paper above. The first two pages of this second document read in part as follows:

“Pulaski County, Georgia. The petition of James Bryan showeth that Samuel Fowle and Joseph Reid . . . promised to pay J. Bryan (your petitioner) or bearer the sum of one hundred and seventy eight dollars for THE HIRE OF TWO NEGROS upon condition of the said Negroes continuing with us twelve months from the date of the aforesaid note, and your petitioner affirms(?) that said two negroes hired as aforesaid did continue with said Samuel and Joseph for the term of twelve months . . . said Samuel & Joseph being so indebted though often requested, have never paid your petitioner said sum of money or any part thereof, but so to do they have refused . . . Wherefore your petitioner prays process may (?) requiring said Samuel Fowle and Joseph Reid, personally or by attorney to be and appear at the next Superior Court to be held in and for the County of Pulaski, there suffer to answer your petitioner in an action upon the case.”
The document is signed by Richard Jones (an attorney?).

The third page of this second document is a note directing the SHERIFF OF PULASKI COUNTY to detain the two defendants, signed by Edward Smith Clerk in the name of Judge Christopher B. Strong.

The fourth page has several different notes & annotation written upon it, including another note from Richard Jones. There is also a statement “Personally served each of the Defendants with a copy of the writ. 22nd March 1817”signed by B. Barker, Sheriff. There is also the following note: “WE THE JURY FIND FOR THE PLAINTIFF THE SUM OF ONE HUNDRED & SEVENTY EIGHT DOLLARS WITH INTEREST & COST OF SUIT,” Signed Stephen Mitchell, Juror.

Bid on this Item

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

ALEXANDER MCGINTY 1784

State of North Carolina Document, Number 389.

ALEXANDER MCGINTY purchased SEVENTY ACRES in the COUNTY OF MECKLENBURG.

The front of the document has Official State of North Carolina Printing, plus lots of information about the land purchase WRITTEN BY HAND.

The backside of the document has manuscript information by the Mecklenburg County Clerk, including: "This certifies that this grant is registered in my office in book..." there are also a few relevant signatures (that I can't decipher) on the backside.

Bid on this Item

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Colonial New York court document from 1750

A single sheet document from the "Supreme Court...Province of New York at the city Hall of the City of New York...the twenty fifth day of October, one thousand seven hundred and fifty." This concerns a case between John Owen and Samuel Burling in: "...the matters in controversy...to be referred to the arbitration and official determination...any three of them shall..make report thereof to this court with all convenient speed." with signatures (see). Noted as "a true copy"

Bid on this Item

Sunday, September 26, 2010

1862 Petersburg Virginia escaped slaves bounty document

$400.00 WILL BE PAID FOR THE APPREHENSION OF MY TWO NEGRO MEN JOSHUA AND WILLIAM. JOSHUA RAN AWAY ABOUT THE 1ST OF JUNE 1862, HE IS ABOUT 35 YEARS OLD, SIX FEET HIGH AND GINGER BREAD COLOR; IS VERY INTELLIGENT. WILLIAM LEFT MY HOUSE THE 12TH, HE IS 21 YEARS OLD 5 FEET 6 INCHES HIGH, GINGER BREAD COLOR;WELL BUILT. IT IS PROBABLE THAT BOTH OF THEM MAY BE WITH OUR ARMY NEAR RICHMOND OR PETERSBURG OR THEY MAY BE LURKING ABOUT CHESTERFIELD COUNTY PASSING THEMSELVES OFF AS FREE NEGROES. I WILL GIVE THE ABOVE REWARD FOR THEIR ARREST AND CONFINEMENT, SO THAT I GET THEM AGAIN OR $200.00 FOR EITHER.

JOHN W JAMES

Bid on this Item

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Providence, Rhode Island, to Norwich, Connecticut 1778

Receipt for payment from Dudley and Samuel Woodbridge for transporting rum from Providence, Rhode Island, to Norwich, Connecticut, dated July 26, 1778, and signed by Asa Phillips.

Bid on this Item

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

1824 Letter of Attorney, County of Lancaster, Pennsylvania

1824 Letter of Attorney (Power of Attorney) from County of Lancaster, PA, Pennsylvania. Leah Jennings to Seth Bundle.

Leah Jennings of the Township of Lampton?, in the County of Lancaster, and State of Pennsylvania, single woman, constitute and appointed... Seth Bundle of the Township of Elizabeth, in the county of Essex, and State of New Jersey, Merchant, my lawful attorney...especially my wearing apparel, which is in the possession of Runyun Runin...signed Leah Jennings, Sealed and delivered in the presence of (signed) JAMES BLACK, Esqr (Esquire) and Charles Bender. Signed 2 times by James Black.

Also signed by Henry Hibshman and Sam Stambaugh?

Bid on this Item

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Portsmouth New Hampshire 1736

A really interesting old document is up for sale on Ebay. April the sixth in the year of our Lord 1736.John Itardison of Portsmouth in New Hampshire in New England, mariner..." and: "...John Jones of Kittery in the County of York in New England, bricklayer..." concerning the sale of land for the sum of six hundred pounds. Much more legal language follows.

Bid on this Item

Saturday, September 04, 2010

Pennsylvania Document - Berks County

“This Indenture Made the fifteenth Day of April in the Year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred seventy seven Between Walter Newman, junior of Heidleberg, Township in the County of Berks in the Common Wealth of Pennsylvania Yeoman of the One part And Peter Newman of Heidleberg Township in the County of Lancaster in the said Common Wealth...”

“Whereas the Hon. John Penn, Thomas Penn and Richard Penn Esq...granted released and Confirmed unto Walter Newman the Elder (Grand Father of the said Walter Newman party hereto) Two certain Tracts of Land...Recorded at Philad. in patent Book A Vol 11 page 243...”

Bid on this Item

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

1754 COLONIAL PENNSYLVANIA, ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT - BERKS, NORTHAMPTON CO.

1754 COLONIAL PENNSYLVANIA, ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT - BERKS, NORTHAMPTON CO. Articles of agreement for the sale of land "over the Blue Hills" in Northampton County, from Elias Reed to John Ray, both of Maiden Creek, Berks Co. Quaker dated. Although signatures are hard to read, text states that it is signed by both parties with their seals. Also signed: Jacob Shoemaker, witness.

Bid on this Item

Friday, August 27, 2010

Postcard Registering Birth of Child 1914 Virginia

I thought this was a pretty interesting postcard. It is from the Bureau of Vital Statistics State Board of Health.




It's the Legal Record of Birth of a white male born at Flat Rock, Shenandoah Co. Virginia on 7 June 1914. He was the child of Joseph Wine and Ellen See

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Weeks Family Papers

Some interesting old documents for the Weeks family are up for sale on Ebay.

Benjamin WEEKS was born June 13 1771
Ruth Smith was...............
Benjamin Weeks and Ruth Smith were married 1794
Hiram our first child was born June 24 1797. Hiram died July 8 1798 age 2yrs 8 mos 24 days
Betsey Mariah our second child was born June 24 1797 Betsey Mariah died Dec 26 1797 6 months
Sally our third child was born Oct 4 1798. Sally died Dec 17th 1805 age 7 years 21 months
Oliver our fourth child was born Nov 24th 1800. Oliver died Sept 10 1801 age 8 months 15 days
Sarah Smith died Oct 11 1801
John Riley our 5th child was born Nov 18 1802
Hannah Smith our 6th child was born 1804. Hannah died Sept 19 1813
George Washington Bradley our 7th child was born Sept 18th 1804
Benjamin Baley our 8th child was born July 23 1809 (my note he lived until 1849)
Ard our 9th child was born July 23 1809 (my note he lived until 1882)
Huldah our 10th child was born Dec 16 1813. Huldah Weeks removed to the west May 10 1838
Jane Weeks was born July 20.....
David our 12th child was born Aug 3 1818 and is well

Verso

Benjamin WEEKS died Aug 6 1840
Ruth Smith age 74 years died 1848 (so born 1774)
Benjamin B Weeks died April 17 1849

Bid on this Item

Friday, August 20, 2010

Essex County, Massachusetts 1784

A land deed from Massachusetts dated the "Eighth day of April in the year of our Lord, One Thousand Seven hundred and Eighty four (1784). It is between Richard Hale of Essex County, Massachusetts and Enoch Hale of Newbury. The deed is for the sale of property in Newbury.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Cecil County, Maryland 1770

Document from Cecil County, Maryland, giving details on John Slycer's inheritance from his father, Thomas Slycer.

