Elopements and Other Miscreant Deeds of Women as Advertised in The Pennsylvania Gazette
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Meier, Judith A. Elopements and Other Miscreant Deeds of Women as Advertised in The Pennsylvania Gazette. Digital Collections. https://diglib.genpa.org/s/collections/item/10679
Meier, Judith A. "Elopements and Other Miscreant Deeds of Women as Advertised in The Pennsylvania Gazette." Digital Collections, , https://diglib.genpa.org/s/collections/item/10679.
Meier, Judith A. "Elopements and Other Miscreant Deeds of Women as Advertised in The Pennsylvania Gazette." Digital Collections. Accessed . https://diglib.genpa.org/s/collections/item/10679.
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Elopements and Other Miscreant Deeds of Women as Advertised in The Pennsylvania Gazette Compiled by Judith A, Meier Continued from page 227. 5 APRIL 1764: From a letter describing "The Distresses of the Back Inhabitants" from Carlisle: On the 20th of last month AGNES DAVIDSON and her child, of a year old; ANDREW SIMS, 14 years Old; MARGARET STEPHENS, 12 years Old; and JOSEPH MITCHELL, 3 years Old were made Prisoners [of the Indians]. 19 APRIL 1764: Notice is hereby given, that EVE HATFIELD, deceased, had two Sons and a Daughter, but as her Relations do not know whether they are living, or where they reside. These are to desire them, if living, to apply to PAUL MOSERN, in Falconer's Swamp, in New Hanover Township, [Montgomery County] for their share of their Mother's Estate. N.B. One of the sons named GEORGE, and the other JOHN HATFIELD, and the daughter BARBARA MOSERN. 7 juNE 1764: ELIZABETH, the Wife of THOMAS WILLIAMS of Piles rove, in Salem County [New jersey] [hath eloped] . . 7 JUNE 1764: THOMAS WRIGHT, of Middletown, in Bucks County, near Bristol, takes this Method to inform himself where his Daughter HANNAH WRIGHT is gone. She went away the 24th of May last, unknown to any of her Friends . . She is a little slender Body, and hard of Hearing; took with her a calicoe Gown, and a striped Linen Gown, two pairs of Shoes, one green Calimancoe, the other Calfskin; her other Clothes are not known. 27 SEPTEMBER 1764: Carlisle. MARGARET, the Wife of BENJAMIN KIDD, hath eloped a a 18 OCTOBER 1764: HANNAH, the Wife of JOHN WILLIAMSON, hath eloped 18 OCTOBER 1764: CATHERINE, the Wife of CONRAD HOLTZBAUM hath eloped from her Husband, without any lawful Reason and hath taken with her Two Bonds of One Hundred Pounds each, with one other Instrument of Writing for a Plantation . 18 APRIL 1765: RACHEL, the Wife of WILLIAM LEPER, in Solesbury, Bucks County [hath eloped]. 295 296 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine 23 MAY 1765: MARY JOHNSON, Wife of JACOB JOHNSON, has behaved to me her Husband in a base and wicked Manner, by keeping Company with other Men, and run me considerably in Debt ... Mum( 1765: Enquiry after a lost husband. MAGDALENE BAYER came into this Country last fall with her Husband ERHARD BAYER, and her brother HANS, but as she was sick, and sent amongst others to the House provided for the Sick, and during the Time of her Confinement there the Merchant's Cruelty was so great as to sell her Husband from her, but to whom, or to what Part of the Province, or in the neighboring Provinces she cannot find out. And after her Recovery, to sell her, big with Child, to John Ray, living in Alloway's Creek Precinct, near the Glass-House, West New;Jersey . . to give Notice to Richard Wistar in Philadelphia, who will take care to inform me thereof . . 8 AUGUST 1765: Whereas CHRISTINA ROHRIG, from the Duchy of Deux-pons, has not only been duped out of her Substances by a certain Newiander, with whom about two Years ago, she came to this Country; but has also by idle Promises, such as making her the Heiress of his Estate (in Utopia) been enticed by him to give him a Bond of Twenty-One Pounds (to the best of her Rememberances) 5 SEPTEMBER 1765: Whereas LUDWIG FREDERICK BIRCKERT, Son of MARIA JULIANA BICKERT, came to Philadelphia in the year 1754 with CAPTAIN COATAM, and was bound Servant to a Man whose name is forgot; the Boy was then about 12 years of Age and has not been heard of since. Whoever will give Information of the said Boy to Frederick Stuber, Barber, in Walnut-Street, between Second Third-Streets, Philadelphia, or to Mr. Wagdor King, Tavern Keeper, in York County, near Conewagoe, on the Maryland Road, the Favor will be gratefully acknowledged by Maria Juliana Birckert. 5 SEPTEMBER 1765: Shrewsbury Township, Monmouth County, East New jersey. My wife ANN . . WILLIAM POTTER . [hath eloped] . 17 OCTOBER 1 765: MARGARET, the wile of THOMAS BROWN of • Chester County [hath eloped] 31 OCTOBER 1765: MARGARET McCLELLAND, Wife of JOHN McCLELLAND, left her Husband's bed the 13th Day of this month, and left my Habitation on Saturday last, taking with her alt her Apparel, and such Furniture as she brought to me since our Marriage . John McClelland. 5 DECEMBER 1765: CATHERINE, the Wife of MICHAEL NEWHOUSE of Kensington, hath eloped Elopements and Other Miscreant Deeds of tijomen 297 12 DECEMBER 1765: Came from Germany, about 24 years ago, with their Father and Mother, HENRY and ADAM MOVVORN; but the Vessel being cast away at the Capes, the People got to Lewes-Town, where the Boys were given away by their Father, who afterwards proceeded to Philadelphia, where he and his wife soon died, and left a Daughter, named MARY, who still lives in Philadelphia, and is desirous to know if either of her Brothers are living ...They may hear of her by enquiring of Mr. Valentine Standley, in Market-Street, with whom she served her Time. I MAY 1766: CATHERINE GREGG, the Wife of me the Subscriber, hath during my Absence at Sea, behaved herself in a very disorderly Manner ...,JOHN GREGG, Philadelphia. 29 MAY 1766: Mansfield, Burlington County [New Jersey] HESTER, the wife of DAVID WRIGHT [hath eloped]. 5 JUNE 1766: Windsor, Middlesex County, East New Jersey. My wife has eloped from me aCORNELIUS SWAIM. 12 JUNE 1766: Baltimore County. CATHERINE, the wife of WILLIAM MURPHY [hath eloped] N.B. She is gone with one JAMES LONG, a Taylor, who has worked in the City of Philadelphia, and has robbed the said Murphy of both Money and Goods. 26 JUNE 1766: MARGARET, the Wife of WILLIAM OAKFORD, of Alloway Creek, Salem County, New Jersey [hath eloped]. 26 JUNE 1766: Whereas GEORGE ADAM RICERT and his Wife CRATES, came in here from Germany, in the year 1754, and landed at Philadelphia, and both died soon after; they left two children, MAGDALEN and JOHN MARCUS RICERT; the said John was sold into the Country, and left his said Sister on board the Ship, and has not heard of her since, therefore is very desirous of hearing from her, she being the only Relation he has in this Country. If she is alive, and heard of this Advertisement .. . she will hear of her Brother, by applying to Richard Mason, Joiner, in Second-Street, Philadelphia, or to Isaac Chapman, in Wright's Town, Bucks County, whoever gives the information requested, will be handsomely rewarded by John Marcus Ricert. 26 JUNE 1766: This is to give Notice to ANDREW COSGROVE, Cooper, lately come from Ireland, who advertised his Wife in the Papers last Summer, that she and her Father, the subscriber, are living in Baltimore County, within Fifteen Miles of the Towne, in the Forks of Gunpowder, and Part of- Mr. Nicholas Le Darnel's Land, and are very desirous of his coming there. MICHAEL LITTLE. 298 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine 24 JULY 1766: JANE, formerly intermarried with the Subscriber, hath eloped from him and lived as an Adulteress, as he is credibly informed, and otherwise greatly misbehaved herself... JOSEPH BARNET. 31 JULY 1766: Kingless, Philadelphia County. HANNAH, the Wife of the Subscriber, hath, for a considerable Time past, refused to live with me . NATHAN BONSALL. 14 AUGUST 1766: Philadelphia. TAMZEN, the Wife of HENRY LANAWAY, of the City of Philadelphia, Labourer, hath behaved herself in a disorderly Manner 28 AUGUST 1766: ELEANOR, the Wife of THOMAS MILNIOR, of the City of Philadelphia, Bricklayer . [hath eloped]. 11 SEPTEMBER 1766: If ELIZABETH MURPHEY (the Daughter of EDWARD MURPHEY, of Arklow, in the County of Wicklow, Ireland) who came to America several years Ago; and lived in Lancaster, in Pennsylvania, but is said now to live in or near Philadelphia, will call at MR. STEUART'S Printing Office in Philadelphia, she will receive a letter from her brother DANIEL MURPHEY, of Wilmington, on Cape-Fear, North Carolina, that will give her Satisfaction ... 16 OCTOBER 1766: Philadelphia. CORNELIA, the Wife of WILLIAM KEEN, has misbehaved herself unhandsomely to her Husband, and run him into debt . 