{"title":"Colonial Times","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"c-1760-1780-colonial-estate-division-household-inventory-manuscript-williams-family-probate-original-18th-century-american-manuscript","title":"c. 1760–1780 – Colonial Estate Division \u0026 Household Inventory Manuscript – Williams Family Probate – Original 18th Century American Manuscript","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"relative basis-auto flex-col -mb-(--composer-overlap-px) pb-(--composer-overlap-px) [--composer-overlap-px:28px] grow flex\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex min-h-0 grow flex-col text-sm\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\" data-turn-id-container=\"request-WEB:7dffbfcf-9e2d-44f1-b28d-2a0c9c41a962-14\" data-is-intersecting=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-WEB:7dffbfcf-9e2d-44f1-b28d-2a0c9c41a962-14\" data-turn-id-container=\"request-WEB:7dffbfcf-9e2d-44f1-b28d-2a0c9c41a962-14\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-30\" data-turn=\"assistant\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-8 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-conversation-screenshot-content=\"\" class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"78ba0bea-aeff-4fb3-b93c-8a9625573d58\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-5\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2982\" data-end=\"3144\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eOriginal eighteenth-century probate manuscript documenting the division of a colonial American estate among members of the Williams family after payment of debts.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3146\" data-end=\"3468\"\u003eThe manuscript records the allocation of the family's \u003cstrong data-start=\"3200\" data-end=\"3235\"\u003ehouse, land, and movable estate\u003c\/strong\u003e to heirs including \u003cstrong data-start=\"3255\" data-end=\"3372\"\u003eAbigail Williams, Simon Williams, Daniel Williams, Dorothy Williams, Easter (Esther) Williams, and Tenor Williams\u003c\/strong\u003e, with detailed calculations balancing each beneficiary's share in pounds, shillings, and pence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3470\" data-end=\"3995\"\u003eAccompanying the financial calculations is an exceptionally detailed inventory of household furnishings and personal property distributed to each heir. Listed items include feather beds, looking glass, pewter plates and dishes, brass kettles, chairs, tables, chests, Bible, coffee pot, tea canisters, tea spoons, candlesticks, warming pan, table linens, napkins, curtains, buckles, razors, bottles, flannel, kitchen utensils, furniture, and numerous other household possessions that illustrate daily life in colonial America.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3997\" data-end=\"4360\"\u003eSuch estate division manuscripts are among the finest surviving records of early American domestic life, preserving not only the value of an estate but the actual distribution of property among heirs. Documents of this type are highly desirable to collectors of colonial Americana, probate records, genealogy, social history, and early household material culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4362\" data-end=\"4530\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eAn outstanding and highly displayable manuscript offering a rare glimpse into the home, possessions, and inheritance practices of an eighteenth-century American family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"370\" data-end=\"426\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eThe manuscript consists of two related accounting pages:\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col data-start=\"428\" data-end=\"576\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"10blpui\" data-start=\"428\" data-end=\"506\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"431\" data-end=\"482\"\u003eDivision of the house, land, and movable estate\u003c\/strong\u003e after payment of debts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"7gmpo4\" data-start=\"507\" data-end=\"576\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"510\" data-end=\"553\"\u003eDetailed inventories of household goods\u003c\/strong\u003e allotted to each heir.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"578\" data-end=\"598\"\u003eNamed heirs include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"600\" data-end=\"716\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"z5fns9\" data-start=\"600\" data-end=\"618\"\u003eAbigail Williams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"2x3x1y\" data-start=\"619\" data-end=\"635\"\u003eSimon Williams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1u2bxbf\" data-start=\"636\" data-end=\"653\"\u003eDaniel Williams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"l81bg3\" data-start=\"654\" data-end=\"672\"\u003eDorothy Williams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1cyrbc8\" data-start=\"673\" data-end=\"699\"\u003eEaster (Esther) Williams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"4rjz5u\" data-start=\"700\" data-end=\"716\"\u003eTenor Williams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"718\" data-end=\"827\"\u003eThe opening calculations state that after debts were paid, each heir was entitled to a proportional share of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"829\" data-end=\"880\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"16oipf0\" data-start=\"829\" data-end=\"836\"\u003eHouse\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1j3uhcf\" data-start=\"837\" data-end=\"843\"\u003eLand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ih8c2i\" data-start=\"844\" data-end=\"880\"\u003eMovable