To Benjamin Franklin from John and Elizabeth Croker: Deed, 12 October 1745
From John and Elizabeth Croker:9 Deed
Copy: Department of Records, Recorder of Deeds, City of Philadelphia
October 12, 1745
Abstract: John Croker of Staten Island, N.Y., yeoman, and Elizabeth his wife grant to Benjamin Franklin forever, for £60 proclamation money, their undivided half of a messuage and lot on the south side of High Street, Philadelphia, 16½ ft. in breadth and 306 ft. in length, bounded north by High Street, east by a lot late of William Boulding deceased, south by the ends of Chestnut Street lots, and west by a messuage and lot now or late of John Read,1 together with all buildings, outhouses, improvements, and appurtenances thereto belonging, and all estate, title, interest, and possession therein claimed by the Crokers. They covenant their right to make this conveyance and he warrants a clear title. Signed by John Croker and Elizabeth Croker; witnessed by George Spencer and Lanc[aste]r Green, who appeared November 12, 1745, before Samuel Hasell, justice of the peace, and swore to having seen the grantors sign, seal, and deliver the indenture and to having subscribed as witnesses. Recorded, February 21, 1757.
9. Deborah Franklin’s sister Frances Read had married John Croker, who described himself in 1734 as a tailor of Philadelphia. Following her death in 1740 he had apparently married again and was now farming on Staten Island.
1. The property here transferred was the eastern half of the Read lot on High (Market) St. with the dwelling house that stood on it. Mrs. Sarah Read deeded this portion in undivided half-interest to her two daughters and their husbands April 9 and 10, 1734, and they had leased it back to her for life April 11. At the same time she deeded the western half of the lot with its dwelling house to her son John. See above, I, 362–70.