Digital and Critical Curation (MUSE 359)

Items

• MacKay_Letter_139
  The name of the sender and receiver are not included. It mentions a McKay who died in South Africa and heirs are being searched for. The letter ends abruptly and the rest of the letter is missing. No date. Transcription: Caledonia, N.Y. 189 This appeared in a Cleveland paper Nov. 4th 1894 Portland, Ore. Nov. 3. If the facts bear out the obligations then several persons in Portland Oakland and San Francisco, are heir to a South African estate of vast value. The estate in question is that of William McKay who is known to have died. Possessed of great wealth his own appraisement being it is said 15 millions McKay was a Scotchman of an adventurous turn of mind who lived at the Kimberly diamond fields and who in dying bequeathed his fortune to his brothers and sisters eight in number whos progeny are scattered almost to the four corners of the earth. They are well represented in Portland. Morrison a nephew of the deceased residing in St. Johns N.M. is looking after the interest of the heirs in this country it is said that the will was first brought to Schotland by John Collins one of the witnesses of the document was searching for Daniel McKay a brother of the
• MacKay_Letter_134
  Letter from James Douglass to J McKay relaying to him a new mechanical method he has planned that he thinks will make milling wheat more efficient. On the lower right he has drawn a sketch of how the machinery should be set up. No date. Transcription: Memphis St. Clair Co Michigan Mr J McKay Sir I received yours through my son from Alexander when I left you I came to Michigan and agreed to Superintend the putting in of 4 new wheels in a grist mill am now doing the work the wheels and other repairs will take me until the fore part of Sept - Since I was at your place I have thought of a plan that your mill might run by the Scroll Wheel by putting a wheel on an upright shaft and Bevel Cone wheel on the shaft to mash in to a pinion on a horizontal shaft and belt from a drum on the horizontal to the saw shaft under the sawgate on sash - by having 2 pitmans and 2 cranks one on each end of the shaft and the pitmans about 9 feet long and attaching to each side of the sash thus you will then ceive wheat thus made will place the cranks up high and dry out of roater the pitmans can be very light - There should be 2 fly wheels on the crank shaft to steady the motion and prevent the backlash of the gearing saw on sash should run on rods to prevent getting loose the bearing on the backside of the sash in this [?] you could do business with a very little water Yours Respectfully [signed] James Douglass
• MacKay_Letter_133
  Letter announcing to the family of John McKay Jr. the date and time they are to attend the probate of his will. John McKay Jr. died June 1, 1878. October 7, 1878. Transcription: Citation to attend probate and will To John McKay Geroge McKay Jennie McKay Edward B. McKay A. Rose McKay Allen B. McKay & Sarah McKay Of Caledonia Liv. Co. N. Y. Whereas Mary S. McKay has lately applied to our Surrogate Court of Livingston, for the proof of the Will of Johns McKay late of said County, deceased, which said Will relates to both real and personal estate. Therefore you are cited to appear before the Surrogate of said County, at his office in the village of Geneseo on the 21st day of October inst at 10 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, and attend the Probate of said Will. Given Under the Seal of said Court, at Geneseo, in said County, the 7th day of October 1878 [signed] W. T. Howard
• MacKay_Letter_132
  Agreement stating that John McKay (most likely John McKay Jr.) sold Alexander McKay the debt owed to him by Peter McGraw. December 15, 1875. Note: this agreement is referenced in MacKay_Letter_070 and would have originally been included with that letter. Transcription: Know all men by these presents that I John McKay for a valuable consideration paid to me by Alexander McKay, of Mt. Morris, N. Y. the receipt thereof I do hereby acknowledge. I so hereby sell assign and transfer unto the said Alexander McKay all my claim and demand against one Peter McGraw a contractor of Rochester N. Y. with full power to collect the same by suit or otherwise out of his own cost and expense, and in his own name said claim or demand being for store board and lodging, plank and articles of traffic sold and delivered to said McGraw in the town of Caledonia N.Y. between the 14th day of August 1872 and the 14th day of January 1873 In witness whereof I have herewith set my hand and seal this 15th day of December 1875. [signed] John McKay
• MacKay_Letter_131
  Payment to John McKay (most likely John McKay Jr.) from W. O. Curty for $189.88. Sent by Wm A. Brodie on the letterhead of William W. Wadsworth. January 9, 1875. [letterhead] Estate of William W. Wadsworth Geneseo, Livingston Co., N. Y. [Transcription] Jany 9th 1875 Jno McKay Esq Dear Sir: Enclosed herewith I send you check for 189.88 balance your lawbill as send me by W. O. Curty Res you Wm A. Brodie
• MacKay_Letter_130
  Letter from R C Wright to John McKay Jr. offering to sell him some millstones for $75. July 14 1869. Transcription: Richmond Mills July 14 1869 John McKay Dear Sir, I was informed that you was at my place for the pirpus [purpose] of binng [buying] a set of mill stone I have to sell and I will take 75 Dollors for the [stones?] if you wahnt them please come and get them within 10 days as I am about [seling?] I want to get them out of the mill Your Respt [signed] R. C. Wright
• MacKay_Letter_127
  Letter from Joslyn Hutchinson to his brother in law John McKay Jr. Hutchinson was married to Jennet McKay. John Jr. and Jennet were the children of John McKay Sr. Sent from London, Joslyn explains he has been very ill so has not made his way back to the United States yet but that he is feeling better so should travel soon. March 20th 1856. Transcription: [page 1] London, March 20th 1856 Dear John, Several weeks ago I entertained the hope that I should re-cross the Atlantic long before this, but my intentions were again thwarted by sickness. About the time I had designated for starting I was again attacked with fever and at one period I was low that I was upon the very brink of the grave. I am now recovering however, but my improvement is necessarily slow. I am very much emancipated, my strength seems quite gone, for I am as weak as an infant, and the least exertion wearies and exhausts me. But thank fortune all the more dangerous and threatening symptoms have passed away, and time patience and care will gradually work a change for the better. It is now my intention to set out on my return as soon as I am able to bear the journey by rail-road from here to the port of Liverpool where I would take the steamer. It is now my hope that I may acquire the requisite strength within ten or fourteen days. George will probably meet me here and accompany me so I shall have one with me upon whom I can rely in case I should [page 2] have a relapse during the voyage. My constitution has been so shattered by my sickness during the winter that it would no doubt be extremely hazardous, and an act of most reckless folly for me to attempt to return to California immediately after landing at New York, as I had contemplated. I would necessarily have to pass some time within the tropics, and such an exposure in my enfeebled state would probably be attended with fatal consequences. I have therefore concluded to stop a for a few weeks at and about my old home in order to recruit my health before I venture to go on. So you may look for me again in Caledonia, but I fear that I shall be so thin that you will scarcely know me. I write you at this time lest you might entertain some serious apprehensions on account of my long silence. I am compelled to be brief - I trust that within a fortnight or three weeks after this reaches you I shall have the satisfaction of greeting you in person. Give my love to all the family and remember me to Judge Smith [page 3] and other friends. Rest assured John I remain as ever Yours affectionately [signed] Joslyn Hutchinson Capt. John Mackay Caledonia Livingston County N.Y. P.S. I enclose this in a note & am about to send to a friend in New York City, so you need not be surprised to see it post-marked New York J. H.
• MacKay_Letter_126
  Report on land in Georgia that was either being sold to, or sold by, George MacKay. Unknown writer. No date. Transcription: [Written diagonally] Report on Land sold by George MacKay [page 1] During the revolutionary war and subsequently, it is a well known historical fact that Robert Morriss the eminent financial agent of the United States, was often seriously embarrassed in raising money for the necessary wants of the government. In converting measures to carry out the object he had in view, he often held private conferences with the governors of the several states to secure their aid and cooperation and avail himself of their opinions and suggestions. In the course of these conferences the governor of Georgia recommended the formation of a Sand Company. The project being favorably entertained, a company was duly formed entitled the North American Sand Company. In accordance with the plan submitted, their field of operations was to extend over the entire Union. The lands secured by the Company embraced not only the large tracts that were owned by many of the members, but extensive grants that had been made to individuals outside of the organization, which were acquired by purchase. These grants varied in extent from 10.000 to 60.000 acres. In their transactions several millions of acres of the pine timbered lands in Georgia were thus obtained. At that time Georgia [page 2] was more sparsely inhabited than either of the States that originally entered into the confederation. Owing to this and to the fact that the cultivation of those products that formed the great states of the Southern States was chiefly confined to the alluvial valleys or “bottom lands”, no market was found for these uplands bearing their heavy and luxuriant growth of fine pine. For upwards of half a century but a few of the more insignificant of the grants were sold. It is true that the products of the vast forest of the southern pine - the ship-timber, the lumber, the pitch, tar, turpentine and rosin, became well known in the commerce of the world, the demand for which was immense even in the remotest parts of the civilized portions of the globe. But the supply of these was, during all these earlier years, mainly drawn from North and South Carolina simply because they had the first advantage of a greater population, and as their soil did not yield as generously as that farther south, they directed their attention more especially to their pine forests, and thus secured for two or three successive generations almost the exclusive control of the trade [page 3] in their products. Thus through all the great commercial marts the control of this important trade was yielded to the Carolinas through the best judges and experts in these very products knew by thorough test and examination that the very finest portion (in every sense) of what is termed the “great pine belt” is in the state of Georgia. The timber at this extremity of the “belt” is of larger and finer growth than upon those portions farther