Included in the account are "1 Negro Boy Jam left him by his Father" and "1 Negro Girl Jamey" with their "values" of $45.00 and $25.00.

Bid on this Item

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Freehold, New Jersey 1751

Bond dated May 24 1751 for a loan for £100, which Mateÿs Piterson (Mathias Peterson), William Piterson (Peterson) and John Piterson (Peterson) of Freehold, New Jersey, yeomen (farmers) had borrowed from Charles Crooke, a baker, of New York City, with 50% of the loan, payable at 6% interest, in money of the Province of New York on May 7 1752. The document is signed by Mathias, William and John Peterson, with their wax seals adjacent, at the lower right, and is witnessed by Aevis V D Bilt (Avis Vanderbilt) and Peter Van Deventer at lower left. On the verso are five endorsements, given by Charles Crooke, and one executed by John Crooke, Charles' son, after his death, acknowledging receipt of interest dated 1764.

Bid on this Item

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Lycoming County, Pennsylvania 1818

Lycoming County, Pennsylvania dated May 1, 1818 reading in part: "...That Henry Hughes...with force & arms in & upon William Harper...an assault did make, and him the said William Harper then & there did beat, wound and ill treat & other wrongs to him the said Williams then & there did, to the great damage of the said William..."

Saturday, June 05, 2010

Sag Harbor 1823

Receipt dated Sag Harbor [New York], October 29, 1823. P. Parker King acknowledges receipt of $30.00 from Henry P. Dering on behalf of Phineas King in payment for sheep.

Bid on this Item

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Jonas Davis of Brookhaven, Long Island, New York

Promissory bond for the "full Sum of 60 Pounds Currant Lawful Money of New York" from Jonas Davis of Brookhaven, Long Island, New York to Joseph Davis, also of Brookhaven. Witnessed by Israel Mills and George Punderson. Dated July 6, 1791. This bond was obviously paid, as the signature of Davis has been cut out, making the obligation unenforceable. The reverse is docketed for interest payments in 1793.

Bid on this Item

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Bath England 1790

English Power of Attorney dated 1790 during the reign of King George III whereby James Makittrick Adair of Bath, a Doctor of Physic, appoints Richard Lee of Charter House in London as his Attorney before his departure for the Island of Antigua in the West Indies. Embossed revenue stamp, paper over wax seal, signature of witness and Mr. Adair.

Bid on this Item

Sunday, May 09, 2010

1793 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

1793 WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Power of Attorney.

John and Barbara Muffy of Salem Township, Westmoreland Co., PA, appoint John Young attorney. It relates to the estate of Barbara Muffy's late father, John Keller of Berks Co. Pennsylvaina. Signed: John Muffy; Barbara Muffy (her mark); James Guthrie; Adam George; Mary George (her mark); and Wm Jack.

Bid on this Item

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

1862 TRENTON, KY DOCUMENT -SLAVE DEATHS -SEBREE FAMILY

1862 TRENTON, KY DOCUMENT -SLAVE DEATHS -SEBREE FAMILY - Handwritten, 4" x 6.25", ladies embossed stationery, pencil. Verso marked, "Slaves". Headed, "Deaths", with list of seven named slaves and death dates, 1856-1862. In part:

"Uncle Peter died 17th of june on tuesday evening 1856 age 61"

"Iverson died on Sunday night 4th of December 1859"

"Winnies [?] baby -Ella Moss died in February 1862."

Three of the slaves curiously died between February and April, 1862.

This document was found in a collection of Sebree family letters (no longer available) of Col. E. G. Sebree, Trenton, Todd County, Kentucky.

Bid on this Item

Friday, April 30, 2010

1783, Land Transfer, Leicester, Massachusetts

This 1783 document is a land transfer where Benjamin Conklin has sold to Joseph Sargeant, Jr. a tract of land bordering on the estate of Aaron Lopez.....signed at bottom by Benjamin Conklin, Lucretia Conklin, Austin Flint, John Southgate and on the back by Hezekiah Ward and Nathaniel Baldwin.