23 OCTOBER 1766: Philadelphia. MARGARET, the Wife of JOHN M'KE1GHEN, of this City, Stone-Mason [bath eloped]. 11 DECEMBER 1 766: REBECCA, Wife of ARCHIBALD FOWLER, of St. George's Hundred, New Castle County, upon Delaware, hath for some Time past contracted a great many Debts unknown to him . 18 DECEMBER 1766: ELIZABETH MOORE, the Wife of ELIAS VANDELP, hath at Sundry Times, both in Philadelphia and the Jerseys, run me into Debt . 18 DECEMBER 1766: SARAH, the Wife of JOSEPH DEER, of Potsgrove [Northumberland County], late SARAH SWAN of the City of Philadelphia bath eloped from her Husband . 1 JANUARY 1767: Whereas my Wife JANE hath departed from me, without my consent, after having extravagantly laid out large sums of money, without my knowledge, has threatened to run me much more in debt than she has already done; not withstanding my frequent earnest and tender requests to her, she has refused to return to my house, and live with me, according to our Solemn obligation, I now hereby give this publick notice to all persons, not to let her have money or anything else on my account . . I also give notice to all Elopements and Other Miscreant Deeds of ttPornen 299 persons, who are in any manner indebted to the estate of JOHN GALBREATH deceased, not to pay such debts, or any part thereof, to my wife . . CHARLES TENNENT. 30 APRIL 1767: LYDIA, the Wife of JAMES MITTON, of Eversham. Township, Burlington County [New Jersey], has of late greatly misbehaved herself', left my bed, not chusing to live with me and run me in debt 4 JUNE 1167: The subscriber, living in Philadelphia, takes this method to inform the public, that as I am a poor man, my Wife ELIZABETH KELLY, has run me to unnecessary charges which I do not chuse to mention .4. I will not pay after this date. ISAAC KELLY. 11 JUNE 1767: Whereas the REV. CHARLES TENNENT obtained a bond of me the subscriber, for Three Hundred and Twenty-Five Pounds, Nineteen Shillings and Eight-pence, bearing date of 23rd of July 1766, payable in twelve months after Date, void of interest; this is to warn all persons not to take an assignment on said bond, as I can make it appear that the same is already paid. WILLIAM McCAY. 29 JANUARY 1767: If JUDY, otherwise SUSANNAH CADDEN, Daughter of CHARLES CADDEN, of Clougher, in the county of Tyrone, and Province of Ulster, Ireland, who came to Philadelphia about 16 years ago, with one ROBERT WALLACE, be alive, she is desired to write to her brother PHILIP CADDEN, Corporal in Captain Batter's Company in Halifax; and to Daniel C'Murphey living on Maquire's Bridge, near Lisnasgay, in Fermanaugh County, Ireland. 5 FEBRUARY 1767: SOPHIA, Wife of EDWARD CONNER, has strolled from Place to Place these four years past, and run me in Debt, unknown to me . 5 FEBRUARY 1767: Whereas a very extraordinary Advertisement hash lately appeared in this Paper, signed by CHARLES TENNENT, [1 January 1767] setting forth, that I have departed from him without consent, after having extravagantly laid out urge sums of Money without his knowledge, and threatened to run him much more in Debt, than (as he said) I have already done; and that not withstanding his frequent earnest and tender Requests to me, have refused to return to his House and live with him, according to our Solemn Obligation. In order to do myself justice, and set the Matter in a clearer Light to the Public, than what it has yet been represented, I do assure, the Public the Matter stands as ibilows: Mr. Tennent, for Reasons which I shall not not here mention, and which would have been but precedent in him not to have mentioned, has treated me very ill, and not used me like a Wife; he has refused me the Privilege of my Negroe 300 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Wench to wait on me; refused me the use of my Horse and Carriage; and one Day, notwithstanding the Extremity I was in with the Toothach, refused me a Horse, to go and get my Tooth drawn; and being under the Necessity of going on Foot, before I returned, which was the same Day that I went, he had passed up Advertisements around the Neighborhood, to the same Effect he has done here. I further assure the Public, I never Absconded from him in any other Manner, now extravagantly, or otherwise, laid out any Sum or sums of Money since I became his Wife, but what I paid out of my own Estate, to answer his Debts, for Clothes hath ftir himself and his Children, not even on my own Account, excepting one suit of Clothes, which I bought at the same Time that I bought a suit for him; but, on the contrary, since I came to Town, tho' I went to his Lodgings, and desired to see him, he would not see me, not meet me before any Gentleman in Town, to talk the Matter Face to Face: And I cannot but greatly wonder, that such a Man (as Mr. Tennent would endeavor to persuade the Public he is) would be guilty of setting his Hand to such a malicious Piece of Stuff. JANE TENNENT. 26 FEBRUARY 1767: Philadelphia. Whereas SARAH, my Wife, having much deceived me in her Character and Behaviour before our Marriage, she having been guilty of felonies Practices, of which she has lately been convicted ...PHILIP HELTER. 26 FEBRUARY 1767: Philadelphia. Whereas I was informed that EDWARD CONNER has, in a most Scandalous and shameful Manner, misrepresented and cried me down in public Papers, [5 February 1767] as a strolling Woman; I therefore, SOPHIA, wife of Edward Conner, of the Northern Liberties, take this opportunity to inform the Public, that I have these 8 years past, suffered and lost by this tyranical Husband an Abundance. As for his calling me a Stroller, all them that knew me, can testify that his wretched Behaviour has, in a Manner, drove me to it; for when he run all through what he conveniently could come at, of what my former Husband left to me and my Children, he left me destitute of all Manner of of subsistance, then I was obliged to shift for myself, and when some Christian People bestowed their Charity upon me, he would come and help to spend it; and now he took from me all things of any Value, for he would not have a Stich of Clothes to his Back, if he had not taken a Suit of Clothes that was sent to my Son from London for a Present. I therefore warn all People not to expect that I shall pay any of his Debts from the Date hereof, whether contracted before or hereafter. SOPHIA CONNER. 12 MARCH 1767: Whereas MARY HARRIS, the Wife of JOHN HARRIS, in Burlington County [New Jersey] . [hath eloped]. Elopements and Other Miscreant Deeds of Women 301 12 MARCH 1767: SARAH, wife of ROBERT WHEATEN, has strolled from place to place these 7 months past, and run me into debt 16 JULY 1767: Philadelphia. CATHERINE, the Wife of JACOB KEISER, of this city, taylor [hath eloped]. 31 DECEMBER 1 767: DOROTHY, the Wife of the Subscriber, hath behaved her self very unbecoming to me, and run me considerably in debts .. GODFREY LONBERGER. 7 JANUARY 1768: ELIZABETH, the Wife of JOHN BADER, has left her Husband, and taken up with another Man . 7 JANUARY 1 768: Whereas I the Subscriber have, for some Time past, lived much dissatisfied with my Wife MARGARET, by running me in Debt, without my Knowledge ISAAC DORLAND. 18 FEBRUARY 1768: SARAH, the wife of CONRAD FOGELMAN, of Lower Sawn Township, in Northampton County, did elope from her said Husband on the 11th of January last 10 MARCH 1768: Freehold, Monmouth County, East New Jersey. Whereas ELEANOR, wife of the Subscriber, hath eloped from him, and run him considerably in Debt, besides pilfering from him a valuable Sum of Money and sundry Effects of Value, and continues to strole about the Country, with a certain red-haired Highland Tinker, who calls himself JOHN M'DONALL (who it is probable was an accomplice in the aforesaid base Conduct) and passes for his wife; and as he has reasons to fear she will run him yet further in Debt .. WILLIAM ORCHARD. 7 APRIL 1768: CATHERINE HASELTON, wife of ISAAC HASELTON, hath behaved hereself very unbecomingly, and left his house and abode 2 JUNE 1768: Whereas a report is industriously circulated, that I JOHN WOLF LITZEI„ of Philipsburgh, in West New Jerseys, have married together a certain LYDIA PURSLEY to LYON JONES, of Philipsburgh, merchant; this is to declare the said report to be injurious, false and groundless, as witness my hand. John Wolf Litzel. 