Can any of you shed some light on the rules regarding women signing legal
documents (land quit claim records specifically) in 1814 in NY. The question
arises from the descendants of David P. Schuyler and his second wife
Margaret. The quit claim is filed in 1814 and contains the
names/signatures/marks of a number of people including some with surnames
other than Schuyler. By this time some of David P.s' children are dead so
their share in the land would pass to the grandchildren. Some of those named
are husband & wife (Peter and Catherine Ehle, Peter and Dorothy Marsh,
Garrett and Anna Van Slyck) while two are just the woman's name (Caty
Pickard and Alida Herkimer). Catherine and Dorothy and probably Anna are the
heirs. (I say that because I know that Peter Ehle and Peter Marsh are NOT
Schuyler descendants). My question is this: If the woman was married, did
her husband have to sign with his wife (Catherine, Dorothy & Anna)? What if
the woman is a widow (Alida Herkimer widow of George)? What if the woman was
single (perhaps Caty)? Just curious about the rules back then.
By the way, if any of you recognize this transaction or are experts on the
Schuylers I would love to discuss "who was who" with you.
Thanks for any input.
Regards,
Skip
SkipAZ@aol.com
"Hard at work trackin' those EHLEs"