Offered here is an original late 18th-century legal bond receipt from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, recording the payment of a debt in lawful Pennsylvania currency by George Harter on behalf of Thomas Harter, witnessed and signed by notable early Pennsylvanians.
This document reflects the financial and legal customs of early America—executed in iron gall ink on hand-laid rag paper and formally docketed by Jacob Irish, a known legal clerk of the period.
---
✍️ Full Transcription:
> Received of Geo. Harter for Mr. Thos. Harter
Thirty Three Pounds Six Shillings & Six Pence
full and found and duly counted
Lawful Money of Pennsylvania Currency
Being from Thos. Harter’s Bond due the 18th
Day of February
W. Rhoads
> Witness at the time of the above
transaction – Wm. King
(Reverse: docketed \"Jacob Irish\")
---
📚 Historical Significance:
George Harter (1764–1833) was a landowner and patriarch of a prominent Pennsylvania-German family. His probate records in Stark County, Ohio, list numerous debts and land transactions, placing this receipt well within his financial timeline.
Thomas Harter, likely a close relative, appears in tax rolls and land grants in Mahantango Township, Northumberland County (now Snyder Co.).
W. Rhoads acted as legal payee or trustee—possibly a debt collection agent or county official.
Jacob Irish, a Lancaster County court clerk, signed the docketing on reverse, giving the piece additional provenance and legal authenticity.
---
📐 Details:
Date: Circa 1790s–early 1800s
Paper: Laid rag paper, visible chain lines
Ink: Iron gall, period-appropriate
Dimensions: Approx. 6\" x 9.5\"
Condition: Good antique condition. Minor edge wear, expected foxing, light staining at base. Writing remains legible, especially under angled light or magnification.
---
🧠 Collector Appeal:
Early American legal and financial history
Pennsylvania colonial/post-colonial currency usage
Genealogical relevance to Harter family researchers
Rare endorsement by Lancaster legal clerk Jacob Irish
---
📦 Shipping & Handling:
Ships flat in archival sleeve
Fully insured with tracking and signature confirmation
Local pickup available (message for details)
---
💡 An excellent addition to any collection of early American documents, Pennsylvania legal ephemera, or 18th-century financial manuscripts.
Related Items:
1790s Lancaster PA Promissory Note, Harter Family and W. Rhoads, W/ Jacob Irish
$261.25
