1821 Hillsborough NH Probate Manuscript S. McNiel Signed Twice Estate Oaths For Sale

Original handwritten probate document dated September 29, 1821, at Hillsborough, New Hampshire, containing two sworn statements and two signatures reading “S. McNiel.”

The first statement records Lemuel Cooledge (Coolidge), administrator of the estate of William Keys (surname as read), swearing that he had shown the appraisers all estate property known to him, both real and personal. The second records James Wilson, Joel Stow and Thomas Moore swearing that they had faithfully and impartially appraised the property shown to them.

Both statements are signed by the same justice of the peace. The signatures are attributed to Solomon McNiel of Hillsborough, a New Hampshire militia officer who later became a brigadier general. In 1815, McNiel married Nancy M. Pierce, sister of future President Franklin Pierce. This identification is based on the signature reading, location and period and is offered as an attribution.

One sheet with both oath certificates on the front and “McNeil Esquire” docketing on the reverse. The text records the oaths and contains no itemized inventory or valuation. Approximately 7½ inches wide; see the ruler photograph.

Condition: Age toning, scattered spotting and soiling, old folds with splits and small holes or losses at intersections, edge wear, a small lower-right corner loss, and a brown stain along part of an upper fold. Later pencil notation on the reverse. The handwriting and both signatures remain readable. Please examine all photographs.

An early New Hampshire manuscript with probate, local genealogy, militia and attributed Pierce-family interest.

Type: Probate / estate appraisal oath certificates

Date: September 29, 1821

Place: Hillsborough, New Hampshire, United States

Format: One handwritten sheet; two sworn statements

Signatures: “S. McNiel,” twice

Attributed signer: Solomon McNiel

People named: Lemuel Cooledge (Coolidge), William Keys (surname as read), James Wilson, Joel Stow, Thomas Moore

Material: Paper

Language: English

Approximate width: 7½ inches

Subject: Estate administration, probate, New Hampshire history, genealogy

Condition: Antique manuscript with folds, splits, small losses, staining and age wear