Physician and surgeon general of the Continental Army who signed the Declaration of Independence (1746–1813). Scallop-topped vellum manuscript DS, signed twice “Benjn Rush,” one page, 28 x 16.25, March 10, 1793. A land indenture, in part: “Between Benjamin Rush Doctor of Physick of the City of Philadelphia In the State of Pennsylvania and Julia his Wife of the one Part and Richard Stockton Esquire Attorney and Counsellor at Law of the western Precinct of the County of Somerset in the State of New Jersey of the other Part Witnesseth that whereas Richard Stockton Esquire, late of the Precinct, County and State last aforesaid father of the said Richard Stockton the grantee in this present Indenture, was in his life Time, seized in his Demesne as of fee, of and in a certain Tract or Parcel of Land with the Appurtenances known by the name of Mount Lucas…and being so seized the said Richard Stockton Esquire by his last Will and Testament executed in due Form of Law…with the Appurtenances to his Wife Annis Stockton for and during the Term of her Widowhood and from and after the Determination of that Estate to his Daughter the said Julia the Wife of the said Benjamin Rush to her, her heirs and assigns forever…in Consideration of the Sum of Ninety pounds…in Gold and Silver.” Signed twice at the conclusion by Rush, once by Julia Rush, and also signed “Jo. Hugg” as Master of the High Court of Chancery of New Jersey. In very good condition, with moderate storage folds, scattered creasing and wrinkling, paper loss to left edge, and some mild toning. Accompanied by a second indenture signed by Annis Stockton deeding Mount Lucas.
This document represents a fascinating connection between Rush and a fellow signer of the Declaration of Independence, New Jersey delegate Richard Stockton. Early in 1776, Rush married Stockton’s daughter, Julia, forever binding these two significant Revolutionary families. One of Benjamin and Julia’s thirteen children, Richard Rush, would go on to serve in the cabinets of Presidents James Madison and James Monroe. Richard Stockton had passed away in 1781, leaving behind his wife, Annis Boudinot Stockton, who signs the accompanying deed. Annis was one of the first female poets published in the American colonies and had been the only woman to be elected as an honorary member of the American Whig Society, a secret revolutionary group. She was also a frequent correspondent of George Washington, and wrote several odes in his honor. Overall, these documents present several remarkable connections to the foundation of the United States. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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