Ole Pappy

We all like collectibles — particularly if they are of the vintage variety.

But when Bob Nelson wandered into the Mascot the other day with a purchase of land agreement that involved his great-grandparents, I was interested.

When he pointed out the signature of Civil War General and President Ulysses S. Grant on the document, my interest grew even larger.

It appears to be an original document issued to a Germund Aslaksen in 1876.

Apparently, Bob’s great-grandparents purchased the land from Aslaksen. The document originated in Redwood Falls and described the property that was sold.

The signature above (U.S. Grant) is that of the President of the United States.

Apparently Bob’s uncle had this document in his possession and when his estate was settled, it came into Bob Nelson’s possession.

It’s hard to imagine how something from 1876, I mean, 142 years ago, could have survived in such good shape.

But it did.

Kind of reminds me of some newspapers I have in my possession.

One on my wall is the “New Hampshire Statesman and State Journal” and is dated, 1841. In fact, I had a newspaper that was over 200 years old.

These papers were bound in a volume and kept in an attic until someone cleaned house, sold the volume and it was opened and taken apart. Each paper was sold separately and I got some of the copies.

But I never dreamed I’d ever see a real, live document with the signature of President Grant. Wow! Talk about the past coming to life.

LAUGH A LITTLE: Wants a correction! Story in a newspaper said, “30,000 pigs were floating down the river.” The farmer who owned the pigs wanted a correction. “Actually it was 30 sows and pigs, not 30,000 pigs,” he said.

Another correction: Article said, “The group, ‘Frightened Rabbi;’ ”... and it should have said, “The Scottish band Frightened Rabbit.”

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: As my Ole Pappy used to say, “Disappointments are just God’s way of saying, ‘I’ve got something better in store for you.’ Be Patient, live life well and have faith.”

Ole Pappy used to tell me one of really valuable things in life is solving problems and figuring out how to make your live all it was supposed to be.

“Thanks Ole Pappy!”