William Crispin (1627-1681)

Captain William Crispin (October 3, 1627 – 1681) had served in the army under Cromwell. He was one of five Commissioners appointed by William Penn for settling his colony of Pennsylvania, September 30, 1681. Crispin was also appointed Surveyor General. William Penn appointed Crispin as the first Chief Justice in a letter dated August 18, 1681.

Crispin died at sea near Barbados on his way to Pennsylvania. He was replaced by Thomas Holme as Surveyor General.

Family
Crispin married Rebecca Bradshaw (1631–1660) on September 28, 1652 in St. Dunstan's, Stepney, Middlesex, England. Their known children include:
 * 1) William Crispin (June 24, 1653 – ??)
 * 2) Silas Crispin (1655 – May 31, 1711) born c. 1655 in London, England; died May 31, 1711 in Dublin, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania; married (1) Mary Stockton; married (2) Esther Holme 1683.
 * 3) Rebecca Crispin, born c. 1656; married (1) Edward Blackfan October 24, 1688 in Sussex, England; married (2) Neheniah Allen 1725.
 * 4) Ralph Crispin, c. 1657 – June 21, 1730; married (1) Anne Millner in Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland; married (2) Anna Busted 1682 in Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland.
 * 5) Rachel Crispin, born c. 1658; married Thomas Armstrong