16 JUNE 1 768: Whereas in the Pennsylvania Gazette of January 7, JOHN BADDER falsely and unjustly accused me for leaving him, an running him in debt; justice to myself puts me under the necessity of relating the following facts; the first, as to leaving him, it was in this sort, he went from me in the winter, and left me without any kind of the necessaries of life, to support me and his child, unless some matter scarce worth notice, altho' a healthy young man, and we must have suffered, if the neighborhood had not given some relief; as to running 302 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine him in debt, it was only for one quarter of a hundred of middlings, to support us; and by the advice of some friends of note, I went and received Forty Shillings of his wages, when he had earned so much; and as to taking up with another man, it is as false as malicious, for when I had no other way left, I went and hired to work, to support me and child, he himself giving consent, by saying I should live there, and hired likewise with the same man, worked some for him, and bedded and boarded with me as usual; I was ordered by the man to make him welcome when he came, and he seemed satisfied until I got the Forty Shillings, as mentioned above, he having done nothing to the support of his child or me, unless giving us two pairs of shoes each, and one yard and three quarters of lincey, and twenty shillings in money, for two years past, all which I can undeniably prove by written testimonies now in my hands, signed by neighbors where he lived. He also left me one whole winter, when only brought to bed of the child two weeks, not coming to see me but twice, and then staying 2 days one time, and one the other, not leaving one stick of firewood . [this, I] would have buried in silence but for his so unjustly and falsely publishing me asforesaid. ELIZABETH BADDER. 23 JUNE 1768: Whereas KATHERINE, the Wife of JOHN FITZPATRICK, of Charles-Town, Maryland, bath eloped from his Bed and Board, without any just Cause known to him; having robbed and plundered his House, and left nothing worth mentioning, at the Time he was at the Point of Death 1 1 AUGUST 1768: Whereas JOHN KIRKPATRICK, of CharlesTown, Maryland, did in an Advertisement, ...advertise that I KATHERINE, his Wife, has eloped . . all which Facts are false, and without Foundation; in Truth and Justice, that I never eloped, nor had any intention to do so until forced by ill treatment to leave his House, for the Security of my Life, which his sone JAMES was witness to; and that I intend to prosecute him, according to the Law ... KATHERINE KIRKPATRICK. 1 SEPTEMBER 1768: Whereas, ROSE, the Wife of JAMES WELCH, of the City of Philadelphia, Taylor, bath for some time past behaved herself in a very unseemly manner, and as they, the saki James and Rose, by mutual agreement, have agreed to live apart ...James Welch. 8 SEPTEMBER 1768: Whereas CHRISTINA, the Wife of GEORGE MILLER, of Amwell Township, in Hunterdon County, West Newjersey, did elope . 22 SEPTEMBER 1768: Whereas CATHERINE, the Wife of JOHN KIRKPATRICK, of Charlestown, Maryland, did publish in the Penn- Elopements and Other _Miscreant Deeds of it'ornen 303 syhPania Gazette, [11 August 1768] that I had falsely accused her of eloping from me, and plundering my house; and has industriously spread abroad, that she took nothing with her, but what she tied up in a handkerchief; but I can prove, and will be qualified to it, if required, that she has taken in Money and Effects, to the Value of 303 pounds, 9 shillings and 2 pence; nevertheless if she will bring back what goods she has left, I will receive her again ... John Kirkpatrick. 20 OCTOBER 1768: Whereas REBECCA, the wife of JOHN HOOD, hath made a second elopement from him, [11 July 1759] and divested him of all his goods, viz, his books, medicines and household furniture, to the value of One Hundred and Fifty pounds, and then put herself on the Overseers of the Poor of the Northern Liberties, for a maintenance, who have in some sort (as they say) supported her; then they, with her affiance commenced an action against him, September 1766 and March Court 1767, it was considered that he should allow her 6 shillings per week .. . that a writ was issued against his body for the same, by virtue of which he is now confined, and not likely to be Durante Vita, without bail or mainprize. He therefore takes this method to inform his friends, and others, that he practices physick by receipts, and prepares and sells Dr. Witt's nostrums, either by the ounce, or by the dose, viz his febrifuge spirits, his cephalic, rheumatic, hydropic, and astral pills, or pills to cure the dumb ague, pills and powers to destroy the worms in children and adults, &c &c in order to support himself, and those that ought to be supplied by him, in the situation he is now in, and hopes they will give him his custom as usual, and so far oblige their old friend. John Hood. N.B. He also undertakes to cure the Venereal Disease in all its stages, if' curable. 27 OCTOBER 1786: Philadelphia. I request all persons not to sell, or give credit to my wife SARAH . .. her conduct, during my absence the last two voyages beyond sea, has justly forfeited all my future connection with, or regard for her. JOHN ROSS. 8 DECEMBER 1768: Oxford Township New Jersey. This is to certify that ELIZABETH SHOOTS, my Wife has extravagantly run me into debt. CHRISTOPHER SHOOTS. 8 DECEMBER 1768: JUDY, the Wife of JOHN ROBINSON, has eloped . 13 APRIL 1 769: Whereas I have been informed, that a certain CROMWELL M'WHITEY, lives somewhere about Brandywine, who is a Brother of EDWARD M'WHITEY, deceased; therefore I, who was the Widow or the said Edward M'Whitey am very delirious of seeing the said Cromwell, if I knew where to find him; or if he chuses to 304 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine enquire for me living in East-town [Easton'] I may be found by the Name of my second Husband CONRAD ROWAN. ELIZABETH ROWAN. 1 JUNE 1769: Philadelphia. Whereas CATHERINE, the Wife of ROBERT SHANNON, hath eloped . 8 JUNE 1769: HANNAH, the wife of JOHN BARBER, of Apoquinimy Hundred, in New Castle [county, [Delaware] has sundry times left me her said husband ... 29 JUNE 1769: MISSING. Supposed to have concealed Himself in or near the Outparts of Philadelphia City, A Boy, between 10 or 11 years old, tight hair, and pale complexion, slim in his make, and short for his age: he was dressed in a blue and white striped jacket, leather breeches, white cotton stockings, and a white hat, with a blue silk lining, a silver basket button and loops; he was seen last Monday, about noon, on the Commons, near the Center-House; and on the same day, in the afternoon, and on Tuesday last, he was seen on the road leading from the Sign of Whittington and his Cat, lately the Sign of the Horse and Dray, to Passyunk; but has not been heard of since. All persons are desired to make enquiry after him, as his parents are very unhappy on account of his absence; and if any know of such a boy, where he is, they are desired to bring him to the house of WILLIAM GODDARD, in Chestnut-street, Printer of the Pennsylvania Chronicle, and they may depend on being well rewarded for their trouble. He absented himself, on account of cruel treatment from his Schoolmaster. 13 ,jutx 1769: ELIZABETH CLARK, the Wife of JOHN CLARK, Mariner, has behaved herself in such a Manner he cannot live with her . • 1 0 AUGUST 1769: Philadelphia. SUSANNA RUSK, the Wife of W I LLIAM RUSK, JUN., Butcher,_ has behaved herself in such a manner, that he cannot live with her . 10 AUGUST 1769: CONRAD GEBHART, of the Northern Liberties of Philadelphia, hereby forewarns all Persons from trusting his Wife MARY CATHERINE, on his account 19 OCTOBER 1769: MARTHA, the wife of JOHN LONGHEAD, Warwick Township, Bucks County, hath left her husband 29 DECEMBER 1769: Philadelphia. HANNAH, the wife of THOMAS HODGE, chimney-sweeper ... hath eloped. 1770: On Sunday, the 14th of January last, died SARAH MEREDITH, aged 90. She was born in a little Log House, 1 FEBRUARY Elopements and Other Mis-creant Deeds of TVornen 305 where the City of Philadelphia now stands (her maiden name was Rush) and then lived until she arrived to Woman's State, when she was married to DAVID MEREDITH and soon after settled in the Great Valley, Chester County, about 28 miles from Philadelphia, then the westermost settlement in the Province, Philadelphia being six Miles beyond any Neighborhour, except Ihdians, who were very numerous, kind and and inoffensive; on which Place she spent the remainder of her Days, and retained her Senses perfectly to the very last. She was the Mother of 11 Children, Grandmother of 66, and Great Grandmother of 31, in all 108; and what is remarkable, the Chief of them are now living. 1 MARCH 1770: Philadelphia. HANNAH, the wife of WILLIAM KIDD, has contracted debts without his knowledge ... 14 AUGUST 1770: Philadelphia. Whereas EVA MARY, the wife of' WILLIAM I KERLS hath eloped. 20 SEPTEMBER 1770: Whereas CATHERINE, the wife of SAMUEL BLAKER, of Warwick Township, in the county of Bucks, bath lately clandestinely got into her possession bonds of her husband's, and received the money for the same a a . to his great damage. 1 NOVEMBER 1770: Whereas AN the wife of JAMES FITZSIMMONS., of Lower Merion, in the county of Philadelphia, did abscond from my dwelling, and left me with two small children to maintain, and being suspicous that she would run me into debt 15 NOVEMBER 1770: Philadelphia. Whereas ROSY, the wife of PETER SAVOY has eloped . 13 DECEMBER 1770: JOHN TAYLOR, Farmer, living in St. George's hundred and county of New-Castle, on Delaware, gives this public notice to all persons . that my wife LETTY TAYLOR, has, from time to time, threatened to take on in the stores, and where she can take on, debt to that degree to make a servant of me; also has eloped any servictude in my house, as a housewife ought to do; this to warn all persons ... 20 DECEMBER 1770: Bensalem. SARAH SANDS, the wile of THOMAS SANDS, of the Township of Southampton and County of Bucks, hath eloped ... 7 JANUARY 1771: Notice is hereby given to all Persons not to credit CATHERINE JONES, wife of EVAN JONES 7 JANUARY 1771: Philadelphia, ELIZABETH WHITEHEAD. Daughter of JOHN WHITEHEAD, formerly of the Parish of St. Sidwell, lIl Exeter [England], came to this City about 4 years and a half since, 306 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine being then about 19 years of Age, and was sold to JOHN TOLBERT, of this City, who afterwards sold her to EPHRAIM MOORE, hying 8 miles above Lancaster, on the Carlisle Road. And whereas the said Elizabeth's uncle is since dead, whereby a share of his Estate has developed to her; she is thereby requested, if living, to repair immediately to Philadelphia to the Subscriber, who will pay her Passage and Expenses, and send her home. She is said to be a middle sized woman, much marked with the smallpox, has dark brown Hair, and dark small Eyes. John Reynell. 14 FEBRUARY 1771: Whereas JOHN ARNDORFF advertised me, his wife, in the Dutch papers, of the 15th of December 1770, that I went often from him, I am obliged, for my own Character's sake, to let the public know the ill usage I have received from him; in the first place he took me out on the King's highway, between the hours of 11 and 12 o'clock at night, and abused me in a most barbarous manner, and called the Devil, three times, to come and tear me to pieces, before his face, all to persuade me to confess that I had defiled his bed; the next night following, about the same hours, he took me out again, took the Testament with him, and forced me to lay my fingers thereon, and said they should become black l had defiled his bed, which terrified me so that I was foolish enough to do so; another time he took me upstairs, and tied my hands behind me, with a plow line, to a post, till my mother came there, he then being ashamed, unloosed me; at another time he hove me over a fence, I then ran into the house, he followed me, and beat me, and fastened me up in the hog-style, and thereafter abused me in a barbarous manner, and said he would break my limbs, if I staid another night in the house; and, moreover, has advertised that nobody should trust me on his account, though my credit is as good as his, he not being able to pay his just debts; therefore, I forewarn anybody, at their peril, to give him credit on my account, for I will pay no debts of his contacting. BARBARA ARNDORFF. 28 FEBRUARY 1771: Whereas BARBARA ARNDORFF advertised me her husband, in the Public Gazette [14 February 1771] of abusing her in a most barbarous manner, to confess that she defiled my bed, which is a notorious falshood, which I can make appear, for she confessed to her mother and me, without any threats or examinations by me, or any other person, to my knowledge, and swore before William Moore, Esq, she comitted adultery. And as she has endeavoured to asperse my character, I think it not amiss to let the public know that she was convicted of adultery at Chester Court, and that she has at divers times abused me, without any provocation, and attempted to drown Elopements and Other _Miscreant Deeds o/ 11'omen 307 and hang herself', and invented many groundless and malicious falsehoods, which I can prove to be such, not only on me, but on the neighbors, without any reason. These are to desire all persons from trusting her on my account (as she has absconded from my bed and board) for I will not pay any debts of her contracting ... JOHN ARNDORFF. 4 APRIL 1771: TO THE PUBLIC Copy of a Certificate from JOHN LAWRENCE, ESQ., at Burlington [New Jersey]. These are to certify all whom it may concerns, That on the 20th of March Anna Domini 1771, 1, the subscriber, called on MARY ROBERTS, late MARY BUTLER, in order to enquire into the legality of her marriage with a certain JAMES WELDIN ROBERTS, who declared and confessed that her maiden name was Mary Butler, that she is the daughter of Butler, in Hartford, New-England, and was, about dour years past, lawfully married, according to the custom of that place, to the aforesaid James Weldin Roberts, that they cohabited as man and wile in different places, one of which was in Potts-Grove, where they lived, he was a schoolmaster, she was a schoolmistress, until a year and upwards, when he left her, went to Philadelphia, and married MARY FULLER, of' said city, with whom the said Roberts has since chiefly resided. And the aforesaid Mary Roberts, being by me requested to produce her certificate of marriage, or qual4 to the above facts, refused, alledging she had no certificate with her, and that she would not swear to her marriage, for fear it might endanger her husband, the said Robert's life, or involve him in difficulties. John Lawrence. Philadelphia. 21 March 1771. 1, the subscriber, having been greatly imposed upon by the above JAMES WELDIN ROBERTS, as he came to me as a singleman, which induced me to marry him; but as it appears otherwise, these are to warn the public, that they arc not fluffier imposed upon by him, as I now disown any connections with him, intending to take the most speedy method in the law to recover from the same James Weldin Roberts, all such goods, chattels, money and effects, which he from time to time has fradulently taken from me. MARY FULLER. 4 APRIL 1771: Bucks County. MARGARET FLACK, the wife of ROBERT FLACK, declines living with him any longer 9 MAY 1771: Burlington, New-Jersey. FIVE POUNDS REWARD Whereas MARGARET, the wife of the subscriber, hath eloped from her husband, with one JOHN ALLCOTT, a Flatman„ and has carried off sundry- household goods, of a very considerable value, and the 308 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine said John Alcott, being also greatly in debt to the said subscriber: . . any person who will secure the said John Alicott, and the said Margaret, in any one of his Majesty's goals upon the continent, so the subscriber may have an opportunity of getting his money and goods again, shall have the above reward ...Thomas Elton, residing between Burlington and Mount-Holly, in New Jersey. The said MARGARET answers the following description: she is a short thick body, has a round likely face, black hair, a little flat nose, her eyes stand at a great distance from each other than commonly women's eyes do, her cheeks very rosy, she has a small scar under her right nostril, something resembling a cross, and she has lost two of her foreteeth, talkative and very fond of singing; about 22 years of age. The said John Allcott answers the following description: he is a well set fellow, about 5 feet 10 inches high, sandy complexion, with grey eyes, has a down look, large hooked nose, wears his hair tied. 8 AUGUST 1771: Pitt's Grove. ELEANOR, my wife, hath eloped from her said Husband, without any just Cause of mine . JOHN BUTLER. 22 AUGUST 1771: Whereas MARY, the wife of the subscriber, has without any just cause, left him, and from a spirit of malice, stripped the house of almost everything it contained, and not content with all this, her malice went further, she has taken a servant girl with her, the property of the subcscriber; and is gone away with WILLIAM MOORE and WILLIAM STABER, two soldiers lately inlisted; he is apprehensive she may run him into debt ...,JOHN MILLER, living opposite the Barracks. N.B. He will give 40 shillings reward to any person who will bring the servant girl home, or inform where she is, so that he may get her again. 26 SEPTEMBER 1771: Cape-May [New Jersey]. HANNAH, the wife of the subscriber . hath eloped. SILVANUS TOWNSEND, JUNIOR. 28 NOVEMBER 1771: Fairfield Township, Cumberland County, Westjersey. LYDIA, the wife of JONADAB SOCKWELL hath eloped ... 28 NOVEMBER 1771: Fairfield Township, Cumberland County, Westjersey. ELIZABETH, the wife of RICHARD LORE hath eloped . 