Auction Name: 2026 February 26 Historical Manuscripts & Texana Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 47030

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/6328*47030

Ira Ingram Thrice Signed Printed Certificate for Land in Matagorda. Single printed sheet engrossed in ink, 8 x 9 9/10 inches; Town of Matagorda; April 15, 1832. The document grants "Lot no 1 in Block no 2 and Tier No 2 on the Colorado front" to Howard Decrow. The grant is given "in conformity with the provisions of the preamble of the Constitution of the Proprietors of the above Town, adopted at the town of Austin, on the 8th day of July 1830, and signed in the presence of the Alcalde of the jurisdiction of Austin, by all of the then owners of the said town league..."

Per the resolution, the recipient is "required to keep up on each lot, assigned to him or her, and in good repair, at least one good dwelling house, not less than fifteen feet square; for a time, not less than three years from the date of his, or her permission to settle and improve said lot or lots." Signed, "Ira Ingram president of the Board of proprietors" and countersigned by Seth Ingram as secretary.

With an AES by Ingram on verso recording that he has received one dollar for the surveying fee for the lot dated April 15, 1832. Ingram signs a third time below a filing docket dated August 5, 1837, confirming that he had signed the deed.

Ira Ingram, one of Stephen F. Austin's Old Three Hundred, was instrumental in establishing Matagorda as a functioning port. Acting on behalf of Austin's colony, Ingram helped organize the landing of settlers and supplies at the mouth of the Colorado River, oversaw the distribution of town lots and nearby land grants, and promoted Matagorda as the principal coastal entry point for immigrants arriving to populate Austin's inland settlements. The land grant offered here is signed in that capacity. This is only the second Town of Matagorda land certificate we have offered, the first being back in 2005.

Condition: Flattened folds with moderate wear, resulting in minute holes where folds intersect. With light dampstaining at right and left margins. Ingram's signature below the endorsement on verso is bit light but remains legible.

Include Thumbnail(s)