Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Bruce, Blanche Kelso (1841-1898) [Deed for sale of lot number 54]

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05108 Author/Creator: Bruce, Blanche Kelso (1841-1898) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Document signed Date: 9 September 1890 Pagination: 2 p. ; 35.6 x 21.4 cm. Order a Copy

Bruce, former United States Senator from Mississippi, signs as the recorder of deeds for the District of Columbia. Hugh Nelson and James W. Greer sign as trustees, transmitting the lot to Charles H. Gladden. Howard M. Norris signs as notary public.

Bruce was born a slave. He became the first African-American to serve a full term in the United States Senate. He served as Senator 1875-1880. He also served as Register of the Treasury and as the recorder of deeds for the District of Columbia 1891-1893.

Bruce, Blanche Kelso, 1841-1898
Greer, James W., fl. 1890
Nelson, Hugh, fl. 1890
Norris, Howard M., fl. 1890
Gladden, Charles W., fl. 1890

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources