Courts of Oyer and Terminer, 1757-1787 Berks and Bucks Counties

COURTS OF OYER AND TERMINER, 1757-1787 BERKS AND BUCKS COUNTIES transcribed by Elizabeth B. Bunting * Oelected transcripts from the Court Papers 1757-1787 of the Courts of O'Oyer and Terminer, Eastern Division (covering the counties of Bed’ ford, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Lancaster, Northampton, Phila¬ delphia and York) were published in prior issues of the Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine [PGM]} We are continuing with these tales of murder, theft, manslaughter, jail break, naturalization, freedom from indenture, treason, arson, infanticide, counterfeiting, road orders, lists of persons in gaol, and appointments. BEDFORD COUNTY [All entries were published in PGM 42:332-33; 43:119-20.] BERKS COUNTY [Entries for Berks County appeared in PGM 42:334-40; 43:120-21,] 16 November 1769 King vs. Thomas Porter Indictment for Burglary— Breaking and entering mansion house of William Neil, shopkeeper in Reading— taking silver watch (£10), bills of credit of Md. £3 40 sh.— 25 May 1769 True Bill returned. Defendant arraigned, pled not guilty, Verdict of Jury— Guilty of Burglary. Witnesses: James Diemer, Esq., John Whitman, George Nagle 14 July 1769 King vs. Anne Mertz Indictment for Murder— Murder of newborn male bastard by desertion. True Bill returned. Arraigned, pled not guilty. Verdict, not guilty of murder. Witnesses: Barbara Feik, Christian Feiks, Barbara Wees Elizabeth B. Bunting is a former member of the Publications Committee of the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania l See PGM 42:330 for explanation of availability. Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 45 (2007) 147 148 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 45 Examination of defendant and witnesses: Ann Mertz and Barbara and Christian Feiks, 24 August 1769. Ann Mertz, wife of William Mertz of Alsace Township gave birth to a “dead-born.” Had not felt life since falling from a fence 3 weeks before birth. Barbara and Christian Feiks, parents of Ann Mertz, claim she delivered a “dead-born” child in their house in Reading. King vs. Ludwig Whitman Indictment for Murder— strangled his wife, Margaret Whitman, 1 October 1765. Returned a True Bill. 17 May 1771 Arraigned, pled not guilty. Verdict, not guilty. Witnesses for the King: Christian Mauer, Francis Yarnall, Thomas Ran, Jr., John Riehm, Jr., Henry Kehler Witnesses for the defense: Judith Swally, Juliana Heberling Examination of witnesses: 31 January 1771 Margaret Whitman died in childbed with women present. King vs. Abraham Lincoln and Peter Schweyder, of Exeter Township, 17 May 1771 Warrant to Jacob Shoemaker, Sheriff: Defendants to be brought to Reading to answer for neglect of duty in repairing 6 miles of public roads and highways leading through the township of Exeter. Discharged from Recognizance, paying costs. 7 April 1772 King vs. Elizabeth Bishop Indictment: Murder— Fatally beat Lucy, a Negro owned by her husband, George Bishop, 7 April 1772 True Bill Returned. Arraigned, pled not guilty. Verdict— Not Guilty . Witnesses for the King: George Miller, Maria Barbara Miller Witnesses for the Defendant: George Bishop, Joseph Hand, Barbara Ulrich, Ulrich Henry, Michael Hand, James Waring, Isaac Waggoner, Philip Tehole, John Gilbert Examinations: 4 April 1772, Before Isaac Levan, Jr. Coroner. John Gilbert, Surgeon— Observed bruises on body of negro Lucy which he judged to be caused by “immoderate correction.” Also saw scars on legs and knees which appeared to have been caused by a hot iron. George Miller, yoeman of Exeter Township 7 April 1772 Before Isaac Levan, Jr., Coroner. Negro wench Lois, beat daily. Saw mistress beating her with a hickory whip tied in knots, and before sending her to spread dung. She collapsed and servants carried her to the stable, and later to the kitchen, where she collapsed by the fire. Was found dead the next morning. 