north. This is now not only generally known, but from the fact that most of the timber upon the coast remains intact while all that upon the more northern parts of the “belt” is either cut off or the more valuable portion in all those districts accessible from the coast is culled out, all serves to give a special value and importance to these Georgian pine lands. I have thoroughly examined all the tracts conveyed to you, and from careful measurement and repeated counts in every part I have no hesitation in assuring you that there are on an average fifteen large pines ranging from two to five feet in diameter at the butt, to every acre. [page 4] At the very lowest computation, and allowing the highest rates for placing the timber in market, you will be at no loss to perceive that a return in profits could be realized alike so safe and so gigantic, that no investment that could be offered or found in any part of the world, could bear any comparison with it. As to the products pitch, tar, turpentine and resin, - those are so well known, and the demand for them so universal as to make all comment needless. As to the timber I will further make only a brief allusion. I have already set forth the average quantity to the acre. In no other section of the “belt” is it of so fine as grain and quality. It admits of a smoother dress and is more durable. For masts of vessels, for decks and the upper frame-work and planking, and in buildings when used for beams, studs, joists, frames, flooring and substantial wainscoting it is not equaled or even approached by any other timber or lumber in use, in all those essential qualities of adaptability, beauty, strength and durability. One other point I would refer to is being of no little importance, - that is the smallest trees and the upper portions of the larger ones would always find a ready market for railroad ties. For [page 5] that purpose, in the requisites of firmness and strength and non-liability to crack or split, they are equal to the best oaks. At the same time they will last on an average at least four times as long as those of oaks, - will hold the spike firmer and better, as it never rusts in the pine, and as the pores are never penetrated by water or dampness they are not subject to rot. In all the better class of southern railroads having access to the pine region, wherever the oak ties were originally laid, they have been taken up and those of pine substituted. They have invariably given the utmost satisfaction and proved as herein recommended. For bridge-work it surpasses any other timber. Indeed such is the demand for timber for railroad-works, that if all the trees upon these lands, notwithstanding they are of greater value for other purposes, were appropriated to the railroads under construction or repair, within the more accessible range of markets, the smallest return would be more than a hundred fold the cost, in net profit. As to the surveys- they were originally made with great care and accuracy by order and under the authority of the state. [page 6] See the details thereof were made full and complete in the records and files of the Sand Office at the Capitol. These surveys always preceded the grants, and the same precision and care were exercised in making the boundary lines distinct and visible to any ordinary observer as were subsequently carried out under the perfect land system of the general government. Consequently there was never a conflict of grants, and where any two or more were contiguous, the dividing lines were always easily traced by referring not only to the maps issued from the Sand Office, but to the peculiar marks always made upon the trees on these lines. The starting points are landmarks, even when away from an easily designated part of a stream or some conspicuous land or rock formation can be readily distinguished by anyone that becomes at all familiar with the country. Should however any confusion, doubt or uncertainty arise, and the usual information to be obtained not at hand, a brief reference to the state archives in the Sand Office would at once settle and adjust all. All the lands were surveyed into squares or lots of one thousand acres each, and the plan of surveys was so [page 7] fully and plainly delineated that no subsequent rectification or substitution was ever rendered necessary. Natural objects, streams, every thing indeed that would serve as a guide to identification were carefully noted. I became early acquainted with the land system of Georgia. So plain were the lines of all these surveys I conveyed to you, that I easily and uninterruptedly ran them all horseback at the time of my purchase. The marks upon the trees with the bearings as taken by a common pocket compass made it plain and facile work. Even if the landmarks should be obliterated or destroyed, sufficient data could readily be found at the Sand Office when no information can be obtained in the neighborhood, that would clearly adjust every uncertain or controverted point. The title having originally emanated from the State and the chain being unbroken down to yourself, its validity cannot be questioned. This view is corroborated by eminent lawyers whose opinions have been expressed in writing after a full investigation of the facts and examination of the papers. The face of the country embracing [page 8] these lands is nearly level, with comparatively slight undulations, sufficient for good drainage. All is upland and no swamps. The tracts are generally well watered, and are mostly accessible from the coast by streams, down which the timber can be either floated or transported in boats to the shipping in the harbors. Whenever there is a range