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Auction: 317 - The Collector's Series
Lot: 1026

Franklin, Benjamin. Champion of American independence and one of the foremost Founding Fathers of the United States; noted polymath, author, printer, politician, first U.S. Postmaster General, scientist, inventor, diplomat, President of Pennsylvania (1785-1788). Autograph Document Signed as President of The Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania "B.Franklin Presid." One page, 15 7/8 x 13 ½", on vellum, May 29, 1786. Patent of Evan Owen for 384 ¼ acres in Northumberland County. The tract of land, called "Meanwell" was situated " on the Forks of the East Branch of Raven Creek in Wyoming Township Northumberland County". Blind embossed State of Pennsylvania paper seal upper left corner. Franklin signs at left below the seal. Attested to and signed at the bottom left by "James Trimble for John Armstrong Secy". James Trimble (born 1755), served as deputy secretary for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from 1777-1837. A soldier in the Revolution and a delegate to the Continental Congress, John Armstrong, Jr. was the secretary for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and later Senator from NY (1801-1802, 1803-1804) and Secretary of War of the United States (1813-1814). Rolls Office notation on verso folded segment with paper seal and signature of Matthew Irwin. Evan Owen is likely the English-born Quaker who founded Berwick, PA. Bold, clear Franklin signature and others. Trivial ink flecking at center, otherwise Choice and very well-preserved.

Sold for
$14,000