Historic deed unveiled

Last Updated on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 04:37 pm Written by Laura Stetser Thursday, September 27, 2012 12:10 pm

The 1761 deed, which predates the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, is on display at the Atlantic County Courthouse.  

 MAYS LANDING – County officials, historians and residents gathered in the Atlantic County Clerk Ed McGettigan’s office on Thursday, Sept. 27 for the unveiling of a 250-year-old deed that was restored and preserved through a partnership between the clerk’s office and Egg Harbor Township Historian June Sheridan, of The Greate Egg Harbour Township Historical Society.

 The restored document, which records the 1761 purchase of 100 acres for 112 British pounds in what is now Mullica Township, is an “absolute treasure,” according to McGettigan.

“This document predates the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights,” said the clerk, whose office is charged with recording all real estate transactions in the county.  “Its value to Atlantic County cannot be understated.”

Sheridan remarked that the handwritten document is beautiful as well. “There are no corrections on this. We all make mistakes, but they didn’t,” she said of the deed which was recorded in Gloucester County at the time because Atlantic County had yet to be formed.

Atlantic County Freeholder John Risley of Egg Harbor Township noted that the discovery of the deed should serve as a motivation for residents to look for what historical items may be in their possession as well.

“I hope this wonderful event today will bring attention to what people may have in their attics and basements,” he said, noting he recently searched through his storage and found a few old deeds his grandmother had passed down to him.

The event also gave the clerk and other local officials the chance to honor Former Atlantic County Executive Richard Squires of Egg Harbor Township for his efforts as chairman of the Atlantic County Historic Society.

The deed will be permanently on display at the clerk’s office, 5901 Main Street.

Charlene Canale, left, reads a copy of the deed with her friend Winnie Squires, both of Egg Harbor Township, before the unveiling of a 250-year-old deed that conveyed the 1761 purchase of 100 acres in what is now Mullica Township.

Atlantic County Clerk Ed McGettigan, left, honors Richard Squires Thursday, Sept. 27 in Mays Landing

Atlantic County Freeholder John Risley of Egg HarborTownship thanks the Historical Society for its work in bringing the deed back into the public eye during the Thursday, Sept. 27 event.

Atlantic County Freeholder Alex Marino of Linwood, left, reads a proclamation honoring former County Executive Richard Squires of EggHarborTownship, left, for his work as longtime chairman of the county’s Historic Society.