1847 Virginia Land Grant Signed by Governor William "Extra Billy" Smith – Augusta County – Original Commonwealth Seal
An original Commonwealth of Virginia land grant signed by Governor William "Extra Billy" Smith (1797–1887), dated March 1, 1847, during his first term as Governor of Virginia. Smith later became one of the oldest Confederate field commanders during the Civil War before returning to serve a second term as Virginia's governor.
This official grant conveys 62 acres and 2 rods to James A. Brown in Augusta County, Virginia, located on the east side of Back Creek. The property is described by an extensive handwritten metes-and-bounds survey prepared from an August 17, 1846 survey under Land Office Treasury Warrant No. 16,134.
A particularly desirable feature is the original embossed paper seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, displaying the iconic image of Virtus standing over Tyranny with the state motto "Sic Semper Tyrannis." The seal is exceptionally well preserved and greatly enhances the document's visual appeal and collectability.
Printed on laid paper with extensive manuscript entries, the grant retains contemporary docketing on the reverse and is boldly signed by Governor William Smith. Documents from Smith's first gubernatorial administration are increasingly sought by collectors of Virginia history, the Mexican-American War era, Civil War figures, and early American legal manuscripts.
Date: March 1, 1847
Governor: William Smith
Grantee: James A. Brown
Survey Date: August 17, 1846
Treasury Warrant: No. 16,134
Property: 62 acres and 2 rods
Location: Augusta County, Virginia, on the east side of Back Creek
The tract is described by a complete metes-and-bounds survey, referencing neighboring landowners, white oak, pine stumps, chestnut oak, ridges, gullies, and survey lines typical of Shenandoah Valley land grants.
Outstanding Features
This example is considerably more desirable than an average mid-19th century Virginia grant because it retains:
- William Smith's large manuscript signature
- Original embossed Commonwealth of Virginia paper seal
- The beautifully preserved "Virtus over Tyranny" design with the state motto "Sic Semper Tyrannis."
- Original docketing and recording endorsements on the reverse
- Complete legal description and survey
Collectors strongly prefer grants retaining their original paper seals, as many have been removed or damaged over time.
Historical Context
Governor William "Extra Billy" Smith issued this grant during his first gubernatorial term, only one year after taking office. His administration coincided with the Mexican-American War (1846–1848), a period of continued westward settlement and land development throughout Virginia. Smith later returned to public prominence as one of the oldest Confederate generals to command troops in the Civil War before serving a second term as governor.
Condition
- Very good original laid paper.
- Strong manuscript signature.
- Original embossed Virginia seal fully intact.
- Typical horizontal and vertical filing folds.
- Minor age toning.
- Light wrinkling.
- Reverse docketing and recording endorsements.
- Excellent overall eye appeal.
Overall condition: Very Good+.
An original Commonwealth of Virginia land grant signed by Governor William "Extra Billy" Smith (1797–1887), dated March 1, 1847, during his first term as Governor of Virginia. Smith later became one of the oldest Confederate field commanders during the Civil War before returning to serve a second term as Virginia's governor.
This official grant conveys 62 acres and 2 rods to James A. Brown in Augusta County, Virginia, located on the east side of Back Creek. The property is described by an extensive handwritten metes-and-bounds survey prepared from an August 17, 1846 survey under Land Office Treasury Warrant No. 16,134.
A particularly desirable feature is the original embossed paper seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, displaying the iconic image of Virtus standing over Tyranny with the state motto "Sic Semper Tyrannis." The seal is exceptionally well preserved and greatly enhances the document's visual appeal and collectability.
Printed on laid paper with extensive manuscript entries, the grant retains contemporary docketing on the reverse and is boldly signed by Governor William Smith. Documents from Smith's first gubernatorial administration are increasingly sought by collectors of Virginia history, the Mexican-American War era, Civil War figures, and early American legal manuscripts.
Date: March 1, 1847
Governor: William Smith
Grantee: James A. Brown
Survey Date: August 17, 1846
Treasury Warrant: No. 16,134
Property: 62 acres and 2 rods
Location: Augusta County, Virginia, on the east side of Back Creek
The tract is described by a complete metes-and-bounds survey, referencing neighboring landowners, white oak, pine stumps, chestnut oak, ridges, gullies, and survey lines typical of Shenandoah Valley land grants.
Outstanding Features
This example is considerably more desirable than an average mid-19th century Virginia grant because it retains:
- William Smith's large manuscript signature
- Original embossed Commonwealth of Virginia paper seal
- The beautifully preserved "Virtus over Tyranny" design with the state motto "Sic Semper Tyrannis."
- Original docketing and recording endorsements on the reverse
- Complete legal description and survey
Collectors strongly prefer grants retaining their original paper seals, as many have been removed or damaged over time.
Historical Context
Governor William "Extra Billy" Smith issued this grant during his first gubernatorial term, only one year after taking office. His administration coincided with the Mexican-American War (1846–1848), a period of continued westward settlement and land development throughout Virginia. Smith later returned to public prominence as one of the oldest Confederate generals to command troops in the Civil War before serving a second term as governor.
Condition
- Very good original laid paper.
- Strong manuscript signature.
- Original embossed Virginia seal fully intact.
- Typical horizontal and vertical filing folds.
- Minor age toning.
- Light wrinkling.
- Reverse docketing and recording endorsements.
- Excellent overall eye appeal.
Overall condition: Very Good+.
