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1817 Rhode Island Mortgage Deed Benjamin Greene East Greenwich & Norfolk VA
Original Early American Mortgage Document – North Kingstown Farm – Embossed Seal
Offered is an original manuscript and printed mortgage deed dated June 4, 1817, executed by Benjamin Greene of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, merchant, in favor of Christopher Fry of Norfolk, Virginia, merchant.
The document conveys as security an undivided half interest in a substantial farm located in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, containing approximately 215 acres together with a dwelling house and other buildings.
Of particular interest is the lengthy mortgage condition clause providing that the conveyance would become void upon repayment of the stated debt of $255.84, illustrating early nineteenth-century American lending and real estate practices.
The deed retains its original embossed paper seal and bears period recording endorsements on the reverse.
Details
Original American mortgage deed
Dated June 4, 1817
East Greenwich, Rhode Island
North Kingstown farm property
Interstate transaction involving Norfolk, Virginia
Benjamin Greene, merchant
Christopher Fry, merchant
Approximately 215-acre property
Original embossed seal present
Multiple period recording and highly legible. Typical fold lines from storage, light edge wear, and minor age toning. Original embossed seal remains intact. A strong and attractive early American legal document.
Historical Significance
An excellent example of an early Republic mortgage deed documenting real estate financing and commercial activity between Rhode Island and Virginia shortly after the War of 1812. A desirable piece for collectors of American manuscripts, deeds, Rhode Island history, Virginia history, genealogy, and early American commerce.
