Elias R. Wightman Autograph Land Sale Document Signed as Agent for Stephen F. Austin with a Second Signed Attestation.
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Auction Preview: Preview items may not have yet been properly described or vetted, and items are posted as soon as they have a description or a picture. We are continuing to add and correct information as we approach the auction posting date, so check back here often and Contact us with any comments or suggestions.
Consign your material with Heritage! Although the Consignment Deadline for this auction has passed, we are always accepting quality consignments.
Track Item
Share this lot
Description
Stephen Austin land sale to an Old Three Hundred settler signed by his agent
Elias R. Wightman Autograph Land Sale Document Signed as Agent
for Stephen F. Austin with a Second Signed Attestation. Two
pages of a bifolium, with filing dockets and endorsement on the
fourth integral page; 7 3/4 x 10 inches; Matagorda; April 3, 1834
and October 24, 1838.Wightman signs on the first page to certify that Robert H. Williams has purchased four lots of land in the town of Matagorda at a public sale for a total of $43.00 "for which he has executed his notes to me bearing even date herewith one for $21.50/100 payable in twelve month[s] and one for $21.50/100 payable in eighteen months from date the payment of which notes in full makes the said R.H. Williams or his assignees owners in full..." Wightman signs, "Stephen F. Austin By ER Wightman Agent."
Wightman signs a second statement on page two that reads: "This may Certify that according to the tenor of the within Instrument in which the usual conditions were not annexed the payment of the notes seems to give ownership one of which notes is present and paid and I believe the other was also paid, to the then holder D Bayles." Signed, "ER Wightman late Agent for S.F. Austin" and dated October 24, 1838.
Thomas Harvey signs as Deputy Clerk and Recorder certifying that Wightman has appeared before him and sworn and signed the statement. He certifies the statement a second time on the last page of the bifolium where multiple filing dockets appear.
Elias R. Wightman was one of Austin's Old Three Hundred as well as a founder of Matagorda. Together with David G. Burnet, he journeyed to the United States in 1828 to recruit additional settlers.
Robert H. Williams was also one of Austin's Old Three Hundred and arrived in Texas in December 1823. Like Wightman, he received a sitio of land in Matagorda County. Williams fought at the Battle of Velasco and represented Matagorda County at the Convention of 1833 which sought a repeal of the April 6, 1830 law passed to curb the flood of immigration from the United States.
A great document associating two of Austin's Old Three Hundred; it also illustrates the complications in asserting ownership of land when promissory notes were often used for currency.
Condition: Light toning and dampstaining. Minor ink burn affects a single letter on the first page. Moderate wear along the folds resulting in a few small separations.
Auction Info
2026 February 26 Historical Manuscripts Signature® Auction #6328 (go to Auction Home page)
Bidding Begins Approx.
January
28th
Wednesday
Auction Dates
February
26th
Thursday
Proxy Bidding Begins Approx.
6 Days
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: N/A
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 18
Auction Type
Signature®: Heritage Live®:After Internet bidding closes, live bidding will take place through www.HA.com/Live. Your secret maximum bid placed prior to the live event will compete against the live bids. To maximize your chances of winning, enter realistic secret maximum bids on our site. Many of our proxy bidders are successful at winning lots in these auctions, and usually below their secret maximum. You can also place last minute bids directly with us by e-mailing Bid@HA.com or calling 1-866-835-3243. (Important note: Due to software and Internet latency, live bids may not register in time, so enter realistic proxy bids.)
Signature® Floor Sessions
Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
Signature®: Heritage Live®:After Internet bidding closes, live bidding will take place through www.HA.com/Live. Your secret maximum bid placed prior to the live event will compete against the live bids. To maximize your chances of winning, enter realistic secret maximum bids on our site. Many of our proxy bidders are successful at winning lots in these auctions, and usually below their secret maximum. You can also place last minute bids directly with us by e-mailing Bid@HA.com or calling 1-866-835-3243. (Important note: Due to software and Internet latency, live bids may not register in time, so enter realistic proxy bids.)
Signature® Floor Sessions
Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
Sales Tax information
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms