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Nauvoo Registry of Deeds, Deed Record Book A, 1840–1843

Source Note

Nauvoo, Hancock Co., IL, Recorder, Deed Record, Book A, 18 Apr. 1842–2 Sept. 1843; handwriting of
William Clayton

17 July 1814–4 Dec. 1879. Bookkeeper, clerk. Born at Charnock Moss, Penwortham, Lancashire, England. Son of Thomas Clayton and Ann Critchley. Married Ruth Moon, 9 Oct. 1836, at Penwortham. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Heber...

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and
James Whitehead

12 Apr. 1813–27 July 1898. Clerk, farmer. Born in Roughhay, Fulwood, Lancashire, England. Son of Thomas Whitehead and Mary. Married first Jane Marshall Hindle, 25 Jan. 1837, in Preston, Lancashire, England. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day...

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; 235 pages; CHL. Includes notations.
Commercially produced bound volume measuring 18¼ × 12 × 1½ inches (46 × 30 × 4 cm). The volume contains 246 pages, including pastedowns and flyleaves, each measuring 18⅛ × 11½ inches (46 × 29 cm). The endpaper, including three flyleaves and a pastedown in the front and one flyleaf and pastedown at the back of the volume, are not lined. The interior pages consist of ledger paper ruled horizontally with thirty-four preprinted blue lines and two red double lines, demarcating a row at the top of the page, and ruled vertically with two red double lines, demarcating a column to the right of each page, now faded. The volume is composed of fifteen gatherings, each of which contains eight leaves, except for the fourth gathering, which has ten leaves, and the last, which has six leaves. The recto of the final leaf of the last gathering was glued to the flyleaf. The boards are covered in marbled paper, now faded. The cover has a calfskin spine and corners. The spine bears two labels, the first of which reads: “DEED RECORD | NAUVOO | A”. The title page of the volume has an inscription in graphite: “No 1 or Book of | Entry”.
The first inscribed page was paginated with the numeral 3, and there is consistent pagination in the handwriting of
William Clayton

17 July 1814–4 Dec. 1879. Bookkeeper, clerk. Born at Charnock Moss, Penwortham, Lancashire, England. Son of Thomas Clayton and Ann Critchley. Married Ruth Moon, 9 Oct. 1836, at Penwortham. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Heber...

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or
James Whitehead

12 Apr. 1813–27 July 1898. Clerk, farmer. Born in Roughhay, Fulwood, Lancashire, England. Son of Thomas Whitehead and Mary. Married first Jane Marshall Hindle, 25 Jan. 1837, in Preston, Lancashire, England. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day...

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running to the last page, numbered 237, resulting in 235 inscribed pages. The top of the first inscribed deed was labeled with “No. 1”, and each inscribed deed thereafter was assigned a number in like manner, except that there are two deeds labeled “190”. The volume contains 216 items, mostly deeds, dating from 20 April 1840 to 28 August 1843, recorded between 18 April 1842 and 2 September 1843. Inserted into the book between pages 2 and 3 is a slip of paper inscribed with what looks like material for JS’s multivolume manuscript history; this inserted slip is not included here. The title page and the flyleaves of the volume show significant discoloration and dirt buildup. The wear pattern indicates that a smaller booklet, an index for the volume, was stored in the book. The entire volume shows significant discoloration due to water damage and mold damage, the boards and cover are deteriorated, and several pages have a central vertical tear between 2 and 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) in length from the top of the page.
On 5 March 1842, the Nauvoo City Council appointed JS registrar for the city of
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

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, authorizing him to record and certify official deeds for land transactions. JS appointed
William Clayton

17 July 1814–4 Dec. 1879. Bookkeeper, clerk. Born at Charnock Moss, Penwortham, Lancashire, England. Son of Thomas Clayton and Ann Critchley. Married Ruth Moon, 9 Oct. 1836, at Penwortham. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Heber...

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as recorder for the Nauvoo registrar, and by mid-April 1842 Clayton began recording deeds into this record book.
James Whitehead

12 Apr. 1813–27 July 1898. Clerk, farmer. Born in Roughhay, Fulwood, Lancashire, England. Son of Thomas Whitehead and Mary. Married first Jane Marshall Hindle, 25 Jan. 1837, in Preston, Lancashire, England. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day...