of timber that cannot be reached by a stream, train roads can be inexpensively laid upon which horse trucks, constructed for the purpose can be run for the conveyance of the timber to navigable waters. Among the timber there is no underbrush consequently there is no impediment to riding or driving over the tracts through the forest excepting that presented by the streams. The surface, unlike our northern forests, apart from the trees, is generally covered with a native grass, which makes it well adapted to grazing without injury to the timber. The soil is a sandy loam. When the timber is cut off, the stumps not being perishable, they can be readily drawn from the earth by an ordinary stump machine worked by cattle or horses. When thus drawn out they can be used either in enclosing fields [page 9] in lieu of ordinary fencing, or be converted into fuel. They might also in connection with the branches and tops cut from the main tops be used in the manufacture of tar. It can thus be seen that there need be no portion of the tree wasted. The lands will prove valuable after being deprived of the timber. The soil is easily worked and handsomely repays tillage. According to the amount of labor expended upon it, the products are as remunerative as those raised upon the heavier or the alluvial soils. On the score of fruits it produces in perfection apples, pears, peaches, cherries, apricots, plums, nectarines, figs, limes and oranges. Grapes of all the best varieties from the Isabella, Diana and Catawba to the Hamburgh, Scuppernong and Malaga yield abundantly and mature perfectly. All the ordinary grains, garden vegetables, small fruits and roots are produced. Sugar cane can be profitably grown. Indeed it is customary for the small farmers in the neighborhood of these tracts to cultivate small patches of cane, which is crushed by a crude and inexpensive process and the juice thence obtained is converted into syrup and sugar for their consumption over their kitchen fires. Ground or pea nuts yield largely [page 10] and can be made profitable either in fattening swine, or by exportation. Sweet potatoes can likewise be made to return ample profits as they are invariably of the finest quality. But one of the greatest and richest sources of income from these lands when duly improved, would be the cultivation of the long staple or Sea Island cotton. With ordinary care and effort an average production of half a bale to the acre can be safely counted upon. As this always commands in market from three to four times the price of the ordinary on short staple cotton, it will thus be seen that these lands when ready for cultivation are quite as profitable and therefore as desirable as the rich alluvions, upon which only the short staple can be grown. In fact these pine lands might be said to be preferable, as they have greater salubrity of climate and the crops are generally surer. The climate is mild, corresponding with that of southern Spain and Italy. The heat is not intense in the summer and is generally more enjoyable than the same season farther north. It is not subject to sudden or severe changes. In the winter the temperature is so genial that [page 11] there is rarely any interruption to the grazing in the pastures. From this fact alone stock raising could be deemed one of the most profitable branches of husbandry. In healthiness of climate these pine lands are as exempt from bilious diseases and are favorable to robust health and maturity as those well known [hole in paper] or mountainous districts remote from the coast. These lands have the advantage of being alike profitable whether farmed upon a large or a small scale. It may be said that they offer a double inducement to the purchaser - first from the immense returns, already referred to, to be realized from the timber - second from their conversion into productive farms. And as the opportunity for making a like investment are already much circumscribed, and are becoming more and more rare every succeeding year, it may be safely assumed that no such opening so rich, so safe and so promising in every point of view could again be found either in this or any other country.
• MacKay_Letter_123
  Letter from Isaac N. Coffin of Brooklyn to Colonel Geroge W. Mackay discussing a Steam Ship Company that Mackay was involved in. The Company seems to have dissolved or stopped and Coffin needs very specific information regarding the company so as to advise Mr. MacKay. April 9, 1827. Transcription: [page 1] Brooklyn April 9th 1877 Col. George W. Mackay Caledonia Livingston Co. N.Y. Dear Colonel: The agreement and power of attorney transmitted by you I duly received. Now to enable me to act effectively, I request you to give me the following information necessary, and I will be careful not to trouble you unnecessarily. 1st How many shares of stock did you actually own in the Steam Ship Company, that is, which were on the books of the Company in your name and that you held Certificate of Stock for: not surplus share, which belonged to the Company and not to any individual member 2nd Please inform me how many shares belonged to the Company and not to any individual member; that is deducting the amount of all the shares belonging to individual members from the whole amount of the stock 3rd Where the Books of the Company now are, that is in whose hands, Please inform me [page 2] if you have some of the blank Certificates of Stock - and whether you have any of the Books or Papers which belonged to the Company, because as the Act of Incorporation enacts - “George Mackay, James H. Walton, and “N. B. Bryant are hereby appointed Commissioners “to open the books and receive subscriptions to the “Capital stock of the Company,” and as James Walton was resident in Philadelphia and N. B. Bryant a resident of Boston, of course you was the only resident in New York, the place of the Company’s existence and therefore I suppose you have the books. 4th Where the Secretary Hiram Dixon is, or where was he when you saw him last - and what procession was he. 5th Where the former General Manager Charles M. Wilkins is, or where was he when you saw him last - and what profession is he. 6th Please look over your papers very thoroughly to find any particulars whatever and inform me of the result. [page 3] 7th Please answer as fully as you can every one of the questions as they relate to necessary information on which to found practical action. And therefore Please take up every one of these questions, one by one in this way Answer to Question 1st—------- Answer to Question 2nd—--- 8th Please inform me what was the cause of the Company stopping or making no progress and be as particular as possible on this point, as it will enable me to overcome obstacles I have looked thoroughly into the law on the subject and find that there are certain circumstances which would dissolve a company, - but it would be exceeding - impolitic for us to admit that this Company was dissolved, because, it would be almost impossible to get so good a charter again, as this therefore it is better to lose the stock that the old members own rather than in our efforts to destroy them, to pull down the temple on our own heads. [page 4] Thanking you kindly, Dear Colonel for your promptitude in sending the papers and wishing you Health and Happiness I am cordially and truly yours Isaac N. Coffin 156 Wyckoff St. Brooklyn
• MacKay_Letter_122
  An agreement that George MacKay will deed over to William M Gitt of St Louis his property in Kentucky valued at $62,500 in order to pay off his debt to Mr. Gitt. May 20, 1873. Transcription: Copy of Supplementary Agreement Made May 20, 1873 This agreement supplementary to the foregoing made this 20th day of May AD 1873. Witnesseth that the said George MacKay agrees to remit and set over to the said Hiland R Hulbrund one half the amount stipulated to be paid in the foregoing agreement to wit one half of one hundred and twenty five thousand dollars, which is sixty two thousand five hundred dollars - for the purpose of satisfying a claim which one Wm M Gitt of St Louis Mo alleges to hold against said MacKay, and for the purpose of obtaining possession of certain deeds and documents said to be necessary in order to establish and confirm the title of said Mackay to the said one hundred and thirty thousand acres of coal mineral and agricultural lands in Harlan County Kentucky and the said MacKay hereby agrees to receive and accept as payment in full for said lands the sum of sixty two thousand five hundred dollars ($62.500) provided he is released and discharged from the claim of said Gitt - and he further agrees that in case the land is not sold within one year from the date of the original and foregoing agreement, that he will refund to the said Hulburd with interest the amount expended by him in obtaining possession of the deeds and documents herein alluded to as necessary to perfect and confirm said MacKays title to the land aforesaid, estimated to be about five thousand dollars before the option of redemption reserved to said MacKay, in the forgoing agreement shall accrue and become operative Signed} George Mackay {seal} Hiland R. Hulburd {seal} Signed in presence of [signed] J. P. Stryker
• MacKay_Letter_120
  An agreement that states Isaac Ganasen, with the help of attorney Geroge McKay, will file a claim against the United States for horses that died during service, and the money claimed will go to pay a debt to Clem Powers. January 23, 1843. Transcription: [front] Know all men by these presents that I Isaac Ganasen am held such firmly bound unto George McKay Atty for Clem Powers in the sum of three thousand dollars lawful of the United States sealed with my seal such dated Jany 23rd A.D. 1843- Whereas in consideration of the delivering of my promissory note which was served in the Superior Court of the last term of its session for the sum of seventeen hundred dollar balance of principle and interest dated April 2 1843 Payable to Clem Powers on order one day after date original served being $2200. endorsement $850. I have this day assigned to said Powers and do hereby assign an account against the United States for $853 57/100 commencing December 1835 and Feb 1836 - also a horse account for Bay horse died in the service for $275. - also a horse account for Bay horse died in the service for $200. also a horse act for gray stallion died in the service valued at $300. also a horse account for Bay horse died in the service for $150. and I have empowered the said George McKay to act as attorney and assign and pay over to said Powers said account or the many received thereon. The condition of this obligation is such that if the above Isaac Ganasen [back] Shall make good by allowing said McKay as attorney, to subtract from certain remaining accounts, so much as shall be rebursed, by the United States to be paid, out of the first herein enumerated account, which accounts are now in the hands of said McKay as my attorney, to remain theorem until the said first herein enumerated shall be paid then this obligation to be void otherwise of full force and effect Given under my hand and seal this 23rd day of Jany A.D. 1843 [signed] I Ganasen {seal} In the presence of [signed] Alexander McKay
• MacKay_Letter_117
