Educational Home for Boys Land Claim
This legal document, written by James H. Stone in October 1871, outlines the legitimization of claim to land for the Educational Home for Boys. The document cites chronological wills from the initial purchase of the land on April 8, 1738 by John Bartram, noted American botanist. His will, dated January 7 1772, left his land to his son, James Bartram. The James Bartram will, dated January 19, 1797, leaves the land to his son, James Bartram II and annuities to be paid to his daughters. James Bartram the second, in his own will dated November 25, 1825, after directing payments of his debts, left the land to his sister, Ann Bartram, for the use in her life, afterwards to be entrusted to his niece, Mary Gibson, "and to her heirs be assigned forever." This will was proven March 12, 1838. This document then claims legal right, by acknowledgement of the present Mary Gibson of the lands to be used by the Educational Home for Boys.
Dates
- 1871 October
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Extent
0.1 Linear Feet (1 folder)
Abstract
This legal document, written by James H. Stone in October 1871, outlines the legitimization of claim to land for the Educational Home for Boys. The document cites chronological wills from the initial purchase of the land on April 8, 1738 by John Bartram, botanist, to his children and finally their children, specifically Gibson who gave the rights of a portion of the land to the Education Home for Boys. The land in question is situated in Kingsessing, now part of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, totaling 70 acres.
Biographical/Historical Note
John Bartram, born March 23, 1699 of a Quaker family in Pennsylvania, had an interest in plants and made growing and observing plants a hobby. He traveled extensively across the American Colonies collecting plants and aiding European botanists. Carolus Linnaeus called him the "greatest natural botanist in the world." His 8 acre botanic garden in Kingsessing, Pennsylvania is frequently cited as the first true botanic garden in North America. He was co-founder, along with Benjamin Franklin, of the American Philosophical Society in 1743. He died on September 22, 1777.
Mary Gibson, descendant of John Bartram, was born August 13, 1789 in Delaware County Pennsylvania. She died on October 23, 1876 in Philadelphia.
The Educational Home for Boys on Greenway Avenue near 49th Street in West Philadelphia was established for the maintenance and education of orphan and destitute children from 2 years old upward. Initially started to accommodate civil war orphans, only boys were initially received but girls were admitted later on. At the age of 12 or 13, the boys were placed at Lincoln Institution or sent out to work.
Arrangement
This collection is in one folder.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository