1821 John McNeil Jr Signed ALS Franklin Pierce Family, NH Gov & War of 1812 For Sale

Original 1821 New Hampshire Legal Document Signed by John McNeil Jr. – Franklin Pierce’s Brother-in-Law, War of 1812 Hero, and Son-in-Law of Governor Benjamin Pierce

Offered here is a historically significant 4-page legal document dated July 17, 1821, executed in Hillsborough, New Hampshire. It is a power of attorney/property conveyance in which John McNeil Jr. appoints B.B. Pierce of Hillsborough to act on his behalf in the sale or management of certain land and property.

The document is fully handwritten, with bold period ink signatures and legal attestations, including:

John McNeil Jr. (signatory)

B.B. Pierce (likely Benjamin B. Pierce, Franklin Pierce’s brother)

G. Johnston, Justice of the Peace (witness)

An old pencil notation on the document identifies Benjamin Pierce as “Father of the President of the U.S. – He also was Gov. of N.H.”

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Historical Significance

John McNeil Jr. (1784–1850) – A decorated U.S. Army officer and Brevet Brigadier General in the War of 1812, McNeil was noted for his heroism at the Battle of Chippewa, where he was severely wounded. In 1820, he married Elizabeth Andrews Pierce, daughter of Benjamin Pierce and sister to Franklin Pierce, who would later become the 14th President of the United States. McNeil later served as Surveyor of the Port of Boston and Governor of the Soldiers’ Home in Philadelphia.

Benjamin Pierce (1757–1839) – A veteran of the American Revolution and twice Governor of New Hampshire (1827–1828, 1829–1830). He was the father of Franklin Pierce and a significant figure in New England’s post-Revolution political life.

Franklin Pierce (1804–1869) – The 14th President of the United States (1853–1857), remembered for the Kansas-Nebraska Act and his efforts to maintain sectional peace in the years leading up to the Civil War.

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Transcription (Opening Portion)

> "Know all men by these presents, that whereas I John McNeil of Governor of the Army of the United States am held and firmly bound in fee simple of several pieces of land lying and being all situate in Hillsborough in the County of Hillsborough with the buildings thereon... do make, constitute and appoint B.B. Pierce of Hillsborough my true and lawful attorney..."

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Condition

Document shows expected age toning, fold lines, and minor edge wear. Ink remains legible, and signatures are clear and bold. Pencil annotation regarding Benjamin Pierce appears to be a later note by a previous owner.

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Collector Interest

This piece appeals strongly to collectors of:

Presidential family memorabilia (Franklin Pierce)

War of 1812 military history

Early New Hampshire political documents

Pierce family genealogy

A rare opportunity to own an original Franklin Pierce family document connecting multiple notable historical figures.

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Ships well-protected with archival sleeve.