Rakestraw, Jr., Joseph

Rakestraw, Jr., Joseph

Joseph, Jr., the third Philadelphia master builder of this name, styled himself "junior" to avoid confusion with his uncle (Joseph Rakestraw, d.1794). He is listed as an "encourager" to the Philadelphia edition of Abraham Swan's The British Architect (1775), although the only architectural book mentioned in his inventory is one of William Pain's works, probably The Builder's Companion (1758 and later editions) which David Hall was importing to Philadelphia by 1760. Rakestraw signed the Articles of The Carpenters' Company in 1784 and became a Warden in 1791. He claimed a share in the Library Company of Philadelphia for work contributed to the construction of Library Hall, 1789-1790.

Biography from Philadelphia Architects and Builders, a project of the Athenaeum of Philadelphia. Written by Roger W. Moss.

107*

Rakestraw

Joseph

, Jr.

1/1/1750

1/1/1792

3/25/1773

Sarah Milner

Elizabeth, Hannah, Justinian, Joseph, John, Sarah, Rebecca

John

Eliz. Kenderdine

Edward Rakestraw

1/1/1784

Tatman & Moss Bio Dictionary Phila. Architects page 642. The third Philadelphia master builder of this name styled himself "junior" to avoid confusion with his uncle (d. 1794). He is listed as an "encourager" to the Philadelphia edition of Abraham Swan's "The British Architect" (1775), although the only architectural book mentioned in his inventory is one of William Pain's works, probably "The Builder's Companion (1758 and later editions) which David Hall was importing to Philadelphia by 1760. Rakestraw signed Articles of the Company in1784 and became a warden in 1791. He claimed a share in the Library Company of Philadelphia for work contributed to construction of Library Hall, 1789-1790. See Selected Bibliography in Tatman & Moss Bio Dictionary Phila. Architects. ---------------------- Son of Joseph Rakestraw, who died in 1750. See Rakestraw chart from Pete Craig. ---------------------- See Hannah Roach paragraph under William Rakestraw. --------------------- Hannah Roach paper, page 13aa Work with William Colladay on reshingling roof of State House and interior partitions in 1790. ------------------- Managing Committee Minutes-1783-3-43 Joseph Rakestraw, Jr., proposed. Managing Committee Minutes-1784-3-49 Joseph Rakestraw, Jr., elected. ------------------ Hannah Roach papers Joseph Rakestraw, Jr., of Northern Liberties, house carpenter, will dated 28 September and proved 26 November 1792 (Will book W, 309 #190:1792, age 42 (Northern District Mo. Mtg., 158).

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