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    [Philipp Stedman indian deed]

    • Title:[Philipp Stedman indian deed]
    •    
    • Published/Created:1795
    • Holdings

      • Location:RARE BOOKS & SPECIAL COLLECTIONS vertical fileWhere is this?
      • Call Number: VF-11
      • Number of Items:1
      • Status:Available
       
    • Description:1 file folder
    • Summary:Two photographs of the deed given to Phillip Stedman by the Sachems of the Six Nations in 1795. The following descriptive text is extracted from "Annual volume: Second annual report of the Waterloo Historical Society, Berlin. Canada" published in 1914 and available at http://www.archive.org/details/annualvolume00wateuoft : "...a reproduction of the second folio, with most of the signatures and the much later certificate of registration, of the deed, given Philipp Stedman by the Sachems of the Six Nation Indians in 1795, for a tract of land on the Grand River, from just above Paris to above Gait, purchased by the Hon. William Dickson in 1816, now, substantially, the Townships of North and South Dumfries. Stedman made small payment only; a large mortgage remained until paid off by Dickson in 1816. The totems of the grantors will be noted on the left and thumb prints, in sealing wax, on the right of the signatures. Appended to the deed, by its binding tape, is a large wax seal, about three inches across and half an inch thick. The text of the deed here follows: To All Persons to Whom These Presents Shall Come, Greeting, Know ye, that we, the undersigned Sachems and Chief Warriors of the Mohawk, Oghgwaga, Seneka, Onondaga, and Cayuga Tribes or Nations of Indian Americans living on and inhabiting and owning the lands of the Grand River, or River Ouse, in the Province of Upper Canada, in North America. For and in consideration of the sum of Ten thousand, two hundred, and fifty pounds, ten shillings, estimating dollars at eight shillings each, to us in hand, well and truly paid before the ensealing and delivery hereof, to and for the use of the Sachems and chief warriors aforesaid, and of the several nations of Indian Americans aforesaid, by Phillip Stedman, of Fort Erie Township, in the County of Lincoln, and Province of Upper Canada, aforesaid, Gentleman, the receipt whereof we do in our aforesaid capacities hereby acknowledge, have given, granted, bargained, sold, aliened, released, conveyed and confirmed ; and by these presents, do give, grant, bargain, sell, alien, release, convey and con- firm unto 'him the said Phillip Stedman, and to his heirs and assigns, the following Tract or parcel of land lying upon and adjoining the said Grand River, viz. Beginning at the second Forks of said river, above the Mohawk village thereon, which forks are formed somewhat above the new road leading from the head of Lake Ontario to the river Le Tranche, alias, Thames, and thence extending up the said river, (and to be parallel with the river road aforesaid) about a north northwest point, full twelve miles, carrying and containing the full breadth of twelve miles across said river, or six miles on each side of the same and containing one hundred and forty-four square miles, or ninety-two thousand one hundred and sixty acres, being part of the Tract of land granted to the said Indian Nation by his Excellency Frederick Haldimand, late Gov'r. of Quebec and its dependencies, as by His Grant thereof reference thereto being had, as also to the survey of said lands, made by order of his Excellency, John Graves Simcoe, Lieutenant Governor of the said Province of Upper Canada, may appear: Reserving, nevertheless, out of and from the said Tract of land, full one thousand acres, and no more, to be pitched and laid out for the use, and at the election and choice of Captain Joseph Brant of the said Grand River, five hundred acres of which to be a pinery. To have and hold the above granted and bargained premises with all the privileges and appurtenances thereof, to him the said Phillip Stedman, and to his heirs and assigns forever: We hereby engaging in our said capacities of Sachems and chief Warriors of the Tribes and Nations aforesaid, to warrant and defend the said granted and bargained premises to him the said Phillip Stedman and to his heirs and assigns against the lawful claims and demands of any person or persons whomsoever. In testimony whereof, the said Sachems and Chief Warriors of the Mohawk, Oghgwaga, Seneka, Onondaga, and Cayuga Tribes or Nations of Indian Americans have hereunto subscribed their names and sealed their seals this second day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety- five. Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of us: Robert Kerr, J. P. Jos. Brant; John Young Kenweathon; William Nelles Onaghsgwisahhon; Daniel Young Thagohawightha; Warner Nelles Tewaseragegh; Kenrageughgowagh."
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