Courts of Oyer and Terminer, New York City

COURTS OF OYER AND TERMINER, YORK COUNTY transcribed by Elizabeth B. Bunting * T he Oyer and Terminer records of York County include lengthy depositions that give us insight into the cultural history and day-today life of eighteenth-century Pennsylvania. In these samples, we find descriptions of clothing in the lists of stolen items; we learn about a corn husking gone bad; we read a rambling account of how a counterfeit piece of eight found its way into the accused’s stocking; we are reminded of the requirements for naturalization; we find early land transfers; we “hear” Pennsylvania German speech. We also see a justice system in which the punishments were vastly different from those of today. YORK COUNTY Minutes of the Court of Oyer and Terminer, November 18, 1768 King vs. John Shannon 18 Nov 1768 Indictment: Burglary True Bill Returned, Thomas Minshall, Foreman Arraigned and pled Not Guilty Witnesses: William Scott, Thomas McCale and Victor King Presentment: “John Shannon of York County, Labourer on October 15 in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George . . . with force and arms the Mansion House of William Scott of Berwick Township feloniously and burglariously did break and enter, and 1 Blue Cloth Great Coat of the value of 30 shillings, 1 Blanket Coat of the value of 10 shillings, 1 Striped Indian blanket of the value of 1 shilling and 1 fur hat of the value of 25 shillings of the goods and chattel of James William in the same house then and there being found . . . did steal, take and carry away . . .” Examination taken before John Adlum “saith that a Blue great Coat, a Blanket Coat, a Blanket and a Hat which was feloniously Stole and carried away from William Scott and found in said Shannons Custody Shannon says as he was travelling along the Road leading from York Town to Hanover Town he met a * Elizabeth B. Bunting is on the Board of the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania and its Publications Committee. An introduction to these records, which are on Pennsylvania Archives microfilm of Record Group 33, and a sampling of her transcripts for eight other counties appeared in “Courts of Oyer and Terminer 1757—1787, Bedford, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Lancaster, Northampton, Philadelphia and York Counties,” Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine 42(2002): 330—63. Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 43 (2003) Final copy 31 January, 2010 21 22 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine [Vol. 43 Young Man in the Road about a Mile from Adam Egelbergers House gave the Young Man a Dog Skin which was Tanned and a Ten Shilling Bill Pennsylvania Currency for the great Coat the Blanket Coat the Blankets and the Hat and that after the Young Man and he had eat Dinner they went together in Company to York Town and further saith not.” King vs. Henry Fisher alias Henry Weaver 19 Nov 1768 Indictment: Burglary Examination: York County. Taken before John Adlum, the 27th of July 1768 “Henry Fisher, alias Weaver “saith that in the Night between the 23rd and 24th of this Instant July, he went to James McGaughys of Cumberland Township and County aforesaid House and unlatched the door and entered the Same and went into the Room and took and carried away one Olive coloured Cloth Coat with Metal Buttons one black Cloth Jacket one red Carpeted Jacket one pair of Buckskin Breeches one pair of Black Worsted Stockings, one pair of Pumps a pair of Steel Buckles one Cotton Handkerchief, the property of James McGaughy, and a Snuff Box and one Beaver Hat, the property of Abraham Loisurs and a stamped Flannel Jacket, the property of Jacob Witsick and that on Friday the 22nd of this Instant about 10 or 11 of the Clock in the forenoon he went into John Riddiners House the door being open he took and carried away a fine Shirt and a Silk Handkerchief the property of the said John Ridener and further saith not.” Signed by mark (Henry Fisher, alias Weaver) Recognizances Before John Adlum 20 Oct 1768 John Rideneo, £40.0.0 to appear in Court of Oyer and Terminer 10 Nov. next to give evidence against Henry Fisher, alias Weaver 29 Sept 1768 Christian Newcomer £40 to appear [as with John Rideneo above] 27 Oct, 1768 James McGaughy £40 to appear [as above, 18 Nov 1768] True Bill Returned, Thomas Minshall, foreman Presentment: Henry Fisher the 23rd of July, 1768 with Force and Arms the Mansion House of James McCaughy in Cumberland Township in the County of York feloniously and burglarily did break and enter and one Olive coloured Cloth Coat of the Value of forty Shillings, one black Cloth Jacket of the Value of twenty Shillings, one Pair of Buckskin Breeches of the Value of ten Shillings, one Pair of black Worsted Stockings of the Value of three Shillings, one Pair of Steel Buckles of the Value of one Shilling, one Cotton Handkerchief of the Value of six Pence of the Goods and Chattels of the said James McCaughy in the same House then and there being found then and there feloniously and burglarily did steal take and bear away against the Peace of our said Lord the King his Crown and Dignity. Arraigned and pled Not Guilty Witnesses: James McGaughy and William Scott Final copy 31 January, 2010 2003] Courts of Oyer and Terminer, York County 23 Verdict: Guilty of the Burglary wereof he stands indicted. King vs. John Lepar 20 May 1768 Indictment: Misdemeanor Inquisition “Taken at the Township of Chanceford in the County of York November 1st, 1768 before Joseph Adlum, Gentleman Coroner of the County aforesaid. Upon the Sight of the Body of a Certain George Gerlocher then and there lying dead by the Oaths of John Finley, John McKinley, Rowland Hughes, James Eager, Jr., Davis Kirkpatrick, William Caldwell, Patrick Caldwell, Robert Stewart, John White, James Hill and Thomas Morrison– honest and Lawful Men of the County aforesaid; being Sworn, tried and Charged to Enquire on the part of our Sovereign Lord the King after what Manner and how the aforesaid George Gerlocher Came to his Death upon their Oaths do Say that John Leeper and George Gerlocher fell out in a Sudden Fray and died after on the twenty ninth Day of October in the Township and County aforesaid of a Natural Death. Appearing in Testimony whereof the said Coroner as well as the Jurors set our hands and Seals the day and Year aforesaid.” Charge by David Jameson and Michael Swoope, Esquires to Michael Ramsey the Keeper of the Common gaol in the said York County, 17 February 1768 that John Leeper be received and kept safely there. Recognizance: Before David Jamison and Michael Swoop, 29 February 1768 John Lepar touching on the Death of George Gallihor held for £500 Ephraim Farr, James Leeper, Archibald White and Robert Stuart held £250 each to give answer on behalf of the King to all such matters as shall be objected to touching the Death of George Gallihor. Patrick Calwell held £40 and Robert Grear £20 to appear at next Court to give evidence against John Lepar cf the death of George Gallihor, 3 Feb 1768. Examination of John Lepar of Chansford Township and County aforesaid, Yeoman taken before David Jameson and Michael Swoope, Esquires, 17 Feb, 1768. John Lepar gave the same explanation as did Patrick Calwell and Robert Grear. John Lepar explained at the end of his examination that “as he was returning from the spring he found Gallihor leaning on his Elbow upon the ground and complained of his belly and said he was likely to faint. That then this Examinant endeavored to raise him up and called to the company to come down for that Gallihor was fainting upon which James Dean since deceased, Robert Grear and Patrick Calwell came and took him to the Widdow Watsons house and further this Examinant saith not. Signed by John Lepar Affirmation of Robert Grear, of Chanceford Township and County of York before David Jameson and Michael Swoope, Esquires, 3 Feb 1768. “Robert Grear saith that about the 29th of October last he went to the house of the Widow Watson in the said township where he understood there was to Final copy 31 January, 2010 24 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine [Vol. 43 be a match at husking of Corn where he saw James Dixon, James Quail and his wife, George Gallichor and the widow Watson and her son a lad about thirteen years of age. Shortly after this affirmant went to the place where they were husking Corn about three Rods from the house and George Gallicher and the widow Watson’s boy went with him and was soon joined by Patrick Calwell and John Lepar–a boy of William Morrison’s A son of Ephraim Farrs and his boy Sons of this affirmant. The Company divided the unhusked Corn into two heaps and appointed a Captain for each heap as is usual at such times. George