WILLIAM PEPPERELL (1696-1759). American merchant, politician and military officer. Born in Kittery, Maine (then part of Massachusetts), he is best remembered for organizing, financing and Leader of the 1745 Expedition that Captured the French Fortress of Louisbourg on Cape Breton Island during King George's War; made a Baronet for his exploits, the first and Only American to hold the title; Major General during the French and Indian War; a wealthy New England merchant owning several ships.
April 1st, 1721-Dated Colonial Period, Manuscript Document Signed, "Wm. Pepperell", at the conclusion of 3 folio pages, measuring 12” x 7.5”, at Kittery, Massachusetts (now Maine) Fine. Pepperell leases his farm in Kittery for 3 years to two men from Kittery. This lease itemizes all the livestock and farming implements which come with the farm, and requires the two men to deliver to Pepperell one-half of all the corn, butter, cheese, and "what else they shall raise". Other obligations imposed on the lessees include agreeing to work 8 days each year at “haying,” and to deliver the dwelling house, livestock, and tools in the same condition in which they originally received them. Also, signed by two witnesses, John Watkins and Eben Moore. Two small areas of paper loss at the top and bottom margin edges near center resulting in the loss of a few letters of written text. William Pepperell’s signature is nicely set off to one side and in well written and clear at the conclusion measuring about 2.25” long with his paper seal along side his name.