c1810 Duncan McArthur Autograph Letter Signed to Nathaniel Massie – Early Chillicothe, Ohio Land Development – Future Governor of Ohio
A scarce and historically important Autograph Letter Signed by Duncan McArthur (1772–1839), one of the founders of early Ohio, future Governor of Ohio, War of 1812 brigadier general, surveyor, and land developer. The letter is addressed to General Nathaniel Massie, Revolutionary War officer, renowned surveyor, founder of Chillicothe, and one of the most influential figures in the settlement of the Northwest Territory.
In the letter McArthur discusses the preparation of a deed, enclosing a copy of St. Clair's entry and requesting that Massie prepare his deed to include Chillicothe town lots Nos. 62 and 63, Out Lot No. 93, together with the tract upon which he resides. He also refers to survey field notes previously furnished by Mr. Spencer. The correspondence provides a remarkable firsthand glimpse into the mechanics of land ownership and town development in Ohio during its earliest years.
Letters documenting the original disposition of Chillicothe property are seldom encountered, and examples linking both Nathaniel Massie and Duncan McArthur are particularly scarce. This manuscript represents an outstanding artifact of early Ohio settlement, western expansion, surveying history, and frontier land speculation.
Condition: Very good overall with original folds, light age toning, expected postal wear, and a bold, attractive signature. An exceptional manuscript connecting two of the most significant architects of early Ohio history.
A scarce and historically important Autograph Letter Signed by Duncan McArthur (1772–1839), one of the founders of early Ohio, future Governor of Ohio, War of 1812 brigadier general, surveyor, and land developer. The letter is addressed to General Nathaniel Massie, Revolutionary War officer, renowned surveyor, founder of Chillicothe, and one of the most influential figures in the settlement of the Northwest Territory.
In the letter McArthur discusses the preparation of a deed, enclosing a copy of St. Clair's entry and requesting that Massie prepare his deed to include Chillicothe town lots Nos. 62 and 63, Out Lot No. 93, together with the tract upon which he resides. He also refers to survey field notes previously furnished by Mr. Spencer. The correspondence provides a remarkable firsthand glimpse into the mechanics of land ownership and town development in Ohio during its earliest years.
Letters documenting the original disposition of Chillicothe property are seldom encountered, and examples linking both Nathaniel Massie and Duncan McArthur are particularly scarce. This manuscript represents an outstanding artifact of early Ohio settlement, western expansion, surveying history, and frontier land speculation.
Condition: Very good overall with original folds, light age toning, expected postal wear, and a bold, attractive signature. An exceptional manuscript connecting two of the most significant architects of early Ohio history.