Gallicher was chose as Captain by one part of the Company and John Lepar by the other and to prevent the heaps being mixed a rail was fixed between them. During the husking Gallicher accused Lepar of moving the rail which he denied. Some angry words passed between them and Gallicher insisted that Lepar had moved the and that he woud [sic] not take such usuage from his own fathers hands. After that heap was husked the whole Company went to another about fifteen rods distance and husked the corn there likewise, and Lepar and his Company husked there [sic] part first. Then Lepar said to Gallicher you me at husking first and now I have got the better of you turn and turn about is fair play Gallicher replied it is not the falt [sic] of my hands to which Lephar said he thought he could do a nights husking or a Days grubbing or chopping as well as him. Gallicher replied that he could not nor any of his father’s family. Lepar then said do not mention my father or family but what you want to say of them say it to myself for none of my family is here. Gallicher answered I think I could lick you without taking off my coat. Lepar said that he thought he was as good a man as he was and that altho he thought so much of himself he was willing to try him. Gallicher replied he never saw a Man in his life but he would take a round with. Upon that Lepar stept a rod or two from the Corner and Gallicher jumped out after him they stood as if they were talking a short time together then separated at a small Distance and running at each other began to strike at one and the same time. After stricking one another several blows Lepar said Gallicher you are a great bully will you quit but don’t think I am afraid of you. Gallicher replied he could either quit or knock it out with him. Patrick Calwell and this affirmant desired them both to quit fighting and Lepar asked Gallicher again if he would quit. Upon that Gallicher and Lepar immediately struck each other and Gallicher seized Lepar by the hair of his head and swung him round so that Lepar fell on his knees and Gallicher said to Lepar–you dog, I will give it to you now and butted his head against Lepar’s head seemingly with great violence and repeated it. Then they quit and made friends. Shortly after Gallicher said he believed he lost some blood and Lepar that he wanted a drink and they would go to the spring together and wash and both set off seemingly for that purpose and as if the were friends, the spring being about six or seven rods off. For a few minutes Lepar called to this affirmand who with the company went to him and found Lepar holding Gallicher up by the shoulder and heard Lepar say Robert (meaning this affirmant) Gallicher is fainting. James Dixon came out of the house and accused Lepar of sticking Gallicher with a stick which Lepar denied and asked Gallicher if what he said was not true, but he seemed too far gone to make any answer. The Company inquiring how Gallicher . . . Lepar said that as Gallicher and he were going to the spring, Gallicher stoped on one side and said he wanted to ease himself Final copy 31 January, 2010 2003] Courts of Oyer and Terminer, York County 25 and that he Lepar went to the spring where thinking Gallicher staid long, he returned to see what was become of him and found him fainty. Some of the Company brought water for Gallicher to drink and he swallowed a little of it but died about an hour after. And this affirmant further says he was present at the laying out the corps of Gallicher and likewise when it was viewed by the Coroners inquest, and did not observe any marks of violence on the dead body.” Signed. Deposition of Patrick Calwell of Chansford township before David Jameson and Michael Swoope, Esquires, 3 Feb 1768 gives the same explanation as does that of Robert Grear. True Bill, Thomas Minshall, Foreman Presentment: John Lepar of York County, Labourer with both hands in and upon the head stomach back and sides of George Gurlocher did strike and beat giving several mortal bruises from which George Gallihor did immediately die. Witnesses: Patrick Cadwell and Robert Grear Arraigned and pled Not Guilty Letter from Samuel Johnston, dated 19 Feb 1768 at York Sir: “I have here inclosed you two Inquisition taken by the Coroner of this County with the depositions of the Witnesses. The Coroner, when he held the Inquest about the Death of George Gollacher, did not take the Depositions in Writing, but they have been since taken before a Magistrate. As John Leeper who is charged with having been the occation of Gollacher’s Death, intends to apply to the Chief Justice to be admitted to Bail: I thought the Inquest and Depositions would be more Satisfactory then Copys of them. One of the Persons charged with the Murder of Johnson is in Prison.” I am Sir Your most Humble Servant Samuel Johnston The King vs. James McDermot 21 May, 1769 Indictment: Uttering and tendering in Payment a counterfeit three Pound Bill of Credit of the Province knowingly Returned by the Grand Inquest–Ignoramus The King vs. James McDermot 23 May, 1769 Indictment: Counterfeiting 2 Pieces of Eight Examination of James McDermot before John Adlum, Esq. and Samuel Johnston, Esq. 20 Jan 1770 The said James McDermot now a prisoner in the County Gaol of York “saith that he left Mr. John Pollecks service in Carlisle with whom he lived as Horseler about the 20th Day of July last and then received from him upwards of eleven Pounds and had about twenty Shillings besides–that he went from Final copy 31 January, 2010 26 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine [Vol. 43 said John Polleck’s service to the City of Philadelphia intending to go to Ireland and from Thence he went and worked as a Labourer in Chester County until the latter end of November last, from thence he went to Conegogig after one William Charboren, a labourer for five Pounds which he owed him met him at Charles McCormicks Tavern where the said William Carboren paid him, says he staid at said Charles McCormicks Tavern two Nights–says that it was a Five Pounds Bill that he received from the said William Carboren says he had only three Dollars with him at the time he received the five Pounds Bill. Say he went from thence to John Pollecks house in Carlisle and staid there one Night and from thence he returned to Chester County about eight Miles from the Sign of the Wagon where he formerly worked where he received three Pounds five Shillings which was due to him for work from thence he went to Lancaster to the House of William Ross– says that when he was at Carlisle at Ralph Nailers House one John Jackson gave him the Key of a Trunk which he informed him was at the House of the said William Ross in Lancaster and also gave him a Doller to pay said Ross three Shillings and seven Pence that was due thereon and also to buy two Punch Bowls and the said John Jackson directed the said Examinant to send up the said Trunk by a Waggon to Ralph Nailors House in Carlisle or if he could bring it there himself he would reward him handsomely. Says that he opened the Trunk at said Ross’s House and put the two Punch Bowls therein which he had bought but saith he did not examine what was in the Trunk– saith that he brought the said Trunk on his Back from Lancaster to York Town–that on the Road to York about seven miles from the latter the Trunk slipped off his Back and hearing some ratteling in the Trunk he opened the same and found one of the Bowls broke and then but not before he Discovered one Doller and some cut Dollers which were since found in the Possession of this Examinant, and are supposed to be Counterfeil which this Examinant looked at but returned them into the Trunk again but says that he did not further examine what was in the Trunk. Saith that after he and one James Wilson (who met this Examinant at a House at the west end of the Town of Lancaster and travelled with him) came to York–this Examinant went to buy a Pair of Leather Breeches from one Bennet who had none ready made but brought him to another Place to get a Pair–that this Examinant went with the said Bennet but could not fit himself, but James Wilson did not go with them–saith that on this Examinant and the said Bennet’s return to Bennet’s House, said Wilson met them and went with them into said House– whereupon this Examinant bought a Buckskin ready cut out in a Pattern of a Pair of Breeches for seventeen Shillings for which this Deponent gave the said Bennet a three Pound Bill to pay himself out of who gave this Examinant the Change thereof–which three Pound Bill this Examinant received from a Wagoner at the Tavern about seven or eight Miles from the Sign of the Hat on the Lancaster Road between the Hat and Lancaster in change of the Five Pounds Bill aforesaid and the said Wagoner give this Examinant the remainder in Dollars and small change but saith he was a Stranger to the Wagoners Name but he informed this Examinant that he lived within eight miles of the Sign of the Bear on the Paxton Road. This Examinant further saith that while he and Wilson were at said Issac Bennets the said Bennet missed a pair of Leather Breeches and seemed to Final copy 31 January, 2010 2003] Courts of Oyer and Terminer, York County 27 suspect this Examinant or said Wilson.