2022-01 Raynors HCA Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/28/2022
LUKENS, John (1720-1789) surveyor for the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Delaware. In 1743 he was disowned by his church for marrying his first cousin. Acquainted with David Rittenhouse, Ben Franklin and Francis Alison he was named surveyor general in 1761. His 1762 measurements along Delaware's northern border were used by Mason-Dixon when laying out their historic line. In 1769, as a member of the American Philosophical Society, he helped famed astronomer David Rittenhouse track Venus' position in the universe and later, in 1784, discovered "Luken's Comet." Very light toning, else VG. Document Signed "Jn Lukens" being a Pennsylvania land surveyors application, partly-printed, 1p. oblong 12mo., issued to Joseph Shute, April 3, 1769, for 300 acres ..."
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