John Sevier (1745-1815), First Governor of Tennessee, and Oliver Ellsworth (1745-1807), third Chief Justice of the United States, signed early North Carolina sheriff summon writs, 2 items total. 1st item: Sheriff summons writ signed by John Sevier as clerk of Washington County, North Carolina, dated November 1782, prior to the creation of the State of Franklin in 1784 and Tennessee in 1796, with handwritten text in ink requesting to have Austin Choate and John Yancy appear in court over a matter of twenty pounds for damages, signed John Sevier C. C., lower right. Additional ink inscriptions en verso. 5" H x 8 1/4" W. 2nd item: Sheriff summons writ witnessed by Oliver Ellsworth as Chief Justice at Raleigh, North Carolina, dated November 30, 1790, with handwritten and typed text commanding Josiah Granbery to be brought before a judge of the circuit court on the first day of June 1791, and then to answer to Thomas Blanchard, signed Oliver Ellsworth as a witness, lower center, signed Fran. Hawks, C.C., lower right. Additional ink inscriptions en verso. 4 3/4" H x 7 3/8" W. Note: Oliver Ellsworth was an American lawyer, judge, politician, and diplomat. He was a framer of the United States Constitution, a United States Senator from Connecticut, and the third Chief Justice of the United States. Both items late 18th century. CONDITION: Both items in overall good condition with toning, foxing spots, areas of dampstaining, etc. to be expected from age. Sevier signature slightly faint but legible. Ellsworth signature in very good, legible condition.