Courts of Oyer and Terminer: Minutes, York County

COURTS OF OYER AND TERMINER MINUTES, YORK COUNTY* York County, Pennsylvania 1765 "Pleas Returnable at the County Court of Common Pleas held at York for the County of York the Last Tuesday of April in the fifth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the third by the Grace of God of Great Britain France Ireland King Defender of the Faith and so forth and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Sixty five Before John Blackburn, Esquire and bis Associates Justices so Assigned. Samuel Owings, Jr. v George Stevenson and William Thompson. Debt £377.18.6 without writ Entered on the doequet by Consent, Mr. George Ross appears for the Defendants Continued July Term Removed by Habeus Corpus. York County aforesaid of the Term of April in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Sixty five— George Stevenson and William Thompson both late of York County Gentlemen otherwise called George Stevenson and William Thompson of York County in the Province of Pennsylvania Gentlemen were Summoned to Answer Samuel Owings, Jr.of a Plea that they Render him Three hundred and Seventy Seven Pounds eighteen Shillings and Six pence which to him they owe and unjustly detain. And whereupon the said Samuel by James Smith his attorney saitli that whereas the said George and William the twenty seventh Day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand hundred and Sixty four at York in the County aforesaid by their certain writing obligatory granted themselves to be held and firmly Bound into the said Samuel in the aforesaid three hundred and Seventy Seven Pounds Eighteen Shillings and Six Pence to be paid unto the said Samuel when they should be thereunto afterwards required Nevertheless the said George and William tho thereunto often Required the aforesaid three hundred and Seventy Seven Pounds Eighteen Shillings and Six pence unto the said Samuel have not nor hath either of them Rendered but the same to him to Render have and each of them hath denied and Still do deny to the damage of the said Samuel fifty Pounds and thereof he brings suit and brings into Court here the writing obligatory aforesaid which the debt aforesaid in form aforesaid doth terstifie whose date is the same day and year first above Written.” Pledge of Prolsecutorl’s John Doe and Richard Roe Transcribed by Elizabeth B. Bunting, former member of the Publications Commit¬ tee of the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania. See PGM 42:330 for additional informa¬ tion on the Oyer and Terminer records and their availability. Some records for York County were published in PGM 43:2 1-31. ISS Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 46 (2009) 2009 Oyer and Terminer, Minnies, York County 159 Smith— Quer. Examined by |illegible] Johnston, Prothjonotary]. Habeas Corpus Samuel Owings v George Stevenson Returnable 8 September 1765, George Ross “The Answer of John Blackburn, Daniel Jameson and Martin Eychelherger, Esquires and their Associated Justices within Specified By virtue of the within writ to us directed we have the Bodys of the said George Stevenson and William Thompson before the Justices of the Supreme Court of the Province of Pennsylvania the day within mentioned together with the cause of their being taken and detained which appears in a Schedule hereunto annexed as within we are commanded.” Signed David |.v/c] Jameson, Michael Swoope and John Adlum York County, Pennsylvania 1 766 Lessee James Smith vs. John Hay Ejectment in the Supreme Court for Land in York County October 3, 1766 “the matter in difference in the Cause being settled by reference to which both Parties have agreed I am content that the Petitioner discontinued his Action.” Signed, Johannes Say, Michael Eychelherger York County, Pennsylvania 1768 King vs. Henry Smith— 19 November 1768 Indictment: Murder Examination of Henry Smith taken before l Is Martin Eichelbcrger and Michael Swoope, Esquires, 23rd Day of July 1768 “The said Henry Smith Saith that on Tuesday the 1 2th day of July instant, as he was travelling towards Carlisle with a certain Mary Kennedy, about a Mile and a half from York Town, met with a certain Baltzcr Klolzer the Person since then Murdered and that the said Henry Smith and Mary Kennedy walked from thence nearly in sight of the said Baltzer to the house of Michael Sprenckel at which place the said Mary Kennedy desired the said Baltzer Klotzer who carried a Pack upon his Back to Show her some Silk Hankerchiefs and that the said Baltzer according to the Request of the said Mary and in the View of the said I lenry shewed several Silk I lankerehiefs and sundry other Goods, and this Examinant saith that whilst they the said Henry and Mary were looking at the Goods told the said Mary she need not Look at the Goods for he had not more Money than one Eleven Penny Piece; And the said Mary having bought two pence worth of thread and a Pence of Pins, They the said Henry and Mary then set off from the House of the aforesaid Michael Sprenckel leaving the said Baltzer there and that this Examinant and the said Mary immediately concluded to Waylay him the said Baltzer Klotzer and to take his Goods and Murder him and about one hundred Yards from the 160 Pennsylvania (ienealogical Magazine Vol. 46 said I louse lie the said Henry Smith with the Consent of the said Mary cut a hickory' Club above an Inch thick, with which they the said Henry and Mary intended to Murder him the said Blatzer Klotzer deceased, and from thence they the said Henry and Mary walked about half a Mile and sat down upon the side of a Hill till they saw the said Balt/.er Klotzer the Person Murdered come in sight, from thence this F.xaminant and the said Mary walked into a Hollow a small distance from thence on the Carlisle Road and waited til the said Baltzer Klotzer the deceased came up, and then and there the said Henry at the desire and request of the said Mary who was then Present, without Speaking to him the said deceased Struck him twice and knocked him down with the above mentioned Club prepared for that Purpose; And the said deceased so being knocked down in the Road aforesaid, the the said Henry dragged him from thence about two Rod into the Woods, the said Baltzer Klotzer the Person Murdered having at that time some remains of Life; The said Mary Kennedy being still Present, gave a Razor which she had about her to the said Henry and desired that they might not be dicovered with which he the said 1 lenry cut the Throat of the said deceased and left him for Dead. And the said Examinant further saith that again he came into the Road the said Mary had carried the Pack and Goods of the said Murdered Person about two Rod out of the Road where she the said Mary had opened the Pack and taken out the Goods and the said Mary (he the said Henry being present) took some of the best of the said Goods, and put them in a Wallet which they the said Henry and Mary had with them and left the Remainder of the Goods there; and then the said Examinant took the Wallet upon his Shoulder and together with the said Mary fled till they were taken at Canegogig." Signed by mark True Bill Returned Arraigned and plead Not Guilty Witnesses: Martin Eichelbergcr, Esq., Michael Swoope, Esq., James Raise, Esq., Samuel Johnston, Esq., Elizabeth