2007 Courts of Oyer and Terminer, 1757-1787 149 Elizabeth Bishop, 4 April 1772 Before the Justices of Peace— Henry Christ, William Reeser, and Benjamin Lightfoot. Lucy complained of rheumatoid pains and Elizabeth Bishop ordered others to care for her. She got better a few days before she died. Lucy was dirty about the house and often had to be beaten with a small stick. King vs. Anna Maria Keydler Indictment for Murder— Murder of a new born child. Returned a True Bill. Arraigned, pled not guilty. Verdict, not guilty. Witnesses for King: Nocholis Hollis, Catherine Hollis Witnessfes] for Defense: Jacob Rodt, Isaac Leven, Jr. Inquisition: 2 April 1772. The following viewed the body of a male newborn child: Nicholas Sheffer, Philip Weis, Philip Fucks, Peter Deihm, David Brecht, Werner Stam, Henry Spath, Jost Hiester, Nicholas Leruh, Peter Kuhl, Bastian Spath, George Adam Wagner, Jacob Freiberger, and William Warm, and swore that the child was cast down to his death, Examination: Catherine Hollis before Isaac Levan, Coroner— 2 April 1772, Catherine Hollis, Bern Township.— Suspected dead male newborn found was child of defendant. Defendant confessed but said baby was ‘deadborn.” Nicholas Hollis, likewise examined before Isaac Levan. Declared same as Catherine Hollis. Voluntary Examination: Anna Maria Kreidler before Benjamin Lightfoot, John Patton and William Reeser— 6 April 1772. Delivered of male bastard not full grown, and before time. Hollis’s wife was present but soon left. Mother kept the dead boy with her all night and then buried it privately the next morning. She recounts several incidents of falling before birth. Told Jacob Rode of being pregnant but no one else. Had some baby clothes in Reading which her mother had given her in Germany. On her way to tell Jacob Rode what had happened she was apprehended by the Coroner. King vs. Margaret Young Indictment for Murder— Murder of a Newborn Infant True Bill Returned— 18 May 1772. Witnesses: Bernard Bob[Popp], John Boyer, Gertrude Boyer Voluntary Deposition, Margaret Young Before Benjamin Lightfoot and John Patton. 6 April 1772. Margaret Young, late Margaret Lentz, now wife of Lawrence Young, came from Germany about 5 years ago, in the fall about “the time of making-cyder”— went directly to live with Joseph Ferree in Pequea, staying there until “the time of making the second crop of hay.” Then went to live with John Boyer, staying there until Easter. About 2nd of February she was delivered of a male bastard. Does not know if it was full grown. Other women told her she was pregnant. She could not feel movement. She was servant and could not prepare for her child. One night she delivered but no one knew she was with child. Felt the child was dead, so laid it in the hay. Next morning Mrs. Boyer faced her with 150 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 45 truth. She confessed. Boyer and his wife saw the baby and she buried it, as they told her to do. Examination— Bernard Popp before John Patton and William Rieser— 5 March 1772. Bernard Popp knew John Boyer family and knew Margaret Linson. He brought her from Pequea 5 years ago. She was delivered of a male child— the former master’s servant was the father. Popp heard John Boyer say to bury the child and Boyer began to dig. Yesterday Popp showed Peter Spycker where the child was buried five years ago. George Gershimer dug there and found bones of a child. On motion of Mordecai Biddle— John & Gertrude Boyer are discharged from their recognizance. King vs. Gertrude Popp Indictment for Murder— Gertrude Popp delivered a child 10 November 1766, in Heidelberg Township; choked and strangled it. True Bill Returned Witnesses: John Boyer, Gertrude Boyer Examination of Gertrude Popp before Peter Spycker and Daniel Brodhead, 30 April 1772. Gerturde Popp, wife of Bernard Popp, of Lebanon Township, Lancaster County, said she was born in Germany in a place called Rosbach. Arrived Philadelphia in a ship captained by Capt Miller six years ago. Passage was 6 weeks, 3 days. She was then 25 years of age. Maiden name was Heilton. 