Bid on this Item

Marriage Certificate Buffalo New York 1891



Marriage Certificate 14 January 1891

Edward Reppenhagen & Lizzie Dole both of Buffalo New York


Interested researchers or descendants could probably find this couple on census records on Ancestry.com

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Providence Rhode Island 1761

Colonial Rhode Island document is a bond dated March 17, 1761. In this bond Joseph Bucklin of Providence is borrowing money in the amount of sixteen thousand pounds from the treasurer of the colony Thomas Rhichardson to pave the streets in the town of Providence. The document is signed and sealed by Joseph Bucklin and witnessed by George Jackson and John Russell.

Bid on this Item

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

1770 BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MANUSCRIPT DOCUMENT - JACOB HILL

1770 BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MANUSCRIPT DOCUMENT - JACOB HILL
Bond of Jacob Hill unto his mother, Catherine Hill, relict of Jacob Hill, deceased, with interesting content on the provisions. In part, spelling uncorrected:

"said Mother to have the backroome below stairs and the uper roome over it, priviledge of of the Kitchen and fire to cook....free liberty of the Celler..."

"Bennifit of the milk of one Cow...firewood ready cuty at the door...three pounds of Veal or Mutton out of Every Sheep or Calf..."

Signed, "Jacob Hill"; Henry Vanread [?]; Jos [or Jas] Millard.

Bid on this Item

Monday, April 12, 2010

Roxbury, Massachusetts 1743

Document, dated 1743, Roxbury, Massachusetts; where Thomas Dudley, gentleman is bound unto Simon Tufts, physician of Medford, Massachusetts for the sum of 100 pounds....signed at bottom by Thomas Dudley, Henry Sewall and Edward Flint.

Bid on this Item

Tuesday, April 06, 2010

1848 WASHINGTON FEMALE SEMINARY, WASHINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA

1848 WASHINGTON FEMALE SEMINARY, WASHINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA - Tuition bill for student Olive Potter, ward of Samuel Quinby. Interesting items including: Use of Guitar; Use of Patterns; Ornamental Needle Work; Lectures on Chemistry and Natural Philosophy; and Pew Rent at Pres. Church.

Signed in margin, "Sarah R F Hanna."

Bid on this Item

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Jacob Wiser 1769

A 1769 Application for a Patent of 300 Acres of Land
Land Applied for by Jacob Wiser
Signed by Surveyor General John Lukens
Land to be Received from the Relatives of William Penn
Land Located on East Branch of Munsey Creek:

Sunday, March 14, 2010

1783 BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

John Keim, District Township, Peter Yoder of Oley, and John Keim of Reading, who all sign with seals on April 19, 1783, bind themselves to Daniel Yoder, guardian of Christian Keim, son of Conrad Keim, deceased. Christian Keim later signs on the bottom of page two, Dec. 10, 1791.

Bid on this Item

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Marriage Certificate from Lowville New York 1894


Up for auction on E-Bay is this very rare & old marriage license from 1894. This certified both Stephen Dunham & Emma Taylor married in Lowville, New York. This measures approx. 19" x 15" framed. Auction ends March 14, 2010

Bid on this Item

Good luck! It's a beautiful certificate

Monday, March 08, 2010

Lancaster, Worcester County 1750

Land document for Lancaster, Mass.,Worcester County. 1750. The deed is for "Alis Harris" [Alice Harris], "Or Alis Mitchell, of Lancaster, Spinster - for the sum of thirteen pounds, six shillings and eight pence paid by Hezekiah Gates of Lancaster "that was the land of my Honoured Father John Harris, deceased...gave me by his last will and testament after my mother deceased which half I do now sell and quit claim...""Land...South on Deans Brook and partly on land off the widdow [sic] Dinsmore and it contains twenty five acres ...[by] land of Amos Sawyer...[etc...]"
Signed with "her mark" Alas Harris, 1750, "in the twenty fourth year of his Majesties Reign" Also Signed by the Colonel Oliver Wilder and Thomas Gates.

Ebay Item number:220566025091

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

List of the pyrats that were executed. 1721

"List of the pyrats that were executed. 1721."

The document reads -

"A List of the Persons names condemned before the Judge of the Admiralty - John Clerk, Rogers Hews, William Fenton, John Stewart, William Groon, James Sail, William Minty, Richard Luntly, Richard Jones.

Haymon Satturly pardoned.