estate (personal property)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"882\" data-end=\"953\"\u003eThe inventory then records each beneficiary's allotted household goods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"955\" data-end=\"958\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1c7c49r\" data-start=\"960\" data-end=\"971\"\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"973\" data-end=\"1040\"\u003eThe inventories include numerous period household items, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1042\" data-end=\"1454\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1wx3iit\" data-start=\"1042\" data-end=\"1057\"\u003eLooking glass\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1d0bve9\" data-start=\"1058\" data-end=\"1072\"\u003eFeather beds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ux6362\" data-start=\"1073\" data-end=\"1081\"\u003eChairs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"5s09k5\" data-start=\"1082\" data-end=\"1090\"\u003eTables\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"16xa8zl\" data-start=\"1091\" data-end=\"1098\"\u003eChest\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1sovcul\" data-start=\"1099\" data-end=\"1114\"\u003eBrass kettles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"kco6ae\" data-start=\"1115\" data-end=\"1130\"\u003ePewter plates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"cjcs95\" data-start=\"1131\" data-end=\"1146\"\u003ePewter dishes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1cdv3lb\" data-start=\"1147\" data-end=\"1156\"\u003eTankard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"37n1db\" data-start=\"1157\" data-end=\"1169\"\u003eCoffee pot\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"pafz6m\" data-start=\"1170\" data-end=\"1185\"\u003eTea canisters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1wkft0m\" data-start=\"1186\" data-end=\"1198\"\u003eTea spoons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"177rw7w\" data-start=\"1199\" data-end=\"1213\"\u003eCandlesticks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"oxdgov\" data-start=\"1214\" data-end=\"1223\"\u003eBottles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"16rabfs\" data-start=\"1224\" data-end=\"1231\"\u003eLinen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"h09bhk\" data-start=\"1232\" data-end=\"1241\"\u003eNapkins\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"bcf5y1\" data-start=\"1242\" data-end=\"1255\"\u003eTablecloths\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"g41bpp\" data-start=\"1256\" data-end=\"1266\"\u003eCurtains\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1yos5ni\" data-start=\"1267\" data-end=\"1280\"\u003eWarming pan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"12bpwwa\" data-start=\"1281\" data-end=\"1290\"\u003eFlannel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"17xv9fx\" data-start=\"1291\" data-end=\"1300\"\u003eBuckles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"6z472n\" data-start=\"1301\" data-end=\"1309\"\u003eRazors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"16xx748\" data-start=\"1310\" data-end=\"1317\"\u003eBible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"8c7pdz\" data-start=\"1318\" data-end=\"1338\"\u003eChest with drawers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"lso06n\" data-start=\"1339\" data-end=\"1357\"\u003eCooking utensils\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1cr82e7\" data-start=\"1358\" data-end=\"1372\"\u003eKitchen ware\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1jmoegd\" data-start=\"1373\" data-end=\"1393\"\u003eHousehold textiles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ycw02g\" data-start=\"1394\" data-end=\"1405\"\u003eFurniture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"g6uz4s\" data-start=\"1406\" data-end=\"1454\"\u003eLivestock or land adjustments noted separately\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1456\" data-end=\"1568\"\u003eEach section is totaled in pounds, shillings, and pence with balancing calculations to equalize the inheritance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1570\" data-end=\"1573\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"hlyorq\" data-start=\"1575\" data-end=\"1601\"\u003eHistorical Significance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1603\" data-end=\"2056\"\u003eThis is exactly the type of manuscript created during probate proceedings after the death of a property owner. Estate divisions allocated land and personal property among heirs after debts were satisfied. Such documents provide an unusually detailed picture of domestic life, recording everyday possessions—from furniture and linens to cookware and personal effects—that seldom survive in the archaeological record. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2058\" data-end=\"2246\"\u003eUnlike a simple inventory, this manuscript also shows \u003cstrong data-start=\"2112\" data-end=\"2172\"\u003ehow the estate was actually divided among family members\u003c\/strong\u003e, making it more informative for genealogical and social-history research.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2248\" data-end=\"2251\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"hrykuu\" data-start=\"2253\" data-end=\"2265\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2267\" data-end=\"2480\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1q4ckd5\" data-start=\"2267\" data-end=\"2297\"\u003eTwo folio manuscript leaves.