  Agreement stating that George McKay will rent the property formerly owned by Donald McDonald. The property had been foreclosed upon and George Hosmer was made the trustee of the property. The property consists of four lots in Caledonia, NY. McKay agrees to keep them in good repair and pay $175 quarterly. May 2, 1826. Transcription: John McKay agrees to rent, and George Hosmer Trustee &c [etc] agrees to let that certain property in Caledonia called the McDonald property lately conveyed to the creditors of Donald McDonald consisting of four village lots on which stand a dwelling house and store also a small dwelling house and grocery together with a lot containing five acres of land, to have and to hold the same for one year ending on the second day of May next, said McKay agrees to pay therefore a rent of one hundred and seventy five dollars in quarter yearly payments – he will keep the tenements in reasonable repairs and condition, and not suffer any waste or decay and shall be allowed for such repairs a reasonable compensation not to exceed twenty dollars – he shall at any time give up the possession of the buildings, reserving his garden & growing crops upon sixty days pervious notice should a sale therefor offer, in which event rent shall cease from the time of giving up the possession of the buildings – Date May 2 1826. [Signed] Geo Hosmer
• MacKay_Letter_116
  Agreement stating John McKay will lease the farm of John L. Rogers for one year. March 30, 1814. Transcription: Articles of agreement made this 30th day of March 1814 between John McKay of the Town of Caledonia of the County of Genesee & State of New York of the first part and John L. Rogers of the Town, County & State of aforesaid of the second part witnesseth that the said party of the first part promisith on his part to let for one year his farm in said Town known by the name of the Holenbeck
• MacKay_Letter_100
  Receipt from John Gillis saying John McKay Has paid his bill in full. July 8, 1828. Transcription: Mr Archidbald Gillis pleas to deliver to John McKay his note he has paid to me the whole a mount Yours with true respect [signed] John C Gillis
• MacKay_Letter_099
  Note of receipt of $1 from John McKay to Reuben Johnson for teaching services. October 13, 1827. Transcription: Rec’d of John McKay one dollar in full for the teaching of John [Donger?] while living with F. Blakslee Caledonia 13th Oct 1827 Reuben Johnson
• MacKay_Letter_095
  Agreement of John McKay to excuse the $321.99 debt of Elias Usher if he gives him gives him 343 bushels of quality shelled corn. Notes he also received a two horse wagon and another mans note of debt as payment already. March 26, 1822. Transcription: Rec'd of Elias Usher one two horse waggon price eighty dollars and one Note sind [signed] by Roberts Hinds of Cattaraugus county prinsible and interest to this date forty eight dollars forty cents thair for know all men by theas presents that if the a bove named Usher will secure to me the payment of three hundred and forty three bushels of good merchantable sheld corn to be delivered at the Big Spring mills by the twenty eighth day of January next - I will give said Usher a full discharge form the payment of gudgement in my favour a gainst him which I obtained on the 7th [July?] 1821 in the cort of Genesee County a mount in cluding interest and cost to this date three hundred and twenty one dollars ninety nine cents it is under stood that Powel Carpenter Esq of wheat land is to be the security of the said Usher for the payment of said corn by giving me their goint [joint] note for the same binding them selves to pay the same by the 25th Day of January as a bove Caledonia 26th March 1822 [Signed] John McKay
• MacKay_Letter_089
  Agreement made by G. Blakeslee with Elijah Humphrey on settling a debt and accrual of interest on a piece of land to be paid. June 30th 1818. Transcription: Whereas I have endorsed a note of Seven Hundred Dollars payable at the Bank of Geneva in sixty days dated the 24th Instant for the Benefit of Elijah Humphrey, and whereas the said Elijah has paid over to me five Hundred Dollars of the money owed by him on said note. I do therefore hereby bind and obligate myself that on the full payment of said note of seven hundred Dollars on an article for land executed by Thos Mumford Esq of Cayuga and myself and to delay the payment of the principle there remaining due on said contract until the first day of January one thousand eight Hundred & twenty one, on his paying the interest accruing thereon yearly & every year Caledonia June 30th 1818 [signed] G. Blakeslee John McKay
• MacKay_Letter_071
  Letter a William Voorhees to Lawyer McKay (possibly George McKay) asking him to help him collect and settle some bills. April 3, 1842. Transcription: [front] Black Creek E. [Y.?] April 3rd 1842 Lawyer McKay Sir I was questioned by my brother previous to his departure to the North, to ask of you the earliest information respecting the collections of those bills left in your hands, and particularly the note of Hernes - I would request of you such information as you may think proper to give, respecting the resources of Wickwire the Teamster, as my brother has left a bill of considerable amount against him with me, which I would forward for collection, I have or not against Chave for [back] the amount of forty odd dollars which I will forward by the first trusty person and on which you will please act - I will probably be at Newmansville - in two or three weeks, if my business allows, at the same time am anxious to know the situation of affairs, in order that I may answer my brothers letter, an answer by the first opportunity will oblige Yours Respectfully [signed] William Voorhees [front address] To Lawyer McKay Newmansville E. [Y.?]
