Three Brothers

Three Brothers First Purchasers of Pennsylvania by Katharine B. Barclay 'THOMAS VERNON (of Stanthorne, County Palatine of Ches.'. ter), Robert Vernon (of Stoke, Cheshire), and Randle Vernon (of Sandyway, Cheshire) are listed as each purchasing 500 acres from William Penn, Founder and first proprietor of Pennsylvania. These listings are in the second catalogue of purchasers of land placing the date of the transactions between October, 1681 and the end of April, 1682.' The relationship of Thomas, Randle and Robert Vernon as brothers has been based more on presumption than documentation. But lurking all these years in a 1781 deed is the proof that the three Vernons were indeed brothers. It seems extraordinary that a 17th century relationship is nailed down so precisely in a late 18th century deed. The deed referred to is Robert Vernon to Margaret Hart made 18 April 1781, recorded 13 of March 1782, Philadelphia Deed Book D4, pages 143 and 144. Robert Vernon of Philadelphia, cooper, is indicated as the only surviving son and heir of Robert Vernon, deceased, only surviving issue of Jacob Vernon, deceased, son and heir of Robert Vernon, late of Great Britain, an original purchaser of 500 acres from William Penn, the said Robert, first mentioned, being entitled to a lot on the west side of 2nd Street and sundry other lands in right of his great-grandfather and of two other original purchasers of 500 acres each by his great-granduncles Randall Vernon and Thomas Vernon, deceased . . . unto Margaret Hart of Germantown in trust for use of wife Phebe Vernon (d.v.) and daughters Ann and Susanna Vernon. This deed is virtually unique setting forth relationships between nine individuals spaced over five generations. 'Hannah Benner Roach "The First Purchasers of Pennsylvania" Passengers and Ships to 1684, Publication No. 1, The Welcome Society of Pennsylvania (1970), 235