Autographed Manuscript Signed
Geneva, NY: 1823.
Original detailed autographed manuscript signed, folio, 10 pages (front and back), 13 x 8 inches, Geneva, New York, May 20, 1823 -- an extensive draft describing an invention that was called "a machine for hulking and cleaning clover seed," a device that was granted a patent by the United States Government on March 18, 1824. Burrall explains in detail that his innovation is unique because previous models wasted much of the seed, worked slowly, and ran at a great expense because they required immense power to propel them. "The machine that I am about to describe is free from all the above. It is cheap, simple and durable - may be propelled to advantage, either by hand by horse or water power - it feeds regularly & equally - the seed is beaten or whipped out lightly and briskly, all the light chaff containing no seed is thrown off before it reaches the working part of the mechanism." Much more exceptional content. This manuscript has heavy natural folds, but is still in very good condition.
Pioneer, settler, and inventor who owned extensive land in the City of Geneva, Ontario County, New York. Despite holding patents for such successful inventions as the thrashing machine, the corn planter, cooking stove, and corn sheller, it was his association with Joseph Smith that would bring him notoriety. Historians speculate that Smith, the Mormon prophet, acquired use of some of Burrall's lands by the Seneca/Ontario border and on September 22, 1823 found the "certain plates of gold which recorded the true history of the Church of the American continent," the result becoming the Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith's use of clover seed is well documented in John Heinerman's acclaimed books "Joseph Smith and Herbal Medicine" and "Joseph Smith and Natural Foods."
Binding: Unbound
Language: English
Price: $700.00
Item #244968