Spanckle and Christian Newcomer. Presentment: “. . . presents that Henry Smith of York County, Labourer and Mary Kennedy of the same County, Spinster, at Manchester Township in the said County of York with Force and Arms in and upon a certain Baltzer Klotz. . . . an assault did make with a drawn Razor . . . gave onemortal Wound . . . of which said mortal Wound the said Baltzer then and there Instantly died; . . . and of their Malice aforethought did kill and murder. King vs. Mary Kennedy Indictment: Murder Examination of Mary Kennedy, taken before Us, Martin Eichelbergcr and Michael Swoope two of 23 July 1768. “The said Mary Kennedy the Examinant saith that some time about the beginning of last Week, as she together with a certain Henry Smith were travelling, she believes on the Carlisle Road they the said Mary and Henry above a half a Mile from the Blue Ball overtook an Old Man carrying a Pack who went some distance before them till he came to a 1 louse, to which said House the said Mary and Henry shortly after came, and the said Old Man having opened his 2009 Oyer and Terminer. Minnies, York Count y 161 Goods she the said Mary brought about two Pence worth of thread and (saw sundry' other Goods) and then site the said Mary and I lenry set off from the said House and immediately concluded together to Waylay the said Old Man and take his Goods from him. That the said Henry stayed some distance behind this Examinant and shortly after he came up with her and had a large Slick which she since understood was Hickory, and with which lie the said Henry said he intended to knock Down the said Old Man, and she this Examinant replied she did not care, and from thence they the said Mary and Henry walked along the said Road and crossed a Run and some distance on the other side they stopped till the said Old Man came in sight, and there they the said Mary and Henry went a little further till they came into a Hollow in the above mentioned Road; And then and there the said Henry told the said Mary he would knock the said Old Man down and take his Goods and she the said Mary answered she did not care; And as she the said Mary could not bare to see him . . . she went into the Woods about four Rod from the said Road, whence she immediately heard the Noise of two Strokes without seeing any body, shortly after the said Henry called this Examinant into the Road and desired her to bring a Razor, which she had with her to him she accordingly went into the Road which was of the distance of four Rod from where she had in the Wood as above mentioed, where she the said Mary found the said Old Man laying on the Ground by whose body the said Henry stood and the said Mary then and there gave the said Razor to the said Henry and then returned into the Woods near the Place where she had first Sat. And she the said Examinant further saith that a short ime after the said Henry Smith called her a second time into the Road where she accordingly went and then and there found the said Henry near the Place where she had saw the said Old Man lying; but that he was then gone, and this Examinant further saith that she saw some blood in the Road at the Place last mentioned, which she took to be the blood of the saitl Old Man, Whereby she know that the said Old Man was Murdered, and further saith that the said Henry desired this Examinant to help him to cover the said blood which she accordingly did. Thereupon the said Henry carried the Pack of the said Old Man into the Woods, so here they the said Mary and I lenry took out the best of the Goods which they the said Mary and Henry had with them and from thence they immediately fled till they were taken at Connogagig.” Signed by mark True bill Returned Witnesses: Michael Swoope, Esq., Martin Eichelberger, Esq., James Raise,Esq., and Alexander Ramsey Verdict: Guilty of the Felony and Murder whereof she stand indicted. King vs. Henry Smith and Mary Kennedy Indictment: Robbery True bill Returned Presentment: Henry Smith of York County, Labourer and Mary Kennedy of the same County, Spinster, the Goods and Chattels of baltz.er Klotz from the Person and against the Will of the same in the High Way then and there feloniously and violently did steal take and carry away. 162 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 46 Arraigned and plead Not Guilty Witnesses: Martin Eichelberger, Esq., Michael Swoope, Esq., John Rennalds, Matthew Wilson True Bill Returned— Prisoners tried [ ?| and sentenced. John Goodriglu, Lessee against George Ross November 21, 1768 Witnesses: George Spake, George Stine, Joseph Pugh and George Kuntz Lease Entry and |illegible| confessed Grand Jury finds for the Defendant. November 21, 1768 King vs. George Stevenson Indictment: Nusance— Rule for Tryal, November 21, 1768 Presentment by the Grand Jury: George Stevenson, Defendant is not guilty of the Nuisance whereof he stands indicted. Distringas to Nisi Prius Court1 at York November, 1768 Ross’s Lessee vs. Yoner November 21, 1768 Tried and Verdict for the Defendant. Uammen Assignee vs. Diehl Judgment to be entered 10th April next. Frederick Hook, Assignee vs. George Stevenson Judgment to be entered 10th April next. Andrew Finley vs. Charles Diehl Judgment to be entered I Oth April next. Conrad Holtzbaum vs. George Stevenson Judgment to be entered 10th April next. King vs. Thomas Roughton— 20 May 1768 Indictment: Buggery True Bill Arraigned, Pled Not Guilty Presentment: “That Thomas Roughton, late of York County, Labourer . . . on the First day of August in the Sixth Year and Reign of [ King George], with Force and Arms and upon a Mare then and there being an Assault did make then and there with the said Mare feloniously and wickedly and diabolically and against the Order of Nature had a venirial affair and then and there the said Mare carnally did know and then and there with the said Mare that detestable and abominable Crime of Buggery (not to be named among Christians) feloniously wickedly diabolically and against t Nisi Prius Court is a court for the trial of issues of fact before a jury and one presiding judge. Distringas is a writ commanding the sheriff to distrain the goods or chattels of a defendant to compel him to appear in Court. 20<>9 Oyer and Terminer, Minutes, York. County 163 the Order of Nature did commit and perpetrate To the great displeasure of Almighty God to the great Scandal of all human kind such Case made and provided and against the Peace and Dignity of the King, his Crown and Dignity.” Witnesses: Joseph David and James Cofield Verdict, Not Guilty Discharged, paying fees. King vs. Darby Condry, Mordecai Thompson and James Barnet— 20 May 1768 Indictment: Assault on George Johnston Inquest: On sight of the body of George Johnston, 15 January 1768 by Joseph Adlum, Coroner: Caleb Low, Phillip Quiggle, William l.ygot, Andrew Coler, Daniel Shelly, Anthony Road, (all signed by mark) and Andrew Miller, Frederick Lehman, Henry Clayton, George Earnest, Myars Frederick, Casper Lealaberger say that George Johnston came to his death through the assault of Darby Condry. Deposition of I lowed Thompson before David Jameson, Esq., 2 1 January 1768 Howell Thompson of Newburry Township and York County, labourer saith “that on the first day of January instant about 7 oclock in the Evening as he this Deponent was laying in bed in the house of George Johnston, James Barnet being there at the same time, he heard the report of two Guns, and shortly after saw Darby Condrick, Mordecai Thompson and Adam Frazier come into the house where they drank about a pint of Rum. After some time Mordecai Thompson went out with a Gun and fired her off as this Deponent believes. Upon the report of the Gun George Johnson and the rest went out of Doors and this Deponent heard a noise as if people were fighting and James Barnet and Mordecai Thompson cry out Darbey play away, handle your hands, upon which he this Deponent went out of the Door where he saw George Johnston rising as it were to his feet and Darbey Condrick strick him two or three strokes with his fist about the short ribs after which he saw them parted by Mordecai Thompson and James Barnet and this Deponent returned to his bed. Shortly afterwards he heard a noice as if they were fighting again and heard Thompson and Barnet cry out as before play away Darbey handle your hands. About a quarter of an hour afterward Condrick came into the house and Johnson followed him with an Axe or Grubbing hoein his hand, and Discharged them all from about the house and said they were all rogues and came to rob him and Johnstons wife cryed out murder upon which Mordecai Thompson took the axe or hoe from Johnston. Afterwards Johnston told James Barnet he had lain with his wife meaning Johnstons wife and had coekholded him to which Barnet replied that if she was his whore he would take her and her two children and maintain them upon which Johnston struck him with his fist in the face they seized one another and Barnet threw Johnston four or fivetimes on the floor. The third time that he threw him Johnston fell with his side against a wooden block. Afterwards they took their leave and seemed as if they were going away. Shortly after this Deponent heard in the Kitchen which joined the room he laid in, a kind of hissing, and 1 64 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 46 heard the noise as if somebody had been thrown upon a tub of frozen water which stood in the kitchen, and at the time heard Johnston’s wife call out you young dog Thompson, you have pretended to make peace to night and now you have killed my husband, shortly after they went away, and next morning they all came together and drank friends with Johnston And Further this Dcponant saith not.” Signed by mark. Recognizance before David Jameson, 17 December 1767 Howell Thompson, touching the death of George Johnston held for £50 to appear to give evidence against Darby Condry Voluntary Examination: Darby Condry before Michael Swoope, Esq. 17 May 1768 “Darby Condry of Newberry Township, County of York saith that the first day of January last in the afternoon was in Company with a Certain Mordecai Thompson and Mosses Frazier going to the house of a certain George Johnston since deceased with two Guns with them at which time the said Examinant and the two that were with him when they Came within Seventy Perches from the house of the Deceased Concluded to fire their Guns for a New years Gift that after they had fired their Guns the said George Johnston Did Come to the door of his house with a Whisky Bottle and as this Examinant Believes was very Drunk and after this Examinant and them that were with him had Drank some of the whiskey out of the said Bottle went into the house of the said Deceased and After they being some time in the Said house the said Deceased Called to his Wife and Said you whore take Care of the Children anti Don’t let them Cry' and that a Certain James Barnett being Present Replied your wife is no whore and that this Examinant told the said Wife to Go out of her husbands way and she immediately went on the I.oft of the said bouse and Desired that this Examinant would hand her some Blanketts to Cover his Children which he immediatly did on account of which the said Deceased did say to this Examinant you are come with an Intent to make me a Cuckold at which this Examinant went out of the said house and the said Deceased following him Struck at him which occasioned this Examinant and the said deceased to fall over a Log and Presently the Company Parted them and further this Examinant saith not.” Signed by mark. True Bill, Thomas Minshall, Foreman Presentment: the victim died of his wounds which were rendered 1 January 1768; he languished until 13 January 1768 when he died. Witnesses: Moses Frazier, Mary Johnson, John Garret Grauhan, John Lehman and Howell Thompson Arraigned and pled Not Guilty Verdict: Not Guilty King vs. John Ord, Junior May Assizes 1768 Indictment: Murder Ignoramus King vs. John Ord, Junior May Assizes, 1768 Indictment: Manslaughter 2009 Oyer and Terminer, Minnies, York County 165 Inquisition on 26th March 1768 before Joseph Adlum, Coroner on view of hotly of John Curtis. “The following viz: Joseph Chambers, David Hunter, Christopher Slagle, Michael Hahn, Michael Doutllc, William Matthews, Joseph Garretson, William Leas, Joseph Uptlegraff, David Cuniller, John Hay, Daniel Spangler, John Heibogh, Andrew Finley and James Miller do say lie came to death on the 16th day of February last being at the house of Conrad Byrer in Yorktown received a wound in the left thigh by a discharge of a Gun Loaded with powder and a Wadd of Tow” held and discharged by John Ord but “not of Malice aforethought or with intent to kill or injure the said John Curtis." Deposition of David Jameson, M.D. “I, David Jameson M.D. do hereby certify that on the 16th day of February 1 768 about 7 Oclock in the evening 1 was desired by John Ord to visit one John Curtis who he said was shot. Upon which 1 went to the house of Conrad Byrer Tavernkeeper of York Town where I found the said Curtis with a wound in his thigh And upon examination found it to be on the fore part of the Left thigh a little below the groin of the width of one inch and a half and the depth of one inch towards the middle of the limb and from thence running between the shin and muscles in a slanting directions towards the inside of the thigh about 3 inches the parts round about the wound burnt with powder. Upon search no extraneous body was to be found in the wound from whence 1 am of opinion that it was made without Ball or shot or any hard body and that it is not mortal. In testimony whereof I submit my name at York Town the 16th day of February 1768.” Signed Deposition of Doc. Adam Kuhn of the City of Philadelphia, Taken before me William Allen, Hsq. Chief Justice of the Province of Pennsylvania, this 3 1 st of March 1 768. "This Deponent being duly sworn on the holy F.vangelists of Almighty God did depose and say that being sent for last Friday, the 24 th Instant by Samuel Johnson, Esq. and Doc. Jamison front Lancaster, where he then was, to York he proceeded to that Town in Company with Doc. Boyd where he this Deponent viewed the Body of John Curtis lying there indisposed of a Fever, the Paroxysum of which was just returning— Upon examining his Wound This Deponent found it well conditioned, and not painful to the patient, as he informed this Deponent. And on being asked whether he felt pain in any other part of his Body, he, the patient, answered he did not; Anil the Wound appeared in a healthy way, being not above one inch Deep, in his Thigh, a little below the Groin— And that it then appeared to this Deponent upon a full Consideration of all the Circumstances That the Fever of said Curtis was not immediatly owing to his Wound But was then of Opinion that it proceeded from Matter absorbed into the Blood from the Wound, as the Fever appeared to be of the Flesh Kind; And that he the said Deponent with the other Doctors then present adminstered such Medicines as they thought Suitable to his Case; That this Deponent during the space of Eighteen Hours proceeding the Death of the said patient, visited him six times, and found him growing worse till he expired. About five Hours after the Death of said Curtis, this Deponent with Doctor Jamison at the request of the Coroner's Inquest inspected the Body of the deceased and 166 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 46 first examined the Wound, which this Deponent found not to be Deeper than when he first viewed it, nor could dicover that it had formed any Abccss— 'That they afterwards proceeded to examine the abdominal Viscera which they found to he Sound. Upon opening the Thorax and examining the Lungs both Lobs appeared to be affected— In the left Lob a considerable [Separation] was formed, in the Right Lob Several Tubercles had [Separated], and at the One extermity of said Lob about the bigness of on Inch of its Substance was [Separated | and gone, And that This Deponent concluded and was of Opinion That this |Separation ] of said John Curtis’s Lungs was the immediate Cause of his Death, And that the said [Separations] occasioned the Fever we first found him in And further this Deponent Saith not" Signed Deposition: “The Solemn Affirmation of Peter Schutz of York Town in the said County, Clock Maker taken before the Coroner of the said County and his Inquest, upon View of the Body of John Curtis late of the same County, Clock Maker at York the 26th Day of March 1768. Which said Peter Schutz upon his Solemn Affirmation (he conscientiously scrupling the taking of an Oath) saith that the said John Curtis the deceased lived with this Affirmant about four Months, and that when he came to him he informed this Affirmant he was about Three weeks in the Country when he came to him and that when he first came he appreared low in Flesh, occasioned as this Affirmant thinks by Want of Victuals at Sea or by his Voyage but that he had a great appetitie for Victuals for about three or four weeks and that after that he the deceased appeared to be a very sound, healthy Man and increased fast in his Flesh and seemed to have no greater appetitie than common for Victuals and further this Affirmant saith not.” Signed Letter from David Jameson of York Town, March 26, 1768 to the Chief Justice of Supreme Court: Sir: “As it is thought necessary that Samuel Johnston should immediately transmit to you the Inquest anti depositions taken concerning the death and wounding of John Curtis by John Orndt, Jr. I think it my duty to inform you (tho’ I am thro’ sickness scarse able to write) what I know of the matter. Shortly after the wound was inflicted 1 carefully examined it and gave my opinion that it was not dangerous and Mr. Swoopes and |?| carefully inquiring into the affair and finding there was no reason to suspect the act was maliciously done or that Orndt knew the gun to be loaded admitted him to bail with two securities in the sum of £150 each and recognized him to appear at the next court of oyer and terminer. Copies of the depositions we took at the time sent with the papers relating to the inquest. I doubt whether our proceedings herein were regular however they were according to the Opinion of the best advice we could get at the time and the trifeling appearance of the wound made us the less exact. A State of the mans case will appear in my deposition. When it became dangerous Doctor Kuhn of the Academy and Doctor Boyd of Lancaster was sent for and saw the man while he was in his senses and both were of opinion with me that his sickness could not be occasioned by the wound. Doctor Kuhn assisted at opening the wound and body and deposed before the inquest that in his opinion the wound 2009 Oyer and Terminer, Minutes, York County 167 must have been slight that the poshumated and ulcerous state of the lungs was the immediate cause of his death and that they must have been affected before the wound was received of which he can fully inform you." 1 am Your Most Obedient and Humble Servant, David Jameson Letter from Samuel Johnston of York, March 27, 1768 to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Sir: “On the sixteenth Day of last Month one John Curtis was shot in the thick Part of his left Thigh by John Ord, Jr., a Son of Mr. John Ord, of Philadelphia, Merchant by a Gun charged with Powder and a Wad only. The manner in which It happened appears by the Depositions of Mr. Charles Lukins and others. Doctor Jameson having carefully examined the Wound was of opinion that it was very superficial and no way Dangerous and having Certified that the same was not Mortal, he and Justice Swoope admitted John Ord to a Bail who is now with his Father in Philadelphia. The Wounded Man appeared to be in a fair way of Recovery. The Wound in the Doctors opinion had every favourable appearance, but he was much Troubled with the Gravel and Worms and within this few Days hath been seized with a Nervous Fever. At Dr. Jamesons request Doctor Adam Kuhn of Philadelphia and Doctor Robert Boyd of Lancaster examined the Wound, and they agreed that from what appeared to them the Mans present Sichness was not Occationed by the Wounds as the Immediate Cause. Yesterday about ten Oclock in the Morning the Man Died. The Coroners Inquest found that the Death of the Man was occationed partly by the wound. Doctor Kuhn was present when the Body was opened and as he is going to Philadelphia he will be able to give your 1 Ionour a Satisfactory Account of the state of the Man. I have herewith sent the Curtis Inquest and the several Depositions taken before him, and some of the Magistrates: whereby Your Honour will be enabled to know every Circumstance relating to this unhappy affair: and to Judge what measures might to be taken to have John Ord secured.” I am with the greatest respect, Your Honour's Most Obedient and Humble Servant, Samuel Johnston Deposition of Henry Bent/, of York Town, 26th March 1768 before Joseph Adlum, Coroner of York County upon a view of the body of John Curtis “Who saith That Charles Lukens of York Town Came into Conrad Bryer’s Tavern and had a long staff in his hand and struck on the lloor as if Calling for a drink and the Landlord went to bring some Beer Mr. Lukens had called for and he Mr. Lukens went out to the Door and Called Come in my boy. John Ord Came in and had a gun with him and laid the gun down in the Corner of the Room and stood near the Door and somebody on the other side pushed the Door a little open and he Ord shut it again and took up the gun in his hand and the Door being opened a second time he Ord gave himself a swing round and pointed the gun out of the room Door but did not see him draw the Tricker and immediately the gun went off and John Curtis cryed out whats this I am a dead man or words to that effect and further saith not.” Signed I Ienry Bentz Witnesses: Rudolph Spangler, Charles Lukens, Peter Sclnitz, Henry