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Lot 57: George Clark Signed Document 1728

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Lot   57: George Clark Signed Document 1728
<b>Autographs</b><hr><b>1728 Royal Governor of New York</b>

<b>GEORGE CLARKE, Royal Governor of New York.</b>
Document Signed, as Governor, 4 integral pages in all, 8' x 13', no place (New York), March 11, 1728. Very Good: folds taped, somewhat browned, although the portion of the document signed by Clarke, as a docket, is not effected by any flaw. In part: 'George Goldwin son of Joseph Goldwin late of Hampstead...was sworn administrator to his said fatherÕs estate...' An inventory carried on 1 1/4 pages lists goods, livestock, cash on hand and monies owed; it appears that the Goldwins, like ninety percent of the population, were engaged in farming.

Inheritance played a more important role in the economy during colonial times than in any other time in American history. The economy depended on the "family firm" or farm almost exclusively, and inheritance determined the distribution among family members. Because too wide a distribution of resources and control might jeopardize business operations, keeping a firm or farm intact was crucial. The administration of wills, then, was worthy of notice from On High.