Manuscript DS, signed “Sam Houston,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 9 x 14, April 25, 1856. Quit claim deed between Houston and John Crippen. In part: “I, Sam Houston, of the State of Texas, for and in consideration of one dollar to me in hand paid by John P. Crippen, of the county of Adams and State of Illinois…do by these presents remise, release and forever quit claim unto the said John P. Crippen…all and singular interest I may now have in and to a certain tract or parcel of land lying and being situate in the county of Adams…in the tract appropriated by Acts of Congress for Military Bounties.” Boldly signed at the conclusion by Houston, and bearing his fancifully characteristic paraph. Second page bears an endorsement by the Commissioner of Deeds for the State of Illinois. In very good condition, with partial separations along horizontal folds, scattered light toning, primarily along folds, partial separation along hinge, light spotting to bottom of second page, and toning and spotting to docketing panel and reverse of second page. The bright orange seal on the integral page remains intact.
As a veteran of the War of 1812 (and wounded twice in battle) Houston was eligible to a tract of land for his services. According to Illinois state archives, 160 acres was warranted to ‘Samuel Houston’ on March 11, 1818. That land, referenced here, was situated within a triangle of the Illinois Territory between the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, and in 1818 became part of Illinois upon statehood. When he transferred ownership of that Illinois land via this document, Houston was serving as a US senator representing the new state of Texas. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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