Very rare manuscript DS, signed “Daniel Boone, D[eputy] S[urveyor],” one page, 12.25 x 14.5, June 18, 1784. Land survey for 50,000 acres of land for Philip and James Moor and John Donnaldson. The document begins, “Lincoln County, State of Virginia Survey’d for Philip and James Moor and John Donnaldson 50,000 Acres of Land on Nine Treasury Warrants…Enter’d the 5th June 1784. Beginning one Mile from the Mouth of Lawtons [Sexton] Creek at A at which mouth there is a large high Rock in Goose Creek where Lawtons Creek Empties, and at which Beginning there is three poplars and two Sugar Trees….” The upper right portion bears a 7 x 4 sketch of the area surveyed. Point A, known today as Boone’s Rock, is identified on the survey drawing as “Beging A.” At the bottom of the document, William Brooks and Septemus Davis are listed as “Chain-Men” and “Edmond Callaway, Marker.” Double-matted and framed with an engraved portrait of Boone to an overall size of 24.5 x 20.5. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, scattered toning and creasing, and possibly some professional repairs and reinforcement to folds on reverse.
Boone surveyed this parcel of land for these early settlers in his capacity as deputy surveyor of Lincoln County, a position to which he was appointed in 1783. During the process, he carved his initials into a large boulder at the mouth of Sexton’s Creek—identified here as “Beging A”—to identify his starting point in these surveys. This rock—near his favorite campsite—is still there, but due to changes in the course of the stream over time his initials are now under water. A few months after this survey, Boone and his sons-in-law, William Hays and Joseph Scholl, settled with their families about five miles from Boone’s Station on Marble Creek, north of the Kentucky River. A rare document dating to the year an account of his adventures was published and he gained international fame. Oversized. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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