Description:

Broom Jacob

Jacob Broom, Rarest of the Constitution Signers, Full Autograph on a Handsome Document

 

Jacob Broom Autograph Document signed, one page, 8" x 2." Internally signed by Jacob Broom as "Jacob Broom." This document was a part of a larger document, of which a copy of the original is included for review and will accompany this lot. The original document, although quite readable, was in poor and frail condition and as such this piece bearing Jacob Broom's signature was removed to preserve it. The piece remains complete unto itself with minor expert restoration to several areas of loss with a few letters artfully infilled, not affecting the signature. The document is toned and lightly creased but is now archivally preserved. Ex: Charles Forbes who purchased this letter in 1949, with this being the first time it has come back to the market. A copy of Forbes's bookplate will accompany the lot, along with a photocopy copy of his original lightly stained filing envelope indicating his date of purchase.

 

Jacob Broom's autograph is rare in any form, one of the rarest signers of the Constitution. This one is all the more scarce having been signed in FULL and not as "Jaco." The last Broom signature appeared a year ago at auction as an ALS and sold for $5,339.

 

This handsome document notes a land purchase which was financed but not paid in full. With the original letter for view one can determine that Broome, as an attorney for a client, is trying to force the collection of this debt. The document is shown transcribed in full below:

 

"Mr. Thomas Rodney Esq to Jacob Fussell     Due

Apl 1  To the purchase of a Lot of Ground

           sold to him by Jacob Broom                   £90.00

Dec 27 To Int thereon until this time ----------£4..13"

 

Jacob Broom (1752-1810) a pacifist Quaker, was a signer of the United States Constitution during the 1787 Constitutional Convention. While his religious leaning prevented him from participating in combat, he prepared detailed maps for the Delaware region for General Washington. He was one of only four signers of the Constitution to have never served in Congress. In 1776, at the age of 24, Broom became assistant burgess of Wilmington, Delaware. Over the next several decades, he held that office six times and chief burgess (mayor) four times; he served in the Delaware legislature from 1784-1786 and in 1788.  Despite his lack of involvement in national politics prior to the Constitutional Convention, Broom was a dedicated supporter of strong central government. When George Washington visited Wilmington in 1783, Broom urged him to "contribute your advice and influence to promote that harmony and union of our infant governments which are so essential to the permanent establishment of our freedom, happiness and prosperity." Broom carried these opinions with him to Philadelphia, where he consistently voted for measures that would assure a powerful government responsive to the needs of the states. He was only 58 when he died and was buried in Philadelphia's Christ Church Burial Ground. 

 

This excellent signed document is in its most desirable form bearing a full signature and displaying Jacob Broom's autograph in strong contrasting ink to the recto of the document.


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