Document: Bill of Sale of Licensed Vessel from Henry H. Pyle to P.T. Barnum, 1889
P. T. Barnum (created by)
May 25 1889 (Date manufactured/created)
Paper Documentary Artifact
Bill of sale between Henry H. Pyle and P. T. Barnum, transferring Pyle's one-eighth ownership of a Steamer known as "Isis" to Barnum for one dollar. The bill of sale is dated May 25, 1889. The first page of the document is headed by the title, "The United States of America," the lettering forming an arc over a picture of a sailing vessel. Underneath the vessel the title continues, "Bill of Sale of Licensed Vessel Under Twenty Tons." In the transaction, Pyle retained one-eighth ownership, two other men also held one-eighth interests, another held two-eighths interest, and Barnum held three-eighths. One of the men, John McNeil, was the managing owner. Joseph Green, not an owner, was named Master of the vessel and bore the responsibility of abiding by the license regulations. All the owners and the Master were Bridgeport men. The document includes the license for Isis to carry on the coastal trade and was signed by the Deputy Collector of Customs, G. W. Morgan. The vessel is described as being 57 feet long, 16 feet in breadth (width) and having a depth of six feet. It was built in Brooklyn, New York, in 1883. The signature page includes a small light green seal. This document demonstrates Barnum’s diverse business interests, which were not limited to his museums and circuses, but included a wide range of investments from inventions to real estate to shipping.
EL 1988.024.001