Autographs
John Penn, Thomas Penn and Richard Penn, Esquires Sons of Founder William Penn 1744 Pennsylvania Land Grant
(JOHN PENN, THOMAS PENN and RICHARD PENN). Sons of Founder William Penn of the Province of Pennsylvania.
August 31, 1744-Dated, Impressive Manuscript Document Signed, “Geo. Thomas” as Governor of Pennsylvania, 1 page, measuring 26.5” wide x 13.25” tall, on Vellum. Boldly headed and beautifully written in rich deep brown on clean Vellum, having a superb appearance and eye appeal, expected folds, Choice Very Fine. Being a Land Grant where John Penn, Thomas Penn and Richard Penn, Esquires, sons of founder William Penn, grant 145 acres to Thomas Jenks from a 500 acre plot owned by Joseph Drake. The plot is described within the text of this document. Original Paper and Wax Seal is still attached by blue linen ribbon, though broken with some loss to the Seal and its surrounding paper. George Thomas signed “Geo. Thomas” in brown at center above the seal, measuring about 4.5” long, while he was serving as Deputy Governor of Pennsylvania from 1738 to 1747. A Deputy governor is a gubernatorial official who is subordinated to a governor, rather like a Lieutenant governor. Overall, an outstanding example that is excellent for display.

Three generations of Penns acted as proprietors of the Province of Pennsylvania and the Lower Counties (Delaware) from the founding of the colony until the American Revolution removed them from power. William Penn was granted the new proprietary colony in 1681 by Charles II of England in payment for debts owed to Penn's father. After Penn became ill in 1712, his second wife Hannah Callowhill Penn served as acting proprietor.

After William's death in 1718, interest in the proprietorship passed to his three sons by Hannah: John Penn "the American", Thomas Penn, and Richard Penn, Sr., with John inheriting the largest share and becoming the chief proprietor. When John died without children, his brother Thomas inherited his share and became Chief Proprietor. When Richard Penn, Sr. died, his share passed to his son Governor John Penn. When Thomas Penn died, his share (and the chief proprietorship) passed to his son John Penn “of Stroke”.