–This Examinant then went to the Sign of the Ship in York Town where the Trunk was with said Bennet and opened the trunk to satisfie him that he had not the Britches that were missing but being apprehensive that upon a further search of the said Dollar and Cut Dollars were found that he would be suspected This Examinant took them out of the said Trunk and put them in his Breeches Pocket which was broke and being without Garters one of the Pieces went down his Stocking and the said Doller and Pieces were found upon this Examinant. Signed Prisoner being arraigned pled Not Guilty Witnesses: Samuel Jones, Michael Swope, Esq. and William Ross Verdict: Not Guilty King vs. James McDermott Indictment: Counterfeiting Pieces of Eight True Bill, Thos Minshall, foreman Presentment: “James McDermott intended to impoverish cheat deceive and defraud on the 20th day of December 1769 to falsely pass two false and counterfeited Pieces of Copper Pewter and other base and mist Metals in the Form Similitude and Likeness of true and genuine Pieces of Eight . . .” Witnesses: Michael Swope, Frederick Lochman and Samuel Jones Verdict: Not Guilty King vs. James McDermott Indictment: Uttering a Counterfeit Bill and Credit knowingly Presentment: “. . . do present that James McDermott late of York County Labourer designing and wickedly intending the honest Liege Subjects of our Lord the King who now is to impoverish cheat deceive and defraud the Twentieth Day of December in the year of our Lord one Thousand seven hundred and sixty nine at the County of York and within the Jurisdiction of this Court with Force and Arms thereby falsely unlawfully deceitfully corruptly and feloniously one Piece of Paper then and there being falsely and feloniously forged printed stamped and impressed in the Form Similitude and Likeness of a good true and genuine Three pound Bill of Credit of the Province of Pennsylvania emitted by an Act of General Assembly of this Province of Pennsylvania did utter and pay away to a certain Isaac Bennet of the County of York Leather Dresser for the Sum of Three pounds and for and as a good true and genuine Three Pound Bill of Credit of the Paper Bills of Credit of the Province aforesaid emitted by an Act of General Assembly of this Province he the said James McDermot then and there well knowing the said piece of Paper so as aforesaid by him uttered and paid away to have been falsely and feloniously forged counterfeited as aforesaid and not to be a true good and genuine Three pound Bill of Credit of the Paper Bills of Credit of the said Province emitted by an Act of General Assembly of the same Province to the great Damage of the said Isaac Bennet to the civil Example of all others in the like Case offending contrary to the Form of an Act of Final copy 31 January, 2010 28 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine [Vol. 43 Assembly of this Province in such law lately made and provided and against the Peace of our said Sovereign Lord the now King his Crown and Dignity.” Witnesses: Isaac Bennet, John Adlum, Esq., Samuel Johnston, Esq. and Mathew Swope, Esq. Ignoramus, Thos Minshall, foreman King vs. Philip Stone 30 May 1770 Indictment: Rape Recognizance: Lewis Jenkins and Elizabeth, his wife held for £100 on the condition of their appearance at the next Court of Oyer and Terminer to be held at York for York County to testify in his Majesties behalf against Philip Stone. True Bill returned, Thomas Minshall, Foreman Presentment; that “Philip Stone late of Manheim Township in the County of York on the 17th of February in the 10th year of the Reign of King George with Force and Arms in and upon a certain Elizabeth Jenkins the wife of Lewis Jenkins of the County Yeoman an assault did make with an Intent the said Elizabeth to ravish and carnally to know and the said Elizabeth then and there with force and arms against her will and Consent did ravish and carnally did know.” Witnesses: Elizabeth Jenkins, Lewis Jenkins and Henry Slegle, Esq. Arraigned and pled Not Guilty Verdict: “Not Guilty of Rape whereof he stands indicted, but Guilty of the Assault with Intent to commit the Rape in Manner and Form as Stands Indicted.” Judgment: “That on Saturday the eighth Day of June next Philip Stone receive at the public post twenty-one lashes and stand in the Pillory on the same Day between the Hours of nine and twelve in the forenoon. That he pay the Costs of Prosecution and stand committed till this Judgment be complyed with.” Naturalizations Foreigner Conrad Stuck Adam Syfert Conrad Wisham Mathias Detter Johannes Ermel Township Codorus Dover Dover Manchester Paradise County York York York York York Date April 29, 1770 May 13, 1770 April 12, 1770 May 1, 1770 May 1, 1770 To: Joseph Shippen, Jr., Esquire, Secretary of the Province of Pennsylvania “I do hereby verify that at a Nisi Prius Court held at York for the County of York before John Lawrence and Thomas Willing, Esquires two of the Judges of the Supreme Court of the Province of Pennsylvania on the twenty first Day Final copy 31 January, 2010 2003] Courts of Oyer and Terminer, York County 29 of May in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy between the Hours of Nine and twelve of the Clock in the Forenoon of the same Day Conrad Stuck, Adam Seyfert, and Conrad Wisham above named being Foreigners and having inhabited and resided for the space of seven years in his Majesty’s Colonies in America, without having been absent out of some of the said Colonies for a longer space than two Months, at any one Time during the said seven Years: And having produced to the said Judges Certificates of their having respectively taken the Sacrament of the Lords Supper within three Months before the said Nisi Prius Court, took and subscribed the oaths and did make and repeat the Declarations appointed by an Act made in the first year of the Reign of his Majesty King George the first according to the Directions of an Act of Parliament made in the thirteenth year of the Reign of his late Majesty King George the second, Intitled, ‘An Act for Naturalizing such foreign Protestants and others therein mentioned as are settled or shall settle in any of his Majesties Colonies in America’, and thereupon they were respectively admitted to be his Majesty’s natural born Subjects of the Kingdom of Great Britain pursuant to the Directions and Intent of the same Act of Parliament.” [Repeated for Mathias Detter and Johannes Ermel] King vs. Thomas Ross 29 May, 1772 Indictment: Robbery True Bill Returned, Robert McPherson, foreman Presentment: “Thomas Ross, Labourer of York Co on the 5th day of September in the eleventh year of the reign of King George in Cumberland Co in the Kings Highway there in and upon one George Buchanan an assault did make and him the said George Buchanan in bodily Fear and Danger of his life in the Highway aforesaid then and there feloniously did put and one darkgrey Mare of the price of £10, one riding saddle of the value of £2, one whitecoloured Great Coat of the value of £2 and 10 shillings, one Felt Hat of the value of 5 Shillings, one Leather Bridle of the value of 4 Shillings, one three Pound Bill of Credit of the Province of Pennsylvania, 16 shillings in money numbered and one Leather Pocket Book of the value of 2 Shillings of the Goods and Chattels of the said George Buchanan; from the Person and against the Will of the same George . . .” Arraigned and pled Not Guilty Witnesses: George Buchannon, David Hossack, Samuel Edie and John Finley For the defense: John Graybill Verdict: Guilty Judgment: “that the Prisoner at the Bar Thomas Ross be hanged by the Neck till he be dead” The Honorable the Proprietors vs. John Jay Ejectment Final copy 31 January, 2010 30 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine [Vol. 43 “The affirmation of Michael Tanner of the County of York Taken Before John Lawrence, Esq., one of the Justices of the Supreme Court be given in Evidence in this Cause by Consent of Council on both side in Case of the Death sickness or Removal of the Witnesses of the Province Who on his Solemn affirmation (he Conscientiously scrupling the taking of an Oath) saith he purchased an Improvement from one Abraham Strikler to the South of York Town where Frantz Jacob Miller’s Tanyard now stands But was prevented by Martin Fry who Claims the place and