USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > Annals of Philadelphia, and Pennsylvania in the olden time; being a collection of the memoirs, anecdotes, and incidents of the earliest settlements of the inland part of Pennsylvania, Vol. II > Part 28
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The Swedes.
Lewis Hennepin, quoted by Holm, states the belief, that our Indians are descended from the Jews, on account of many resem- blances he finds between those natives. Hennepin, and the Rev. John Campanius, both believed that they could trace an affinity, between the Hebrew and Indian languages. The Indians then were tall, strong, nimble, and limbs well proportioned. Their faces broad-small black eyes-flat noses-(a mistake, surely, unless at the nostrils,) large lips-short broad teeth, and very white. Their bodies nearly naked, and of a brown or yellowish colour, anointed with bears' grease, and black paint found on the sea-shore, which enables them better to endure the heat of the sun. They make their huts of mats and of branches of trees. The mats being made of the leaves of the Indian corn matted together. They sleep on their mats and skins. They cook the most of their diet in clay ket- tles; and their dishes are plates of bark and cedar wood. Their drinking vessel is the shell of the calabash. Their spoons and knives were muscle shells. Their pipes were made of long reeds, and the bowl was of horn.
One might smile, to know the fact of their surprise at our fire- flies, "giving out light enough to show the way !" One night, they frightened all the soldiers on guard, at Fort Christina, so that they thought they "were enemies advancing with lighted matches."
One cannot but feel a melancholy pleasure, in sympathy with one of the Swedish ministers, who, in writing home of his regrets at the loss of the Swedish rule here, says, with exultation, " we have, how- ever, retained some lasting memorials of our glorious Queen-such as the Christina church, Christina hundred, Christina creek, Chris- tina ferry and bridge," &c. But, alas, even these have since been perverted to Christiana.
Facts and occurrences of the Swedes settled in Upland.
" The records of Upland," a folio cap book of one hundred and eighty-eight pages MS., having been lent to me by the Logan family, I have made the following extracts and notitia from the same, with a view to show the state and action of society, in that primitive day : say from the year 1676, when the administration of Governor Andross began on the Delaware, down to the year 1681, when it began to be the province of Pennsylvania, under William Penn. I preserve the names of the primitive inhabitants, as magistrates, jurors, landholders and parties in court, as they appear from time to time, for the sake of showing, by their names, the origin of many family names, still among us, or partially altered. The object herein is to preserve, so far as practicable now, an insight into the ways and doings of the little community of primitive settlers, who began this now affluent and prosperous country, at a period anterior to the arrival of Penn and his colonists. The book from which I extract will, I trust, be deposited in the Loganian library, as & venerable relic of antiquity
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The Swedes.
The book opens with a court, held "att Uppland, in Delaware river," by the authority of the sovereign lord, Charles II., on the 14th November, 1676.
Then follows the authority of "Edmond Andross, Esq., Seigneur of Sausmarcy, lieutenant and governor general, under his highness, James, duke of York and Albany.
Peter Cock, Peter Rambo, Israel Helm, Lace Andries, Oele Swen and Otto Ernest, [all Swedish names,] are made "justices," and are inducted under oath by the commissioners, Captain John Colier [from which we have the name, probably, of Colier's hook] and Captain Edmond Cantwell, [from which we have the name of Cant- well's bridge.]
Their power under Governor Andross reads thus, viz., "to be justices of the peace for the space of one year, and any three or more of them to be a court of judicature, and to act according to law and the trust reposed in them."
At same time Ephraim Herman is constituted "clarke of the court of New Castle, and also of the court att Uppland in the river."
Then follows, in three and a half pages, a record of the instruc- tions of Governor Andross, comprised in twelve articles. Some of them to this effect, viz. The book of laws as practised in New York to be also practised in this river and its precincts. To have three courts-" one at New Castle-one above att Uppland, another below att the Whorekill." Each to have the power of a court of sessions, and to decide all matters under £20 without appeal. In cases above £20, and for crime extending to life and limb or banish- ment, to admit of appeal to the court of assizes. Cases under £5 value, may be determined by the court without a jury, unless desired by the parties, [only two or three cases of juries occur,] as also mat- ters of equity. The court of New Castle to be held monthly-that of Uppland and Whorekill to be quarterly, "or oftener if occasion." All records to be kept in English. To be a high sheriff for the town of New Castle, river, and bay, and he to make under sheriffs. All rates and levies to be made by the court with the approbation of the governor, to be first obtained. It is recommended, that all mat- ters under £5 be settled by arbitration, by the consent of the parties, and thus avoid the necessity or use of overseers and constables' courts.
The same authority orders and appoints, that in cases of grants of land, that any person desiring land shall make application to the court, which shall give order therein and certify to the governor, " for any land not taken upp and improved-in fitt proportions not exceeding fifty acres per head, unless upon extra occasions, where more may be allowed." Thereupon to grant a certificate of survey, which survey, when made, must be sent to New York for the go- vernor's approbation, and to express therein the proportions of upland and meadow, so that all may have an equal chance for proportionable shares. Such was the original scheme of allotments of lands, which appear to have been dispensed gratis to all applicants intending to
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take up and improve the same. When William Penn arrived, he had a price per hundred acres with their quit rents, and which was of course something in the way of cost, to any then unprovided, for Swedes, or others of the former inhabitants. For the sake of a con- densed view of the lands applied for at court terms, I shall hereinafter give a list, showing the times, names and qualities so granted, and their location, when expressed. The reader will soon have occasion to observe that the same names are not carefully spelled with the same letters. Names too are written familiarly, as Lasse for Law- rence, and Claes for Nicholas, &c. Surnames too, ending with sen and son, is the son of-thus Hendriksen is the son of Hendrik. The name of Cock, is since Cox, and Swen, is since Swanson. He cannot fail also to remark how generally the grounds of action are deemed good, by the verdicts going generally for the plaintiffs.
The court ordered "that Mr. William Tom, the former clarke, should deliver unto the present clarke, Ephraim Herman, the records and other public bookes and wrytings, belonging to this court." At same time the court ordered that execution should be granted. against all debtors to said William Tom, for his just fees due in former actions, &c. [This Mr. Tom, gave name to Tom's river.]
Justice Israel Helm, asked recompense " for having served the river [inhabitants] often, and at sundry times, as an interpreter with the Indians for Captain Cantwell." The same was referred to the governor.
The court resolve to write a letter to the governor upon the follow- ing topics, viz. : To ask his honour to confirm the order about the wolves' heads. To order a means of repaying court costs and their distance of travel as justices. They state the former charge of court as it occurred at the house or place of Neeles Laerson, "for the charges of keeping a court, and for justices' diet there, 452 gilders, of which Captain Cantwell has paid 200 gilders, leaving 252 gilders still due."
The court adjourned until the second 'Tuesday in March next, and no soonor, by reason of the winter season, and so to be kept quarterly.
At a court held at Uppland in Delaware river, the 13th March A. D., 1676-7. Present, Peter Cock, Peter Rambo, Israel Helm, Lacé Andries and Otto Ernest, justices. Captain Edmond Cant- well, high sheriff.
Justice Israel Helm, plaintiff-Oele Oelsen, defendant .- The defendant in an abusive and malicious manner beat and struck the justice, and with scandalous words did evil entreat him. No defend- ant present, the action was laid over to next term, and then if neglected to go by default.
Morten Morrenson vs. Mouns Staeke, for killing his ox, and for personal assault and battery. Continued by the court, and in mean time it is recommended to the parties to compose the difference themselves.
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The Swedes.
Anthony Nealson vs. Lace Dalboo, the plaintiff not appearing, a nonsuit ordered and costs.
The petition of Johannes de Haes, concerning his lands patented under Governor Lovelace, laying in the boght (bite or bend) between Oele Fransen and Naaman's creek, a survey is ordered.
The charge of keeping the court at Neales Laersen's house, and for the diet of the justices and commander, amount to 100 gilders, and ordered paid. Adjourned to second Tuesday in June.