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"dny4da\" data-start=\"2298\" data-end=\"2329\"\u003eInk remains dark and legible.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"iwuwyk\" data-start=\"2330\" data-end=\"2350\"\u003eTypical fold wear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1qrawst\" data-start=\"2351\" data-end=\"2380\"\u003eMinor toning and edge wear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"sommc1\" data-start=\"2381\" data-end=\"2412\"\u003eNo major loss affecting text.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"nxqu0n\" data-start=\"2413\" data-end=\"2480\"\u003eVery good condition for an eighteenth-century probate manuscript.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52598059401498,"sku":null,"price":825.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_1887.jpg?v=1785248309"},{"product_id":"1767-colonial-virginia-land-office-application-5-000-acre-frontier-survey-indian-path-wigwam-pre-revolutionary-manuscript","title":"1767 Colonial Virginia Land Office Application – 5,000 Acre Frontier Survey – Indian Path \u0026 Wigwam – Pre-Revolutionary Manuscript","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"151\" data-end=\"309\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eThis is an original manuscript \u003cstrong data-start=\"182\" data-end=\"227\"\u003eVirginia frontier land office application\u003c\/strong\u003e requesting a survey of \u003cstrong data-start=\"251\" data-end=\"266\"\u003e5,000 acres\u003c\/strong\u003e in the western lands of colonial Virginia.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"cd6f896b-5015-41eb-866f-3baee7fb9ab7\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-5\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2792\" data-end=\"3123\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eOriginal colonial Virginia manuscript land application dated \u003cstrong data-start=\"2853\" data-end=\"2869\"\u003eMay 15, 1767\u003c\/strong\u003e, requesting the survey of \u003cstrong data-start=\"2896\" data-end=\"2911\"\u003e5,000 acres\u003c\/strong\u003e in the Great Valley of western Virginia. Signed by \u003cstrong data-start=\"2963\" data-end=\"2978\"\u003eJohn McNutt\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong data-start=\"2983\" data-end=\"3000\"\u003eRoger McNeill\u003c\/strong\u003e, the document represents an early stage in the acquisition of frontier lands only nine years before American independence.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3125\" data-end=\"3594\"\u003eThe application provides a vivid description of the proposed tract using natural and frontier landmarks rather than surveyed boundaries. It locates the property near the \u003cstrong data-start=\"3295\" data-end=\"3319\"\u003ehead of Beaver Creek\u003c\/strong\u003e, where \u003cstrong data-start=\"3327\" data-end=\"3366\"\u003ean Indian path crosses Willing Hill\u003c\/strong\u003e, beginning at \u003cstrong data-start=\"3381\" data-end=\"3409\"\u003ea large limestone spring\u003c\/strong\u003e, continuing over the mountain, and specifically notes the location of \u003cstrong data-start=\"3480\" data-end=\"3500\"\u003ean Indian wigwam\u003c\/strong\u003e before directing completion of the survey according to the terms of the Virginia Land Office.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3596\" data-end=\"3959\"\u003eManuscripts documenting the opening of Virginia's western frontier are increasingly scarce, particularly those preserving contemporary references to Native American travel routes and settlements. Unlike the more commonly encountered engraved land patents, this is the original application requesting the survey itself—a significant survival from the colonial era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3961\" data-end=\"4363\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eWritten on laid paper with a contemporary docket on the reverse reading \u003cstrong data-start=\"4033\" data-end=\"4078\"\u003e\"Survey for 5000 [acres], May 15th 1767,\"\u003c\/strong\u003e this manuscript is an outstanding artifact of colonial land speculation, westward expansion, and early American frontier history. An excellent addition for collectors of colonial Virginia, land grants, Native American history, Appalachian settlement, and eighteenth-century Americana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"311\" data-end=\"333\"\u003eThe document is dated:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-start=\"335\" data-end=\"353\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"337\" data-end=\"353\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"337\" data-end=\"353\"\u003eMay 15, 1767\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"355\" data-end=\"387\"\u003eand is signed by the applicants:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"389\" data-end=\"483\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1hkscvy\" data-start=\"389\" data-end=\"406\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"391\" data-end=\"406\"\u003eJohn McNutt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"gfy0yu\" data-start=\"407\" data-end=\"483\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"409\" data-end=\"426\"\u003eRoger McNeill\u003c\/strong\u003e (surname spelling varies slightly in period handwriting)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"ir7acx\" data-start=\"485\" data-end=\"507\"\u003eText (essentially)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-start=\"509\" data-end=\"941\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"511\" data-end=\"941\"\u003e\"An application given by John McNutt and Roger McNeill for five thousand acres of land in the Great Valley within three or four of the Head of Beaver Creek where an Indian path crosses Willing Hill, beginning at a large limestone spring to the left hand... over the hill above mentioned where there was an Indian wigwam and down the north side of the mountain till the survey be completed, complying with the terms of the office.