23 APRIL 1772: Notice is hereby given to the public, that ELEANOR, my wife, hath at sundry times eloped from me, and on or about the 24th of August, 1769, she took passage from Philadelphia, on board the ship Philadelphia, Captain James Malcom, bound for Cork [Ireland], at which port she landed. Since which time I understand she is come to some part of America. I therefore do forewarn all persons whatsoever, not to trust the said Eleanor on my account FREDERICK LAWDERBRUN. Elopements and Other Miscreant Deeds of Women 309 14 MAY 1772: Whereas CATHERINE, the wife of MATTHEW HENRICK . likewise she hath taken away 3 children, which I had by her, a lame boy and 2 girls; whoever will inform me where they, or any of them are, that I may have the opportunity of seeing them, the favour shall be gratefully acknowledged by me, Matthew Henrrick. 4 JUNE 1772: HANNAH JOYCE (whose maiden name was TURNER), the wife of PETER JOYCE FITZGERALD, that eloped from her said husband, and lives in a scandalous manner with another man, named RICHARD STAGTHAM THOMAS, Brass Founder, with whom she has attempted a marriage before the Swedish Minister Peter Joyce Fitzgerald. 30 SEPTEMBER 1772: Philadelphia. JOHN CASH finds himself under the disagreeable Necessity to give this public Notice, that his wife DOROTHY has absented herself from him 14 OCTOBER 1772: Salem County, West New -jersey. MARCY ELLWELL, my wife, hath eloped from me .. JOHN ELLWELL. 18 NOVEMBER 1772: Salem County, West New-Jersey. I am very sorry for advertising my wife [30 September 1772], it being done through the Heat of Passion and In consideration which I now retract. JOHN ELWELL. 18 NOVEMBER 772: Enquiry after an Old Dutch Woman: Said woman is between 70 and 80 years old, and being disordered in her senses, she went away in July last, from LEONARD THOMAS, in Lower Milford, in Bucks County, and hath not heen heard of since; her name is MARY SWENK, wears old brown clothes, and a Dutch cap, and says, when asked, she wants to go to the Sand (a place so-called in German) it is supposed she has gone to the Jerseys. Whoever knows where she is, is desired to bring her to ANDREW TRUMBOUER, Innholder, or said Leonard Thomas, in Lower Milford aforesaid, and it shall be thankfully acknowledged by Leonard Thomas. 6 JANUARY 1773: Pilesgroves, Salem County, [New Jersey]. SARAH PLUMMER, the wife of JOHN PLUMMER hath eloped 27 JANUARY 1773: This is to acquaint the public, that my wife, PENELOPE DONALD having absented herself from me, and taken up with another man, by her infidelity towards me, 1 will not be accountable for any debts WILLIAM DONALD. 14 APRIL 1773: New-Jersey. Whereas it has been reported that I, WILLIAM BOUYA, Carpenter and House Joiner, have two wives in New-Jersey, and disown them. NOTICE is hereby given to any Woman, who may pretend to he my lawful wife, to prove her marriage to 310 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine me, before the Judge of the Court, or some Alderman, and publish the same in this Gazette; any time within six Months from the date hereof, otherwise I shall alter my condition. William Bouya, 2 JUNE 1773: GENEALOGICAL ENQUIRIES. Any Person or Persons of the SARASIN FAMILY, of Basil, in Switzerland, of either Sex, married or unmarried, who are in America, and will send in a circumstantial Account of their Names, Arrival, Birth, Age, &c &c to MR. JOHN SHWEIGHAUSER, Shopkeeper, in Second-street, at Philadelphia, it will be deemed and acknowledged as a particular Favour by an eminent Gentleman of the said Family, at Basil. Or an Account coming from any other Person in the same Purpose, if even it should be respecting Persons deceased in America, of the Sarasin Family, will be equally accepted. 28 JULY 1773: Easton. CATHERINE, my wife has, for a long time past, behaved in a very unbecoming manner, and privately carried away, in the night time, a good deal of my household goods . . I do hereby forewarn JOHN EAGLE. 1 SEPTEMBER 1773: Philadelphia. If MARTHA BARNS, who left England between 3 and 4 years ago, in character of a cook for JOHN MORTON JORDAN, ESQ., and came to Maryland, will apply to the subscriber, she will hear of something to her advantage; should she be dead, any Person giving Advice thereof will oblige. Levi Hollingsworth. 29 SEPTEMBER 1773: Philadelphia. TACEY, the wife of JOHN CHATHAM, Mariner, has been guilty of Adultery, and otherwise misbehaved herself during his absence, he hereby forbids all Persons from trusting her on his account John Chatham. 6 OCTOBER 1773: Whereas I, JOHN LEECH, of Blockley, in the county of Philadelphia, yeoman, intend for the future to such bussiness and employment as will require my taking voyages oversea, and journies to the back parts of America, and also take up a tract of land on the Mississippi or Ohio. And as my wife CHRISTINE LEECH cannot be persuaded to leave this Province, I have therefore entered into an agreement with her, both to her satisfaction and my own; and as she is an honest, industrious and virtuous woman, and a very tender mother, I have bound my children to her, that she may bring them up in the best manner she can, and bind them out to such trades or occupations as she may think proper; And I have also given to her full power to bargain and sell, follow any lawful business, receive money, sue for and recover debts, and do any lawful action whatsoever in her own name and authority, and on her own account and Elopements and Other Miscreant Deeds of Women 311 credit, for herself, her use and benefit; as I hereafter never will desire anything or things whatsoever either from her or her heirs: And this my said full power shall never by me be revoked, or made void, but shall be and remain in full force and virtue during my natural life. John Leech. 13 OCTOBER 1773: Plymouth Township, Philadelphia County. My wife ISABELLE CAMPBELL, has made an elopement from me . JOHN CAMPBELL. 20 OCTOBER 1773: Philadelphia. All persons are warned not to trust MARGARET, the wife of SEYMOUR HOOD, Mariner, on his Account ... 17 NOVEMBER 1773: MARY, the wife of JOHN YARD, of the township of Trenton, in the province of New-Jersey, hath eloped ... 15 DECEMBER 1773: Shearman's Valley [1. NANCY, my wife, . . has eloped ...JOHN DODDS. 22 DECEMBER 1773: Philadelphia. My wife MARY MURREY, has made an Elopement from me ... JOHN MURREY. 19 JANUARY 1774: Philadelphia. My wife ANNE GREEN, has made an Elopement from me ... JOHN GREEN. She went away with a certain JOHN TUCK, a Taylor by Trade, who left his wife in Philadelphia. 19 JANUARY 1774: Plumstcad, Bucks County. Whereas ANN WOOD, my wife, has for some time behaved in a most unbecoming manner, particularly to me, and has eloped from me, on account of some debates that have subsisted between us, she still persisting, and will not he persuaded, either by me or her best friends, to return to her usual place of abode, and to her duty ... I have taken this method to forewarn all persons, not to trust her on my account PHILIP WOOD. 26 JANUARY 1774: Providence, Philadelphia County. My wife ANNA MARGARET RICHARDSON, has of late embezzled and sold sundry of my effect, without my knowledge ... RICHARD RICHARDSON. 16 MARCH 1774: liValpack Township, Sussex County, New-Jersey. Whereas ELIZABETH, my wife, did elope from Bed and Board, without any reason ... JOHN SCHOONHOVEN. 20 APRIL 1774: New-Castle [Delaware]. Whereas SARAH, my wife, bath for a considerable Time past misbehaved herself. . And whereas a certain EDWARD M'CLURE, under pretence of being in Partnership with me, hath as I have been informed, at Different Times, taken 312 The Pennsylvania Genealogical ,Vlagazine up Goods, . . without my Knowledge or Consent. These are therefore to forewarn all Persons whatsoever from trusting or giving Credit to my said wife Sarah, or to the said Edward M'Clure ...JOHN ANDERSON. 1 JUNE 1774: Philadelphia. Whereas my wife ELIZABETH does not chuse to live with me, and has left me ... GODLIEB ZEYHER. 27 JULY 1774: Whitemarsh [Montgomery County]. ELIZABETH, my wife, bath misbehaved, contracted Debts, eloped several Times, without Occasion, and taken several Articles with her DAVID STRIPE. 27 t jULY 1774: Mill-Creek Hundred, New-Castle County [Delaware]. ANN, the wife of JOHN BALL, hath eloped from her Husband John Ball, farmer. 3 AUGUST 1774: Philadelphia. MARGARET, the wife of JAMES GOTTIER, JUNIOR, bath eloped 3 AUGUST 1774: My wife MARY hath eloped from me . JAMES PAULHILL. 3 AUGUST 1774: West-New Jersey. HANNAH, my wife, hath for some time past behaved in a unbecoming manner, hath carried away some of my Wearing Apparel, and eloped my bed .. ABRAHAM WHITWORTH. 3 AUGUST 1774: TO THE PUBLIC, Whereas a certain MARTHA MORTON, wife of JOHN MORTON, which said John Morton did live in this city for several years, and in or about the year 1767 he was listed by Captain George Etherington, in the Royal American Regiment; now the said Martha would willingly be called MARTHA PENNOCK. These are to certify to all whom it may concern, that she is not my lawful wife, for, several years after the subscriber was married to the above Martha, her husband, John Morton, was alive and a soldier in one of the companies that Captain George Etherington did belong to. Now I do forewarn all persons not to trust her on my account . . SAMUEL PENNOCK. 10 AUGUST 1774: TO THE PUBLIC. Whereas SAMUEL PENNOCK, of the city of Philadelphia, Hatter, has thought fit (through the instigation of his malicious friend) to publish me in the Pennsylvania Gazette forewarning all persons from trusting me on his Account, and likewise affirms that I have another Husband living, by the name of JOHN MORTON, which, with a safe conscience, I deny; . . I have been married to the said Pennock eight years, and always behaved as a prudent wife to him, and can produce, when necessary, a sufficient testimonial of my lawful marriage to the said Pennock, and also an authentic power of attorney, under hand and seal, to collect his debts, Elopements and Other Miscreant Deeds of Women 313 and enjoy all that is or may be belonging to him hereafter, and can assure the public, that Mr. Pennock and his friends have used me extremely ill, at sundry times. MARTHA PENNOCK. 5 AUGUST 1774: Whereas it has been reported, that I was married to a young woman, named RHODA MOORE, of Loudon County, Virginia, but I do hereby assert, that the said report is false, and that I am not lawfully married to her, nor never will be, therefore she is at her own liberty to marry, or do as she sees proper. HUGH RUSSELL. 31 AUGUST 1774: Bristol Township, Bucks County. Whereas my wife JANE, by her impudent conduct, has rendered my cohabiting with her any longer extremely difficult and uneasy . DAVIS DAVIS. 12 OCTOBER 1774: Philadelphia. My wife ELIZABETH DAFT hath eloped from me . . . THOMAS DAFT. 9 NOVEMBER 1774: ANN, the wife of ALEXANDER GRANT, hath eloped 11 OCTOBER 1775: Warwick, in Bucks County. Whereas 1, the subscriber having some years past been misled by evil-disposed counsellors, did, in the Pennsylvania Gazette of 20 September 1770, throw some aspersions on the conduct and character of my wife, CATHERINE and accused her as if she had clandestinely taken into her possession some bonds of mine ... upon more prudent examination of my wife's conduct, found her to be innocent and faultless, with regard to such aspersions, the bonds which she had kept, being a part of her dowry by a former husband [we] are now reconciled and dwell together peaceably. I therefore desire all persons not to take any notice of the aspersions or restraints published in said newspapers . . SAMUEL BLAKER. 18 OCTOBER 1775: LOST from the subscriber, living on Raccoon Creek, in Woolwich township, Gloucester County, West-jersey, in the night between the 9th and 10th of this instant October, An indented Female Child, her name is POLLY MURPHY, very near 5 years of Age, pretty tall for her Age, of a fair Complexion, has ruddy Cheeks, grey eyes, light hair, and a small scar on her forehead; had on an almost new homespun lincey petticoat, with red, brown and yellow stripes, turned up round-about, a red, ragged woollen short gown, and a coarse ozenbrigs shift. It is supposed she has been taken away by her parents, who stayed that night with the subscriber, and with the child disappeared in the morning. The father's name is HENRY SHARFF, has a lean face and thin hair, and had on an old worn blue coat; the mother is a lusty hearty woman, of fair complexion, has thick lips, and black hair, and is big with child. Whoever takes up the said persons with the above described child, and secures them, so that the 34 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine subscriber may have the child again, and the parents convicted of theft, shall have FIVE POUNDS reward, or for the child alone THREE POUNDS, and all resonable charges, paid by ANDREW MINTZ. 6 MARCH 1775: Whereas ELIZABETH, the wife of the subscriber, living in the township of Deptford, and county of Gloucester, in West New -jersey, hath eloped from his bed and board (without any just cause) and taken with her sundry of his goods and effects, and at present has taken up and cohabits with one ROBERT HENRY ... JOHN STEEL. [The same notice repeated on 17 April 1776]. 27 MARCH 1775: Whereas AGNES DODS, wik of .JOHN DODS bath eloped 1 MAY 1776: ELEANOR WELCH, otherwise JONES, wife of ROBERT WELCH, of Gloucester County [New Jersey] hath eloped 19 JUNE 1 776: BRIDGET GUN, the wife of GEORGE GUN, of Christiana Hundred [Delaware], hath eloped from his bed and board without any just cause, and a present has taken up and cohabits with other men . 31 JULY 1776: Philadelphia. My wife JANE BROWN has eloped from me, and refuses to live with me GABRIEL BROWN. 28 AUGUST 1776: Talbot County [Maryland]. SARAH KIRBY, the m,ife of JOHN KIRBY bath eloped . 28 AUGUST 1776: Whereas I the subscriber, some time hence [31 July 1776] warned the Public not to credit my wife JANE BROWN, on my account, this is to certify that the above was done in passion, and that I heartedly revoke the same, being heartfully sorry for so doing. GABRIEL BROWN. 9 OCTOBER 1 776: Philadelphia. If MARY ANN HARRISON, whose maiden name is GUITAR, late of this city, but supposed to have gone in the Country to Service, will return and enquire at CHRISTOPHER CARREN's, Taylor, in Chestnut-street, she may hear of a sum of Money being left her by her Husband, JOHN HARRISON, now going on another Voyage to the West-Indies. 20 NOVEMBER 1776: Whereas ANN CARSLACK, wife of DAVID CARSLACK of Nottingham, in the county of Burlington, West Newjersey, hath some time past gone away from me, her husband, without reasonable cause if she returns to me she shall have the best of usage, and all former differences shall be buried in utter oblivion: if not, I do hereby forewarn all persons from trusting her ... 26 MARCH 1777: .Alloway's Creek Township [New Jersey JEWMAH WILSON, the wife of JOHN WILSON, hereby forewarns all persons from trusting him on her account, for she never intends to live Elopements and Other Miscreant Deeds of Women 315 with him any more, nor have any Concern with him, or pay any of his debts; he is lame and I have taken the best care I could of him; he has sold all my effects. 4 JUNE 1777: Wilmington. My wife JANE, bath eloped ... JOHN HAWKINS. 23 JULY 1777: Whereas MARY BURNEY, my wife, hath run me in debt .. THOMAS BURNEY. 10 SEPTEMBER 1777: Moreland Township, Philadelphia County. MARY MAGDALENE, the wife of LAWRENCE SANDMAN, through the instigation of evil-minded persons, eloped from him . 10 SEPTEMBER 1777: ELIZABETH WHITEAKER, the wife of JOHN WHITEAKER hath eloped ... 20 JANUARY 1779: The subscriber, living in Marlborough township, Philadelphia county, after much patience, finds himself under the disagreeable necessity to notify that his wife ANN MARY, ...did elope from him the ninth time ...And as she is fond of strong liquor, he will not take her into his house in sickness or health, but also make use of the law against the persons that would impose her upon him. HENRY HASS. 10 MARCH 1779: Mount-Bethel township, Northampton county. Whereas my wife CHRISTIANA hath so far forgot all duty and shame, notwithstanding the tenderest treatment and admonition, she left my house with the intention not to live with me, it appearing by her behaviour and declaration that she follows one LUDWIG EIB [ERB who inveigled her to take that step ...MICHAEL CLASS. 2 juNE 1779: TO THE PUBLIC. Whereas ELIZABETH, the daughter of VEONDLE POTESWA, hath sworn that she was with child by me, and by course of law I was obliged to marry her for my lawful wife, and therefore I forewarn all persons whatsoever not to trust her anything upon my account ... DANIEL TEANEY. 16 JUNE 1779: Whereas SARAH, the wife of NICHOLAS SMITH of Northampton township, Burlington County [New Jersey], eloped with one SAMUEL ROBERTS, of said place, and were seen near Spicer's bridge, about a mile from Cooper's Ferry; she has taken a quantity of money and other valuable effects not her property; her former name was SARAH GABB Nicholas Smith, 19 JANUARY 1780: Philadelphia. Absented herself from her Husband, HANNAH, the wife of JOSHUA BURN, and has taken along with her a roccolo coat and three good Holland shirts, almost new, and one pair of silver buckles, two pair of new yarn stockings, and sundry household goods too tedious to mention ...Joshua Burn. 316 ri he Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine 3 MAY 1780: Philadelphia. Whereas SUSANNA, the wife of the subscriber, having run him greatly in debt, defrayed my interest etc. ... neither do I intend to cohabit with her anymore .. HENRY STILES, J R. 16 AUGUST 1780: Whereas JANE HARNETT hath eloped from me her husband, sold my effects, run me in debt, and reports that I am gone to New York, which is utterly false, as will appear from under the hand of William Potts, of Mansfield, Burlington County, as follows: "These are to certify whom it may concern, That James Harnett came to my home on or about the 10th day of January, and continued with us until 3d of July 1780, and behaved himself as an honest industrious man; he returned to my service on the 18th day of said July, and is now with me in service. Witness by hand, this 17th day of July, 1780. William Potts." Therefore I, the said JAMES HARNETT, having received base usage at her hands, do hereby forewarn all persons no to trust her on my account ... 