Connected with the preceding court was a meeting held by the commander, Captain John Colier, upon the occasion of the news of the Sinneco [Seneca] Indians coming down to fetch the Susque- hanna, that were among these river Indians. Upon the suggestion and advice of Rinowehan, the Sachomore, it was deemed best for the quiet of the river, that Captain Colier and Justice Helm, should go up to Sachamerin, where at present many Sinneco and other Indians are, and that they endeavour to persuade the whole assem- blage to send severally a deputy to his honour, the governor, at New York, and that Justice Helm go with them as interpreter. The Indians continued in council four days, and incurred an expense of 250 gilders, which was paid. Thus the place of "the Treaty-tree" was then used as a treaty place.
At a court held the 13th June, 1677. Present six justices. Ed- mond Cantwell vs. John Ashmen, demands eight hundred pounds of tobacco, for his surveying fees for two tracts of land and their patents, &c .- so ordered.
Albert Hendricks vs. Andries Bertelf, demands pay for killing his boar, which had become fierce and cruel-both parties to bear equal loss.
Andries Homman vs. Lace Dalboo, demands redress for being beaten by Dalboo, on his own land-referred to another court term.
The high sheriff indites Richard Ducket, the servant of Lace Cock, for his commerce with a certain mulatto woman. The fact being confessed, it was ordered he should maintain the child when he should be free.
Lace Cock vs. John Ashman, claims sixteen ells of serge for a black horse and a mare-confirmed and so ordered by the court.
John Stille vs. John Ashmen, claims a bill debt of twelve hundred and fifty pounds of tobacco of Choptank-judgement for plaintiff ordered. [This Stille is the ancestor of the present Stille family.]
Justice Israel Helm vs. Oele Oelsen, alias Cock, for an assault and battery, and begs as a member of the court, his respect may be maintained ; after hearing witnesses of Lace Coleman and debates of both sides-fined the assaulter 210 gilders, sixty thereof for the church-the rest to the sheriff-and then to ask forgiveness of the injured party in court. The same being done, 150 gilders of the same were remitted.
The widow of Thomas Jeacock vs. John Ashman, claims one thousand pounds of tobacco for a horse-so ordered.
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The Swedes.
Henry Ward vs. Thomas Denny, claims four hundred pounds of tobacco, payable in New Castle-judgement ordered.
James Sanderlin vs. Oele Swensen, in an action of debt for sixteen foxes. The debates of both being heard; but before judgement pronounced, they had agreed mutually to compose the same, and the defendant to pay the costs.
Francis Walker vs. John Ashman, gone away, action by attach- ment on his cows and horses-judgement ordered, and Lace Cock and Mathias Holstein are ordered appraisers under oath.
Albert Hendrick, the constable, having served out his year, and asking his dismission, is succeeded by William Orian.
Jurian Hartsvelder, appeared and desired his dismission as under sheriff, he intending to live higher up the river, and his place is supplied by Michill Yzard. [This Hartsfelder is the same who came to own the chief part of the Northern Liberties, and some tracts in Germantown.]
The court was ordered to adjourn to the second Tuesday of Sep- tember, and before parting, ordered a settlement of the difference about the fly, [a then name for marsh meadow] of the people of Carkoens-hoek, and Lacé Dalbo, by declaring that Hans Petersen and the rest of Carkoens-hoek, do mow the hay of the said fly, for the present and until the case he heard in court thereafter. Ordered that no person be admitted to plead for any other person as an attorney, without he first have his admittance of the court, or have a warrant of attorney for so doing from his client. [On a former occa- sion James Sanderling acted for another as his attorney, so also Ed. mond Cantwell.]
At a court held the 11th September, 1677. Six justices present --- and Captain Cantwell high sheriff.
Claes Cram vs. Lace Cock, demands 20 gilders for bringing a horse, and the court ordered the pay to come from Michill Jud, the carpenter.
Morten Mortense, Jun. vs. Moens Staecket, declares that he chased his wife with an axe, and he, Morten Mortense, coming to her rescue, he was threatened with a gun-condemned to a fine of 50 gilders, and to be bound to good behaviour. At same time an action of slander was preferred by the father of the above plaintiff, and Moens was condemned to declare in court, " that he knew nothing but all honesty in the case."
Clerk of the court, Ephraim Herman, was ordered 200 gilders for his services for the year, to be paid out of the tax to be levied.