there was some grubbing done there he believes by Fry, and this affirmand and Martin Fry marked a Tree and made a Consentible line to extend from the Marked Tree South of said Spring Eastwardly to Tobias Fry Corner and that sometime before that this affirmand obtained a Grant from Thomas Penn for himself for his land and also brought the Grant (hereto annexed) with thirteen or fourteen more Grants for Martin Fry for two hundred and fifty acres, and that Martin Fry at the time of procuring said Grant lived on the Land now in Possession of John Ny where Willheit formerly lived to the Northward York Town and that after obtaining said Grant he, Martin Fry Claimed to the Consentible line aforesaid, and that at the time of procuring said Grant Thomas Penn promised they should have the Land seven years Clear of qit [sic] rent and Interest and longer if the Maryland dispute was not settled. Affirmed at York, 2 June 1773, and further this Deponent saith not.” Signed, John Lawrence “Whereas sundry Germans and others formerly Seated themselves by Our Leave upon Lands Lying on the West Side of the River Susquehanna, within our County of Lancaster and within the Bounds of a tract of Land Surveyed the nineteenth and twentieth Days of June Ano. Dom. 1722 Containing about Seventy thousand Acres commonly Called the Manor of Springetsbury And whereas a Confirmation to the persons seated on the Same for their Several tracts has been recorded, By Reason of the Claim made to the said Lands by the Indians of the five Nations which Claim the said Indians have now Effectually Released to us by their Deed Bearing Date the Eleventh Day of this Instant October And Whereas Martin Fry one of the persons Living within the said Mannor Hath now applied for a Confirmation of two Hundred and fifty Acres part of the Land where he’s now Seated. I do hereby Certifie that I will order a part to be Drawn to the said Martin Fry for the said two Hundred and fifty acres (if So much can be had without prejudice to the Old Setlers on the . . .” granted as soon as the said quantity Shall be Surveyed to him out of the above mentioned tract and a Return thereof made to me.” Signed, Thomas Penn October the thirtieth 1736 Added: Copy . . . vs. John Hay The above writing is allowed to be given in Serv [sic] at the tryal without any proof of [Exceniton]. Signed James Tilghman Isaac Rowdabush and Margaret my Wife Do Assign over all their . . . Tenement to Michael Shrioak his heirs and Assigns; as Witness our hands this 19th Day of December, 1741 Final copy 31 January, 2010 2003] Witnesses: Courts of Oyer and Terminer, York County Baltzer Spengler Michel Walckh 31 Signed by Mark–Isaac Rowdabush Signed by Mark–Margt Rowdabush I, Michael Srioach and Catherin My Wife do Assign over all our Right Title of . . . within Judgment to Batho [?] Ward his heirs and Assigns as Witness our hands this 20 day of August anno Domino 1743 Witnesses: Adam Meÿer, Hans Görg Schwob Republica vs. John Baker 26 May 1781 Indictment: Burglary True Bill Returned Arraigned and pled Not Guilty Witnesses: Peter Diebl[illegible], Philip Spickert, Michael Jacobs, Henry Spickert and Philip Weyant Verdict: Guilty of the Felony of Burglary Judgment: John Baker be hung by the neck till he be dead. Republica vs. Leonard Baker [May 1781] Indictment: Perjury Punishment: “That he pay a fine of £5, that between the hours of ten and twelve in the forenoon of the [blank] of May that he be placed in the Pillory for the Space of one hour and have one Ear nailed to the Pillory, and pay the Costs of Prosecution.” Deposition: York County [May 1781] “Gotlieb Nitz is Doely qualified and saith that Jacob Miller saith that he wil go to Philadalvia for his Rigt for the Time and if there Spitzbuben [thiefs and rogues] the Congress wil not gived to me I wil Do a guthi [good deal] Damedg and no mohr then them all he said further–that the Chief Judg is the gretis Rog in Amcia. Mary Demin Doely qualife and said that Jacob Miller said that the high Judg is the gretis Rog and Spitzbuben in america and Congress are all Rogs and tifs and wil Mak proof and saith further that he will Take the mony for the plan and wil trowig down to there foot and Do more Damedg as goot then the king wil get the County and com to bitz bring [Pittsburg] before Crismes [Christmas] and I expect them at Johnadon where I Live at this tim.” Final copy 31 January, 2010