8 days after her arrival John Boyer of Heidleburg Township paid her passage and she lived with Boyer 6 months— then married Bernard Popp. During her passage a John Deal, promising marriage, had carnal knowledge of her in said ship. She was pregnant when she came to home of John Boyer. Did heavy lifting and farm work— the baby died in her womb. It was born 10 weeks early and was dead born. She told John Boyer’s wife she wanted someone of skill to examine it. Boyer’s wife would not help her so she buried it herself in the corner of the sheep stable. Notification, Prisoners held in Goal in Reading for capital crimes in Custody of George Nagel, High Sheriff of Berks County, under custody of Henry Vanderslice, Keeper of the Goal. Gerturde Popp Margaret Young Anna Marie Keidler Elizabeth Bishop November Assizes 1773 King vs. John Murphy & William Brennan Indictment for Burglary Entered mansion house of Daniel Rose and committed burglary. Returned a True Bill— 13 November. 1773. Pled Not Guilty. Jury Verdict— Not Guilty of Burglary and Felony. 2007 Courts of Oyer and Terminer, 1757-1787 151 Witnesses: Daniel Rose, Conrad Fesig, John Morris, Thomas Atkinson, Paul Kirbin Deposition of Conrad Fesig, before William Reeser, J.P.— 10 August 1773. Asleep in the house of Master when heard small noise in room in which Hugh Donely’s servant William was. He “catched” him [the burgler] with both hands, calling Conner, Conner, which the said William usually called him. Held him about Vi of a quarter of an hour so that he could not call out. During this time he thought he say another man in the room, but he was not sure. He lay awake til daybreak when he got up and told his master. Deposition of Thomas Atkinson before William Reeser, J.P.— 16 August 1773. Called upon by Paul Kirbin, a Constable of Reading to search for stolen goods. Found in own stable among the hay 1 grey coal, 1 blue coat, 1 flowered silk jacket, and 1 striped silk jacket, which I threw out the window. Paul Kirben and Daniel Rose picked them up. Deposition of Daniel Rose of Reading— William Reeser, JP.— 16 August 1773 November Assizes, 1773 King vs. Mordecai Wood (aka Cow Wood) Indictment for Manslaughter— Fatally beat John Herrer with a stick. Returned a True Bill. Arraigned, pled not guilty. Verdict— Felony of Manslaughter. Witnesses: George Fehle, Ludwig Frantz Punishment— Prisoner was to be burnt with an M on his left thumb, which was Done. Court awards a Habeas Corpus, on the motion of the Attorney General, for Philip Klinger, Jr. a prisoner in goal under Execution, to give evidence on behalf of the King against William Thomas for burglary. King vs. William Thomas Indictment: Burglary 19 July 1774— William James burglarized home of Conrad Geist by breaking and entering. Took Bills of credit, for 10s of the Province of Pennsylvania and and 1 5s of New Castle of Del., plus 1 pair of steel knee buckles. Returned a True Bill 24 July 1774. Arraigned, pled not guilty. Verdict, guilty. Witnesses: Conrad Geist, John Herman, Philip Klinger, Jr., James Lonn Recognizances: Conrad Geist and John Herman and James Lonn, weavers of Reading. Voluntary Confession of William Thomas, before Benjamin Lightfoot and William Reeser, J.P.’s. 26 July 1773. William Thomas, from Virgina, a saddler, 21 years of age, took the notes, and later when used them, was apprehended. The confession is “the truth and the whole truth”, but he refused to sign his name to the statement. Examination: Philip Klinger, jr. joiner of Reading— 26 July 1774— against William Thomas 152 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Voi. 45 King vs. Lambertus Shiihlein Counterfeiting Verdict— Guilty of counterfeiting 50 sh. bills of credit of the Province of Penna.and “uttering them knowingly.” Judgement “be suspended.” Witnesses: 'John Printz, Thomas Dundas, David Rittenhouse, 'Philip Durst, Benjamin Chew, Esq., *Adam Holtzeder, Jacob Winey, Mary Werner, •Frederick Jentzell, 'George Crick, William Reser ('Gave recognizance of £50 each.) Inquisition before Peter Brecht, Rockland Township— 16 September 1775sight and body of Mary Bitting. Affirmed that Mary Bitting, age 3 years, was carrying basket with bark therein. As she passed a lime pit, she fell in water to a depth of 3 feet and drowned. Viewers were: James Whitehead, Jacob Keim, Henry Herson, Dan Bartolet, Daniel Levan, Abraham High, John Goodman, William Pott, Sr., Peter Lobach, Jacob Yoder, Francis Turner, Jacob Dreehr [?]. Inquisition before Peter Brecht, Reading— 30 January 1775— Sight of body of Frederick Derst. Affirmed that Frederick Derst leapt from a window of the two story house of William Frymyer in Reading. Christopher Witman, George Schultz, Peter Dedler, John Witman, Peter Filbert, Leonard Ruppert, John Hartman, Henry Haller, Andrew Engle, Peter Rapp, Peter Diem, and Jonothan Davis. Inquisition before Peter Brecht, Greenwich Township— 12 June 1775— Sight of body of Craft Weaver Affirmed that Craft Weaver hanged himself in an apple tree at his home and “thereby committed murder.” James Whitehead the younger, Henry Derr, Casper Merkel, Martin Ehrenfeidt, Thomas Farmer, Conrad Seibert, Contrad Miller, John Rasler, Peter Sherrer, Frederick Hill, Frederick Kraemer, Samuel Ely, Adam Bower, and Jonothan Grove. King vs. Thomas Roach Indictment: Murder— Fatally beat the Negro, Pero with a stick on 11 November 1975. True Bill returned— 13 May 1776. Arraigned, pled not guilty. Verdict— Not guilty of murder, but of felony of manslaughter. Punishment— Burning of a B on his left hand. Ordered that he give security for himself of £200 and £100 each for two responsible persons to see to his good behavior for 12 months— also must pay the court for his prosecution. Witnesses: Peter Heibach, Richard Inman, Richard Adams, Nicholas Scull, Peter Bruhl, William Campbell Inquisition: 13 November 1775 before Peter Brecht, Coroner, Heidelberg. The following on seeing the sight of the body of a certain Negroe Pero, 2007 Courts of Oyer and Terminer, 1757-1787 153 the property of John Patton, Esq. determined that Thomas Roach on 11 November 1775 did strike down with a stick and give a mortal blow to the Negroe, Pero: John Heckert, Philip Kreamer, Nicholas Bush, Mathias Wenerick, Michael Fisher, John Gornant, George Hain, John Hain, Conrad Langsdorf, Henry Fisher, Christian Ruth, William Lafferty, Sebastian Hassler, and John Heim. 16 February 1776 King vs. Jacob Rittenhouse Indictment: Manslaughter— Assault, beating and wounding of G. (?) Wagoner Discharged by proclamation Recognizance— Bound to the Lord King for £500, with Peter Knight of the Northern Liberties for £250, and Adam Myer of Berks County for £250 as sureties to answer to the charge of manslaughter. Court of Oyer and Terminer 1780 Republica vs. Neal Harman & John Fort Indictment: Burglary— Broke into House of Anne Messermith, Alsace and took a bottle of 3 gills of rum— value £3. 14 October 1780. True Bill, 7 November 1780. Both pled not guilty. Verdict, not guilty. Witness: Anne Messersmith Republic vs. Jacob Weaver, Esq. Indictment for Adultery and Patrimony True Bill Returned. 1780 Found Guilty of adultery. “By his own consent, and owed in open court,” John Loesher, Prosecutor— Fine £2000, one-half to go to the state and one-half to go to the poor of Oley Township. Examination of Henry Hess, yoeman of the Eastern District and Nicholas Stadler, yoeman of Oley Sworn before William Atlee, 7 November 1780. 5-6 weeks ago, Margaret Lesher, wife of John Lesher of Oley sent them to Jacob Weaver, Esq. to tell him he should make up the matter with her about getting her with child. Weaver said he had nought to make up to her— she had brought it to the court and already cost him a lot of money. They asked on behalf of John Lesher why Weaver had blackened his [Lesher] character. Weaver responded he was a frolicksome fellow but he kept no bad women. They asked Weaver why he took money from Margaret Lesher. He said he only took it to save it for her. Weaver admitted he had carnal knowledge of M. Lesher, but did not accept that he was the father of her bastard. Republic vs. John Mauer, George Adam Zedlemyer, Adam Zedlemyer, John Koch Indictment: On 15 April 1781, Greenwich Township did shoot Conrad Shaffer, died 25 April 1781. 