Bentz, Godlip Lowman, David Gander, Lewis Lewis, Jacob Haymaker and David Jameson, Esq. 168 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 16 Presentment: “The Grand Inquest for our Sovereign Lord the King who now is for York County upon their Oath and Affirmation respectively do present that John Ord the Younger late of York County, Yeoman not having the Fear of God before his Eyes but being moved and seduced the the Instigation of the Devil the Sixteenth day of February in the Eighth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the third King of Great Britain, France and Ireland Defender of the Faith etc at York Town in York County aforesaid with Force and Arms in and upon John Curtis in the Peace of God and of our said Lord the King then and there being feloniously and voluntarily an assault did make And that he the said John Ord a hand Gun of the Value of One Pound which he the said John Ord in both his Hands then and there had and held the said Gun being then and there loadcn and charged with Gun powder and Wadd made of Tow to and against the said John Curtis then and there feloniously and voluntarily did present and hold and that he the said John Ord well knowing the Gun aforesaid to be so as aforesaid loadcn and charged with the said Gunpowder and Wadd the same Gun to and against the said John Curtis then and there with Force and Arms feloniously and voluntarily did discharge and shoot off And that the said John Ord with the said Wadd so as aforesaid by the said John Ord shot and discharged out of the said Gun by the Violence of the Gunpowder aforesaid the said John Curtis in and upon the left Thigh of him the said John Curtis near to the left Groin of the same John Curtis then and there feloniously and voluntarily did strike and wound giving to him the said John Curtis then and there with the Wadd a foresaid so as aforesaid by the said John Ord by force and Violence of the said Gunpowder out of the said Gun shot and discharged in an upon the left Thigh of the said John Curtis near to the left Groin of the same John Curtis one Mortal Wound of the breadth of one Inch of the length of one Inch and of the depth of one Inch of which said mortal Wound the said John Curtis from the aforesaid Sixteenth day of February in the Year aforesaid to the twenty sixth day of March in the same Year at York County aforesaid did languish and languishing did live on which same twenty sixth day of March the said John Curtis at York County aforesaid of the said moral Wound did die And to the Inquest aforesaid upon their Oath and Affirmation aforesaid respectively do say that the said John Ord him the said John Curtis at York County aforesaid in manner and form aforesaid feloniously and voluntarily did kill Against the Peace . . Ignoramus Dislringus, York County, Reportable 19 May 1769 Curtis Grubb vs. James Smith Judgment to be entered at September Term by Consent of Mr. Smith Lowry's Lessee vs. Edward Taylor Continued The King vs. George Kuntz & al Tried and verdict for the defendants, 19th May 1769 Nicholas King’s Lessee vs. Godfrid King Oyer and Terminer, Minnies, York Comity 2009 169 Continued. Grier’s Lessee vs. McCracken Continued Minutes— Oyer and Terminer Court at York, 2 1 May 1769 King vs. John Robinson— 21 May 1769 Indictment: Murder of John Laird Inquisition, “1 April 1 770 before Joseph Adlum Coroner and Hance Morrison, James Russel, John Blackburn, Joshua Russel, William Bigger, Joseph McDowel, James Harris, Charles Mase, John McCleery, Archibald Morrison, Hugh Murphy, David Moore and John Mickle who say that on the 17th day of March in the year aforesaid at the Ninth Hour of the afternoon of the Same day with force and arms in the Township aforsesaid . . .John Robinson with a certain lower part of an Iron I’ott Crook of the Value of one shilling which the Said John Robinson then and there held with both his hands, the aforesaid John Robinson in and upon the Left Side of the I lead of the Said John Lard . . . struck and gave to the said John Lard . . . one mortal wound of the Breadth of half an Inch and of the Length of three Inches of which the said John Lard Languished and Languishing did Live till the thirty first of the said Month March and then Died and so the said John Robinson . . . feloniously killed and murdered the Said John Lard.” All signed. Recognizances: Taken 19th day of March 1770 before Robert McPherson: James Black, Oliver Brown, Henry Lewis and Archibald Morrison— £100 severally Recognizances: Acknowledged before Joseph Adlum, 1 April 1770: Robert Black and David Ilozack of York County each held in £100 severally on Condition that Allen Nysbett Shall be and appear at the next Court of Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol Delivery to be held at York for the County of York to give evidence on behalf of the King against John Robinson . . . Lxamination of John Robinson, before Robert McPherson, 19 March 1770 “John Robinson, Cordwaincr of Cumberland Township, being charged by James Black of Cumberland Township, Yeoman with felonious Striking John heard of said Township Yeoman at the House of Sarah Black in said Township on the Seventeenth Instant on the Head with Part of an iron potrack ... He the said John Robinson upon his Lxamination Confesselh that he was at the House of said Sarah Black on the said Seventeenth day of March Instant and Does not Deny the above Charge but says that he was Drunk and Supposes the People who stood by know better how the above affair was that he does.” Signed by mark Deposition of Archibald Morrison, Jr. taken at Cumberland Township in the County of York the first day of April 1770 before the Joseph Adlum, Coroner being duly Sworn . . . “doth say that on the seventeenth day of March last being at the house of Widow Black, Tavernkeeper a Certain John Robinson struck John Lard (the now deceased) with bis hand— the Said Lard told the Said Robinson not to do so for he would not take it, 170 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 46 then the Said Robinson took hold of his Coat and told the Said Lard to fight but Lard Seemed unwilling but the said Robinson insisted on his lighting, and the said Lard was Taking off his Coat and the Said Robinson Ran at Lard Struck him with his Head and Threw hint in the fire by David Hosack, and the said Lard and Robinson ingaged each other and there ware Strokes on both Sides, on which they ware parted— one the Said Lard went and Stood by the fire— in five or Six Minutes after the Said Robinson Came from the Other end of the House with a pott Crook in both his Hands and Struck the Said Lard on the Head which made the Said Lard fall Backwards in to this Deponants Arms and further Saith Not.” Signed True Bill returned, Thomas Minshall, foreman Arraigned and Bled Not Guilty Witnesses: John Black, Oliver Brown, Archibald Morrison, Allen Nesbit, Henry Lewis, and David Hosack Verdict: Guilty Judgment: John Robinson be hung by the neck untill he be dead. On Motion, Patrick McGee and James McGee are discharged from their Recognizance for the Appearance of James McGee at the Court to prosecute John McGee in his Majesty's Behalf. The King vs. Alexander Black— 21 May 1769 Indictment: Misdemeanor Examination: Taken before William Delap one of his Majestys Justices of the Peace for the Said County; “the said Alexander Black being in Grips with a certain John Hammond, Jr. of Manallen Township in Said County at the house of Joseph Lowery in the township aforesaid on the first day of January Last, and the aforesaid Alexander Black do Say that he was araseling with some other boys and that the aforesaid John Harnond after lie and the boys had quit araseling came up to him and tuck a grip of him but at the first and did not no it was Hammond; 1 think he tuck me Round the back, and I griped him round the Back so he and 1 went about half Round in the floor in order to give one another a trip; but did not trip the other; all in a suden Hammond sunk and fell to his Knees; I thought he was playing tricks and intended to throw me over his head, But I saw his Eyes turning in his head so 1 Lett him go from his knees till he Lay on his Back, then I pur[ illegible) it was John Hammond but did not no before how it was that I was in Gripes with; then Sum of the Company tuck him up and seat him in a Cheer and 1 Saw him give on |fecit] and so Died away; this was about nine o’clock or ten in the night as neeras 1 can Remember; taken made and figured this 19th of 5 Mo May 1770.” Signed by mark Recognizances: Taken before Archibald McGrew, 29 March 1770: Alexander Black held in £400 and William McGrew held in £200. Joseph Lowery, James Braidon, Anthony Hammond and Ruth Wilson all held in £20 each to appear at Oyer and Terminer Court to give evidence before the Grand Jury against Alexander Black of Manallen Township. 2009 Oyer and Terminer, Minnies, Vorfe County 171 Presentment: Alexander Black Yeoman of York County in and upon a certain John I lammond, the younger an assault did make— did east and throw with both hands upon the ground and did kick and strike in and upon the head back and sides of him the same John Hammond of which he received several mortal bruises and then and there instantly did die. Witnesses: Joseph Lowry, Nathan Hamilton, John Braidon and Ruth Nelson Returned by the Grand Inquest, Thomas Marshall, foreman Ignoramus Recognizances, 6 December 1770 Thomas Penrose held for £40 for Thomas Keller's appearance 7 December 1770 William Moulder and John Flinton held for £50 each for the appearance of John Steel. Calendar of Prisoners, May Assize 1772 York Gaol Thomas Ross Committed by Mathew Henderson, Esq. Charged for Robbery Forgery— tryed David Robison Committed by William Rankin, Esq, Felony— Tryed McPherson Morgan Committed Robt by John Tresspass Edward Jones The following Persons arc Debtors: Alexander Irwin and William Good Returned by Michael Graybill, Gaoler Dislringus for York County Nisi Prius Court, I June 1773 Lessee of the Honorable Thomas Penn vs. John Hay Lessee of William Owings vs. Robert Hill John Hickman vs. David Jameson, F.sq. Lessee of Frederick Kuhn vs. John Potter June 2, 1773. On motion of Mr. Chew and Rule for Tryal by Proviso and rule that Plaintiff do pay the Courts of the Terminer and Rule to take the Depositions of ancient Witnesses, to be given in Evidence at the Tryal in Case of their Death, Sickness or Removal out of the Province to be taken sitting the Court, or if not then taken, in ten Days Notice. Tried June 4th 177.3. Verdict for the Dcfendent Referred to David Kennedy, Michael Hahn and Adam Lightner or any two of them who are to audit and make Report into the Prot[honotaryJ's Office and Judgment as of next September Term . . . Tried June 3, 1773 and Verdict for Plaintiff with six Pence Damages and six Pence Costs. 172 Penns)’Irania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 46 Lessee of Peter Frantz vs. Peter Young F.nded says Sheriff F.ddie Martin Eickelberger et al vs. Anne Harncll, Exec, of Nicholas Hornell, (dec.) John Goodnight, Lessee vs. Adolph Hrnse and John Schrycr James Murphy vs. David Hosack Mathew McCall vs. Thomas Porter, Surviving Executor Jeremiah Warder vs. Thomas Minshall Tried June 3, 1773 and Verdict for Plaintiff with six Pence Damages and six Pence Costs. Tried June 4, 1773 and Plaintiff became Nonsuit Rule forTryal by ProvisoAttachment awarded against Jane Messherter for a contempt. Continued The Defendant by Mr. Smith his Atty Cognovit Actionem- June 2, 1773 Excused (ill 24 September next. Supreme Court of the Province of Pennsylvania John Hickman vs. David Jameson, Esq. “We the Subscibcrs Appointed by the Court of Nisi Prius held at York for the County ofYork the fourth day of June 1773 By Consent of the Parties Attorneys, to Settle the Matter in Varriance in the above action, and Agreeable to said appointment after due and Legal Notice Given did meet at the House of George Stakes in Keepers in York Town, and on Hearing the Parties and their Allegation and (Examining their Witnesses) do Report that David Jameson, Esq. the Defendant is Justly Indebted to John Hickman the Plaintiff in the Sum of One Hundred Pounds three Shillings and Eight Pence Lawful money of Pennsylvania in and the Costs of Suit as Witness our Hands the day and year aforesaid.” Signed David Kennedy and Michael Hahn From: George the third, |etc| To: Ludwig Schrivcr, John Schriver, Thomas Adam, Thomas Butler and every of you Greetings: We command you that laying aside all Business and Excuses whatsoever you and every of you be, Appear in your proper person before our Justices of our Supreme Court of our Province of Pennsylvania at a Court of Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol Delivery to be held at York for the County of Yourk on the fifteenth Day ofjune next then and there to testify all singular those tilings which you shall - Confessed judgment and justice of the claim. 2009 Oyer and Terminer, Minnies, York County 173 know between us and Henry Hartman and Christian Hoover . . . then and there to be tried by a Jury of the County and hereof fail not under the Penalty of one hundred Pounds. Witnessed William Allen, Esq., Chief Justice of our said Province at Philadelphia the twenty ninth Day of April in the fourteenth Year of our Reign 1774. Minutes Court of Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol Delivery 1774 King vs. Henry Hartman— 17 June 1774 Indictment: Murder of Adam Scott [Stabb] Inquisition: 20 July 1773, Township of Mount Pleasant in the County of York 20 July 1773 before Joseph Adlum, Esq., Coroner “on the viewing of the body of a certain Adam Staab then and there lying dead and upon the Oaths of Joseph Boude, Thomas I.illey, John Gilley, Patrick M. Daugharty, Bastian Obalt, Francis Fortune, David Houck, Ernest McMullen, George I loch, Jacob Will, Paul Miller and the Affirmations of Christian Grove and Thomas McCrecry good and lawful men of the County Aforesaid, Upon the View of the Body of Adam Staab then and there Dead, and being Sworn and Charged to Enquire on the part of our Lord the King, When Where how and After What the said Adam Staab Came to his death, do say Upon their Oaths and Affirmations Aforesaid that one Henry Hartman of the County Aforesaid Yeoman on Monday the twelfth day of this Instant July in the morning Did Strike and Wound With a Grub the said Adam Staab on the Right side of the forehead of Which Striking and Wounding the said Adam Staab Lay Lanquishing Until the 19th Instant and then dyed and thereupon the Jurors and Affirmands do say that the said Adam Staab came to his death in manner and form aforesaid. In