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Subject: Land tenure


Aaron Hart Estate Papers: Documents from the James Reid Papers, 1760-1848 Aaron Hart Estate Papers: Documents from the James Reid Papers, 1760-1848

An archive of 56 documents pertaining to the division of the estate of Aaron Hart (d. 1800), a prominent merchant and landowner in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. The documents were found within the papers of Judge James Reid (1769-1848), Hart's lawyer. The collection is divided into two categories: documents created after Hart's death, primarily legal in nature, and documents predating his death, including ledger sheets, letters, and promissory notes. The documents offer insight into Hart's business dealings, land holdings, and family affairs. Biographical information on Aaron Hart and his sons is included.

Abstract of Title for Roosevelt Family Property, New York City, 1831 Abstract of Title for Roosevelt Family Property, New York City, 1831

Abstract of Title for property owned by the Roosevelt family in New York City, Manhattan. The document details land ownership from 1788-1831, tracing transfers of deeds and mortgages. It specifically mentions Ephraim Hart and his wife conveying a deed in 1790, and a subsequent mortgage transfer to James Roosevelt in 1807. The property was originally part of the Lancey's Estate. The abstract includes later annotations dated September 21, 1849, and September 13, 1859, relating to further sales. The document consists of two pages, with writing on both sides.

Commercial Letter from Leo Stein to J.B. Judson, April 30, 1883 Commercial Letter from Leo Stein to J.B. Judson, April 30, 1883

Commercial letter written by Leo Stein of the Stein Manufacturing Company in Rochester, New York, to J.B. Judson on April 30, 1883. The letter inquires about paying a tax bill on 40 acres of land owned by Stein in Huron County, Michigan. The Stein Manufacturing Company produced cloth-covered caskets.

Congressional Record: Testimony on Florida Land Claims, 1824 Congressional Record: Testimony on Florida Land Claims, 1824

This two-volume Congressional Record from May 20, 1824, contains documents and testimony related to land transactions in Florida, specifically focusing on claims by Moses Elias Levy. Pages 335-356 feature testimony involving F.S. Warburg, Joseph Simon Cohen, and Abraham Meyers Cohen. The record sheds light on early Florida land claims, settlements, and the involvement of these individuals in Levy's plans for a Jewish refuge in Florida. It also includes information on other land claims, Spanish decrees, and letters from surveyor Alexander Hamilton. American Imprints 22929; Servies 1203.

Deed for City Lot No. 325, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 1, 1798 Deed for City Lot No. 325, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 1, 1798

Original partially-printed vellum land deed between Gustavus and Martha Colhoun (Calhoun?) and James Milligan for City Lot No. 325, situated on the north side of Chestnut Street, between Delaware Street (now 7th Street) and 9th Street, Philadelphia. Dated July 1, 1798. One page, 17 1/2" x 24 1/2", signed twice by Isaac Franks as Justice of the Peace.

Deed for Land in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1803 Deed for Land in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1803

This document is a deed for a parcel of land located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dated September 19, 1803. The deed was signed by Israel Israel, who is described as the Sheriff and later the Grand Master of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The deed is beautifully penned and lettered on large parchment. The property is described as being located at Broad and Third Streets in Center City, Philadelphia.

Deed for Property Purchase by Mizpah Agricultural and Industrial Company, New Jersey, September 29, 1892 Deed for Property Purchase by Mizpah Agricultural and Industrial Company, New Jersey, September 29, 1892

Partially printed deed, signed by Julius D. Eisenstein as President of the Mizpah Agricultural and Industrial Company, Michael S. Mirsky as Secretary, and Ralph Nathan as Commissioner for New Jersey in New York. The deed details the purchase of property from the West Jersey and Atlantic Railroad Company for a "Russian-Hebrew" communal colony. The three-page folio document is partially printed and completed in manuscript. The Mizpah colony, founded in part by Eisenstein, was an attempt to establish an agricultural settlement for Russian-Jewish immigrants in southern New Jersey. The colony's history is marked by challenges, including poor land quality and difficult living conditions for its early inhabitants. This deed provides crucial documentation of the colony's early development and its connection to broader patterns of Jewish immigration and settlement in the United States.

