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Original 19th Century Episcopal Church Documents – Pew Ownership & Surrender
Offered here is a rare and authentic pair of original historical documents from Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, located in West Chester, New York, dating from 1855 and 1879.
🔹 Document 1 (1855)
An original printed and handwritten Pew Deed, granting ownership of Pew No. 68 to William Watson for the sum of $300, a significant amount at the time. The document includes detailed legal language regarding inheritance, annual rent, and church regulations.
• Dated: July 10, 1855
• Features an original red embossed seal
• Signed by the church clerk
🔹 Document 2 (1879)
An original handwritten Pew Surrender / Release document, in which William Watson formally relinquishes all rights to the same pew back to the church.
• Dated: May 17, 1879
• Signed by William Watson
• Features an original green seal
These documents represent an important piece of American religious and social history, when church pews were privately owned and transferred by legal deed.
✔️ Both documents are original, not reproductions
✔️ Matching pew number and owner name
✔️ Natural age wear consistent with mid-to-late 19th century paper
📜 Condition:
Original condition with expected folds, toning, and age-related wear. No restoration. Please review all photos carefully.
📦 Shipping:
Documents will be shipped flat, protected, and securely packaged.
A rare opportunity for collectors of religious history, New York history, genealogy, or 19th century legal documents.
