Author and lexicographer (1758-1843) who published the first comprehensive dictionary of American English. Partly-printed DS, one page, 9 x 7.5, January 20, 1802. Certificate for one share in his Union School House. In part: "This certificate is evidence of the title of Ebenezer Townsend to one share, being the one hundredth part, of the property and interest in Union School House, and the lot on which it stands, together with appurtenances." Neatly signed at the conclusion by Webster and countersigned by a clerk. In very good to fine condition, with old tape to the left edge, and to splitting along folds. Accompanied by an engraved portrait of Webster.
Webster, who had already developed a best-selling spelling book, helped to found several schools because he believed that a democracy required an educated public. The Union School House would be erected in the year this certificate was issued. At this point in time, Webster was working on compiling a dictionary entitled A Compendious Dictionary of the English Language, which he would publish four years later in 1806; his famous and most important work, An American Dictionary of the English Language, was first published in 1828.
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