Lot 279

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Description:

2 Colonial RI Docs Relating to Providence

Two early documents relating to colonial Rhode Island history, ca. 1728-1750. Both documents detail business transactions relating to the sale of thatch bed shares, land, and building stones in and around Providence, Rhode Island. Overall very good condition. Individual condition issues are elaborated below. The largest document measuring 14.875" x 12.125" unfolded.

The lot includes, in chronological order:

1. A 1p manuscript document recording the details of a land share purchase, signed by the two buyers, Thomas Olney (1686-1752) and Patience Olney (1685-1746), and two witnesses, David and Thomas Burlingame Jr., at bottom. April 27, 1728. [Providence, Rhode Island]. The document is secretarially inscribed on paper, with two remnants of red wax seals located at lower right. Docketed verso, and twice signed by Richard Waterman, Assistant and "Town Clerke." Expected toning, scattered foxing, and edge darkening. Some of the folds show isolated areas of separation. Else near fine, in an extremely legible hand and in dark ink. 14.875" x 12.125."

Thomas Olney purchased "one whole Right or Sheare in the thach beeds in Providence" from Joshua Winsor, "a husbandman," or farmer, from the same city, in return for "30 pounds currant money of New England."

Olney's new share of thatch beds is explicitly referenced in relation to geographical and property landmarks such as the "Wonasquotuckett River," Carpenter's Point, Four Stake Meadow, and Samuel Right's Meadow. The Woonasquatucket River still bears its Algonquian name, and stretches approximately 15.8 miles from North Smithfield, Rhode Island to downtown Providence.

Late nineteenth-century secondary sources confirm that, during the early days of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, there were ancient thatch beds located on the north side of Providence Cove and along the Woonasquatucket River. Access to thatch was highly treasured, as the material was widely used for roofing and basically ensured the shareholder a steady income. Olney is described in the historical records as a weaver and currier (someone who cures leather).

2. A 1p partly printed and partly manuscript document recording a transaction between Gideon Brown of Providence and Samuel Winsor of Smithfield, both yeomen, or property owners. October 27, 1750. Providence, Rhode Island. Signed by the seller, Gideon Brown, as well as by two witnesses and one Justice of the Peace named George Taylor. A memorandum verso details an additional clause between Gideon's wife Ruth Brown and the buyer Samuel Winsor, with additional signatures, plus a docket. Expected wear including paper folds, scattered ink stains and smudges. Two notches, possibly corresponding to seals, have been cut out of the right edge. Else very good to near fine. 11.75" x 14.5."

Gideon Brown sold one lot of land in Providence, "together with a Parcel of building stones I carted to Sd Granted Lott, and lie along the front thereof" to Samuel Winsor in exchange for 1100 pounds in bills of public credit.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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December 14, 2022 11:00 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
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$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
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$50,000 + $5,000