Deed of Conveyance from Solomon Moses to Isaac Moses, March 24, 1818 Deed of Conveyance from Solomon Moses to Isaac Moses, March 24, 1818

Four-page deed of conveyance, dated March 24, 1818, from Solomon Moses to Isaac Moses for $1.00. This legal document transfers property from Solomon to Isaac and his son, Moses Levy Moses, following the dissolution of Isaac Moses & Sons. The deed lists the property owned by Isaac Moses at his death and includes mention of land on Long Island. Signed by Solomon Moses, his wife Rachel Gratz Moses, and witnessed by Benjamin Gratz and Reuben Etting. It also bears the signature of William Tilghman, Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Deed of Land in Doddridge County, West Virginia, from Joseph and Jacob Gratz to Henry Hallam, October 18, 1849 Deed of Land in Doddridge County, West Virginia, from Joseph and Jacob Gratz to Henry Hallam, October 18, 1849

This deed, dated October 18, 1849, conveys a tract of land in Doddridge County, West Virginia, from Joseph and Jacob Gratz of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Henry Hallam. The land was originally purchased by their father, Michael Gratz, in 1786 and subsequently passed through a trust held by family members before being sold. The deed is four pages long, measuring 11" x 17", written in attractive calligraphy on thin, hard wove paper. It shows minor age-toning and some repaired tears.

Deed of Land Transfer from Abigail Hamilton to Timothy Abbott and Samuel Barnes, Philadelphia, 1791 Deed of Land Transfer from Abigail Hamilton to Timothy Abbott and Samuel Barnes, Philadelphia, 1791

Indenture dated May 6, 1791, in Philadelphia, between Abigail Hamilton and Timothy Abbott and Samuel Barnes concerning land on the west side of Third Street between High and Chestnut Streets. The deed specifies the land as "the northerly moiety of a larger Lot" previously conveyed to Andrew Hamilton. Abigail Hamilton signed the deed, witnessed by David Franks and Benjamin Levy. The document highlights the post-Revolutionary reconciliation between individuals with differing loyalties during the American Revolution, as the Franks family were Loyalists, while Benjamin Levy was a supporter of the Revolution. Additional biographical information on the individuals involved is included within the record.

Deed of Moses Levy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, February 4, 1794 Deed of Moses Levy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, February 4, 1794

Deed signed by Moses Levy, dated February 4, 1794, concerning land in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The deed indicates a direct land purchase from the government by Levy. Additional notes mention Levy's parentage, religious upbringing, and his role as a trustee of the University of Pennsylvania, as well as his contributions to early American labor law.

Deed of Sale for Lot 19, Parcel 533, Washington, D.C., May 15, 1827 Deed of Sale for Lot 19, Parcel 533, Washington, D.C., May 15, 1827

This document is a deed of sale for Lot 19, Parcel 533 in Washington, D.C., dated May 15, 1827. Charlotte Abigail Myers and Mordecai Cohen Myers, a Jewish family from Georgetown, South Carolina, sold the land to John A. Smith of Washington City for $350. The land was inherited from David Pollock. The deed is signed by William Cranch, subscriber of Deeds for the District of Columbia, and witnessed by Solomon Cohen. A verso notation indicates that notary Thomas R. Mitchell appeared before William Cranch as subscribing witness on January 22, 1828. The main portion of the deed is handwritten by a secretary. William Brent, Clerk of the Court for the District of Columbia, also signed the document.

Deed of Sale: Aaron Levy to James Duncan and Henry Weiss, Aaronsburg, Pennsylvania, August 23, 1803 Deed of Sale: Aaron Levy to James Duncan and Henry Weiss, Aaronsburg, Pennsylvania, August 23, 1803

Deed for the direct sale of land in Aaronsburg, Pennsylvania, from Aaron Levy to James Duncan and Henry Weiss. The deed is dated August 23, 1803, and features Levy's signature twice, with two Hebrew letters beneath one of the 'Y's. Levy, a partner of Joseph Simon, was involved in supplying troops and loaning money to the Continental Congress during the American Revolution and was a close associate of the Gratz family.

Deed: Abraham De Peyster to Pierre Guillaume De Peyster and Elizabeth De Peyster, New York, January 14, 1757 Deed: Abraham De Peyster to Pierre Guillaume De Peyster and Elizabeth De Peyster, New York, January 14, 1757

Deed signed by Abraham De Peyster, Isaac De Peyster, Anne De Peyster, Pierre De Peyster, and Elizabeth De Peyster Hamilton. Witnessed by Hayman Levy, Samuel Seabury Jr., Jacob Walton, and William Sackett. Includes remains of five personal wax seals and an embossed New York IV Pence tax stamp. Describes property located on the East Side of Broadway, New York, between the house of the widow of John Minerson and the house of William Barker. Dated January 14, 1757.

Deed: Brewerton and Jacobs Land Claim, New York, 1792 Deed: Brewerton and Jacobs Land Claim, New York, 1792

Five-page legal document detailing a land claim owned by James Brewster and pledged to Philip Jacobs. The document describes the eventual payoff of the claim by Brewster's mother, who sells his New York City house to Jacobs. The deed is signed by Brewster and includes an additional page of expense entries dating from 1792 to 1795.