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"943\" data-end=\"983\"\u003eThe reverse bears a contemporary docket:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-start=\"985\" data-end=\"1032\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"987\" data-end=\"1032\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"987\" data-end=\"1032\"\u003e\"Survey for 5000 [acres], May 15th 1767.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1034\" data-end=\"1037\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"ery58m\" data-start=\"1039\" data-end=\"1060\"\u003eHistorical Context\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1062\" data-end=\"1171\"\u003eThis document belongs to the great period of \u003cstrong data-start=\"1107\" data-end=\"1171\"\u003eVirginia's western expansion before the American Revolution.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1173\" data-end=\"1233\"\u003eSeveral important features increase its historical interest:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1235\" data-end=\"1643\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"14yrcj9\" data-start=\"1235\" data-end=\"1296\"\u003eDated \u003cstrong data-start=\"1243\" data-end=\"1296\"\u003enine years before the Declaration of Independence\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ocqpv2\" data-start=\"1297\" data-end=\"1347\"\u003eRequests a very substantial \u003cstrong data-start=\"1327\" data-end=\"1347\"\u003e5,000-acre tract\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1fwumbq\" data-start=\"1348\" data-end=\"1422\"\u003eDescribes the land by natural landmarks rather than surveyed coordinates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1kjqzsr\" data-start=\"1423\" data-end=\"1566\"\u003eReferences:\n\u003cul data-start=\"1439\" data-end=\"1566\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"gbl9cl\" data-start=\"1439\" data-end=\"1457\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1441\" data-end=\"1457\"\u003eBeaver Creek\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"4sculb\" data-start=\"1460\" data-end=\"1482\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1462\" data-end=\"1482\"\u003eThe Great Valley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ub0qbk\" data-start=\"1485\" data-end=\"1502\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1487\" data-end=\"1502\"\u003eIndian path\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1jgiawf\" data-start=\"1505\" data-end=\"1524\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1507\" data-end=\"1524\"\u003eIndian wigwam\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"129qpx3\" data-start=\"1527\" data-end=\"1549\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1529\" data-end=\"1549\"\u003eLimestone spring\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"lwrlb7\" data-start=\"1552\" data-end=\"1566\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1554\" data-end=\"1566\"\u003eMountain\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"a0emct\" data-start=\"1567\" data-end=\"1643\"\u003eRepresents the first step toward obtaining a western Virginia land survey.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1645\" data-end=\"1792\"\u003eThese applications were submitted before official surveys and patents were issued and are considerably scarcer than the later engraved land grants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1794\" data-end=\"2039\"\u003eThe reference to an \u003cstrong data-start=\"1814\" data-end=\"1829\"\u003eIndian path\u003c\/strong\u003e and an \u003cstrong data-start=\"1837\" data-end=\"1854\"\u003eIndian wigwam\u003c\/strong\u003e is especially desirable because it documents how frontier settlers identified land using Native American travel routes and habitation sites immediately prior to large-scale settlement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2041\" data-end=\"2044\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"hrykuu\" data-start=\"2046\" data-end=\"2058\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2060\" data-end=\"2220\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1wnqpjk\" data-start=\"2060\" data-end=\"2095\"\u003eOne page manuscript on laid paper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1g4e7pd\" data-start=\"2096\" data-end=\"2106\"\u003eComplete\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1hqlecj\" data-start=\"2107\" data-end=\"2123\"\u003eOriginal folds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"mr4zfh\" data-start=\"2124\" data-end=\"2141\"\u003eMinor edge wear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"jul4a4\" data-start=\"2142\" data-end=\"2165\"\u003eVery legible dark ink\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1mopl5d\" data-start=\"2166\" data-end=\"2190\"\u003eReverse docket present\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1q1onvz\" data-start=\"2191\" data-end=\"2220\"\u003eVery good condition