1824 Washington City Deed Signed Before Dr. William Thornton – Architect of the

A scarce original manuscript deed executed on 12 June 1824, conveying a parcel of land in the early City of Washington from John Hoye of Alleghany County, Maryland, to Julius Forrest of Washington County, District of Columbia.

The deed transfers part of Lot 15 in Square 254, providing a complete metes-and-bounds description and tracing title through an earlier trustee's conveyance involving the Walter Stewart estate.

Of exceptional historical interest, the deed was formally acknowledged before Dr. William Thornton [1759–1828], celebrated architect of the United States Capitol, Superintendent of the U.S. Patent Office, and longtime Justice of the Peace for Washington County. Thornton's official signature appears alongside that of fellow Justice Joseph Forrest, documenting the legal authentication of the conveyance on 20 June 1824.

The document retains its bold manuscript text, original seal, and large signature of grantor John Hoye. Early Washington City deeds bearing Thornton's official signature are sought after by collectors of Capitol history, District of Columbia history, early American architecture, and federal-era manuscripts.

Highlights

• Original manuscript deed
• Washington County, District of Columbia
• Dated June 12, 1824
• Conveys part of Lot 15, Square 254, City of Washington
• Signed by grantor John Hoye
• Acknowledged before Dr. William Thornton, Architect of the U.S. Capitol
• Also signed by Justice Joseph Forrest
• Original paper seal intact
• Excellent early Washington City legal and architectural association.

Overall Assessment

This is a better-than-average early Washington, D.C., deed because of its documented connection to Dr. William Thornton. While routine Washington deeds from the 1820s often sell in the low hundreds of dollars, Thornton's presence as an acknowledging magistrate elevates this example into a more desirable category for collectors of early federal Washington history.

Grantor:

• John Hoye, of Alleghany County, Maryland

Grantee:

• Julius Forrest, of Washington County, District of Columbia

The deed was acknowledged before two Justices of the Peace:

• Joseph Forrest
• William Thornton

and bears the bold signature and seal of John Hoye.

Description

The deed conveys:

• Part of Lot 15
• Square 254
• City of Washington

with metes-and-bounds description:

• beginning at the northwest corner of Lot 15
• running 100 feet south
• 10 feet east
• 100 feet north
• 10 feet west to the beginning

The conveyance recites consideration of one dollar, a common legal formula, and states that John Hoye conveys only whatever title he acquired through an earlier trustee's sale involving the Walter Stewart property, dated 27 July 1810.

The reverse contains the official acknowledgment:

"District of Columbia, County of Washington"

and records that John Hoye personally appeared on 20 June 1824 before Joseph Forrest and William Thornton to acknowledge the deed. The acknowledgment format matches other Washington County deeds of the period.

Historical Significance

This is an attractive example of an early Washington City real-estate deed documenting the continued subdivision and transfer of property during the city's formative decades.

Of particular interest are the officials who acknowledged the instrument:

William Thornton

The signature appears to be that of Dr. William Thornton [1759–1828]:

• first Architect of the U.S. Capitol
• Superintendent of the U.S. Patent Office
• long-serving Justice of the Peace for Washington County

Thornton frequently signed deeds and acknowledgments in this official capacity during the early nineteenth century.

Joseph Forrest

Joseph Forrest served as a Justice of the Peace and appears on numerous Washington County legal instruments during this period. His association with the prominent Forrest family of early Washington adds local historical interest.

Condition

Very good.

• Complete
• Two manuscript pages
• Strong dark ink
• Large attractive John Hoye signature
• Original paper seal
• Moderate fold wear
• Minor edge wear
• Excellent display quality