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was doing general clerical work for the church beginning in April 1842 and was appointed a private secretary to JS on 11 June 1842.
1

“Elder James Whitehead,” Saints Herald, 3 Aug. 1898, 485.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Saints’ Herald. Independence, MO. 1860–.

His handwriting also appears in this record book, though it is often difficult to distinguish which handwriting is Whitehead’s and which is Clayton’s.
2

Because Whitehead’s handwriting is difficult to distinguish from Clayton’s, no scribal handshifts are noted in the transcript below.


Along with other records, this record book was kept in JS’s Nauvoo office and transported to Utah Territory, where it was kept in the Church Historian’s Office.
3

“Inventory. Historian’s Office. 4th April 1855,” [2], Historian’s Office, Catalogs and Inventories, 1846–1904, CHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Historian’s Office. Catalogs and Inventories, 1846–1904. CHL. CR 100 130.

The spine bears a red-bordered label that reads “02473R | 9 Fo”, likely placed on the record by Church Historian’s Office (now CHL) staff in the 1950s or 1960s.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    “Elder James Whitehead,” Saints Herald, 3 Aug. 1898, 485.

    Saints’ Herald. Independence, MO. 1860–.

  2. [2]

    Because Whitehead’s handwriting is difficult to distinguish from Clayton’s, no scribal handshifts are noted in the transcript below.

  3. [3]

    “Inventory. Historian’s Office. 4th April 1855,” [2], Historian’s Office, Catalogs and Inventories, 1846–1904, CHL.

    Historian’s Office. Catalogs and Inventories, 1846–1904. CHL. CR 100 130.

Historical Introduction

See Introduction to Nauvoo City Register of Deeds Records.
Asterisk (*) denotes a "featured" version, which includes an introduction and annotation. *Letter from Horace Hotchkiss, 7 April 1843 *Deed to Martha McBride Knight, 2 February 1842 *Deed to Emma Smith and Others, 12 July 1843 *Deed to Emma Smith, 13 June 1842 *Deed from Orson and Marinda Nancy Johnson Hyde, 10 February 1843 *Deed from Daniel H. and Eliza Robison Wells, 4 February 1843

Page 38

43
Mortgage
Silvester B Stodderd [Sylvester B. Stoddard]

7 Feb. 1801–18 Aug. 1867. Tinsmith, shoemaker. Born in Perrysburg, Ontario Co., New York. Son of Sylvester Stoddard. Married first Charity. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, before 8 Sept. 1833. Served mission to Maine, 1833–1836....

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to Hudson E. Bridge & Samuel S Rayburn & Titus Hall For 1/2 of S 1/2 of L 1 in B 126 of
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
153

TEXT: The recorder added this notation in the left margin when copying the deed into the deed book.


This Indenture made and entered into this twelfth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two between
Sylvester B Stoddard

7 Feb. 1801–18 Aug. 1867. Tinsmith, shoemaker. Born in Perrysburg, Ontario Co., New York. Son of Sylvester Stoddard. Married first Charity. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, before 8 Sept. 1833. Served mission to Maine, 1833–1836....

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of the county of
Hancock

Formed from Pike Co., 1825. Described in 1837 as predominantly prairie and “deficient in timber.” Early settlers came mainly from mid-Atlantic and southern states. Population in 1835 about 3,200; in 1840 about 9,900; and in 1844 at least 15,000. Carthage ...

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and State of
Illinois

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

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of the one part, and Hudson E. Bridge, Samuel S. Rayburn and Titus Hall, composing the firm of Bridge Rayburn & Co. of the city of
St. Louis

Located on west side of Mississippi River about fifteen miles south of confluence with Missouri River. Founded as fur-trading post by French settlers, 1764. Incorporated as town, 1809. First Mississippi steamboat docked by town, 1817. Incorporated as city...

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and state of
Missouri

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...

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of the other part Witnesseth, that the said
Sylvester B. Stoddard

7 Feb. 1801–18 Aug. 1867. Tinsmith, shoemaker. Born in Perrysburg, Ontario Co., New York. Son of Sylvester Stoddard. Married first Charity. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, before 8 Sept. 1833. Served mission to Maine, 1833–1836....