• MacKay_Letter_070
  A letter from A. [H?] McKay to his cousin John McKay asking him if he would like to join in a lawsuit against the railroad with him. He also lets him know he had an offer to sell 9 of John’s stalk cutters. Note: The agreement he is asking him to sign is item number MacKay_Letters_132. Transcription: [page 1] Mount Morris NY December 13th 1875 Dear Cousin I went to Rochester from your place safely and got around to my place of business in due time – I should like to have you make a true copy of that letter we were talking concerning and mail me copy – I refer to one upon the western cave attractions owned by Cousin George McKay. I want to fill out an article for the paper – I will mail you a copy when I get from press – Now about [page 2] McGraw. This man has got a lien against the RRoad Company which he is foreclosing in the Supreme Court of Monroe County and I made every effort when at Rochester to get the true state of facts and I want is sell lein at once and take lieu before the judgement before he can assign the same. I want to get judegment-against-lien ready for juror proceedings. You cautioned me not to make you any costs in the matter now I would not feel justified in seeing where there is any risk of making you any costs. I therefore to convince you that you are safe from [page 3] costs ask you to let me collect this demand in my own name, for which I will deed you my note and ask you to sign enclosed assignment that I may proceed in my very own name. I have to say that I doubt whether we get anything unless we play sharp. I will manage in my own name for you and get the money I think, let me hear from you at once before judgment is taken and assigned by McGraw in the Supreme Court or I will sue in court and in your name if you would prefer I am aware you do [page 4] not want to move only as you feel safe. I am offered a sale of 9 of your stalk-cutter here if as represented, I will write you more in full about cutters in the future. – Let me hear from you by return mail I send an assignment you can consider and let me know - if I sue in your name or in the other manner I shall expect to pay all costs to be advanced before judgment & take my pay out of what I collect Yours &c [etc] [signed] A [H?] McKay Regards to George and your family
• MacKay_Letter_069
  Letter from Charles Bristol to John McKay asking him to procure a job for his mill and in return he will make an aqueduct from his spring to his house. A Mr. Foote wrote a report at the bottom about Mr. Bristol’s previous aqueduct that works well. Transcription: Dear Sir I have got my mill in operation have moved my work it does well I wish you to get me the [?] jobb or some large job on the canal I will satisfy you when I fetch your Spring up to your house. I have taken the water from the big spring in the [?] mill in the village of [?] to Mrs. Seth Smiths its completes this [?] good I think you would take pains to get me som large jobb some where in your country. I can raft My timber on some of Uncle Seths rafts next spring - yours with esteeme [signed] Charles Bristol [?] 19th July 1894 [written in a different hand] The aqueduct laid by Esq Bristol for me Pette Smiths operates well, there is no failure, nor any reason to [?] one. I have no doubt that Esq Bristol plan is a good one. I intend to have an aqueduct from a spring to my store in the course of a few weeks [signed] [?] Foote Schuyler July 19, 1824 [back] [?] July 23 John McKay Esq Calendonia [written on other edge] C Bristol Letter July 19th 1824
• MacKay_Letter_068
  Letter from John McKay to John P Vought. McKay has sent him his horse for possible breeding. March 14, 1822. Transcription: [front] D[ea]r Sir I send you my mare by the bearer, you must consult your own opinions about putting her to the cream horse in Batavia. I understand he is a good horse. Your J P Vought Mr John McKay March 15, 1822 [back] Mr John McKay Caledonia [written perpendicularly] John P Vought Let March 15, 1822
• MacKay_Letter_066
  A letter from John McKay to Peter Huidekoper asking him to submit to Mr. Ellicott his proposal for leasing land from him and all he will do to take care of it. Mr. Huidekoper was the assistant to Mr. Ellicott whose company was an offshoot of the Holland Land Company. April 3, 1820. Transcription: [front] Caledonia 3rd April 1820 Peter Huidekoper Esq Dear Sir I hear by acnaulige [acknowledge] the Rec’t of your letter dated dated 31 March last for which I return to you my sincere thanks for the trouble you have taken in making none [known] to Joseph Ellicott Esq my application relative to lesing [leasing] all the land belonging to the Halland Mrsrs [Mister’s] Willinks & Company lying and being as fawlaws [follows] beginning at the North East corner at the indian reservation thence Northerly to the North line at the tract my wish is to lese [lease] all the land lying between the road leading from the tale Bridg north and the river by taking all the alots it will be in my means to dispose of a part of the in habitance of that place. Should Mr. Ellicott except of my proposal which is as fawlawes [follows] I will call and