1802 Newburyport Overseers’ Payment Order to John Thorndike, Signed by Revolutionary War Officer Aaron Pardee, May 3, 1802; received and docketed June 8, 1802.
An attractive early American municipal document signed by Lieutenant Aaron Pardee (1755–1837), a veteran of the Continental Army and an original member of the Society of the Cincinnati.
Issued at Newburyport, Massachusetts, on May 3, 1802, this partly printed order directs the town treasurer to pay John Thorndike the sum of eight dollars and forty-seven cents. Pardee boldly signs across the center beside the printed designation, “Per Order of the Overseers.” The recipient subsequently acknowledged payment on June 8 by signing at the bottom.
Born in Sharon, Connecticut, Aaron Pardee served as a second lieutenant in the Third Continental Artillery during the American Revolution and remained in service through the close of the war. He became an original member of the prestigious Society of the Cincinnati, whose membership was limited to officers of the Continental forces and their descendants. After the Revolution, Pardee settled in Newburyport, where he became a merchant, property owner, and influential member of the community.
Beyond its autograph interest, the document offers a tangible glimpse into the administration of an early Massachusetts seaport. Newburyport’s Overseers of the Poor supervised public assistance, the almshouse, and other forms of municipal relief. Surviving town records demonstrate the important role these officials played in caring for impoverished residents during the Federal period.
Approximately two centuries old and retaining strong printed and manuscript content, the document exhibits expected age toning, old folds, scattered spotting, minor filing or mounting holes, and edge irregularity. Pardee’s historically significant signature remains unusually bold and prominent.
A desirable combination of Revolutionary War, Society of the Cincinnati, Massachusetts, municipal, and social-welfare history.
An attractive early American municipal document signed by Lieutenant Aaron Pardee (1755–1837), a veteran of the Continental Army and an original member of the Society of the Cincinnati.
Issued at Newburyport, Massachusetts, on May 3, 1802, this partly printed order directs the town treasurer to pay John Thorndike the sum of eight dollars and forty-seven cents. Pardee boldly signs across the center beside the printed designation, “Per Order of the Overseers.” The recipient subsequently acknowledged payment on June 8 by signing at the bottom.
Born in Sharon, Connecticut, Aaron Pardee served as a second lieutenant in the Third Continental Artillery during the American Revolution and remained in service through the close of the war. He became an original member of the prestigious Society of the Cincinnati, whose membership was limited to officers of the Continental forces and their descendants. After the Revolution, Pardee settled in Newburyport, where he became a merchant, property owner, and influential member of the community.
Beyond its autograph interest, the document offers a tangible glimpse into the administration of an early Massachusetts seaport. Newburyport’s Overseers of the Poor supervised public assistance, the almshouse, and other forms of municipal relief. Surviving town records demonstrate the important role these officials played in caring for impoverished residents during the Federal period.
Approximately two centuries old and retaining strong printed and manuscript content, the document exhibits expected age toning, old folds, scattered spotting, minor filing or mounting holes, and edge irregularity. Pardee’s historically significant signature remains unusually bold and prominent.
A desirable combination of Revolutionary War, Society of the Cincinnati, Massachusetts, municipal, and social-welfare history.
