Description:

Franklin Benjamin 1706 - 1790 Benjamin Franklin early 1753 signed document granting land in Pennsylvania



One page manuscript document on vellum, cleanly signed by Benjamin Franklin as "B. Franklin", scripted on both recto with verso containing the docket, seal and recording statement, 26" x 8.5", dated "the twenty-first day of March in the Year 1753". Countersigned by "Wm Boddington" and "Josiah Jackson" as witnesses.The State of Pennsylvania embossed seal affixed to the verso and is beautifully intact. Two red wax seals over ribbons located on recto alongside the signatures of the signatures of the of the grantee's, "John Petty", and "Elizabeth Petty'. Expected folds with a few trivial spots of thinning and slight grubbiness. Faint creasing to lower left corner. Tiny pinholes along left edge appearing to be original to the document so it could be inserted into a book. Else near fine with the document still being supple.


A lovely example of an early land deed signed by Benjamin Franklin with his ornate flourish.

The land deed starts with the statement " This Indenture made the twenty first Day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty three, Between John Petty of the city of Philadelphia Merchant and Elizabeth his wife ..." and continueswith the land definition, borders, and rights of ownershipand defines the land ownership.

Aside from acting as Justice of the Peace for Philadelphia, Franklin it would be this period of Franklin's life that placed him in the midst of uncovering the unknown facts about the nature of lightning and electricity. Just a few months prior, Franklin proposed an experiment with conductive rods to attract lightning to a Leyden jar. Attempt to conduct his experiment occurred in France, and again in Saint Petersburg with disastrous effect (the scientist died, thought to be a victim of ball lightening), but Franklin himself is said to have conducted the experiment in June 1752 supposedly on top of the spire on Christ Church in Philadelphia.

Franklin was additionally active in the political arena, and within the year of the signing of this document, Franklin headed the Pennsylvania delegation to the Albany Congress. This meeting of several colonies had been requested by the Board of Trade in England to improve relations with the Indians and defense against the French. Franklin proposed a broad Plan of Union for the colonies. While the plan was not adopted, elements of it found their way into the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. And by 1756, Franklin organized the Pennsylvania Militia "Associated Regiment of Philadelphia" under heading of Pennsylvania's 103rd Artillery and 111th Infantry Regiment at Continental Army, using Tun Tavern as a gathering place to recruit a regiment of soldiers to go into battle against the Native American uprisings that beset the American colonies. Reportedly Franklin was elected "Colonel" of the Associated Regiment but declined the honor.

An excellent fully manuscripted document from Franklin's early highly active period, as scientist, politician, inventor, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat.

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