154 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 45 True Bill Returned. Discharged, paying fees. Witnesses: Elizabeth Sheffer, Henry Haffa, Martin Kercher, Peter Nagle, Christian Merkle, Dr. John Otto, William Reeser Inquisition: 26 April 1781 On sight of the body of Conrad Shaffer, Valentine Eckert, John Hartman, George Shultz, Caspar Flisher, Christopher Reitmeier, Peter Filbert, John Means, Adam Dinkhouse, Jacob Leithear, Abraham Levan, Peter Groff, and William Machamer do say that Conrad Shaffer was in his own house when shot in thigh by John Mauer and died of his wounds. Recognizance of Michael Mauer of Windsor, Father of John Mauer bound— £500 and sureties, Martin Karcher and Henry Shoemaker bound each £250 on the condition that John Mauer appear in court to answer all against him. Recognizance of Elizabeth Sheffer bound for £50. Summons to be served on John Spohn to appear 7 November 1781 before the Chief Justice of the State of Pennsylvania to show by what warrant and/or authority/patent he holds lands close to Reading. If he cannot show warrants etc. he must remove enclosures of the lot or the buildings on the lot as they are a common nuisance. The premises shall be opened as a free common pasture. He must show reason as to why the said land should not be awarded to the Commonwealth. Summons: James Biddle, Michael Bright, and Peter Rapp separately to appear 7 November 1781— lands close to Reading Examination, 14 March 1786 of John Bessler Under oath. On 13 March 1786 John Bessler took a horse and bridle out of the stable of Sebastian Miller. On the same morning he took a horse and bridle from the stable of George Leader and rode it over the hill and into the woods— kept it all day. Declaration: 27 October 1780 John Pott, Rockland Township, miller, acknowledged his debt to Pennsylvania. Calendar of Prisoners now in custody in Berks County— 7 May 1787. Christian Barranthine, Gaoler Date Confined Indictment Name By Whom Confined George Sassamian Debt Nicholas Hermony 13 Feb 1787 George Blog Debt 19 Apr.1787 Jacob Bower William Green Andrew Schweinhart 1 May 1787 Debt 1 May 1787 Christian Baum Debt Peter Egner 4 May 1787 Debt Jacob Lesher John Pott et al Debt Philip Boem Conrad Blatner 7 May 1787 24 Apr 1787 Horse Theft Christ & Otto, Esq. John McLean 24 Apr 1787 Horse Theft Christ & Otto, Esq. John Cameron 16 May 1787 Republic vs. William Thompson 2007 Courts of Oyer and Terminer; 1757-1787 155 Indictment: Breaking and Entering— Entering home of Jacob Morgan, Esq., 16 October 1786 in Caervaron Township. Examination of Jacob Morgan— 16 October 1787 before Henry Christ and Daniel Levan After supper two men (one white and one black) entered his house. The black man presented a pistol to his breast and demanded money. Scotch accent. Morgan took a chair and pushed him. He shot but the rush bottom stopped the ball. A fight ensued using a club and a pistol and in the end, a sword which in the hands of Morgan cleared the assailants from the home. Morgan is suspicious that William Thompson is his assailant. Voluntary Examination of William Thompson— 23 September 1786 before Henry Christ and Daniel Levan Age about 28 years, born in the County of Antrim, Ireland. Came to the Commonwealth about 8 August last in the ship Belfast, Capt. Robert Pinkerton. Left to see or visit a friend named John Knox, living near Squire Morgans in Chester County. Left Phila. with James Todd, a friend he knew in Ireland. They went to Warwick Furnace— remained there— next day Todd asked him to go with him to Morganstown to see the country. They entered an Inn where he inquired for a countryman of his named Daniel Murphy. He went and staid one day and two nights [at Daniel Murphy’s], and from there went back to John Knox’s, being about 12 miles distant. No one else with him and went through Morganstown. Next day went to Thomas Stewart, a wheelright and yesterday in the forenoon was at Squire Morgans and after being five miles from there, was taken on suspicion of Robbery committed on Jacob Morgan. Recognizance— 22 November 1786, taken before George Bryan Samuel Caldwell, merchant in Phila., Thomas Hood, shoemaker on Front St. in Phila. and Andrew Thompson, shoemaker at Thomas Hood’s in Phila. repectively are bound for £100 to assure that William Thompson appear in the next Court of Berks County to answer charges against him. BUCKS COUNTY [Entries for Berks County appeared in PGM 42:341-45; 43:121-22.] King vs. Bartholemew Lot Indictment: Murder— Killing Elizabeth Eastburn by misadventure True Bill Returned Arraigned and pled guilty Discharged, paying fines. Deposition: before Timothy Taylor. Esq., 19 August 1777. Timothy Blackwell says that about 10 June 1777 as he was driving his team in the Continental Service he was taken by refugees about 3 miles from Newtown, and soon after he saw Thomas Yardley riding with a gun. He rode before the refugees part of the way to Philadelphia, and when there appeared to be at liberty. 