1838 GOVERNOR ISAAC HILL SIGNED 1838 NEW HAMPSHIRE JUDICIAL COMMISSION — JOSEPH DOE, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE
Original State of New Hampshire judicial commission signed by Governor Isaac Hill, appointing prominent Newmarket citizen Joseph Doe as a Justice of the Peace and of the Quorum for Strafford County.
Issued at Concord on December 20, 1838, the partly printed document declares that the state, “reposing especial Trust and Confidence” in Doe’s fidelity and ability, appointed him to exercise the powers and authority of a Justice of the Peace and of the Quorum for a term of five years.
Boldly signed at lower right by:
“Isaac Hill”
and countersigned by Josiah Stevens Jr., New Hampshire secretary of state.
The commission retains its large original New Hampshire state seal, impressed beneath a serrated paper wafer. The reverse docket identifies the recipient as “Joseph Doe Esq., Newmarket” and notes that the commission would expire on December 20, 1843.
The lower portion records that Doe appeared in Strafford County on February 18, 1839, and formally subscribed the oath required of a Justice of the Peace and of the Quorum.
Joseph Doe (1776–1860) was a successful Newmarket-area farmer and substantial landowner who participated actively in town affairs, served in the New Hampshire legislature and held judicial office as a justice of the peace. His surviving papers are represented in the collection of the New Hampshire Historical Society.
Doe was the father of Charles Cogswell Doe, who became one of New Hampshire’s most distinguished jurists and served as chief justice of the state Supreme Court.
Isaac Hill (1788–1851) was an influential Jacksonian newspaper editor and Democratic politician. Before becoming governor, he represented New Hampshire in the United States Senate from 1831 to 1836. He served as governor from 1836 until 1839.
An attractive signed state appointment connecting a prominent New Hampshire governor with the Doe family’s lengthy involvement in the state’s legal and political history.
Document: Judicial commission
Recipient: Joseph Doe of Newmarket
Office: Justice of the Peace and of the Quorum
County: Strafford County, New Hampshire
Date: December 20, 1838
Signatures: Governor Isaac Hill and Secretary of State Josiah Stevens Jr.
Seal: Original paper-covered embossed New Hampshire state seal
Condition: Original folds with several short fold separations and small losses at intersections; edge wear and tearing, particularly along the left margin; scattered toning and minor stains. The principal text, signatures and state seal remain clear and presentable.
Original State of New Hampshire judicial commission signed by Governor Isaac Hill, appointing prominent Newmarket citizen Joseph Doe as a Justice of the Peace and of the Quorum for Strafford County.
Issued at Concord on December 20, 1838, the partly printed document declares that the state, “reposing especial Trust and Confidence” in Doe’s fidelity and ability, appointed him to exercise the powers and authority of a Justice of the Peace and of the Quorum for a term of five years.
Boldly signed at lower right by:
“Isaac Hill”
and countersigned by Josiah Stevens Jr., New Hampshire secretary of state.
The commission retains its large original New Hampshire state seal, impressed beneath a serrated paper wafer. The reverse docket identifies the recipient as “Joseph Doe Esq., Newmarket” and notes that the commission would expire on December 20, 1843.
The lower portion records that Doe appeared in Strafford County on February 18, 1839, and formally subscribed the oath required of a Justice of the Peace and of the Quorum.
Joseph Doe (1776–1860) was a successful Newmarket-area farmer and substantial landowner who participated actively in town affairs, served in the New Hampshire legislature and held judicial office as a justice of the peace. His surviving papers are represented in the collection of the New Hampshire Historical Society.
Doe was the father of Charles Cogswell Doe, who became one of New Hampshire’s most distinguished jurists and served as chief justice of the state Supreme Court.
Isaac Hill (1788–1851) was an influential Jacksonian newspaper editor and Democratic politician. Before becoming governor, he represented New Hampshire in the United States Senate from 1831 to 1836. He served as governor from 1836 until 1839.
An attractive signed state appointment connecting a prominent New Hampshire governor with the Doe family’s lengthy involvement in the state’s legal and political history.
Document: Judicial commission
Recipient: Joseph Doe of Newmarket
Office: Justice of the Peace and of the Quorum
County: Strafford County, New Hampshire
Date: December 20, 1838
Signatures: Governor Isaac Hill and Secretary of State Josiah Stevens Jr.
Seal: Original paper-covered embossed New Hampshire state seal
Condition: Original folds with several short fold separations and small losses at intersections; edge wear and tearing, particularly along the left margin; scattered toning and minor stains. The principal text, signatures and state seal remain clear and presentable.
