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Pennsylvania Land Deed, 1753 Signed by Simon Mathews, One of the Founding Fathers of Chalfont, PA.

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:325.00 USD Estimated At:450.00 - 750.00 USD
Pennsylvania Land Deed, 1753 Signed by Simon Mathews, One of the Founding Fathers of Chalfont, PA.
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New Britain, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, 1753. Ornate handwritten land deed on vellum, measuring approximately 29.5 inches x 9.5 inches, with a pair of red wax seals near signatures at bottom center and bottom right. This document outlines the terms and sale of 36 acres of land for the sum of 100 Pounds Pennsylvania currency, sold by Simon Mathews to his son Edward Mathews. Provides an extremely detailed description of the location of the 36 acres, stating that it is near Simon Butler's land "north west fifteen perches to a red oak tree" and that the land was once a "part of a tract of land containing one hundred and sixty seven acres" belonging to James Steel and his wife Martha of Philadelphia. VF condition with some toning and small holes, still in remarkable condition for its age. Simon Mathews (died 1755) was a Welsh immigrant who came to Pennsylvania with his cousin Simon Butler in 1712. Along with Butler, he is considered one of the founding fathers of Chalfont, Pennsylvania. In 1720, he moved to the New Britain area of Bucks County with Butler, who had already established himself in the area. In 1731, he bought 147 acres of land and built a home. His farmhouse still stands today and is a wedding venue. He died in 1755 and his estate was bequeathed to his son Thomas. He fathered many children and his descendants are still in the area. Simon Butler, Mathews' cousin, was also an important historical figure of the area. In 1720, he purchased 176 acres of land that included much of the then-standing "Village of Chalfont" from a former land grant founded by William Penn. In 1730, he finished construction of his house and mill and then purchased over 400 acres of land in 1745 including much of present-day Chalfont and New Britain. During this time, Butler built a number of gristmills on the sites of original mills, such as the Funk sawmill and the Shellenberger's mill. He then acted as the sole justice of the peace in the county, and until his death he was the economic and legal power in the area. Among other important duties he wrote wills and was well known for his extremely sound judgement. Rare and unique historical document from founding figures in Pennsylvania colonial history.