overall\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52599560962330,"sku":null,"price":1200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_1891.jpg?v=1785253240"},{"product_id":"1770-colonial-shipping-cargo-manifest-sloop-hills-merchant-account-delivered-to-myles-williams-pre-revolutionary-america","title":"1770 Colonial Shipping Cargo Manifest – Sloop Hills – Merchant Account Delivered to Myles Williams – Pre-Revolutionary America","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"d3f6a3b1-42ce-4ccc-b83e-ce6dd2ac05e5\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-5\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2793\" data-end=\"3111\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eOriginal colonial American manuscript cargo account dated \u003cstrong data-start=\"2851\" data-end=\"2870\"\u003eJanuary 9, 1770\u003c\/strong\u003e, recording merchandise delivered from the \u003cstrong data-start=\"2913\" data-end=\"2928\"\u003eSloop Hills\u003c\/strong\u003e to merchant \u003cstrong data-start=\"2941\" data-end=\"2959\"\u003eMyles Williams\u003c\/strong\u003e. Prepared only six years before the Declaration of Independence, the document provides a fascinating snapshot of everyday commerce in colonial America.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3113\" data-end=\"3570\"\u003eThe inventory lists an assortment of goods unloaded from the vessel, including \u003cstrong data-start=\"3192\" data-end=\"3336\"\u003ebeef, pork, flour, tar, butter, 1,300 staves, 1,826 bricks, bushels of oats, sugar, tallow, wheat, casks, chairs, nuts, and other provisions\u003c\/strong\u003e, with contemporary quantity calculations recorded alongside the entries. Such documents served as working merchant records documenting the receipt and distribution of cargo moving through the coastal trade that linked colonial ports.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3572\" data-end=\"4028\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eWritten on laid paper and docketed on the reverse, this manuscript is a fine survival of eighteenth-century commercial history. Unlike formal legal documents, working cargo inventories were often discarded after accounts were settled, making original examples increasingly scarce. An excellent addition for collectors of colonial Americana, maritime history, merchant records, early commerce, shipping manuscripts, and pre-Revolutionary American documents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"161\" data-end=\"324\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"326\" data-end=\"344\"\u003eThe heading reads:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-start=\"346\" data-end=\"446\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"348\" data-end=\"446\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"348\" data-end=\"446\"\u003e\"1770. The account of the Sloop Hills Cargo Delivered to Myles Williams January the 9th 1770.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"448\" data-end=\"546\"\u003eIt is a merchant's cargo memorandum listing provisions and merchandise discharged from the vessel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"548\" data-end=\"551\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1c7c49r\" data-start=\"553\" data-end=\"564\"\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"566\" data-end=\"595\"\u003eAmong the cargo recorded are:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"597\" data-end=\"1018\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1j426ek\" data-start=\"597\" data-end=\"603\"\u003eBeef\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1j49qdq\" data-start=\"604\" data-end=\"610\"\u003ePork\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"947pum\" data-start=\"611\" data-end=\"628\"\u003eBarrels of pork\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"h352sa\" data-start=\"629\" data-end=\"647\"\u003eBarrels of flour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"nybhun\" data-start=\"648\" data-end=\"664\"\u003eBarrels of tar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1w1riaw\" data-start=\"665\" data-end=\"673\"\u003eButter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1cwceut\" data-start=\"674\" data-end=\"737\"\u003eMoon (likely \"meal\" or another provision—partially illegible)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"qfqhz4\" data-start=\"738\" data-end=\"756\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"740\" data-end=\"756\"\u003e1,300 staves\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"6pj40r\" data-start=\"757\" data-end=\"781\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"759\" data-end=\"781\"\u003e72 bushels of oats\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"xipxcb\" data-start=\"782\" data-end=\"800\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"784\" data-end=\"800\"\u003e1,826 bricks\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1dh6ikd\" data-start=\"801\" data-end=\"823\"\u003eOnion tops and wheat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"14qift7\" data-start=\"824\" data-end=\"879\"\u003eApproximately \u003cstrong data-start=\"840\" data-end=\"852\"\u003e760 pegs\u003c\/strong\u003e (or similar hardware item)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"bvxfqf\" data-start=\"880\" data-end=\"908\"\u003eAdditional bushels of oats\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1lsqr2c\" data-start=\"909\" data-end=\"924\"\u003eBags of sugar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"5rn1lx\" data-start=\"925\" data-end=\"933\"\u003eTallow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"183erzo\" data-start=\"934\" data-end=\"948\"\u003eWinter