Original December 12, 1853 New Jersey summons documenting a $50 debt claim brought by Joseph Sigler against William G. Smith in Acquackanonk Township, Passaic County.
The partly printed document bears the handwritten signature of Adrian Van Riper, Justice of the Peace. It directs Smith to appear December 21 at ten o’clock in the forenoon, with the hearing location entered simply as “My House”—an engaging glimpse of local justice conducted at the magistrate’s residence.
The reverse preserves a handwritten constable’s return signed Daniel W. Taylor, recording that he served the summons by reading it to the defendant and giving him a copy. The return also mentions a distance of four miles. Additional docketing identifies the parties, the “Summons in Debt,” the $50 demand, and cost and mileage entries.
Van Riper is independently documented among Passaic County justices in Kirkbride’s New Jersey directory for 1850–51.
An appealing original source for collectors of early New Jersey history, legal manuscripts, local law enforcement, and Van Riper, Sigler, Smith, or Taylor family material.
One original paper with writing on both sides, approximately 8½ inches wide; see the photographed ruler for scale.
Condition: Age toning, scattered spotting and staining, old folds, small punctures, edge wear, and a small loss at the lower right edge. The principal text and signatures remain readily legible. Please examine all photographs.
PLEASE NOTE: THIS LISTING IS FOR ONE ORIGINAL PAPER ONLY. Ruler and photographic background are not included.
Type: Summons in Debt
Date: December 12, 1853
Time Period: 1800–1899
State: New Jersey
County: Passaic
Township: Acquackanonk
Plaintiff: Joseph Sigler
Defendant: William G. Smith
Justice of the Peace: Adrian Van Riper
Constable: Daniel W. Taylor
Amount Demanded: $50
Material: Paper
Format: Printed form completed in manuscript
Signed: Yes
Signers: Adrian Van Riper; Daniel W. Taylor
Sides: Text on front and reverse
Language: English
Country of Origin: United States
Subject: Legal History; Debt Collection; Local Government; Genealogy
Related Items:
1853 Acquackanonk NJ Debt Summons Adrian Van Riper Signed Sigler v Smith
$69.95
