Rare 1761 Colonial Philadelphia Receipts – David McMurtrie, Early Pennsylvania Merchant – Original Handwritten Documents
Full Transcription:
Document 1 (dated September 4, 1761):
Philad. 4th Septr 1761 from Mr. Andw. Mitchel
Fifty one pounds Two Shillings and eleven pence in full of all accots. preceeding this date
James McGrongard
Document 2 (dated September 5, 1761):
Recd 5th Septr 1761 from Mr Andw. Mitchell
Eighty Seven Pounds 9/10¾ in full
£87.9.10¾
David Wm. McMurtrie
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Summary of Historical Significance:
This pair of colonial-era financial receipts, dated September 4–5, 1761, from Philadelphia, reflects the bustling commercial activity of pre-Revolutionary America. Both documents record payments received from Mr. Andrew Mitchell to two different individuals: James McGrongard, for £51.2.11, and David William McMurtrie, for £87.9.10¾. Such receipts were often issued for settling merchant accounts or for land, shipping, and trade dealings.
What makes this document truly special is the signature of David Wm. McMurtrie, a Scottish-born merchant who would go on to help shape commerce in Pennsylvania and later settle Huntingdon County, PA. His business dealings and early frontier role contribute to the understanding of colonial expansion, finance, and enterprise.
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Biographies of the Individuals Mentioned:
David William McMurtrie (1721–1785)
Born in Dalmellington, Ayrshire, Scotland, David McMurtrie immigrated to Philadelphia by way of London, where he was a partner in a shipping firm. He established himself as a respected merchant in Philadelphia’s waterfront trade during the mid-1700s. In 1759, his nephew William McMurtrie joined him in business. David remained active in commerce until the American Revolution, after which he relocated to western Pennsylvania and became one of the first settlers in what is now Huntingdon County. His role in commerce, trade, and settlement places him among the notable figures of Pennsylvania's colonial history.
Andrew Mitchell
Though the name is somewhat common, records indicate that an Andrew Mitchell was involved in land transactions in Chester County, Pennsylvania, around 1764, and may have been a craftsman or millwright. In a separate episode decades later, a man by this name was sent to England by the U.S. government to procure textile machinery, indicating the name’s association with industrial development and commerce. In this context, Mr. Mitchell was evidently a businessman settling debts or commercial obligations, likely as part of a larger trading network in Philadelphia.
James McGrongard
Little is documented about James McGrongard, suggesting he was a lesser-known merchant or tradesman. His rare surname and the substantial amount (£51.2.11) he received imply he may have been involved in finance, trading, or services in the Philadelphia area. This document is likely one of the only surviving mentions of his business dealings.
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Item Details:
Date: September 4–5, 1761
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Material: Laid paper with iron gall ink
Size: Approx. 6.5" x 4" each
Condition: Very good; strong ink, crisp signatures, minor edge toning consistent with age
Provenance: From a private historical collection
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Why This Is a Valuable Piece:
Documents bearing the original signature of David McMurtrie are extremely scarce. As an early settler, merchant, and colonial figure involved in Pennsylvania's commercial rise, McMurtrie’s name carries weight in regional historical scholarship. This is a rare opportunity to own a tangible piece of colonial Philadelphia business history—perfect for collectors of early Americana, Pennsylvania history, or Revolutionary-era commerce.