THOMAS MIFFLIN—SIGNER OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION—1795 PENNSYLVANIA LAND PATENT WITH GREAT SEAL
An original 1795 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania land patent issued under Thomas Mifflin, Revolutionary War general, president of the Continental Congress, signer of the United States Constitution, and Pennsylvania’s first governor under the Constitution of 1790.
Dated April 16, 1795, this imposing partially printed parchment grants approximately 397 acres in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, to Michael William Ball. The named tract appears to be “Walnut Bottom.” Its lengthy handwritten boundary description begins at a sugar tree and records the courses, distances, and adjoining properties defining the tract.
The patent bears the now considerably faded signature “Tho. Mifflin” near the upper-left corner and is countersigned at the conclusion by James Trimble Jr., Deputy Secretary of Pennsylvania. The engraved form was printed by Francis Bailey, one of Philadelphia’s noteworthy Revolutionary-era printers.
Of particular visual and historical interest is the enormous original starburst paper seal, approximately six inches across, covering an embossed impression of the Great Seal of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Much of this fragile official seal remains attached—an impressive survival after more than 230 years.
The reverse carries contemporary Land Office docketing recording the patent on April 21, 1795, in Patent Book 24, page 346, together with later ownership and filing inscriptions.
Thomas Mifflin (1744–1800) served as an aide-de-camp to General George Washington and later as quartermaster general of the Continental Army. As president of the Continental Congress, Mifflin presided over Washington’s resignation of his military commission in December 1783. He subsequently signed the United States Constitution and served as governor of Pennsylvania from 1790 until 1799.
Condition: Approximately 21 × 11 inches, Considerable age toning, staining and surface soiling; numerous original folds with weakness, splitting and localized separations; marginal losses and old paper reinforcement; manuscript portions and Mifflin’s signature substantially faded. The large paper-and-wax Great Seal is worn, creased, torn and incomplete but remains prominently attached. James Trimble’s countersignature and portions of the printed text remain readily visible. Offered as an authentically aged official document, with all faults visible in the photographs.
A visually commanding early American land patent connecting Pennsylvania’s westward development with one of the leading military and political figures of the Revolutionary generation.
An original 1795 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania land patent issued under Thomas Mifflin, Revolutionary War general, president of the Continental Congress, signer of the United States Constitution, and Pennsylvania’s first governor under the Constitution of 1790.
Dated April 16, 1795, this imposing partially printed parchment grants approximately 397 acres in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, to Michael William Ball. The named tract appears to be “Walnut Bottom.” Its lengthy handwritten boundary description begins at a sugar tree and records the courses, distances, and adjoining properties defining the tract.
The patent bears the now considerably faded signature “Tho. Mifflin” near the upper-left corner and is countersigned at the conclusion by James Trimble Jr., Deputy Secretary of Pennsylvania. The engraved form was printed by Francis Bailey, one of Philadelphia’s noteworthy Revolutionary-era printers.
Of particular visual and historical interest is the enormous original starburst paper seal, approximately six inches across, covering an embossed impression of the Great Seal of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Much of this fragile official seal remains attached—an impressive survival after more than 230 years.
The reverse carries contemporary Land Office docketing recording the patent on April 21, 1795, in Patent Book 24, page 346, together with later ownership and filing inscriptions.
Thomas Mifflin (1744–1800) served as an aide-de-camp to General George Washington and later as quartermaster general of the Continental Army. As president of the Continental Congress, Mifflin presided over Washington’s resignation of his military commission in December 1783. He subsequently signed the United States Constitution and served as governor of Pennsylvania from 1790 until 1799.
Condition: Approximately 21 × 11 inches, Considerable age toning, staining and surface soiling; numerous original folds with weakness, splitting and localized separations; marginal losses and old paper reinforcement; manuscript portions and Mifflin’s signature substantially faded. The large paper-and-wax Great Seal is worn, creased, torn and incomplete but remains prominently attached. James Trimble’s countersignature and portions of the printed text remain readily visible. Offered as an authentically aged official document, with all faults visible in the photographs.
A visually commanding early American land patent connecting Pennsylvania’s westward development with one of the leading military and political figures of the Revolutionary generation.