Deed: Levi Brothers Purchase in Carroll County, Illinois, August 14, 1850 Deed: Levi Brothers Purchase in Carroll County, Illinois, August 14, 1850

Land deed signed by Illinois Governor Augustus C. French, transferring property in Carroll County, Illinois to Levi Brothers. The deed, dated August 14, 1850, bears the Illinois State Seal and the signature of Secretary of State David L. Gregg. The document is a single folded sheet of light blue paper showing signs of age, including tears, discoloration, creases, and soil spots.

Deed: Property Transfer between Henry Cohn and Others, New York City, 1864 Deed: Property Transfer between Henry Cohn and Others, New York City, 1864

This document is a deed detailing a property transfer in New York City, New York. The deed, dated December 13, 1864, involves Henry Cohn as a principal party and references previous owners including David Devore, Erastus Benedict, and Henry B. Brevoort. The property is located between 53rd Street and Second Avenue, encompassing a lot between 105 and 107. The deed traces the property's history back to 1760 when it sold for 1200 pounds sterling. Cohn purchased the property for $10,000.

Deed: Sale of Land on Second Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1828 Deed: Sale of Land on Second Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1828

Deed for the sale of land located on the west side of Second Street, above the Delaware River, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dated February 23, 1828. The deed involves a transaction between Nathan Nathans and Curtis Cavender. This may represent a transaction between father and son; earlier transactions did not go through. See related items 18-119 and 200 in the collection.

Deed: Sale of Land on Wall Street, New York City, 1793 Deed: Sale of Land on Wall Street, New York City, 1793

Deed dated February 12, 1793, in which Gabriel William Ludlow, merchant, executor to William Brownjohn, druggist, sold a piece of land on Wall Street, New York City, to Benjamin Seixas. The deed includes a subsequent assignment of the purchase to John Ray by Benjamin Seixas. The document measures 9x14 inches and comprises a single page.

Estate Account of Aaron Levy, 1819 Estate Account of Aaron Levy, 1819

Account of the estate of Aaron Levy, listing 10 tracts of land with their names and values, totaling $330.67. The document dates from 1819. Aaron Levy (1742-1815) was a Revolutionary patriot, founder of Aaronsburg, Pennsylvania, and a prominent land owner in Pennsylvania.

Estate Account of Aaron Levy, Boggs Township, Pennsylvania, March 21, 1836 Estate Account of Aaron Levy, Boggs Township, Pennsylvania, March 21, 1836

This document is an estate account listing lands owned by the estate of Aaron Levy in Boggs Township, Pennsylvania. Seven tracts of land are listed, along with the taxes owed for 1834 and 1835, totaling $9.59, paid on March 21, 1836. The document also includes additional names associated with each parcel: H. Levy, Lebeen, Rasky (?), Rebecca Levy, and Joseph Levy.

Land Caveat: Aaron Levy vs. Samuel Wallis, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 12, 1793 Land Caveat: Aaron Levy vs. Samuel Wallis, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 12, 1793

Land caveat filed by Aaron Levy against Samuel Wallis regarding 58 land applications for 400 acres each. The caveat, dated April 12, 1793, alleges that Levy had prior claim to the land based on documents dated July 21 and 30, 1792, and January 22 and 29, 1793, involving Simon Gratz and Robert Morris. The document was attested to by David Kennedy of the Pennsylvania Land Office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Ledger Sheet: Dividend Records of the Illinois Company, July 1, 1773 Ledger Sheet: Dividend Records of the Illinois Company, July 1, 1773

This ledger sheet, dated July 1, 1773, records payments to William Murray for land purchases from the Illinois Indians during July, August, and November 1773. The document details 13 shares in total, with 5 owned by the Gratz brothers and 4 by David Franks. The sheet, measuring 8.5" x 11", consists of two pages and appears to be the work of a scribe. It is a significant artifact in the history of the Illinois Company.

Letter from David Gratz to John C. Heylman Regarding Pennsylvania Land Warrants, August 18, 1854 Letter from David Gratz to John C. Heylman Regarding Pennsylvania Land Warrants, August 18, 1854

A one-page stampless letter written by David Gratz of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 18, 1854, to attorney John C. Heylman. The letter encloses a list of land warrants (not present) located south of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, pertaining to the estate of Simon Gratz (1733-1839), David's father. Gratz mentions additional lands conveyed to his uncles and relatives of Aaron Levy. The verso mentions Edward Gratz, David's brother.

Letter from J. B. Alexander to Solomon Etting Regarding a Land Matter Involving Simon Gratz, March 6, 1832 Letter from J. B. Alexander to Solomon Etting Regarding a Land Matter Involving Simon Gratz, March 6, 1832

A letter written by J. B. Alexander to Solomon Etting on March 6, 1832, concerning a land matter involving Simon Gratz. The letter discusses efforts to contact Gratz, possibly in relation to the settlement of Bernard Gratz's estate. It also mentions a deed from David Franks to Bernard Gratz dated October 18, 1780. A copy of the letter was sent to S. Gratz the previous day. The letter was written in Baltimore, Maryland.

