1840 Martin Van Buren US Land Patent Houdyshell Wells County Indiana ft Wayne For Sale

Original United States General Land Office land patent dated November 10, 1840, issued during the presidency of Martin Van Buren.The patent was issued to George Houdyshell of Wells County, Indiana, for a 40-acre tract of land in the district of lands subject to sale at Fort Wayne, Indiana. Certificate No. 23677.The document bears the printed heading “The United States of America,” manuscript land and recipient information, the name Martin Van Buren in the presidential signature area, additional General Land Office signatures, and the original General Land Office paper/embossed seal at lower left.Please note that presidential signatures appearing on General Land Office patents of this period were commonly executed by secretaries on behalf of the President. This item is therefore not being represented as personally hand-signed by Martin Van Buren.A desirable early Indiana document with particular interest for collectors of Wells County and Fort Wayne history, American land records, presidential-era documents, and Houdyshell family genealogy.Condition: Original antique condition with substantial age-related wear. The document has numerous old fold lines and creases, toning, staining/discoloration, edge and corner wear, small tears/weaknesses along some folds, and general handling wear. The General Land Office seal at lower left is heavily worn/damaged with portions missing. Handwriting remains substantially legible. Please examine all photographs closely for exact condition.Sold as an original historical document as shown.