Rare Donner Party Autograph- James F. Reed signed 1851 Document!
Businessman and soldier (1800–1874) best remembered as an organizing member of the ill-fated 1846 Donner Party emigration to California.
Manuscript DS, light blue paper, signed “James F. Reed,” one page, 7.75" x 12.25", dated April 25, 1851.
Reed certifies an official document concerning an estate in California. In part:
“Inventory of the Estate of Juan Prado Mesa deceased and appraisement of the same by an order of the Probate Court of Santa Clara county.
We value the land known as the Rancho de San Antonio at 5 dollars per acre.”
Signed at the conclusion by Reed and countersigned by two other court officials.
In fine condition, with expected document wear and several stray ink marks and brushes (none affecting the signature).
$1295.00 plus shipping