Map of Landholdings in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, Attributed to Aaron Levy and Jonas Simmons Map of Landholdings in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, Attributed to Aaron Levy and Jonas Simmons

Hand-drawn map depicting land ownership in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The map is undated, but based on the context of other documents found with it, it is likely from around 1790. The map shows landholdings attributed to Aaron Levy and Jonas Simmons, prominent Jewish land speculators in the region. The map was found among other documents from Luzerne County, Pennsylvania and it shows the area around Wilkes-Barre.

Minutes of the Illinois and Wabash Land Company Shareholder Meetings, November 30, 1809, and March 5, 1810 Minutes of the Illinois and Wabash Land Company Shareholder Meetings, November 30, 1809, and March 5, 1810

Four-page copy of the minutes from two shareholder meetings of the Illinois and Wabash Land Company, held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 30, 1809, and March 5, 1810. The minutes detail the company's affairs before Congress and the appointment of an agent to represent the company in Washington, D.C. Simon Gratz is listed as present and later appointed chairman. The document also lists other prominent shareholders, including members of the Gratz and Franks families.

Pennsylvania Land Warrant for Joseph Henry, Northumberland County, 1793 Pennsylvania Land Warrant for Joseph Henry, Northumberland County, 1793

Land warrant issued on February 25, 1793, by Thomas Mifflin, Governor of Pennsylvania, to Joseph Henry for 400 acres of land in Northumberland County (or Luzerne County, depending on existing land grants). The warrant, copied and attested on March 19, 1794 by Surveyor General Daniel Brodhead, details the land's boundaries and specifies payment terms. The document measures 8" x 13".

Power of Attorney: Henry Drinker to John Ewing, March 3, 1807 Power of Attorney: Henry Drinker to John Ewing, March 3, 1807

Power of Attorney document signed by Henry Drinker, witnessed by William Drinker and Abraham Mitchell, appointing John Ewing as his attorney. The document, dated March 3, 1807, pertains to a land matter in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, involving Drinker and the deceased Abel James. The document is written in legible ink on hand laid paper and features clear, bold signatures and seals.

Power of Attorney: Jacob Gratz for Joseph Gratz, July 16, 1846 Power of Attorney: Jacob Gratz for Joseph Gratz, July 16, 1846

Power of attorney document executed by Jacob Gratz on July 16, 1846, authorizing him to act on behalf of his brother, Joseph Gratz, in settling lands in Virginia inherited from their father, Michael Gratz's estate. The document reflects the protracted settlement of a complex estate involving twelve children.

Rental Contract, Lima, Peru, September 14, 1555 Rental Contract, Lima, Peru, September 14, 1555

A two-page rental contract, written in Spanish, dated September 14, 1555, in Lima, Peru. The contract is between Bachiller Gonzalo de Torres, acting on behalf of Comendador Hernando Pizarro, and Juan Alvarez, who is renting property. The document is signed by both parties and represents an early example of a legal document involving a Jewish person in South America.

Signatures of Amos and Rachel Phillips: Deed Signatures of Amos and Rachel Phillips: Deed

This document contains the signatures of Amos and Rachel Phillips. The donor notes that the Phillips family was a large and old Jewish family in Philadelphia. The date of the deed is June 16, 1853. The document's location is M/OOS Box 1, Folder 2.

Survey of the Lancaster Hebrew Burying Ground, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 17 July 1822 Survey of the Lancaster Hebrew Burying Ground, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 17 July 1822

Legal document surveying the Hebrew Burying Ground in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Surveyed and signed by Henry Carpenter on July 17, 1822. Details a conveyance from Thomas Cookson and his wife to Isaac Nunes Recus and Joseph Simons on February 3, 1746, for the establishment of the burial ground. Includes a survey map. Potentially the earliest extant legal record of this historic cemetery.

Three Deeds Pertaining to Solomon Etting's Property in Baltimore, Maryland, 1795-1831 Three Deeds Pertaining to Solomon Etting's Property in Baltimore, Maryland, 1795-1831

This archival collection contains three original deeds documenting property transactions involving Solomon Etting in Baltimore, Maryland. The first deed, dated December 28, 1795, involves Zebulon Hollingsworth and James H. McCulloch. The second deed, dated March 13, 1798, involves Solomon Etting and James H. McCulloch. The third deed, dated May 26, 1831, involves Solomon Etting and Rebecca Pue. The deeds detail property sales and transfers, offering insights into real estate transactions and the early development of Baltimore. One deed indicates a sale price of $6500. Solomon Etting was an early investor in the Baltimore East India Company (1807) and the first Jew to hold public office in Maryland. He served on the first Board of Directors of the B&O Railroad.