wheat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"94f090\" data-start=\"949\" data-end=\"966\"\u003eBarrels of nuts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"169akrl\" data-start=\"967\" data-end=\"980\"\u003eHogshead(s)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"16xbffl\" data-start=\"981\" data-end=\"988\"\u003eCasks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ux6362\" data-start=\"989\" data-end=\"997\"\u003eChairs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"gqbh5l\" data-start=\"998\" data-end=\"1018\"\u003eChop (animal feed)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1020\" data-end=\"1092\"\u003eA contemporary tally appears in the center, totaling quantities of meat:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1094\" data-end=\"1107\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1j49qdq\" data-start=\"1094\" data-end=\"1100\"\u003ePork\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1j426ek\" data-start=\"1101\" data-end=\"1107\"\u003eBeef\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1109\" data-end=\"1201\"\u003eThe reverse carries a contemporary docket identifying the document as relating to the cargo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1203\" data-end=\"1206\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"hlyorq\" data-start=\"1208\" data-end=\"1234\"\u003eHistorical Significance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1236\" data-end=\"1316\"\u003eThis is an excellent example of a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1270\" data-end=\"1315\"\u003ecolonial American coastal shipping record\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1318\" data-end=\"1524\"\u003eDocuments of this type were created by merchants upon receipt of cargo arriving from coastal vessels. They illustrate the complex trade networks that connected colonial ports before the American Revolution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1526\" data-end=\"1560\"\u003eThe cargo represents a mixture of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1562\" data-end=\"1661\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"4l82az\" data-start=\"1562\" data-end=\"1574\"\u003eFoodstuffs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"q552me\" data-start=\"1575\" data-end=\"1595\"\u003eBuilding materials\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"uapzyh\" data-start=\"1596\" data-end=\"1619\"\u003eAgricultural products\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"18ys86u\" data-start=\"1620\" data-end=\"1640\"\u003eHousehold supplies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"exg66g\" data-start=\"1641\" data-end=\"1661\"\u003eMerchant inventory\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1663\" data-end=\"2145\"\u003eThe inclusion of \u003cstrong data-start=\"1680\" data-end=\"1750\"\u003estaves, bricks, sugar, tallow, flour, oats, and livestock products\u003c\/strong\u003e illustrates the diverse commodities exchanged through colonial maritime commerce. Such working business documents were generally discarded after accounts were settled, making surviving examples relatively uncommon today. Similar shipping and cargo account books are preserved in maritime archives such as Mystic Seaport and the New-York Historical Society. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2147\" data-end=\"2150\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"hrykuu\" data-start=\"2152\" data-end=\"2164\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2166\" data-end=\"2296\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1lis3mv\" data-start=\"2166\" data-end=\"2187\"\u003eOriginal laid paper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"y1msxd\" data-start=\"2188\" data-end=\"2202\"\u003eSingle folio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1pqblpb\" data-start=\"2203\" data-end=\"2222\"\u003eStrong legibility\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1hqlecj\" data-start=\"2223\" data-end=\"2239\"\u003eOriginal folds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"mr4zfh\" data-start=\"2240\" data-end=\"2257\"\u003eMinor edge wear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"2m0vju\" data-start=\"2258\" data-end=\"2274\"\u003eReverse docket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1dznt7k\" data-start=\"2275\" data-end=\"2296\"\u003eVery good condition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52599563616538,"sku":null,"price":575.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_1894.jpg?v=1785253721"},{"product_id":"1776-edmund-physick-signed-pennsylvania-quit-rent-receipt-penn-proprietary-land","title":"1776 Edmund Physick Signed Pennsylvania Quit-Rent Receipt — Penn Proprietary Land","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExceptional Revolutionary-Era Pennsylvania Land Document — Signed by Edmund Physick\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn important and highly desirable \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarch 13, 1776 Pennsylvania land receipt\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, documenting the payment of four years of quit-rent on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e83½ acres of land in Providence Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe receipt records payment by \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGeorge Miller\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in the current money of Pennsylvania and states that the quit-rent was paid in full through March 1, 1776. The document is personally signed by \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEdmund Physick\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, one of Pennsylvania's important colonial-era officials and agents associated with the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePenn family proprietors\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhysick was a prominent Philadelphia businessman who served as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReceiver-General and quit-rent collector\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e for Pennsylvania's proprietary government. He later became a confidential estate agent for the Penn family, managing their extensive Pennsylvania properties. Contemporary archival collections contain numerous Physick land receipts, warrants, and financial records from this period.