At a court held the 13th November, 1677. Present six justices-
John Test vs. Neeles Laerson, for sundry goods and merchandise to amount of 186 gilders.
William Tom vs. Jonas Neelson, for fees earned as clerk of this court, £6. 15s., in several actions-judgement ordered.
Thomas Harwood vs. Hans Jurian, for balance of an account of 139 gilders-judgement ordered.
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The Swedes.
William Tom vs. Jan Cornelissen, for clerk fees, in the action of Peter Jegoù.
Neeles Laersen vs. John Test, complains that Test has been troublesome to his son about a knife, and desires to know the reason thereof; upon hearing parties, court determines no cause of action, and that the parties be reconciled, which was done in court. The plaintiff to pay clerk's and sheriff's fees.
Andries Boen vs. Moens Staecket, complains that, when at Badstoe, he was abused and beaten by him. The defendant desired a favour- able censure of the court, as that he was in drink-fined 100 gilders.
Captain Hans Inrgrx, is ordered to warn the men belonging to his company, and with them to fit up and finish the house of defence at Upland, fit for the court to sit in, by the time of the next court. [This shows that the captain had citizens enrolled for general defence, and that they had a block-house which might answer for a court room. Before this they used the private house of Neeles Laerson.]
A petition signed by twenty-four individuals, of Swedish families, born in this country, ask one hundred acres each, to form a settle- ment just below the falls-referred to the governor.
The court take into consideration the levy or poll-tax, for defray- ing public expenses, and after calling over the list of tydable (tithe ?) inhabitants, ordered that there be assessed and paid by each and every of them, 26 gilders. To be paid, in wheat, at 5; or if in rye and barley, at 4 gilders the scipple ; or if in Indian corn, at 3 gilders ; if in tobacco, at 8 stivers per pound ; or if in pork, at 8; or in bacon, at 16 stivers per pound; or else in wampum; or skins at current prices.
The high sheriff is charged with this collection, and in case of default, to distrain the same. Then follows a list of 136 tydables, (taxables ?) including their sons and servants-being the whole num- ber then within the jurisdiction of the court in Upland. What a little community of forefathers then, to begin the mighty common- wealth we now possess! Notice, too, that wampum then was an actual money matter in traffic! The whole list consists of Swedish names, save about one dozen of more Anglified form-such as Robert Wade, Richard Noble, Henry Hastings, William Woodman, Thomas Denny, Thomas Harwood, Peter Freeman. The names are classi- fied thus, viz. : at Taokanink, 66; at Carkoens-hoek, 24 ; at Upland, 17; at Marr (Marrities ?) Kill, 19 ; and at Eastern shore, 10-total, 136.
A letter from Gov. Andross, of date 14th August, 1677, is received, read and recorded, authorizing and directing the purchase, of the Indians, of a small tract of land, not yet purchased, " it is said," of about two miles length along the river, between the late purchase up to the Falls-to the end that the same may be settled. He also requires that returns be made of all lands, heretofore possessed, unto the clerk of the court.
At a court held the 12th of March, 1677-8, six judges present
*
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The Swedes.
Luke Watson, by Edward Cantwell, his attorney vs. John Gray : none of the parties appearing, a nonsuit was ordered.
John Adams, in behalf of his master, Will Dervall, the attorney of John Foster, in action against John Gray, who owes 7706 pounds of tobacco to John Foster, of the island of Barbadoes, to be delivered at the Whorekill-judgement ordered against defendant.
Daniel Linsey vs. John Johnson -- the court find both parties faulty, and order defendant to pay the debt; and as for wintering the cow and the sows, the plaintiff engaged to allow the same-each to pay half the costs.
Johannes De Haes vs. Wm. Orian, claims a balance for goods- claim affirmed.
Robert Hutchinson appeared, and declared that he there assigned to Israel Helm, his man-servant, William Broomfield, for the term of four years, he paying him 1200 gilders ; at the same time, the said servant promised faithfully to serve his new master.
