In September 1861, John J and Mary E purchased land in San Francisco on Washington at Powell Street from R. B. Phillips of Napa County. They paid $2,500. There are a few curious items about this notarized agreement. (1) the name “Rebecca” is included, no last name given (did the Notary assume Pleasant?), (2) Mary is negotiating the agreement as described by the Notary in the closing of the document, and (3) John uses an “X” as his mark.
Note RB Phillips would go on to marry Lizzie Smith, Mary’s daughter, in 1865. See the post about Elizabeth Smith Phillips Peck.


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