This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/18/2024
[NEW YORK]. ROBERTS, Marshall Owen (1813-1880). Autograph manuscript abstract of the title of lands between 35th and 36th Streets and west of highwater line on the Hudson River, New York, 18 August 1868, by the firm Brown, Hall & Vanderpoel. Oblong 8vo (216 x 357 mm). Over 400 manuscript pages and documents, including 3 manuscript maps and 6 true copy folding maps on linen. Contemporary half calf, leather lettering-piece gilt on upper cover (extremities rubbed, spine perished). As an American merchant, financier, and railroad man, Roberts was “one of the foremost businessmen of his day”. His most notable venture was the building of steamships, including the Hendrick Hudson, the largest steam vessel navigating the Hudson River at that time. He made the bulk of his fortune during the American Civil War by leasing and selling idle steamships to the federal government. His wealth helped him become one of the first directors of the Erie Railroad, and one of the first investors in the Southern Pacific Railroad and the Texas roads. Roberts also amassed a sizable art collection, which featured prominent American artists and works, including Emanuel Leutze’s Washington Crossing the Delaware. The present document shows land that Roberts had acquired near the Hudson River, perhaps for one of his steam vessel ventures. The abstract includes numerous supporting documentation of the purchased land including supreme court cases, maps, plans, etc. Today, Pier 76 occupies the river front property once owned by Roberts.