Name/Title
Nov 18, 1821 Richard Jerrard & William Bull patent - signed Peter BullEntry/Object ID
002617Tags
Peter Bull, Richard Jerrard, Christopher DenneScope and Content
This document is a formal memorandum and inventory written by Peter Bull on November 10, 1821. It functions as both a historical account and a legal safeguard regarding disputed land titles in New York (likely Orange County) involving the estates of William Bull, Abel Smith, and Isaiah Smith.
Below is a summary of the key sections of the document:
1. Historical Land Disputes (The Wawayanda Patent)
The narrative begins in 1723, detailing how Richard Jerrard and William Bull petitioned the Governor of the Province of New York for a grant of 600 acres to cover improvements made on lands adjoining "Christopher Den." This area became entangled in complex "land-jobbing" practices.
Bull describes how a specific 550-acre lot (Lot No. 1) was sold to Mary Alexander, whose heirs (including the Livingstons) eventually sold it to Silas Pierson and Isaiah Smith. Peter Bull alleges that these buyers encroached upon the original 600-acre patent by using "supposed" boundary lines surveyed by Charles Clinton nearly 70 years prior.
2. The Estate of Isaiah Smith
The document details the final years of Isaiah Smith, for whom Peter Bull served as a legal clerk/scribe. Bull notes that:
Before his death, Isaiah's mind and body became "much impaired."
Despite this, his "last conclusions" were to grant deeds to his sons, Abel and Isaiah Jr., in exchange for bonds of $1,000 each.
The documents were left in Peter Bull's safekeeping before Isaiah Sr. died in "the Neversink."
Following the father's death, Isaiah Jr. lost his estate through a legal execution to a James W. Carpenter.
3. Conflict with Moses Hawkins
A significant portion of the text addresses a dispute with Moses Hawkins. Bull accuses Hawkins—through "Avarice, Ignorance, or Design"—of trespassing on lands that had been in the occupation of William Bull’s heirs for over 60 years. Hawkins reportedly refused to settle the differences through "amicable proposal," leading to ongoing friction over the specific bounds of the 550-acre and 600-acre tracts.
4. Moral Declaration and Signature
Peter Bull concludes with a passionate ethical statement, asserting that he does not wish for his memorandum to injure the estate of the deceased Abel Smith. However, he emphasizes that:
"The Widow and orphan should be kept harmless... for they who would Betray and Rob the innocent... is Worse than an Infidel."
The document is signed by Peter Bull and addressed "To those to Whom it may concern."
5. Inventory of Deposited Documents
The final page lists several vital legal documents held by Peter Bull at the time, including:
The original Certificate from the Governor and the Patent.
A map for Mary Alexander by Cadwallader Colden.
Copies of deeds from the Livingston heirs to Silas Pierson and Isaiah Smith.
Bonds from Abel and Isaiah Smith to their father.
