Partly-printed DS, signed "W. B. Masterson," one page both sides, 8 x 13.75, April 10, 1880. An indenture detailing a mortgage agreement between Masterson and his longtime friend R. M. Wright, who would later be mayor of Dodge City. In part: "Made this 10th day of April A. D. 1880, between W. B. Masterson, an unmarried man of Ford County, in the State of Kansas of the first part, and R. M. Wright...W. B. Masterson has this day executed and delivered his certain promissory note...I promise to pay to R. M. Wright on order the sum of Seven Hundred and Thirty Six Dollars with interest at the rate of 12 percent per annum from date." Boldly signed by Masterson in the lower right. Impressively matted and framed so that the reverse can be seen, and hinged against a large 32 x 28 framed display featuring an image and engraved plaque. In fine condition, with a small separation to the upper fold.
This document dates to fifteen months after Masterson was appointed US deputy marshal, a capacity in which he arrested notorious horse thief 'Dutch' Henry Borne, brought prisoners held at Fort Leavenworth to Dodge City to stand trial for murder, and became embroiled in the Royal Gorge Railroad War. Despite his status as a famous lawman, he was voted out of office as Dodge City's sheriff later on in 1879. He was indeed unmarried at this time, and the 1880 census of Dodge City listed him as living with a '19-year-old concubine.' An exceedingly desirable piece of the Old West.
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