Philadelphia

Early 1684 Philadelphia Land Deed Dating 2 Years after Philadelphia was Established as Capital of Pennsylvania Colony

1p ADS signed in Philadelphia on October 3, 1684. The document on watermarked cream heavy laid paper is inscribed overall in gorgeous secretarial script. Signed by relevant parties, witnesses, and government officials including Joshua Fern (or Farm?), Edward Lord, and Patrick Robinson at bottom. Bearing two embossed red wax seals at bottom. Docketed verso. Expected wear including overall toning, some fragile folds, and isolated discoloration. 14.5" x 19.625". The document is probably among one of the earliest Philadelphia deeds in existence, appearing in Rolls & Public Registry, Volume 5.

In part, with unchanged spelling and punctuation:

"To all Christian People to whom this presents shall come Joshua Fern of Darby in the County of Chester in the Province of Pennsylvania yeoman, Sendeth Greeting. Know yee that the said Joshua Fern for and in Consideration of the sum of Two pounds Current Money of Pennsilvania to me in hand paid or served to pe paid by Henry Lowit of the County of Philadelphia Caprenter…"

Farmer Joshua Fern (or Farm) sold carpenter Henry Lowit a "Lott of Land in Philadelphia Containing in breadth sixty foot & in Length two hundred fourty seven foot & a half Situated between Sassafras Street on the Northe & Mulberry Street on the South, Bounded northward with a vacant Lott…"

Colonial founder William Penn had established the city of Philadelphia as the capital of Pennsylvania Colony just two years earlier, in late October 1682. He originally arranged the "city of brotherly love" along a grid system that permitted generous allotments for homesteads and orchards. Fern's property adjoining Sassafras (modern day Race Street) and Mulberry Street (modern day Arch Street) makes it fall somewhere within today's Chinatown section of north Philadelphia.

Would look lovely framed and displayed!

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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