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Original 1834 Manuscript Land Document Signed by Ruth Newcomb – Saratoga County, New York | Bloom & Newcomb Family
Offered here is an original handwritten legal document dated March 17, 1834, executed in Poughkeepsie, New York, and signed by Ruth Newcomb, concerning a parcel of land located in the Town of Greenfield, Saratoga County, NY.
The document grants authority to John A. Newcomb, attorney, to act on her behalf in recovering possession of the land and executing its sale.
Document Summary
- Land located in Greenfield, Saratoga County, NY
- Approximate size: 100 acres (more or less)
- Authorizes:
- Recovery of land from an occupant
- Sale and conveyance of the property
- Stated consideration: $125
- Transfers full right, title, and interest
This is a classic early American power of attorney combined with a land disposition instrument, reflecting how families managed and liquidated property across counties.
Biographies of Individuals Mentioned
Ruth (Bloom) Newcomb (Attributed Signer)
Ruth Newcomb was a member of a prominent Dutchess County family, likely the daughter of Judge Isaac Bloom and the wife of John Newcomb, a substantial land and mill owner in Pleasant Valley, New York. As part of a well-established Hudson Valley family, she would have had legal standing to manage inherited or family-held property. Her role in this document suggests she was acting as a principal in the disposition of land holdings, an example of female property authority in early 19th-century New York.
John Newcomb (Contextual Figure)
John Newcomb of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess County, was a large landholder and mill owner in the early 1800s. He belonged to a network of Newcomb family members active in agriculture, commerce, and regional development. His marriage into the Bloom family connected two established Dutchess County lineages with political and economic influence.
Judge Isaac Bloom (Family Patriarch)
Isaac Bloom (1748–1838) was a prominent judge, landowner, and political figure in Dutchess County, New York. He served in public office and was well known in the region for his legal and civic contributions. His family formed part of the local elite, and his daughter’s marriage into the Newcomb family further consolidated land and influence in the Hudson Valley.
John A. Newcomb (Attorney)
John A. Newcomb was a practicing New York attorney in the early 19th century, active in the Hudson Valley and Saratoga region. As shown in this document, he handled legal matters involving land recovery, tenancy enforcement, and property sales. His role here suggests he was a trusted representative, likely a son or close relative within the Newcomb family, acting in both a legal and familial capacity.
Historical Context
This document reflects a common but important pattern in early New York history:
- Families based in the Hudson Valley (Dutchess County) holding land in developing regions like Saratoga County
- Use of family members with legal training to manage distant properties
- Active turnover, recovery, and sale of rural land during expansion
The involvement of a documented family tied to a regional judge and major landholder adds depth beyond a standard land document.
Condition
- Original folded manuscript document
- Light toning and age-related wear
- Minor staining consistent with age
- Ink remains dark and clearly legible
- Signature of Ruth Newcomb strong and visible
- Includes separate slip reading “Jno A. Newcomb” in period hand
Overall: Very good antique condition with strong eye appeal
Why This Piece Stands Out
- Early 1834 New York land document
- Identifiable family network with regional significance
- Attorney-executed land recovery and sale authority
- Less common female signer in a legal/land context
- Strong crossover appeal: legal history, genealogy, Hudson Valley collectors
Final Note
A well-preserved and historically grounded example of family-directed land management in early New York, tied to the Bloom and Newcomb families of Dutchess County.