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for and in consideration of the sum of six hundred and fifty nine Dollars to him paid by the said Bridges, Rayburn and Co. the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, hath granted, bargained and sold and by these presents doth grant bargain and sell, alien and confirm, unto the said Bridge, Rayburn & Co. their heirs and assigns forever. all that tract or parcel of Land situate in the county of
Hancock

Formed from Pike Co., 1825. Described in 1837 as predominantly prairie and “deficient in timber.” Early settlers came mainly from mid-Atlantic and southern states. Population in 1835 about 3,200; in 1840 about 9,900; and in 1844 at least 15,000. Carthage ...

More Info
and State of
Illinois

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
, and known as the equal and undivided half of the south half of Lot No. one in Block No. one hundred and twenty six in said county and reconed on the plat of the Town of
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
To have and to hold the premises aforesaid with all the privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining, unto the said party of the second part, their heirs and assigns forever. Provided, always, that these presents are upon this express condition, that if the said
Sylvester B. Stoddard

7 Feb. 1801–18 Aug. 1867. Tinsmith, shoemaker. Born in Perrysburg, Ontario Co., New York. Son of Sylvester Stoddard. Married first Charity. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, before 8 Sept. 1833. Served mission to Maine, 1833–1836....

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, his heirs executors or administrators, shall pay or cause, to be paid to the said Bridge, Rayburn & Co. their heirs executors administrators, or assigns, the sum of six hundred and fifty Nine Dollars, on or before six months from the date of this mortgage, which sum is specified in Three different notes as follows, to wit: First— A note for Four hundred and Fifty Dollars— Dated
St. Louis

Located on west side of Mississippi River about fifteen miles south of confluence with Missouri River. Founded as fur-trading post by French settlers, 1764. Incorporated as town, 1809. First Mississippi steamboat docked by town, 1817. Incorporated as city...

More Info
Oct. 28th., 1841— Due six months from date— Signed by
S. B. Stoddard

7 Feb. 1801–18 Aug. 1867. Tinsmith, shoemaker. Born in Perrysburg, Ontario Co., New York. Son of Sylvester Stoddard. Married first Charity. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, before 8 Sept. 1833. Served mission to Maine, 1833–1836....

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and
H[enry] W. Miller

1 May 1807–9 Oct. 1885. Carpenter, builder, farmer. Born in Lexington, Greene Co., New York. Family resided at Windham, Greene Co., 1810. Son of James Miller and Ruth Arnold. Moved to Illinois, ca. 1829. Married first Elmira Pond, 19 June 1831. Baptized into...

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— on which there is an endorsement of one hundred and Forty-five Dollars, dated,
Quincy

Located on high limestone bluffs east of Mississippi River, about forty-five miles south of Nauvoo. Settled 1821. Adams Co. seat, 1825. Incorporated as town, 1834. Received city charter, 1840. Population in 1835 about 800; in 1840 about 2,300; and in 1845...

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May 2, 1842.
Second— A. note for Three hundred Dollars— Dated April 1st., 1842.— Due Four months from date— signed by
S. B. Stoddard

7 Feb. 1801–18 Aug. 1867. Tinsmith, shoemaker. Born in Perrysburg, Ontario Co., New York. Son of Sylvester Stoddard. Married first Charity. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, before 8 Sept. 1833. Served mission to Maine, 1833–1836....

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and
H. W. Miller

1 May 1807–9 Oct. 1885. Carpenter, builder, farmer. Born in Lexington, Greene Co., New York. Family resided at Windham, Greene Co., 1810. Son of James Miller and Ruth Arnold. Moved to Illinois, ca. 1829. Married first Elmira Pond, 19 June 1831. Baptized into...

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. Third— A note for Fifty four Dollars— Dated March 29, 1842.— Due six months from date, signed by
S. B. Stoddard

7 Feb. 1801–18 Aug. 1867. Tinsmith, shoemaker. Born in Perrysburg, Ontario Co., New York. Son of Sylvester Stoddard. Married first Charity. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, before 8 Sept. 1833. Served mission to Maine, 1833–1836....

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.
Now, if the said
Sylvester B. Stoddard

7 Feb. 1801–18 Aug. 1867. Tinsmith, shoemaker. Born in Perrysburg, Ontario Co., New York. Son of Sylvester Stoddard. Married first Charity. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, before 8 Sept. 1833. Served mission to Maine, 1833–1836....