The names of those who were absolved - John Eshwell, Thomas Loudon, Nicolas Kerney, Thomas Rogers, Dennis Pophen, John Gerrell, Henry Thixton.

A List of the wittnesses names - Nicolas Simmonds, William Savage, John Owen, James Nawler."

This appears to be a list of nine pirates executed on Leith Sands, Edinburgh, Scotland in January 1721. John Clerk was the pirate known as "Lord" John Clerk.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

George W. Hutchinson, Kanawha, Virginia 1843

Deposition of George W. Hutchinson, with note attached, dated Kanawha, Virginia Sep 23 1843, regarding the hiring of a slave boy in Virginia, that had ended in dispute; addressed to Clerk of District Court for Iowa Territory, Muscatine City, Bloomington, with faint Cincinnati, Ohio, (date unclear) postmark.

Seems sometime in the months of either Jan or Feb 1842, Hutchinson was in Kanawha, Virginia (now West Virginia), and was present when Benjamin Bowman hired, "a certain Negro boy named Squire," who previously been employed by Charles G. Reynolds. Hutchinson said that he had heard Reynolds tell Bowman that he would not hire the boy, "remarking that he would not give his victuals & clothes for him, he being so frequently laid up and unable to work ..." Hutchinson had done business with Reynolds during 1842, "and knew the service rendered generally by said boy, as well as in 1841 and 1842, and knew he was unable to render service on half of the time ..." The statement is signed by George W. Hutchinson. Following Hutchinson's deposition is one signed by Lyman Evans, who stated that Squire had been employed "occasionally at easy work on the farm and hauling provisions and the like, frequently laid up and unable to work. Said boy was clothed and boarded by ... Reynolds ..." At the Kanawha court hearing, Reynolds asked Lyman Evans, "What would you consider the reasonable value of the services of Squire in the year 1842, over his board & clothes?" To which Reynolds replied, "I should have estimated his board and clothes a full equivalent for the services rendered by him ..." Attached to the deposition is a forwarding note reading, "Mr. Amos Barnett. Take notice on the 23d day of Sep 1843, at the store of Lewis Ruffner in the County of Kanawha Va, I shall take the deposition of George W. Hutchinson and others to be read as evidence on ... a suit ... in the District Court of Iowa Territory and for the County of Muscatine, in which you are plaintiff and I am defendant, when & where you may attend, if you please ... [signed] Charles G. Reynolds.

This fantastic document is up for sale on Ebay Item number:250584429995

Friday, February 19, 2010

Saco Maine 1864

Civil War signed document for receipt of payment of $300.00 bounty for enlisting in the Army as one of the quota of volunteers for the Town of Saco, Maine. Dated February 18, 1864 and signed by James H. Higgins.

Ebay Item number:200439224632

Friday, February 12, 2010

Michael and James Wall 1829

Dated January 1, 1829, this promissory note by Michael and James Wall is an agreement to pay Charles Anderson $424.25 for "Negroes Sold us". Endorsed on reverse and assigned to William Banks by Charles Anderson. No location is noted, but this came with a group of other slave trading documents from Alabama.

Ebay Item number:190371222343

Monday, February 08, 2010

1788 BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

1788 BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA DOCUMENT BOND - Handwritten document, George Boone, miller, of District Twp, and Thomas Boone, miller, of Amity Twp, bind themselves to Joseph Bennett of New Castle, Wilmington Co., Delaware, in the amount of 50 pounds. Both Boones sign at bottom, Sept, 10., 1788.
Also signed: Witnesses, Isaac Lee; Martha Millard [or Hillard]. Docket page, Daniel Clymer.

This document is for sale on Ebay Item number:230432466145

Thursday, February 04, 2010

Levi Wetherbee of Lumenburg 1821

This notice "Stolen" describes a horse taken from the stable of Levi Wetherbee of Lumenburg or Luninburg on the night of January first, a sorrel mare with foal, small in size, about eight years old, some white in her face (?) eye out. She is small in size and had a foal. If find her and thief, finder will be suitably rewarded, etc., signature of Wetherbee, dated Jan. 2 1821.

