1828 Warren County NJ Probate Receipt John M Sherrerd First Surrogate Signed For Sale

Original handwritten probate receipt dated January 11, 1828, issued during the earliest years of Warren County, New Jersey.

The document records the receipt of four dollars from Moses B. Allen, executor of the estate of Martha Allen, deceased, for fees associated with proving her will.

The receipt is signed:

“Jno. M. Sherrerd

“Jno.” was the customary period abbreviation for John. The signer was John Maxwell Sherrerd, an early New Jersey attorney who became the first Surrogate of Warren County after the county was created from Sussex County in 1825. He moved to Belvidere in 1826 and served in the county’s newly established government. Rutgers University’s Sherrerd-Browne-Brackeley Family Papers specifically identify him as Warren County’s first Surrogate. 0

Warren County officially came into existence in 1825 following legislation separating the area from Sussex County, making this January 1828 receipt an unusually early surviving document from the county’s formative period. 1

Approximate transcription:

“Rec’d 11th Jany 1828 of Mr. Moses B. Allen, Executor of Martha Allen dec’d, four dollars in full of Register & Surrogate fees on proving will &c.

Jno. M. Sherrerd

Moses B. Allen’s precise relationship to Martha Allen has not been conclusively established beyond his identification here as executor. No Revolutionary War or War of 1812 service is attributed to him in this listing.

A desirable early New Jersey legal and probate document with a clearly identifiable public official’s signature, strong Warren County association, and direct connection to the administration of a named estate.Original 1828 paper document with expected age-related wear. Uneven and chipped lower edge with areas of paper loss, old folds, scattered toning, light staining, handling wear, and minor surface marks. Writing and John M. Sherrerd’s signature remain dark and clearly legible. Reverse is largely blank with transferred ink and handling marks. Please review all photographs carefully for exact condition and dimensions.

Type: Handwritten Probate Receipt

Date: January 11, 1828

Era: Early 19th Century

Country/Region: United States

State: New Jersey

County: Warren County

City: Belvidere

Subject: Probate / Estate Administration

Estate: Martha Allen, Deceased

Executor: Moses B. Allen

Signer: John Maxwell Sherrerd

Office: Warren County Surrogate

Historical Significance: Signed by Warren County’s First Surrogate

Material: Paper

Language: English

Signed: Yes

Approximate Size: 7 1/2 x 3 Inches