close the bargain with out delay for the use of the a bove land for the present year 1820 I will makes 2 miles of good real fence worth $200—----$200 For 1821 I will pay $200 in cash-----------------------------$200 For 1822 I will pay $200 in cash-----------------------------$200 For 1823 I will pay $250 in cash-----------------------------$250 For 1824 I will pay $300 in cash-----------------------------$300 For 1825 I will pay $350 in cash-----------------------------$350 For 1826 I will pay $400 in cash-----------------------------$400 —----------------------------------------------------------------$1900 If I can have the use of the above land for six years I will pay as a bove the sum of nineteen hundred dollars to gether with all the taxes that may be assest [assessed] theiran [therein] I am willing that a clause be in serted in the lese that in case the proprietors of said land should be disposed to sell the same I be compelled to give up my lese on demand having the privilege to lot of the crops [back] that may then be on said farm should my offer meet with the application at Mr Ellicott I will pay the rent of each year [?] on the first day of April each and every year I further promise that I will seed with grass seed all the im proved acres excepting forty or fifty acres which I would wish to reserve for the benefit of stock in this mod [mode] of farming the land will can tinue to grow better which will profit the owners I can asure you that for minny years that has been more weeds than grain based on said [?] that quality of land is far better qualified for grass than grain to which use I wold thus to a ply it Will you show me the favour to present this [small?] to Mr Ellicott for his in spection & shold my offer meat with is approbation let me hear from you by male on the subgect I lose by subsmiting my self Truly your friend John McKay [upside down on bottom of paper - tally numbers that don't appear to be connected to the letter]
• MacKay_Letter_065
  Letter from a businessman in Canada to John McKay negotiating the sale of superfine flour from John McKay's flour mill. January 16, 1819. Transcription: Montreal Jany 16th 1819 John McKay Esq Caledonia Dear Sir Being desirous to meet your wishes and to be a little in the way of flour from your country - we have [ammend?] two notes of five hundred dollars each one payable the first & the other the fifteenth day of June - the proved of which plees to convert in wheat - provided you can do it and give us at the opening navigation superfine flour - delivered onboard in the [urn?] for five dollars & there forth coovering storage [?] – and you guarantee the corporation in this province - we expect our market will be much th’s but for superfine therefore we wish no other- If you can use these funds to advantage it is very likely we may wish to [?] the operation - We are expecting superfine flour back and [?] will [?] pay from your country the coming season provided they are [?] on good terms with you - [the next very lines are some type of calculations that are illegible] We are respectfully yours Jas McDonelly
• MacKay_Letter_064
  Letter from Thomas Hubbard asking John McKay to send him a large quantity of wheat as it costs less where McKay lives. October 7, 1817. Transcription: The wheat in this country is both [?] & grown, and is sold at 12/. Will it be possible for you to purchase and fund me 30, 40 or 50 bushels of your Celedonia wheat which I am informed still goes at 6/ with you. If any waggon or waggons from the neighborhood [?] be going empty to Albany, they might leave it at Attica on the [Lima?] road or Madison on the Cherry Valley Turnpike for me. Be so good as to write me by the first mail after you receive this on the prospect of obtaining it for me and how [high?] it will probably come delivered here, or at either of the above named places. I would be glad to hear from you on the subject of our concerns whenever you please to communicate with me, and with [?] compliments to Mrs McKay I remain in [?] Your very Obt [Obedient] Sevt [Servant] T. H. Hubbard Hamilton Oct. 07. 1817 [back] Mr. John McKay Caledonia Genesee County [written perpendicularly] Thomas Hubbart Letter Oct 7th 1817
• MacKay_Letter_062
  Letter from Thomas Mumford to John McKay telling him he had purchased iron and nails for their use and including a copy of the receipt of the purchase. August, 19, 1817. Transcription: Cayuga 19 Aug 1817 Mr. John McKay D[ea]r Sir Finding that I could purchase nails & Iron at Auburn at a reduced price & believing that we were in immediate want of them I yesterday [?] of [?] [?] for our use Iron and nails of which the following is a copy of the Bill - & which I will wither forwards or retain till you send for them. - Your friend Thomas Mumford (Copy) Thomas Mumford Esq. [?] of [?] [?] 2 kegs 4 cut nails 113.144=257 at ½ ℒ 14.19.10 1 -Do–10 cut -Do —-----------217 @ 1/ 10.17._ 3 kegs —--------------------------------- 2/6 7.6._ ℒ 2.1.1 Russia Iron—-------------------64/ 7.4.7 2.0.2. Swedes-Do—------------------64/ 6.8.7 —---------------- ℒ 39.17.6 $99 69/100 Rec’d payment P. Grandin Auburn 18 Aug 1817