1869 Estate Property Receipt – 100 Sheep, Horses & Farm Goods – U.S. 2¢ Revenue Stamp

Original June 19, 1869 handwritten estate document recording the distribution of agricultural and household property from the estate of James English, deceased, with an original United States 2¢ First Issue revenue stamp still affixed.

The document states that property was received from John English, Executor of the Will of James English, and identifies Ann English, widow of James English, in connection with the distribution.

Of particular historical interest is the remarkably detailed list of property. The manuscript records:

• 6 horses

• 9 head of cattle

• 100 sheep

• Wool shorn from the sheep

• 22 hogs

• 2 wagons

• 3 plows

• 2 harrows

• Manure

• 1 hay rake

• 1 sewing machine

• 6 bedsteads with bedding

• 2 stoves

• 2 tables

• 2 chairs

• 1 cupboard

• 1 bureau

The document provides an unusually descriptive glimpse into the livestock, agricultural equipment and domestic possessions associated with a substantial American farm estate shortly after the Civil War.

An original 2-cent U.S. First Issue documentary revenue stamp, Bank Check design (Scott R6c) featuring George Washington remains attached to the document. While the individual stamp is a relatively common First Issue revenue, its survival on the original dated estate document provides important fiscal and historical context.

This is not simply a loose revenue stamp or ordinary financial receipt. It combines estate and probate history, 19th-century agriculture, domestic history, genealogy and U.S. revenue philately in a single original manuscript.

The precise state or county associated with the English estate has not been established from the document itself, and no geographic attribution is made without supporting evidence.

DATE: June 19, 1869
ESTATE: James English, deceased
EXECUTOR: John English
WIDOW: Ann English
DOCUMENT TYPE: Estate Property Receipt / Testamentary Distribution Document
REVENUE STAMP: U.S. First Issue 2¢ Bank Check, Scott R6c
PERIOD: Reconstruction Era / Post-Civil War America

CONDITION

Original antique document in good overall condition for its age.

The paper shows multiple original folds, age toning, scattered staining and soiling, minor edge wear, small edge/corner losses and other expected signs of handling and storage over more than 150 years.

The handwritten text remains remarkably legible and substantially complete.

The original 2¢ U.S. revenue stamp remains affixed to the document and shows age, cancellation/marking and normal wear consistent with its original use.

No modern restoration has been performed by Collexcion.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they show the actual document offered and form an important part of the condition description.