John Lukens papers, 1760-1788

Mss.B.L968

Date: 1760-1788 | Size: 12 volume(s), 106 p., 4 item(s)
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Abstract

There are several letters which concern Lukens' official position as Surveyor-general, but the bulk of the collection is the 12 small survey books (1760-1775, ca. 108 p.). There are surveys of Philadelphia, particularly near the State House, now Independence Square; for a vineyard plantation in the Northern Liberties (1769); and for lands in Lancaster and Berks Counties.

Background note

John Lukens was Surveyor-general of Pennsylvania and was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 1767.

Digital objects note

This collection contains digital materials that are available in the APS Digital Library. Links to these materials are provided with context in the inventory of this finding aid. A general listing of digital objects may also be found here.

Collection Information

Provenance

Purchased from Philadelphia Autograph Company (08-25-88; $200.00) and accessioned, 1947.

Early American History Note

The small survey books of John Lukens contain various land surveys that Lukens undertook throughout Pennsylvania. The Lukens family was a prominent surveying family with close ties to the proprietary government. The books do not contain any sketches, but are instead a listing of coordinates and features that can be used to demarcate land. Notably, there is little in the surveys about the Connecticut dispute, although items on the Lukens' involvement in that event can be found in other collections, such as the Eastwick Collection.

Indexing Terms


Genre(s)

  • Maps and Surveys
  • Official Government Documents and Records
  • Surveys (land).

Geographic Name(s)

  • Berks County (Pa.)
  • Independence National Historical Park (Philadelphia, Pa.)
  • Lancaster County (Pa.)

Subject(s)

  • Government Affairs
  • Land speculation
  • Pennsylvania History
  • Surveying -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia.
  • Surveying and Maps

Collection overview

 Lukens, John, 1720-1789.
Papers
1760-1788 

D. 16 items.



Detailed Inventory

 Lukens, John, 1720-1789.
Papers
1760-1788 

D. 16 items.

 Lukens, John, 1720-1789.
Survey book
1760 
 Lukens, John, 1720-1789.
Survey book
Sept., 1765 
 Lukens, John, 1720-1789.
Survey book
July, 1766 
 Lukens, John, 1720-1789.
Survey book
1766 

Access digital object:
https://diglib.amphilsoc.org/islandora/object/text:351677/

 Lukens, John, 1720-1789.
Survey book
August, 1767 
 Lukens, John, 1720-1789.
Survey book
1767-1768 
 Lukens, John, 1720-1789.
Survey book
April, 1769 
 Lukens, John, 1720-1789.
Survey book
1773 
 Lukens, John, 1720-1789.
Survey book
October, 1774? 
 Lukens, John, 1720-1789.
Survey book
February, 1775 
 Lukens, John, 1720-1789.
Survey book
n.d. 2 folders
 Lukens, John, 1720-1789.
Statement to the state of Pennsylvania;
Sept.-Dec., 1781 

D. 3 leaves and add. Various sizes. Surveying charges.

 Lukens, John, 1720-1789.
Letter to the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania;
Nov., 178713-1/4x8-1/4

[].A.L.S.with initials. 2p. Draft. (see Lukens papers.) Concerning taking fees as Surveyor General.

General physical description: 13-1/4x8-1/4

 Pennsylvania. Supreme Executive Council.
Extract from the minutes, addressed to John Lukens
Nov. 26, 178713x8

Philadelphia, A.D.S.: James Trimble for Charles Biddle. 1p.and add.,end. (see Lunkens papers.) Wishes to know if he claims any fees since he became a salaried officer (Surveyor General).

General physical description: 13x8

 Hamilton, James, Jr..
Draught of survey of Northampton lot for Jonathan Dickinson Serjeant;
May 21, 178813-1/2x8

A.D.S. 1p.and end.: "Ret.into the Secretary's Office...for John Lukens Esqr. Edw[ar]d Lynch." (see Luknes papers.)

General physical description: 13-1/2x8