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis document is especially desirable because of its \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarch 1776 date\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, placing it just months before the Declaration of Independence and the end of Pennsylvania's proprietary colonial government. It provides a tangible record of the land and financial system that existed in Pennsylvania on the eve of American independence.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe receipt is printed on period paper with extensive manuscript additions and bears the bold original signature of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEdmund Physick\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The reverse retains additional manuscript impressions and notations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDocument:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Pennsylvania quit-rent receipt\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDate:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e March 13, 1776\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlace:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Chester, Pennsylvania\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLand:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 83½ acres\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLocation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Providence Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePayer:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e George Miller\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSigned by:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Edmund Physick\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSubject:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Quit-rent paid to the Pennsylvania proprietors\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Revolutionary War \/ Colonial America\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Very good overall for an 18th-century financial document, with expected folds, toning, edge wear, and manuscript aging.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn exceptional piece of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRevolutionary-era Pennsylvania Americana\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, combining an original 1776 land transaction with the autograph of an important official connected to the Penn proprietary estate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuggested Retail Price: $895\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52704454115610,"sku":null,"price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_2139_0b608310-8efc-45ce-9696-97c57566bda4.jpg?v=1786880827"},{"product_id":"1755-colonial-germantown-will-of-dirk-jansen-certified-and-signed-by-chief-justice-benjamin-chew-1774","title":"1755 Colonial Germantown Will of Dirk Jansen—Certified and Signed by Chief Justice Benjamin Chew, 1774","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAn unusually substantial colonial Pennsylvania probate manuscript: the last will and testament of \u003cstrong\u003eDirk Jansen, yeoman of Germantown\u003c\/strong\u003e, originally dated January 7, 1755, and officially copied and certified at Philadelphia on October 8, 1774.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWritten across three large manuscript sheets marked A, B, and C, the will records Jansen’s distribution of an extensive Pennsylvania estate among his children John, Richard, Ann Catherine, and Rebecca. The property included his Germantown residence, meadow and orchard; numerous tracts along Germantown’s Great Road; and hundreds of acres in Bucks, Lancaster, Northampton, and Philadelphia counties. The will also distributes livestock, farming implements, household furnishings, and substantial monetary bequests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe document is certified and authentically signed by \u003cstrong\u003eBenjamin Chew (1722–1810)\u003c\/strong\u003e as Register General of Pennsylvania. At the time of this certification, Chew was also Chief Justice of Pennsylvania’s highest court. A prominent colonial jurist, Chew served as longtime legal adviser to the Penn family and was the owner of Cliveden, later a principal site of the Battle of Germantown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe certification retains its large, elaborate embossed paper seal and original attachment cord. Historical sources associate Dirk Jansen with an early Germantown property later incorporated into the historic house known as Upsala, although additional title research would be required to determine whether the residence described in this will was that particular property.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an official 1774 certified copy from the original will retained in the Register General’s Office. The Jansen and witness signatures are clerk-copied; Benjamin Chew’s certification signature is original.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition is fragile, with extensive fold separation, tears, losses, staining, and detached sections, but most of the manuscript remains legible. The Chew signature and impressive provincial office seal are well preserved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore info...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eThis is a \u003cstrong\u003ecolonial Pennsylvania certified manuscript copy of the last will and testament of Dirk Jansen of Germantown\u003c\/strong\u003e, originally executed January 7, 1755.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe three-page will was copied from the original held in the Pennsylvania Register General’s Office and officially certified in Philadelphia on \u003cstrong\u003eOctober 8, 1774\u003c\/strong\u003e, only six months before Lexington and Concord.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe certification is signed:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e“Benjamin Chew, Reg’r Gen’l”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt retains the large embossed paper-and-wafer seal of the Register General’s Office.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePrincipal figures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDirk Jansen\u003c\/strong\u003e, described as a yeoman of Germantown, Philadelphia County\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChildren and beneficiaries: \u003cstrong\u003eJohn, Richard, Ann Catherine, and Rebecca\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWitnesses copied from the original: \u003cstrong\u003eJohn Bowman, Christian Warner, and John K—\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBenjamin Chew (1722–1810)\u003c\/strong\u003e, Pennsylvania’s Register General and, by 1774, Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChew was a leading colonial lawyer, longtime legal representative of the Penn family, and owner of Cliveden—the house that became a focal point of the Battle of Germantown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHistorical content\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJansen’s will describes a remarkably substantial estate, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHis Germantown residence, meadow, and orchard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMultiple Germantown lots along the “Great Road or Main Street”\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWoodland and additional Philadelphia County acreage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApproximately \u003cstrong\u003e400 acres at “Maxelium” in Bucks County\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApproximately \u003cstrong\u003e250 acres called “Indian Land” near the head of Perkiomen Creek\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApproximately \u003cstrong\u003e500 acres in Lancaster County\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApproximately \u003cstrong\u003e300 acres near Indian Creek\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLivestock, farming implements, household furnishings, and monetary bequests\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorical accounts associate a Dirk or Dirck Jansen with the early property now known as \u003cstrong\u003eUpsala\u003c\/strong\u003e, near the later Battle of Germantown battlefield. One account states that Jansen probably erected the early rear portion around 1740. However, the present document does not itself name “Upsala,” so the specific residence described in the will should be presented as a \u003cstrong\u003epossible, research-worthy connection rather than a certainty\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImportant distinction\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is \u003cstrong\u003enot the original 1755 will signed by Jansen\u003c\/strong\u003e. The Jansen signature, witness names, and written word “Seal” on page C were reproduced by the register’s clerk. The genuine autograph is Benjamin Chew’s signature beneath the 1774 certification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePoor to fair but substantially legible:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThree manuscript sheets, marked A, B, and C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtensive fold separations and edge losses\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge internal tears and detached or nearly detached sections\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeveral words affected or missing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGeneral toning, staining, and handling wear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal attachment cord present\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEmbossed paper seal substantially intact and visually impressive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBenjamin Chew’s certification and signature remain clear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Signature Documents LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52732974399770,"sku":null,"price":1795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2221\/0931\/files\/IMG_2358.jpg?v=1787409920"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.thearchiveauthority.com\/en-ca\/collections\/colonial-times.oembed","provider":"Signature Documents LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}