Frederick Douglass PSA NM 7 Signed Washington, D.C. Deed Re: Ruppert Family

A deed signed by Frederick Douglass (1817[?]-1895), in his capacity as Recorder of Land Deeds for the District of Columbia, as "Fredk Douglass" near the bottom of the folded document. February 16, 1886. Washington, D.C. Encapsulated and PSA/DNA certified and graded NM 7. The partly printed and partly handwritten document records details of a property transfer from John Anton Ruppert to Henry J. Ruppert, George G. Ruppert, and Bernard C. Ruppert. A blind-embossed notary's seal is located at upper left. Expected weathering, else very good to near fine. The sight size of the folded document is 3.625" x 8.5" while the slab measures 5.5" x 12.375."

The Rupperts listed in this transaction were most likely members of the Ruppert family of Washington, D.C., a long-lived dynasty of six generations (and counting) who have called the metropolis home. The family patriarch, Heinrich Ruppert (1829-1893), emigrated to the United States from Germany in 1856 and set up shop as a butcher. He and his descendants established a strong mercantile presence in the city including grocery stores, real estate, and retail.

Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in Maryland but escaped at the age of twenty. Douglass served as Recorder of Land Deeds for the District of Columbia between 1881 and 1886. He also served as President of the Freedman’s Savings Bank, chargé d’affaires to the Dominican Republic, and United States Marshal.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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