20 SEPTEMBER 1780: Whereas JOHN WEAVER has in the Pennsylcania journal charged me with having run him in debt, destroying his interest and misbehaving myself, so that it is impossible for him to live with me. Had these charges, base as they are, been published only in the neighborhood where we lived, they would not have reflected any disgrace on me, as the contrary is so well known, and may be made appear if required; however his method of traducing my character in a public news-paper being so extensive, I look upon myself justifiable in like manner to defend my injured innocence. His scandalous behaviour and conduct is the baneful enemy that destroys his interest; such as his ill usage of me, treating me with personal abuse, and turning me out of doors in an unfit condition, to shift for myself; as also his having for a considerable time supported an infamous strumpet, of Montgomery township, with her two children, but for fear of being prosecuted by the overseers of the poor, he privately removed her to Philadelphia, where he now supports her at a house near the NewMarkets, and she passes as his wife, all which I can prove by substantial evidence. ANN WEAVER. 18 OCTOBER 1780: Whereas my wife RACHEL, hath demeaned herself for two years and more past, and her children and relations, by keeping company with a negroe fellow; and has, after being taken in the fact, confessing her guilt, eloped, and gone away with him. I hope no person will trust her on my account; nor in any Christian neighborhood suffer them to live together as man and wife. JOHN ROBINSON. Elopements and Other Miscreant Deeds of Women 31 29 NOVEMBER 1780: STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA. In General Assembly, 21 November 1780. The report made yesterday to the Petition of GILES HICKS, Captain-Lieutenant in the 10th Pennsylvania regiment, praying to be divorced from his wife HESTER, by reason of her infidelity and infamous conduct, &c. was read the second time, and being considered, it was Resolved, That the said Giles Hicks be permitted to bring in a bill to divorce him from said wife Hester, agreeable to the prayer of his petition, he, the said Giles Hicks, giving previous notice of his design and this permission, at least three weeks, in the public newspaper printed in the City of Philadelphia, intituled The Pennsylvania Gazette, and Weekly Advertiser. Extract from the Minutes, Samuel Sterett, Clerk. In Consequence of the above, I do hereby give public notice, that I have petitioned the Honourable House of Assembly, for a Divorce from Hester Hicks, alias M'DANIEL, for which purpose a bill is depending before the House, of which said Hester Hicks, alias M'Daniel may take notice, in order to make her objections, if any she hath, why said bill should not be passed into a law. Giles Hicks, Captaina-Lieutenant, 10th Pennsylvania Regiment. 7 MARCH 1781: Lower Merion [Montgomery County]. My wife, ANN ROBESON, hath absconded my bed and board, without any cause . THOMAS ROBESON. 14 MARCH 1781: Lower Merion, [Montgomery County]. Whereas my husband THOMAS ROBINSON [Robeson hath in Messieurs Hall and Seller's Gazette of March 7th, advertised me as having eloped without any cause &c. Now the truth of the matter is, I never eloped nor absented from him, unless I stayed at my father's house, and that but seldom, on account of the abuse and ill treatment I received from him when he was drunk, at which time he beat and otherwise cruelly terrified a little bound servant girl, and forced her to tell him ill reports of me, which are all false and groundless; and now he is gone from his home and left me with five small children, two of which (twins) I now suckle, in a desolate forlorn condition, and since he hath gone his father bath inventoried all the few household goods we had, by virtue of power of Attorney, under a sham pretence of debt, who says he will make sale thereof and pay himself. ANN ROBINSON [Robeson ?]. 14 MARCH 1781: Whereas the subscriber, by his Petition, hearing date the 5th of November 1780, in the honourable Assembly of the State of Pennsylvania, setting forth, that his wife MARY had eloped from his bed and board, without any reasonable cause, and lived in a state of separation for about the space of eight years, and afterwards 318 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine undertook to intermarry and cohabit with another man, by whom she had one or more children; and praying that upon due notice he may be permitted to bring in a bill in the honourable House of Assembly, to disolve the marriage heretofore had between the said Petitioner and the said Mary . JACOB BILLMEYER. 25 APRIL 1781: Salem County [New jersey]. My wife SARAH HOPKINS, hath eloped from my bed and board . . CHARLES HOPKINS. 25 APRIL 1781: Gloucester County [New jersey]. To all whom it may concern, whereas my wife ELIZABETH CHEW, regardless of the Solemn obligation of matrimony, hath, during my captivity with the enemy, been guilty of the act of incontinency ...AARON CHEW. 27 JUNE 1781: Bucks County, My wife, MARY ERWIN, having for these seven years past iniformly and invariably endeavoured, by every effort in her power, to destroy my happiness, comfort, and peace of mind, on every occasion to counteract and defeat any measures I have adopted for the interest, welfare, and harmony of my family. Being thus circumstanced, I have come to a solemn determination, however repugnant to my own disposition, to separate myself finally from her; and as I intend to do her the most ample justice by allowing her a sufficient annuity for her maintenence and support ...ARTHUR ERWIN. 27 JUNE 1751: Northern Liberties. CATHERINE, my wife, regardless of the solemn obligation of incontinency JOHN GRANT. 26 SEPTEMBER 1781: My wife, ANN FATHARBY, absconded from my bed and board NATHANIEL FATHARBY. 21 NOVEMBER 1781: Easton. Whereas my wife, MARY BARBARA, absconded from my bed and board on 13 of September 1779, and otherwise misbehaved herself, and has lived ever since in Little Oley, near Pottsgrove . CHRISTIAN HOLLAND. 21 NOVEMBER 78 1 : JANE, the wife of the subscriber hath eloped ... JOSEPH M'SPARRAN. 26 DECEMBER 1781: Lower Milford Township, Bucks County, My wife, REBECCA GILBERT and I have parted BENJAMIN GILBERT. 9 JANUARY 1782: My wife, MARY ...has been guilty of stealing seve ral times . I do not intend to have any union with her hereafter ... AQUILA JONES. 6 FEBRUARY 1782: Notice is hereby given, that the subscriber and REBECCA, his wife, by their own Contract and Agreement, made a Elopements and Other Miscreant Deeds of Women 3 19 division of their goods on the sixth day of November last; and it was also agreed, that each pay their own debts before maniage, and forever after, on which she moved her share away, and we have lived separate ever since. These are to certify, that I wilt pay no debts of her contracting. EDWARD DAVIS. 27 MARCH 1782: CHARLES RUBEY, of the town and county of Bedford, Shoemaker, having on this 18th day of June last, presented a Petition to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in General Assembly met, setting forth the infidelity of JANE, his wife, late JANE SMITH of the county of Westmoreland .. . to dissolve the bands of marriage between him and the said Jane, and to enable him to marry again ... 17 APRIL 1782: Whereas NANCY, the wife of JAMES CONNOR, of Farmanah township in Cumberland County, eloped from his bed and board some time ago, and afterwards returned with some evil persons, broke the lock of his door, and took out of the house a bed and bedding, some pewter and several sorts of household furniture; also a valuable mare . . 24 APRIL 1782: Waterford [Westmoreland County 1. My wife SARAH CHESTER hath for some time past behaved in such a manner to make me very unhappy, and hath finally absconded from my bed and board JOHN CHESTER. 29 MAY 1782: Philadelphia. My wife MARY, hath eloped ADAM TAYLOR. 