Vellum manuscript document, one page, 24 x 16, July 9, 1831. An indenture leasing what was once the property of Benjamin Franklin. In part: "This indenture…between Benjamin Franklin Bache of Pensacola Florida…and Anna his wife…Frederick Thibault and Felix Thibault…merchants…in consideration of the sum of One Thousand Dollars lawful money of the United States…Three Story Brick Messuage and Lot of Ground Situate on the West side of Franklin Place between High and Chestnut Streets and Delaware Third and Fourth Streets in the City of Philadelphia…Being the same premises which William Bache and wife by Deed of May 22. 1812…to convey as the survivor of the said William Bache and his wife…Catherine, who survived her said husband, did by her will dated June 28. 1820…conveyed the same to the said Benjamin F. Bache…To have and to hold the said Messuage and Lot of Ground…Frederick Thibault and Felix Thibault…as Tenants in Common." In fine condition.
Franklin Court was a parcel of land along High Street in Philadelphia owned by Benjamin Franklin, where he built his home and lived sporadically during the pre-Revolutionary years. During his time with the Grand Committee at the Constitutional Convention in 1786-1787, Franklin commissioned the construction of three new brick houses in Franklin Court: the first to replace his old home, the second was a rental property, and the third was possibly used for business purposes. The rental property Franklin rented to a prosperous merchant who kept shop and lived with his family there. The house neighbored a courtyard and was surrounded by High, Chestnut, 4th, and 3rd streets—the very house described in this indenture. In 1820, Franklin Court was inherited by Commodore Benjamin Franklin Bache, the great-grandson of Benjamin Franklin and, within the indenture, he grants the use of the rental property and courtyard to the Thibault brothers, respected Philadelphia jewelers and silversmiths.