Witness Whereof, as Well the said Coroner, as the Jurors Aforesaid have to this Inquisition put their hands and Seals the day and Year Aforesaid.” All signed. Recognitions touching death of Adam Staab, 20 July 1773 before Joseph Adlum, Coroner: Rosanna Morgan held for £100: John Staab held for £50. Deposition of John Stoup before Joseph Adlum, 2()th day of July 1773 “Doth say that he was reaping in the field of his Father Adam Stoup, and having reaped about ten hours this Deponant Looking Back Seen Christian I loober, Henry Hartman, Peter Schriver and John Snyder in the field on which Adam Stoup, John Stoup and others went back to them, and the said Adam Stoup Desired them to begon out of his Field. The said Hoober said he would not for They would reap the grain. The said Stoup said they should not come in that Manner, but if they take it by the Law and a Jury he would not say against it, on which the Said Hartman Said there was no Reason of Law for they would take Fence rails, on which they went to the Middle of the Field where the Said Hobber had began to reap, the said Adam Stroup Desired the said Hoober three or four Times to quit or he would Strike his Fingers and the Said Hoober made one cut, and the said Stroup Struck him across the Fingers with a Walking Shaft and the said Hoober attempting to strike again the said Stoup made another Stroke at him, the said 1 loover having a stick lying by him he 174 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 46 took it up and Struck the said Stroup on the ribs, on which this Deponent seen Severall blows exchanged on both Sides and Further saith not.” Signed by mark Deposition of Rosannah Morgan, before Joseph Adlum, Coroner 20 July 1773 “doth say that this Deponanl being reaping wheat in the field of Adam Stoup. Christina Hoober and Henry Hartman came with Sticks in their I lands with an intent to reap the wheat, on which the said Adam Stoup said he would strike any Person on the Fingers that would Reap his wheat for the Land was his and he paid for it. The Said Hoober began to reap and the Said Stoup struck him on the Fingers with a Walking Staff the Said Hoober attempting to reap again the said Stoup struck him on the Arms on which the Said Hoober Struck the Said Stoup on the Side with his Walking Staff, then and there ware Several Strokes exchanged on both Sides on which the Said Hoober Called to persons Outside of the Field and Said boys come over and the Said I loover went to the Fence and took a round rail or take from thence, and made a Strike at the Said Stroup And Struck him which made him Stager, after which the said Henry Hartman came with a round Stake with a grub at the end of it, which he held with both his Hands, and gave the said Stoub a Stroke at over his 1 lead which caused him to fall Instantly to the ground and Further Saith Not.” Signed by mark Recognizance: Henry Hartman held at £1000, Ludwig Schriver of Heidleberg Township held at £1000: Sureties John Kline and John Line held at £300 each True bill returned, Martin Fikelberger, Esq. Prisoner arraigned and Pled Not Guilty Witnesses: John Staab, Philip Staab, Jacob Staab, Margaret Siaab, Rosinnah Morgan, Ludwig Schriver and John McGeary For the defendent: John Grow, Paul Clapsaddle, John Snider, Jacob Kling, Barbara Snider, Archibald McClure and Joseph Adlum, Esq. Verdict: Not Guilty Judgement: That he be discharged paying his Fees. List of Prisoners, York Gaol 16 June 1774 Prisoners Joseph Stevenson Joseph Weaver Jacob Weaver By Whom Committed Robert McPerson, Iisq.— A Criminal; Try’d Henry Slagle, Esq.— Felony, Try’d Henry Slagle, Esq.— Felony, Try’d Debtors John Conner John Dougharty I lenry Good Samuel F.die, Esq. Samuel F.die, Esq. William Scott, Esq.— under Execution Servants William Young to David Jameson, Esq. Oliver Moles to Robert Crafford Joseph llpdegraff, Esq. William Scott, Esq. 2009 Oyer and Terminer, Minnies, York County 175 William Bailey, llsq. Henry Slagle, Esq Simon Johnson to Jacob Sacks Patrick Dclcany on Suspicion King vs, William Davis Indictment: Burglary Arraigned and pled Not Guilty Minutes Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol Delivery 1780-1781 Jacob Miller and John Burnhater discharged by proclamation, paying fees. Republicavs. Christian Holligh 23 May 1781 Indictment: Felony in uttering counterfeit Money True Bill Returned Arraigned and pled Not Guilty Witnesses: David Jordon, Samuel Laird, Esq., John Marekle, Andrew Hoffman, Cap. William Wilson and Christian Hett|iek| Verdict: Not Guilty Discharged paying fees. Republica vs. Henry Stouffer Indictment: Misdemeanor Ignoramus Judgment: Ordered to give Security for himself of £1000 and two sureties (Baltzar Spangler and Jacob Lanfelt) in £500 each for his good behavior for twelve months, and pay Costs of Prosecution. Republica vs. George Ross Indictment: Misdemeanor True Bill Arraigned and Pled Not Guilty “George Ross Sr. and George Rossjr. Recognizances called and forfeited." Samuel Ramsey held for £200 and John Moody held for £ 1 00 to appear at Court of Oyer and Terminer 24th May 1781 to give evidence in two separate misdemeanors on behalf of the State against George Ross Authorized 6 April 1781 Frederick Fyklcberger held for £500: Jacob Fyklcbcrgcr and Baltzer Spangler held for £250 each on condition that Frederick Fyklcberger appear at next Court of Oyer and Terminer at York. Republica vs. John Shaffer 24 May 1781 Indictment: Burglary Pled Not Guilty True Bill returned 176 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 46 Witnesses: Christopher Lentenee, William Scott, Michael Grabel, Casper Doyle, Willian Fellman, George Schuab Verdict: Guilty of the Burglary Judgment: John Shaffer be hanged by the neck till he be dead Hepublica vs. James Steel Indictment: Felony in passing a counterfeit 30 Dollar Bill the 29th July 1776. True Bill returned Arraigned and pled Not Guilty Witnesses: Nehcmiah Dean and David Jordan Verdict: Not Guilty Republica vs. James Steel 24 Sept. 1781 Indictment: Felony in uttering Counterfeit 40 dollar Bill dated 20 Sept 1773 on 6th December 1779 Deposition of Nehcmiah Dean before John Rankin 6th April 1781 “Upon the Examination of Nehcmiah Dean of Warrington Township in Said County before me one of the Justices of the Peace in and for Said County and on his Solent affirmation dcclareth and sayeth that on the Second day of May 1780 he Got and Ree’d of and from a Certain James Steel a forty Dollar Bill of Continantall Money of Which lie took and Rec’d for work as Good Money and but when offering to pass said Money it was Condemned for a Counterfeit as and at three Sundrey Times before he Got at Each Time from the said James Steel before Mentioned in Thirty Dollar Bill— which three bill he Took and Ree’d all for good money front the aforesaid James Steel— and all of them was condemned as Counterfeits— affirmed and Subscribed to the Jeremiah Dean True Bill returned Witness: William Miller Presentment: Janies Steel on january 1, 1780 at Warrington “with Force and Arms falsely deceitfully unlawfully and feloniously did ... in payment, utter and distribute to Nehemiah Dean one Bill purporting to be a thirty Dollar Bill the same being forged and counterfeited to the dishonest similitude of the genuine Bills of Credit emitted and made current by the . . . of the