Description:

Colonial Maine 1699 DS, J. Shapleigh, Later Killed by Indians

MASSACHUSETTS BAY COLONY. Manuscript Document Signed, “John Shapleigh”, 1p, on parchment, 11.5” x 13.5”, Kittery, July 23, 1699. Endorsed on verso (markedly faded). Remnants of red wax seal beside Shapleigh’s signature. Folds with minor paper loss, some lightness to text, wrinkling, browning, soiling, else Good.

The document is a land deed, whereby John Shapleigh sells to Nathanael Kene 100 acres of land for the sum of £45. In part, “To all People to whom this present Deed of sale shall come I John Shapleigh of Kittery in the County of York in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England…for and in Consideration of the sum of forty five pounds in Currant money of New England…give grant bargain… convey and Confirm unto him the sd Nathanael Kene…a certain tract of Land containing one hundred acres Scituate Lying & being in the Township of Kittery at a place commonly called by ye name of western Creek…” Additionally signed by Justice of the Peace, John Plaisted, on March 4, 1700.

John Shapleigh (1642-1706) represented the third generation of Shapleighs in Maine. He was the son of Alexander Shapleigh Jr. (1602-1642) and Mary Shapleigh, born several months after the death of his father. John was raised by his uncle, Nicholas Shapleigh (1617-1682), who was the son of the senior Alexander Shapleigh (1574-1650) and who had no children himself. John Shapleigh married Sarah Withers (1650-1708) in 1671.

Shapleigh was listed as a commissioned sergeant for Kittery in 1659, made an ensign in 1665, and was referred to as a lieutenant in 1695. He played an important part in the civic and political life of Kittery, serving on various juries, and was a selectman, highway surveyor, town treasurer, and deputy.

Lieutenant Shapleigh inherited large properties and businesses from his uncle, Major Nicholas Shapleigh. He also received a grant of land consisting of 110 acres at Spruce Creek in Kittery, the area where the present Kittery Trading Post is located. The town of Kittery ordered Shapleigh to build and fortify a second Shapleigh house which would be a garrison for protection from the Indians.

In 1706, Shapleigh was on the road with his son, Nicholas, when they were attacked by Indians. John was “cruelly killed” and his son was taken prisoner, tortured, and taken to Canada, where he was later ransomed.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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