Ebay Item number:280458361527

Sunday, January 31, 2010

11th Veteran Reserve Corps 1864

Union Civil War officer's letter dated Headquarters, Company "F," 11th Veteran Reserve Corps, Point Lookout, Maryland, Oct 25 1864, from 2nd Lieut Bargillai J. Inman, to his friend Charles "Charley" Rouse. The content reads, in part, as follows: "Hush woman, hush. Oh: I forgot myself ... I have the honor herewith to transmit to you not muchery. Oh, I am it Charley, I don't know how to write anymore. Notwithstanding, nevertheless, bu,t however, there it goes again. By the eternal your ring. Ah. I got it at least. Now Charley, you will please accept this token of friendship from your esteemed friend and well wisher. I hope it will not be long before you come and see us. Please remember me to Mrs. & Mr. Doyle and I will send a token to Mrs. I. before a great while, also go around to Stokes and drink my health. Tell Stokes I have not forgot him yet. My respects to ... all enquiring friends, and here is that your shadow may never grow less, Old Boy ... [signed] B. J. Inman, 2d Lt. Comdg Co.

This interesting Civil Ware letter is up for sale on Ebay Item number:260542560735

New York, Elizabeth Adam 1785

New York October 15th 1785. Signed "obligation" (bond) of immigrant Elizabeth Adam [her mark], who indents herself and husband Henry Adam to Charles Miller of Philadelphia as servants, to pay for ship passage from Amsterdam to NY paid by Messrs Sean & Smith.
Witness signature of Wm Gordon; and signed 1786 note, Steph. Collins, attorney to Sean & Smith.

Ebay Item number:
230429595753

Thursday, January 28, 2010

1831 DECATUR COUNTY GEORGIA

1831 DECATUR COUNTY GEORGIA

GEORGIA DECATUR COUNTY I HAVE THIS DAY RECIEVED OF PETER VANLANDINGHAM IN ADMINISTRATION WITH THE WILL ANNEXED OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN RAWLS LATE OF SAID COUNTY,THE FOLLOWING PROPERTY TO WIT ONE NEGO BOY JACK ONE NEGRO GIRL NAMED CHANY ONE WAGON ANE BAY HORSE ONE LOT OF CATTLE ONE LOT OF SHEEP - ALSO ANOTHER NEGRO BOY NAMED DEMPSEY WHICH I AM TO RETURN TO BENJAMIN T. RAWLS WHEN ROBERT AND RICHARD RAWLS BECOMES OF AGE TOGETHER WITH TWENTY DOLLARS PER YEAR FOR EACH YEAR THAT I WILL KEEP SAME NEGRO BOY AND ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS WHICH IS FULL OF MY PART TO SAID ESTATE THIS DAY 19TH DAY OF JULY 1831 signed BENJAMIN RAWLS JOHN T. RAWLS I HAVE THIS DAY RECIEVED OF PETER VANLANDINGHAM ADMINISTRATOR WITH THE WILL ANNEXED OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN RAWLS LATE OF SAID COUNTY DECEASED THE FOLLOWING PROPERTY TO WIT ,ONE NEGRO WOMAN NAMED PATIENCE ONE LOT OF CARPENTERS TOOLS.ONE HORSE CART AND ALSO A LOT OF BEEF CATTLEWHICH IS IN FULL OF MY PART OF SAID ESTATE THIS 20 DAY OF JULY 1831 signed BENJAMIN RAWLS JOSEPH RAWLS".

Friday, January 22, 2010

Last Will & Testament of Ephraim Temple 1789

In Part.....
"I Ephraim Temple of the town of Gardner ...Worcester County...being very sick and weak in body but of perfect mind and Memory for which many thanks be Given to God & Now being Sensible of the Mortality of my body & knowing that it is appointed to all at once to Die do make and ordain this my last will......I Give & Recommend my Soul Into the hands of God that Gave it, to my Body...
I Recommend to the Earth to be buried at the Discretion of my Friends, and as touching Such Worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life...I bequeath to my son Isaac Temple the Just sum of Five Shillings...to my beloved son Ephraim Temple Nine Pounds of Good & Lawful Money to be paid to him within the ten of five years after my decease...to my son Ahio Temple...sole executor..[Continues]Signed Sealed & Declared by the Said Ephraim Temple...in the presence of ...Jonas Temple, Aaron Temple David Goodale. Signed by Ephraim Temple with "His X Mark"Signed also by the Registrar: Joseph Wheeler.

