*****I've just purchased a large collection of receipts; documents; deeds; etc. having to do with the Military Tract of 1812; or bounty land; that was located in western Illinois. The government set aside bounty land for those who fought in the war of 1812. Men would get an allotment of 160 acres in this land as part of their pay for serving in the war. Many would not want to move to the land; so they would have someone manage the land; or pay the taxes on it for them; so they didn't have to mess with it. Many times they would just sell the land to others; and it would more times than not end up in the hands of land agents. A man named George Washington Berrian; whose relatives were land agents in New York; dealt heavily in buying/selling/managing the lands; especially in his area near Quincy, Illinois. In fact; Mr. Berrian is credited for having the distinction of discovering the site of the Gem City. In the spring of 1818 Mr. Berrian, with his uncle, Richard Berrian, started from New York in a covered buggy to visit that section of western Illinois known as the Military Tract. Their trip was a long and eventful one, much of the west still being in possession of the Indians and the white settlements being hundreds of miles apart. In June of1819, accompanied by a man named Jacobs, who had lived for some time within the present boundaries of Adams county, they visited the bluffs where Quincy is now located. Old poles, remnants of wigwams or teppees, were still numerous, but the visitors were satisfied at that early day that this would be the site of an important city. Sometime after leaving this locality, near Atlas, the Berrians met John Wood and ever after these early pioneers were warm personal friends. This collection includes tax receipts as well; having signatures of the prominent people of the early days of Illinois in these various counties. There are signatures of Elijah Conway Berry; who was the first state auditor of accounts in Illinois; as well as treasurers and other auditors. The documents go from around 1820 to the 1840's or 50's; and cover counties like Knox; Warren; Schuyler; Adams; Brown; Calhoun; Fulton; Hancock; Henderson; McDonough; Mercer; Peoria; Pike; Stark; Bureau; Henry; Marshall; and Putnam. Towns mentioned also include Monmouth; Quincy; Knoxville; Princeton; Rushville; Belleview; Hardin; Lewistown; Carthage; Oquawka; Macomb; Pittsfield; Vandalia; Kaskaskia; and others. Prominent men from these counties/towns have signed many of these documents. Other well-known individuals; who were land agents at the time; are mentioned or have signed documents as well including Lucious Kingman; John Tilson and others. If you are interested in the beginnings of any of these counties or towns; or the military land tract of 1812....keep an eye on my auctions over the next several months as I list some of these neat and rare items.***** This auction is for a vintage historical document from Pike County, Illinois from 1844. It is for tax on land that was in the Illinois Bounty Tract Lands of 1812. It is signed by the collector who appears to be E.Cannon?. Pittsfield is the county seat of Pike County, Illinois. In fairly good condition for its age with signs of blemishes and wear; including light soiling/staining; creases/bends/tears; and other blemishes and wear as seen in photo above. Please study pictures above to determine condition of item. By bidding on the auction; you are accepting the condition shown and described in the auction. Payment with $5.00 shipping is requested in the U.S. please within 3 days of auction ending; or item will be offered to next highest bidder. The only exceptions are if you email me in advance and I give an OK for a longer payment time. If you have any questions about shipping charges, please ask before bidding! Good luck bidding!!