1860

Dennis Chapin takes out a warrantee deed on his land in Champaign County, IL for $300 on December 16, 1860. A warrantee deed is a document used when buying and selling real estate. It describes the property in question and guarantees that there are no disputes regarding the title of the land and that the grantor (seller) has the legal right to sell the property to the grantee (buyer). In this instance, Dennis has sold his land and the aforementioned document certifies that he legally owned it.

Mary (Chapin) Burt writes to her parents about her husband Thomas’ endeavors in Fulton County, Illinois and a visit by her Uncle Maurice and Aunt Sallie. She inquires about her sister Hannah’s whereabouts, and resolves to write her a letter. Mary’s tone throughout is a bit exasperated, weary, and lonely, as she reveals the children can be overwhelming and “make so much confusion that I scarcely know what kind of marks I am making.” This all but confirms the emotional turmoil and loneliness that was hinted at in previous correspondance. As the letter was written in multiple sessions, it closes with Mary sharing her desire to be finally settled in a home and briefly remarking on Maurice and Sallie’s stories about Urbana.