30 JULY 1783: TO THE PUBLIC. Whereas JOSEPH ELLIOTT, now of Kingsessing, in the county of Philadelphia, having, about a year since absented from his wife and five small children, in the county of Cumberland, and state of New Jersey; in consequence of his elopement, his creditors seized and sold his effects, leaving me and my children inexpressibly to suffer and feel the dire effects of cruelty; and on being made acquainted, I went with my youngest child at my breast to my husband about a month since; but alas! he being lost to every sentiment of honour, discretion and human feeling, beat me unmercifully, telling me he intended immediate marriage to the widow of PETER HANBEST (with her he now dwells and it is supposed criminally corresponds) . . ELIZABETH ELLIOTT. 10 SEPTEMBER 1783: Abington, Philadelphia County. Whereas I have several times paid off the debts of my wile MARGARET DOCHERTEE's contracting, at taverns; this is to warn all tavern-keepers not to trust her . PATRICK DOCHERTEE. 15 OCTOBER 1783: Since my husband MICHAEL CANNAWAY„ 320 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine alias MASTER M'CONNOLLY, has left me these two years, and robbed me of my money and goods ...BARBARA CANNAWAY. 15 OCTOBER 1783: Allen township, Northampton county. Whereas my wife CATHERINE has, eloped from my bed and board GEORGE FRANCK. 22 OCTOBER 1783: New-York. This is to certify by the subscriber of East Town, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, that JANE my wife has eloped from me and is said to cohabit with BARNARD LEVI. of the said county and place .., if said JANE returns to her family at New York, she may depend upon being received by her husband, and all animosities buried in oblivion. JOSEPH NATHAN. 31 DECEMBER 1783: Gwinedth township, Philadelphia county. My wife MARGARET BLOOM, alias CONVERY, hath, in a clandestine manner, carried off goods and refuses to live with him any longer. DANIEL BLOOM. 7 JANUARY 1784: Buckingham, Bucks County. ANNA, the wife of the subscriber, has, by her misbehaviour and bad conduct, been the means of breaking up his family ... ABRAHAM LANDIS. 18 FEBRUARY 1784: Philadelphia. Since my husband JACOB JACKLE left me these two years and a half, after misbehaving himself greatly I shall not live with him any more nor pay anything for him. ELIZABETH M. JACKLE. 7 APRIL 1784: My wife JANE M ILAM has eloped from me JOSEPH M I LAM . 14 APRIL 1784: MARY ‘JOHNSTON, the wife of the subscriber, late of Marlborough township, in the county of Philadelphia ...has eloped from my bed and board and lives with a certain JOHN CRIDER, JUNIOR, as husband and wife ... DAVID JOHNSTON. 28 APRIL 1784: ANN LEONARD ... has eloped from his bed and board MICHAEL LEONARD. 4 AUGUST 1784: My wife has eloped from her bed and board ... DAVID COPELAND. 18 AUGUST 1 784: Northern Liberties, Philadelphia county. My wife REBECCA KOON, by her ill conduct hath reduced me to the disagreeable necessity of taking this method to caution ally one against trusting her ... JACOB KOON. 6 OCTOBER 1784: Introduced in the State General Assembly: An Act to dissolve the marriage of HENRY OSBORNE and ELIZABETH his wife. Elopements and Other Miscreant Deeds of Women 32 1 16 MARCH 1785: CATHERINE TITUS, the wife of the subscriber, of Mount Bethel Township, in the county of Northampton,has misbeh is haved herself in a very unbecoming manner . . JACOB X TITUS. mark 6 JULY 1785: Northern Liberties. His wife ELIZABETH hath gone off several times, and always took with her what she found of value . PETER MAI SON. 13 JULY 1785: Buckingham township, Bucks County. Whereas my wife CHARITY has without cause, eloped from my bed and board . ADAM B.ARR. 20 JULY 1785: ANN ...has absconded from his bed and board .. JOHN HALL. 10 AUGUST 1785: Buckingham township, Bucks County. Whereas the subscriber, wife of ADAM BARR, much to her grief, has found her name published in the papers by her husband, accusing her of eloping from him without any cause: If being often beat and abused in a most cruel manner, thrown in the fire, sometimes almost strangled by him, at other times thrown on the floor and stamped on, swearing he would murder her, and other ill treatment, which disabled her from getting out of bed for several days, suffering both black and white servants to abuse her with ill language, and when her mother came to see her, he in a furious manner turned both her and her mother out of doors. If such cruel usage, from a man who ought to have been her best friend, be not sufficient cause for leaving him ...CHARITY BARR. 13 FEBRUARY 1786: Six Pounds REWARD. Was left, the 25th of August last, at night, in the township of Burlington, by a woman passing along to Philadelphia, a CHILD, about six weeks old. She was seen at Cooper's Ferry and went over to the Old-Ferry at Philadelphia. She is a small woman, and had on a linsey petticoat and gown, and white bonnet. Any person that will take up the said woman, proving her to be the mother of the child, shall receive the above reward, paid by the Overseers of the Poor at Burlington. Andrew Craig. Abraham Stogdon. 25 juriv 1786: SUSANNAH STOCK hath eloped . HENRY STOCK. 23 MAC 1787: CATHERINE WKEE, otherwise LANG, or GAVALLE, bath eloped from by bed and board . JOHN M'KEE. 15 AUGUST 1787: ELENOR my wife, bath eloped . JACOB LIGHTWOOD. 322 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine 26 SEPTEMBER 1787: ANN TRIMBLE, my wife, hath absconded . .4 JAMES TRIMBLE. 3 OCTOBER 1787: Philadelphia. My wife CATHERINE hath eloped ...and otherwise behaved herself in a scandalous manner by being constantly in liquor ...CORNELIUS GRANVILLE. 7 NOVEMBER 1787: Whereas MARY DIJYR, formerly the wife of PETER BUZZARD, hath thought good to leave him, and her children, and renounce her marriage with said Buzzard, and hath given from under her hand never to layf claim to any of his estate ...therefore, that I said Buzzard, for this and other good causes, am obliged to warn the public not to lend or trust said Mary Duyr (otherwise MARY POND) on my account ...Peter Buzzard. 20 AUGUST 1 788: Whereas an alias Supoena has issued directed to me, the Sheriff of Dauphin county, from the Justices of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, in a certain bill presented to the same court by JOSEPH WRIGHT, against CATHERINE WRIGHT, the wife of said Joseph, for a divorce, upon a suggestion of adultery and other misbehaviour . . Anthony Kelker, Sheriff. 24 SEPTEMBER 1788: County of Philadelphia, and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania PETER PAULUS, you are hereby notified, pursuant to the subpoena directed to you ...that you appear . to answer the libel of your wife SOPHIA PAULUS, praying for a divorce from the banns of matrimony. 24 SEPTEMBER 1788: County of Philadelphia and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania JAMES CORDELL, you are notified to answer the libel of your wife, MARY CORDELL, praying for a divorce 26 NOVEMBER 1788: Whereas my wife SARAH hath committed adultery, and for that cause I am now prosecuting libel for divorce from the said Sarah from the bands of matrimony. JOHN KNIGHT. Philadelphia. 15 APRIL 1789: Nockamixon township. Bucks county. My wife ELIZABETH refuses to live with me ...,JACOB MOYERS, JUN. 12 AUGUST 1789: MARY FENEMORE hath eloped ... ABRAHAM FENEMORE. 2 SEPTEMBER 1789: Blockley. WAS FOUND A FEMALE CHILD Supposed to be near two years old, with a white bonnet, gown and petticoat; has a large mark on the breast, and appears likely to have been scalded. The above child is supposed to have been left by a woman of tall stature, in a white gown, with large black cuffs, red petticoat, and a white bonnet. Any persons apprehending the persons Elopements and Other Miscreant Deeds of Women 323 who left the above child, so they may be prosecuted to conviction, shall receive FOUR DOLLARS reward . 25 NOVEMBER 1789: Whereas LYDIA, the wife of the subscriber of New-Britain, Bucks county hath elopeds ... JOSEPH MATHEW. DECEMBER 1789: MARY BOOR, you are hereby notified that you appear before the Honorable Justices of the Supreme Court . to answer the libel of your husband, WILLIAM BOOR, praying for a divorce . . 2 DECEMBER 1789: HENRY BOSSLER, you are hereby notified to answer to the libel of your wife SARAH BUSKER, praying for divorce. 2 DECEMBER 1789: HENRY FRIDAY ...answer to libel of your wife MARGARET FRIDAY praying for divorce ... 23 DECEMBER 1789: As JOSEPH, the husband of the subscriber, of New-Britain township, Bucks county, hath taken upon himself' to accuse me of elopement [25 November 1789], necessity obliges me to justify my own character, and skew whether I have just cause or not, thus publicly to lay open . . To say his behaviour is more like a savage than a husband would not exceed the truth ... LYDIA MATHEW.