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1775 Boston Jail Keeper Joseph Otis Signed Document

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:300.00 USD Estimated At:400.00 - 500.00 USD
1775 Boston Jail Keeper Joseph Otis Signed Document
Colonial America
1775 Boston Jail Keeper “Joseph Otis” Signed Document
January 12, 1775-Dated, Manuscript Document Signed, “Joseph Otis,” as Keeper of the at Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts Jail, Listing Inmates and Costs, Fine.
This original Document measures 8” x 12” is two pages, back to back, and has some typical folds, light tone at fold lines, overall being in quite good condition. Joseph Otis has signed this Payment Ledger Sheet, being the “Board” costs for keeping various men and women in jail, including one poor soul would later be buried.

Joseph was representative from Boston, and keeper of the jail; also mariner, and sheriff of Suffolk Co. After his death, his widow married Rev. John Hancock, the father of the governor. Joseph and his descendants occupied for many years the old house, built about 1700, known as ‘The Old Two-Stacks’. Joseph Otis. Born on 16 Mar 1709/10 in Scituate, MA. Joseph died in Scituate, MA, September 11, 1788 at 78 and was buried in Union Street Cemetary, at Scituate Centre.

This historic ledger listing is well written in clearly readable in strong brown ink. It shows various costs from November 5th 1774 to January 12th, 1775 for, “The County of Suffolk To Joseph Otis” with columns listing: “Men & Women’s Names - Board - Time to Time - weeks - Days - Key” and totals. Other costs include; a casket, making a key. mending a lock on the Courthouse door, 93 Blankets, etc. A wonderful, very rare Document, being the first of this highly detailed and informative type we have seen in over several decades.