This Last Will & Testament of Ephraim Temple is up for sale on Ebay Item number:370322085205

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Pennsylvaina Land Deed 1794

Land deed from Pennsylvaina. Partly-printed/partly-handwritten dated "the fourteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and niney-four" (1794), and is from Northumberland County, Mifflin, Pennsylvania. It is a Deed for land, from ANTHONY CLARK to JOSEPH THOMAS. Witnessed & signed at bottom by ANTHONY CLARK and HENRY STARR.

This Pennsylvaina land deed is up for sale on Ebay Item number:200428330860

Friday, January 15, 2010

Joseph Garret of Goshen in Chester County, Pennsylvania

“A true copy” dated October 9th, 1792 of the last will and testament of Joseph Garret of Goshen in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The Garret’s were a prominent Quaker family and one of first settlers of the area. Joseph Garrett died January 10th 1792. Signed and sealed by George Worrall.

“I give and bequeath unto my dear wife Charrity Garrett the full liberty and privilege of the whole of the mansion house, and plantations in which I now live / except the part herein after willed to my son Benjamin… Until my son Joseph Garrett shall arrive to the age of twenty one years… “ “[Benjamin] paying thereout unto his sister Sarah the sum of One hundred and fifty pounds, when she arrives to the age of eighteen…” “[Joseph] paying thereout unto his sister Betsey the sum of One hundred and fifty pounds, when she arrives to the age of eighteen … I give… my daughter Lydia Garrett the sum of two hundred pounds gold or silver money… “

Part printed testimonial filled in manuscript ruled in red with embossed seal of Chester County probate court signed by George Worrall.

Ebay Item number:200427194681

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Mr R.C. McConnell 1837

2 documents dated 1837 concerning the settling of a Southern estate of Mr R.C. McConnell. One document is an accounting of the property of the estate holdings which were left to the widow Sarah McConnell. The second document is a letter about the estate outlining what was left to a daughter, Mrs Mary McConnell Howe. The handwriting is difficult to read but Mr. McConnell was either from South Carolina or Georgia. Both documents refer to slaves in the estate: the estate account states Mr McConnell owned 50 slaves and the letter lists 10 slaves by name, with values for each, which were left to the daughter Mary and her husband George Howe.

This interesting document is for sale on Ebay
Item number:
130356523036

Monday, January 04, 2010

Washington, New Hampshire

Letter home to Mark Safford, Washington, New Hampshire, from a couple, Mary and S[amuel] Daniels, at Detroit, enroute on a trip to Jacksonville, Illinois. October 3, 1837, 3pp. with integral stampless cover. The blue circle date stamp is partially faint.
Content in brief: Pleasant journey; beautiful fruit in York state; "I have seen a great many curiousitys"; Niagara Falls "it well payed the way for going there"; dislikes Canada -- "there are so many different kinds of people"; muddy roads; thirteen teams of people on steamboat going to Michigan or Illinois; Detroit-- "does not look like the cobble hills of New Hampshire...every thing in the field are as fresh as they are there in June. The people here in the Citty have to pay twenty five cents pe[r] load to get the Farmers to carry the manure out of their yards, this is a fair specimen of the richness of this country...". S. Daniels also mentions that the East is old and in decay.

This interesting letter is for sale on Ebay
Item number:
230417954352

Saturday, January 02, 2010

Cincinnati in 1818

Document dated at Cincinnati in 1818. The document has the autographs of John Mahard., and Thomas Danby. The two people transferring the 109 acres of land also sign, William and Eliza Lytle. Both from the town of Cincinnati. Land that once belonged to the Miami Indians. It is interesting how they laid out the property, by marks on trees., White Oak and a Sugar Tree on the bank of the Miami River. 109 acres.

This interesting early Cincinnati document is up for sale on Ebay Item number:300382861071

Friday, January 01, 2010

Southampton, New Hampshire,

Document, dated 1767, Southampton, New Hampshire; where Sarah Clough granddaughter of Capt Abraham Brown deceased, has absolved Abel Brown from any estate encumbrances from the estate of her grandfather Abraham Brown.....signed by Sarah Clough with her mark X, Jonathan Dow and Jabez Morrill.....

Ebay Item number:
380186101867