Manuscript letter describing squatting on property close to Logan, Ohio, owned by the Ohio Purchase Company.
Ohio: 1840. Letter from John H. Richardson to Davidson W. Hedges, heir to a particular property, sharing information that a person named James Sloan had taken possession of a property that belonged to David Hedges, now deceased.
Richardson states that James Sloan and family has taken possession and is working a property "on the East half of Section 35, Town 13, Range 16 of the Ohio Purchase Company."
"This half section...is the most valuable portion of land in those parts... [because] of its contiguity to the Town of Logan, a fast growing Town being the County seat for Hocking county being distant only one mile...from the Town.... and found on this section one of the Richest... Coal Mines...Thirdly, the timber is equally valuable. Sugar, Maple, and Poplar, to say nothing of the oak which cannot be excelled by any in the Western Country."
"James Sloan and family for nearly two years...has been working this coal mine supplying Logan and other parts with coal...and timber... has been cut down without measure to supply Fishey Brick Kiln, and all the stores and taverns in Logan..."
Richardson explains that Mr. Putnam of Marietta who paid the taxes for this property "would be willing to do anything in his power to save the property...but he has no legal authority..." He further asks Hedges to communicate this issue to any of the heirs or owners, "should there be anything necessary to be done on the subject I would cheerfully offer my aid without fee or reward."
4pp, (one blank), 7 7/8 x 10", original folds, addressed on verso, seal cut away, tear on back page (with loss), some splits at fold lines. Otherwise clean, legible. Otherwise very good condition. Item #28286
Price: $225.00