honourable Continental Congress . . .” Verdict: Not Guilty Judgment: Ordered that he give Security himself in £300 and one good Surety in £230 for 1 2 months and pay the Costs of this Prosecution Republica vs. Janies Steel Indictment: Felony True Bill: Richard McCallister, Foreman Arraigned and Pled Not Guilty Republica vs. Daniel Kraus 23th May 1781 Indictment: Misdemeanor True Bill returned, Henry Slagle, Foreman Arraigned and pled Not Guilty Verdict: Guilty 2009 Oyer and Terminer, Minnies, York County J11dgmcn t: “’-Hint he pay a fine 177 that hetween-tho-hours of ten-and- twelve in the forenoon of the— ol'May lhat-he be placed in thc-PiHoryfor (lie Spaee-of one hour anti have one-Ear nailed-to OH' Pillory-and-pay-the Costs of Prosecution;” The Honourable the Chief Justices for the State of Pennsylvania met at York, for the County of York at a Court of Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol Delivery held the twenty first day of May Anno Domini 1781. The Humble Petition of Daniel Krouss of Warrington Township in York County aforesaid “Humbly Sheweth that your Honours Petitioners stands Indicted for Treason to the great Prejudice of the Petitioner (not knowingly or willingly Acting Contrary to the Laws of the States of Pennsylvania) and having for Eighteen Years past been Residenter in Warrington Township aforesaid to the Greatest Satisfaction of the Inhabitants and Neighbours therein liveing in Great Harmony and Peace to the full Satisfaction of Every the Inhabitants.” Your Petitioner therefore Humbly Prays your Honoures to take it under your Consideration the wrong Crime he stands chaged with, and this good Character otherwise he Desires and relieves him of his Deploreable Confinement. And Your Petioner as in duly Bound will pray Daniel Krauss We the Undernamed Subscribers beg leave to recommend the Petition to your Honours as an Honest Man well deserving Credit and Applause as a good Inhabitant requires having the forgoing Petition not fully Set forth the full Credit and Character he Deserves. * Jacob Bardmess John Boody Thomas McMillan Matthew Hallerpeter George Boyd Joseph Taylor Andreas Russ James Boyd Joseph Penss Frederick Boos Henrich I kitsch Ebcnezer Korfman Philip Shearer John Smith Hanncs Bauer Peter Bonres Philih Mcinhart Georg |illegible \ ( hristian Newcomer Peter Smith Abraham Bower Henry Smith Abraham Bower, Jr. George Smith Dewald Rett Andoni Kncisli Samuel Smith Baltzar Schmitt Andrew Bower The Petition quoted above was presented a second time with another list of Petitions on the same date, viz: Andoni Kncisli Charles Bayer|?| Michael Fulwiler Feelix Bensly |too Jaded to read ] John Bachman by mark Christian Holler by mark | illegible | The transcriber expresses her gratitude to Annette K. Burgert, FAST., for her help in reading those names written in German Script. 178 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine David Schanman Nicolaus Shearer by mark Johannes Altschu Jerg Hal'd Peter Amok Joseph Bonisch Georg Stahl Andres Albert Daniel Miller Daniel Prince by mark Henry Miller \illegil)le \ Gerlach Jacob |illegible] Vol. 46 Wilhelm |i/legible\ Henry Orndorf Jacob Brem by mark Jacob Bachman John Fulwiler Ditrich Keyser Hannes Benss by mark Ludwig Zimmerman Abraham Lobach Michael Marnber Ro[?] Parks Samuel Cooper To Michael Grabill, Gaoler "Herewith 1 send you Christian Hettick who was brought before me and charged with altering a Counterfiet Sixty Dollar bill (cited September 26, 1778) to David Jordon of Warrington Township in the County aforesaid. Receive him into your Custody and keep him safe until he . . . and thence discharged by Law; Given under my Hand and Seal the 29th day of April 1781.” William Scott. “Command to the York County Constable to take the Prisoner Nehemiah Dean to the Keeper of the Gaol and him there safely to keep until the Next Surpreme Court. I lis acquisition is that he is to give evidence against a certain James Steel now a prisoner in the Gaol and for want of sufishant Bail is hereby committed ...” given by John Rankin 6 April fifth year of our Independence of the United States of America. To John Moody to serve” “Balsor Smith held for & 1 00 to give evidence in an action in which the commonwealth is Plaintiff and Daniel Crouce Defendent and that you will not depart from thence until you are discharged . . Recognizance before Andrew Thompson, 30 April 1781 Warrants from John Rankin “Whereas information is lodged with me one of the Justices assigned to keep the Prison in and for the Said County that there is a Certain man named Mordecai Cloud . . . who by his own acknowledgment Says that he is confused with a Certain Highway Roller named Fitzpatrick who was taken tried and condemned and Hanged for the same. These are in the name of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and by the Authority of the same. Commanding you to take and apprehend the said Mordecai Cloud and bring him before Mr. Or the next Justice to answer to the above Complaint and be further Dealt with as the Law directs— and Call to your assistance a Suficient Guard and this Shall be your warrant. Given Under my Hand and Seal the second Day of April 1781.” Signed 2009 Oyer and Terminer, Minnies, York County 179 To James Gray Deputized to Serve this Warrant. l ake Samuel Ramsey and Bring him before me to give Evidence against a certain Mordccai Cloud in a Case Depending Whereas the State . . . under my Hand and Seal the 2nd April 1781.” Signed John Rankin To James Gray who is deputized to serve this. | The following is transcribed as written, even though it does not make sense. | “Remarks on Col Rankins Escape just before the Tatoo. Valentine Grant/. came in Plaid Coat with Rankings. In the interim the Gaol made . . . Rankings went out of Doores. Valentine Grant broke the Bowl and then Seemingly disputed about the Bowl— Grant/, said to the Gaoler I will deliver you another in the Room of it. Pretending to go for the Bowl Rankings made the Break and Grant/, went out the Doore— Witness the Gaolers Wife, and Others. Grant/, ask’d Stofer whether he did not know of Rankings getting out this night Stofer said He did not know any thing about it. Grant/, answered Well . . . thought We could tell you— Witness Captain John Ehrman whom Stofer told himself the said Witness. Peter Wheyant is on the Grant/, Inquest He is not a Freeholder— and other cause of first Consequence— of his Partner One Philip Ritz— when 1 know and have Witness Zachariah Shugart that the said Ritz offered County one for each 30 Dollar Bill of which it was 3X. The marriage of Wheyant and Wife is decided and now in Court, and Wheyant said, as he is now moving to Baltimore if the English come. He will stay and get as much hand money as Can. The above named Ritz knowing then to be held for attempting to bill Combs for said counterfeit money went immediately to Mr. Hahn and told him there was 40 Dollar Bills to the amount of 2, 3, and 4. When they found it was after a Justice . . . on my return . . . pieces right in the middle, I could get no sight of the number and the man that offered the money. This said Ritz. knows well— for he frequently had 30 Dollar Bills of Whyant, his Partner and English had to cover my eyes. Grant/, and one Peter Swartz Clark make an Security for Rankings.” (To be continued )