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Start Over Repository Historical Society of Pennsylvania Subject Land speculation and settlement--Pennsylvania--19th century Year 1828

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Pennsylvania Population Company papers, 1792-1821 (bulk) 1785-1838, undated (inclusive)

Extent:
2.4 linear feet (; 6 boxes)
Abstract:
The Pennsylvania Population Company was established in 1792 by several prominent east coast entrepreneurs, who believed they could profit from land speculation in the western area of Pennsylvania. Due to arguments over title rights between settlers and land speculation companies in various courts, the company's sales slowed and profits declined, leading to its liquidation in 1812. The Pennsylvania Population Company papers (1785-1838) contain stock certificates and transfers, deeds, and applications for land. There are also some patents signed by Governor Thomas Mifflin, administrative and financial records, lists of land tracts, a catalog of the company’s sales from 1812, miscellaneous accounts, agreements, and contracts.

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]

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North American Land Company records, 1765-1904 (inclusive)

Extent:
14.0 linear feet (; 5 boxes, 92 volumes)
Abstract:
Robert Morris (1734-1806), James Greenleaf (1765-1843), and John Nicholson (1757-1800) founded the North American Land Company on February 20, 1795. The North American Land Company was one of the largest land trusts in American history. The land company had 30,000 shares of stock, each valued at $100, and a total of 6 million acres of land in the District of Columbia, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia. Some of those associated with the company include: James Greenleaf, Robert James, Tobias Lear, Robert Morris, John Nicholson, Benjamin Tilghman, and James Wilson. The North American Land Company was plagued by serious financial difficulties and all three of its founders were sent to debtors’ prison. The North American Land Company remained in existence until 1872. The North American Land Company records include financial and administrative records as well as correspondence, deeds, and shares of the company’s stock from 1793-1898. The...(see more)

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]

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Asylum Company papers, 1794-1820 (bulk) 1773-1851, undated (inclusive)

Extent:
0.8 linear feet (; 2 boxes (350 items))
Abstract:
Robert Morris, John Nicholson, and others organized the Asylum Company in April 1794 to develop and sell land in several unsettled areas of Pennsylvania. The land speculation venture was ultimately a failure and dissolved partially circa 1820 and fully in the 1830s. The Asylum Company papers include administrative and financial records as well as correspondence, title papers, shares of the company’s stock, and published material from 1773-1851.

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]