156 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 45 Recognizance: 19 August 1778— Timothy Blackwell —£200 to testify against Thomas Yardley. Deposition: before Timothy Taylor, 19 August 1778 Ambrose Smith says he saw Thomas Yardley with a gun as he piloted refugees 3 miles from Newtown. At Esquire Wynkoop’s, some went to his house. Yardley stayed with wagon while they bought a cartridge box from Wynkoop. Recognizance: 19 August 1778 —Ambrose Smith— £200 to testify against Thomas Yardley. Republic vs. John Lewis Indictment: Misdemeanor— John Lewis 1 May 1778 in Bucks County, “wickedly and maliciously . . . did assemble and join him against this Commonwealth in a warlike and hostile manner . . . did aid the King of Great Britain . . . under the command of Gen. Sir William Howe then actually invading this State.” True Bill Returned— “and so the jurors affirm and do say that the said John Lewis in manner and form himself did misdemeanor to the civil example of all others in the like case offending contrary to the form of the Act of Assembly in such case made— previous and against the peace and dignity of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.” Discharged, paying fees. 17 December 1781 Writ of Capias [Attachment or arrest] against the Constables of Bensalem, Richard Gohein; Durham, [no name]; Milford, William Jameson; Nockamixon, Andrew Campbell; New Britain, Thomas Stewart; Plumstead, Daniel Thomas; Rockhill, Jacob Waggoner; Tinicum, Nicholas Hole; Warrington, Ezra Comly; Richland, Jacob Moch; Bedminster, Robert Dinache; and Springfield [no name] to appear next Court to answer for neglect of duty as a Constable in not attending this Court. Jury Trial Verdict: Not Guilty— Discharged Republic vs. Thomas Gordon Indictment: Burglary True Bill Returned Arraigned and pled not guilty Witnesses for Republic: Job Barton, William Bennet and John Thomas Witnesses for Defendant: George Kelly, Mary Scobey, and Elizabeth Pool Recognizance before Joseph Hart, 14 November 1781 John Barton, Buckingham, Tax Collector, prosecutor— bound £300. Thomas Gordon, the defendant— £300, bound to appear in Court. George Kelly, his bail also in £300. Examination before John Chapman. Job Bartram says he was called to door by men pretending to be Militiamen, one of whom was sick. Asked for money which was in a trunk and one assailant broke it open and took his money. Called for 2007 Courts of Oyer and Terminer, 1757-1787 157 food and ate— departed with threats. Heard third man at entry rap sundry times. Bartram was in great fear and believes that Thomas Gordon committed the robbery. Republic vs. Samuel Scott, Jr. Indictment: Misdemeanor— Did treasonably join the British Army and aided and assisted them in carrying many of the citizens of this State prisoners to Philadelphia True Bill Returned 9 December 1781, Defendant retracts his plea and submits to the Court, protesting. Judgment: Pay fine of £100, remain in the gaol for 3 months, pay the cost of prosecution, and stand committed in the meantime. Witnesses for Republic: Joseph Cox, Andrew McMinn, and John Vandergriff, Esq. Witnesses for Defendant: Mary Haughton, Albert Shylock, and John Carver. Recognizance: before Justice Thomas M. Kean, 10 April 1781. Herman Vansant and Herman Titus, both of Bensalem Township— £2000 to assure the appearance in Court of Samuel Scott, Jr. Recognizance before Joseph Hart 15 March 1781 Joseph Cox, Lt. in the Continental Army— £500. Republic vs. George Cliff Indictment: Treason True Bill Returned Arraigned and pled not guilty Jury Verdict, 29 December 1781 Punishment: Be hanged by the neck till he be dead. Witnesses for Republic: William Bateman, William McConkey, John Mathews, and John Huston Witnesses for Defendant: John Richardson and Daniel Richardson Republic vs. David Reader Indictment: Misdemeanor True Bill Returned Arraigned, pled not guilty Retracts his plea. Judgment— fine of £20 and remain in gaol until 1 February 1782. Witness for Republic: Michael Gregg and Francis Murray Witness for Defendant: Thomas Thornton Calendar of Prisoners— December 1781 Indictment Name High Treason John Lewis Robbery Jeremiah Cooper High Treason Arthur Parens John Cain Robbery Witnesses Thomas Ross Joseph Bayley, Anthony Wright, Lewis Penns, and Daniel Gresly Jemima Lear 158 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine George Cliff Treason William Harris Samuel Scott Thomas Gordon Enemy of the U.S. Treason— on Bail Horse Robbery Robbery Robert Steel Rape Benjamin Gilbert Died Jacob Corlies Nathan Field (Discharged) John Martin (Witness died) Hugh Russell Robbery J. Vickers (Escaped) Treason Benjamin English Vol. 45 William Bateman, John Mathews, and William McConkey Jonathan McWilliamson William Bennet, John Thomas, and Job Barton Jeremiah Lear In possession of John Lewis [?] Republic vs. Arthur Parens Indictment: Horse Robbery— Took a dark bay gelding named Solly— belonging to Daniel Laren— value, £30 True Bill Returned Arraigned, pled not guilty Witnesses: Daniel Laren, Sarah Miles, John Brown, and Daniel Greely Subpoenas: John Bayley, Falls; Lewis Rice, Anthony Wright re: State vs. Parens. Recognizance: Sarah Miles, of 5th St. between Race and Vine in Philadelphia— £100 Bound to appear in next Oyer and Terminer Court, Phila. Custody of Arthur Parens Recognizance before Joshua Anderson, 15 December 1781. Daniel Laren, Sarah Miles, and Daniel Greely bound to testify about Parens’ treasonable practices against the State. Recognizance before Thomas M. Kean, Esq., 18 June 1780. Benjamin Gilbert, indicted for the rape of Ruth Woolard, Warminster Township, about 20 June 1779— bound £40000 to appear in Court. Godfrey Vandeeren, Southampton and William Keats, Innkeeper, Manor of Moreland, Philadelphia County are each sureties for Benjamin Gilbert— £10000. Note to Judge Kean from Andrew Long dated 15 June 1780 The rape committed by Benjamin Gilbert of Ruth Woolard was 30 days before she made oath of me. Examination before Andrew Long 20 July 1779. Ruth Woolard says that as she went from Bristol to William Moland’s in Warminster Township, by a fence of Thomas Cravens, Benjamin Gilbert grabbed her. She hollered and he put his hand over her mouth. He had his way with her. She threatened to expose him. He went away. She told Sheriff and he committed Gilbert to gaol. Recognizance: William Moland for his wife Hannah Moland— £100 for her to appear 20 December 1781 to testify against Benjamin Gilbert. Republic vs. Benjamin Gilbert Indictment: Rape 2007 Courts of Oyer and Terminer; 1757-1787 159 True Bill Returned— Joseph Hart, Foreman Arraigned, pled not guilty Witnesses: Ruth Woolard and Andrew Long, Esq. Recognizance: before John Clark, JP, 17 November 1781. Benjamin Brown, £1000 Joseph Brown and Robert Crozer, Sureties, £250 each— to assure Benjamin Brown appear at the new Quarter Session at Newtown 14 December 1781 to answer charges of treason in joining the army of the King of Great Britain in March of 1778. Recognizance: before Timothy Taylor, 10 December 1781 Henry Lear bound £100 for the appearance of his daughter Jemina Lear in Court in State vs. Robert Steel and John Cain. State vs. John Marting Indictment: Robbery— Taking a pair of silver buckles and some money from Hannah McGil on the highway. Recognizance: before Joseph Hart, 17 March 1780 John Marting of New Britain bound for £3000 to appear in court to answer charges of robbery Thomas Wright and Thomas Wall, sureties— each bound for £2000. Request of Joseph Hart to Justice Thomas M. Kean Please issue a summons for Michael Gregg to give evidence to the Grand Inquest, directed to James Gregg gaoler. Recognizance: before Justice Kean, 21 December 1781 Jeremiah Cooper, farmer, Upper Makefield Township— bound £500 James Tomlinson, farmer, Wrightstown, Surety— bound £500 Subpoena to William Moland to appear with Abel Wills, 19 December 1781— bound £100 (to be continued )