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, his heirs, executors or assigns shall pay or cause to be paid, the aforesaid six hundred and fifty-Nine on or before six months from the date of this instrument, with all interest that may acrue thereon, then and from thenceforth these presents, and every thing herein contained, shall cease and be void, any thing herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.
In witness whereof the said
Sylvester B. Stoddard

7 Feb. 1801–18 Aug. 1867. Tinsmith, shoemaker. Born in Perrysburg, Ontario Co., New York. Son of Sylvester Stoddard. Married first Charity. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, before 8 Sept. 1833. Served mission to Maine, 1833–1836....

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has hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year above written.
S. B. Stoddard

7 Feb. 1801–18 Aug. 1867. Tinsmith, shoemaker. Born in Perrysburg, Ontario Co., New York. Son of Sylvester Stoddard. Married first Charity. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, before 8 Sept. 1833. Served mission to Maine, 1833–1836....

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L. S.
154

TEXT: “L. S.” enclosed in a hand-drawn representation of a seal.


Charity Stoddard L. S.
155

TEXT: “L. S.” enclosed in a hand-drawn representation of a seal.


State of Illinois) SS.
Hancock County

Formed from Pike Co., 1825. Described in 1837 as predominantly prairie and “deficient in timber.” Early settlers came mainly from mid-Atlantic and southern states. Population in 1835 about 3,200; in 1840 about 9,900; and in 1844 at least 15,000. Carthage ...

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)
I,
Ebenezer Robinson

25 May 1816–11 Mar. 1891. Printer, editor, publisher. Born at Floyd (near Rome), Oneida Co., New York. Son of Nathan Robinson and Mary Brown. Moved to Utica, Oneida Co., ca. 1831, and learned printing trade at Utica Observer. Moved to Ravenna, Portage Co....

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, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the
county

Formed from Pike Co., 1825. Described in 1837 as predominantly prairie and “deficient in timber.” Early settlers came mainly from mid-Atlantic and southern states. Population in 1835 about 3,200; in 1840 about 9,900; and in 1844 at least 15,000. Carthage ...

More Info
aforesaid, do certify that
Sylvester B. Stoddard

7 Feb. 1801–18 Aug. 1867. Tinsmith, shoemaker. Born in Perrysburg, Ontario Co., New York. Son of Sylvester Stoddard. Married first Charity. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, before 8 Sept. 1833. Served mission to Maine, 1833–1836....

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and Charity his wife, whose signatures appear to the foregoing mortgage, and who are personally known to me to be the persons described in and who executed the same, and who acknowledged the same to be their free and voluntary act and Deed for the uses and purposes therein mentioned. And the said Charity Stoddard having been made acquainted with the contents of the said Mortgage, and examined separate and apart from her said
husband

7 Feb. 1801–18 Aug. 1867. Tinsmith, shoemaker. Born in Perrysburg, Ontario Co., New York. Son of Sylvester Stoddard. Married first Charity. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, before 8 Sept. 1833. Served mission to Maine, 1833–1836....

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acknowledged that she had executed the same, and relinquished her dower to the premises therein conveyed voluntairly, freely, and without any undue influance of her said
Husband

7 Feb. 1801–18 Aug. 1867. Tinsmith, shoemaker. Born in Perrysburg, Ontario Co., New York. Son of Sylvester Stoddard. Married first Charity. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, before 8 Sept. 1833. Served mission to Maine, 1833–1836....

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. Given under my hand and seal this Twelfth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty two.
E. Robinson

25 May 1816–11 Mar. 1891. Printer, editor, publisher. Born at Floyd (near Rome), Oneida Co., New York. Son of Nathan Robinson and Mary Brown. Moved to Utica, Oneida Co., ca. 1831, and learned printing trade at Utica Observer. Moved to Ravenna, Portage Co....

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J. P. L. S.
156

TEXT: “L. S.” enclosed in a hand-drawn representation of a seal.


Recorded July 14th. 1842 [p. 38]
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Source Note

Document Transcript

Page 38

Document Information

Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Nauvoo Registry of Deeds, Deed Record Book A, 1840–1843
ID #
13081
Total Pages
246
Print Volume Location
Handwriting on This Page
  • William Clayton
  • James Whitehead

Footnotes

  1. [153]

    TEXT: The recorder added this notation in the left margin when copying the deed into the deed book.

  2. [154]

    TEXT: “L. S.” enclosed in a hand-drawn representation of a seal.

  3. [155]

    TEXT: “L. S.” enclosed in a hand-drawn representation of a seal.

  4. [156]

    TEXT: “L. S.” enclosed in a hand-drawn representation of a seal.

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