This 1791 New York Deed is a true treasure for any historical collector. Featuring the signature of Henry Ritter, a well-known figure in the American Revolution and real estate banking in the 1790s!  This auction receipt and deed is made out to future Supreme Court Justice, Henry Brockholst Livngston. This document is from a private collection and is being offered for the first time in over 50 years.

This may be one of the more interesting Antique deeds that has been made available in some time.

It was created in the United States and speaks to the early history of our country. This is an opportunity to own a piece of history and add an original item to your collection.

Henry Brockholst Livingston (1757-1823)

Henry Brockholst Livingston was a distinguished figure in American history, serving as an officer in the Revolutionary War and later as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Born into a prominent family on November 25, 1757, in New York City, he was the son of Susanna French and William Livingston, a future governor of New Jersey.

Education and Early Career: Livingston graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) in 1774. His early career was marked by his service during the American Revolutionary War, where he joined the Continental Army at the age of 19. He served on the staff of General Philip Schuyler and as an aide-de-camp to Major General Benedict Arnold at the Battle of Saratoga.

Legal Career: After the war, Livingston studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1783. He practiced law in New York City and gained recognition when he served as one of the defense attorneys, alongside Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, in the trial of Levi Weeks.

Judicial Service: In 1802, Livingston was appointed as a justice of the Supreme Court of New York. His notable contribution includes a famous dissent in the 1805 case of Pierson v. Post. President Thomas Jefferson appointed him to the Supreme Court of the United States in 1806, where he served until his death on March 18, 1823, in Washington, D.C.

Livingston’s legacy is remembered for his contributions to the judiciary and his role in shaping the early legal landscape of the United States.

Please note that this biography is intended for informational purposes and should be used in accordance with eBay’s content guidelines. If you need further details or customization, feel free to ask!

Henricus F. “Henry” Ritter: A Pioneer of His Time

Early Life: Born on December 28, 1759, in Palatine, Montgomery, New York, Henricus F. Ritter was a man of resilience and vision. The son of Johannes Ritter and Anna Barbara Riemensnyder, he grew up during a time of great change and opportunity in the nascent United States.

Family and Marriage: Henricus, often called Henry by his peers, married Anna Maria Margaretha Petrie on January 1, 1786, in German Flatts, Herkimer, New York. Together, they raised a family that would leave a lasting imprint on their community.

Career and Contributions: A farmer by trade, Henry was also known for his craftsmanship and ingenuity. His contributions to local agriculture and infrastructure were invaluable during the post-Revolutionary War era, helping to shape the landscape of upstate New York.

Later Years and Legacy: Henry’s later years were spent in Herkimer, New York, where he continued to be an active member of his community until his passing on June 7, 1847. He is remembered as a steadfast pioneer who helped lay the foundations for future generations.

The document also references the sellers W. EVERS & T. BARCLAY via auction.

While not much can be found about Evers, Thomas Barclay was in the revolutionary war and in New York.

Coded messages were sent through Barclay from Washington himself.

Was this a land deed, an auction receipt, or a hidden message which helped Washington’s and his troops defeat the British!