Ordered that 100 acres of land be added to the tract held for the mill at Carkoen creeke. [This same place is often called Carkoen hoek-and hoek means what we now call hook, and is often herein found connected with a creek; but it is believed properly to express a bend, a cove, like a hook.]
Anthony Nealson Long presented William Goa, a servant, whom he had bought of Moens Peterson, for three years, and asked his confirmation.
1
Hans Juriansen Kien, (Kean,) of Taokanink, (Tacony,) appeared and acknowledged his deed to his brother, Jonas J. Kien, (Kean,) for 200 acres, being his one-sixth portion of the original 1200 acres granted to six inhabitants for the towne of Upland, [i. e. Chester,] near the creek; and this lot, lying between the houses and lots of James Sanderling and Jurian Kien. Then also appeared Jonas J. Kien, and made over by deed the same tract to John Test, late of London, merchant. [This Test became the first sheriff of Philadel- phia.] At same time he also conveyed to the same John Test, a certain new block house, near the water side of the said creek. [It is possible that block house may not necessarily mean a defensive place, as now, but may have been intended merely to express a house made of blocks or logs of wood.] Then also appeared John Test, and conveyed the same premises unto Marmaduke Randall, of London, merchant.
Neeles Mattson reconveys to James Sanderling, a patent for land granted by Gov. R. Nicolls, in 1668, on the north side of the Kill, next and adjoining to Israel Helm and Jorst Daniels.
On application of John Moll, president at New Castle, calling for Wm. Orian Smith, an absconded debtor, he is ordered to be appre- hended and sent back.
Neeles Laerson's bill for use of his house and diet for courts is allowed at 75 gilders.
Court adjourned till second Tuesday of June, and a special meet. ing for a levy the 1st April.
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The Swedes.
At a court of Upland, held at the house of Justice Peter Cock, in the Schuylkill, the 3d April, 1678, present four justices-when they fix and determine the assessment and taxes, &c., with the sheriff, and ordered it recorded. '
Adam Mott vs. Jan Claassen-a demand of 1300 pounds of to- bacco-affirmed.
John Schackerly vs. Jan Claassen-a debt of f325 15-action laid over.
John Adams vs. Christopher Barnes-asks judgement against his plantation and crop of corn, for a debt of 1494 gilders, on mortgage -granted, and the value to be ascertained by appraisers named, and the defendant agrees in court to make delivery.
Ephraim Herman vs. Laurentius Carolus-demands fees as clerk of the court, 142 gilders-pay promised in October, and the plaintiff is content.
Capt. Edmund Cantwell vs. Neeles Laerson-for defamation,£100. Before trial, N. Laerson asked forgiveness in court, with which the captain was satisfied. At same time the court orders that N. Laerson shall repay 130 gilders, collected for head money, [poll tax,] in New Castle district, by alleged mistake.
Jan Cornelissen, of Amesland, complains to the court that his son Erick is bereft of his natural senses, and is turned quite mad, and he not being able to maintain him, it was ordered that three or four per- sons be hired to build a little block house, and there to confine him -expenses to be provided for in the next levy or tax.
Carell Junsen, of Marreties-hoeck, in Delaware river, (is not this the origin of Marcus-hook ?) appears in court to acknowledge con- veyance of land at Marrities-hoeck, adjoining to land of Jan Hen- drickson, sold unto Morgan Druit, of London, mariner.
Jan Hendrickson appeared and acknowledged a deed or transport unto Roger Peddrik, of his land at the west side of Delaware river, as called and known by the name of Marreties-hoeck-the whole tract of Marreties-hoeck land being granted and confirmed by patent from Gov. Andross, on the 28th March, 1676, unto the six possessors thereof, viz. : Charles Jansen, Oele Raessen, Hans Oelsen, Oele Neelsen, Hans Hoffman, and Jan Hendricks-the whole containing 1000 acres.
Several actions are withdrawn, and mutually settled amicably.
A tax or levy of five gilders per head ordered, and to include every person upon Tinneconck island.
Adjourned to the 2d Tuesday of September.
At a court held Nov. 12, 1678, present five justices-
William Orian vs. John D. Haes-demands 167 gilders in ac- count, and craves a jury ; they being empanelled, brought in a ver- dict for 159 gilders, and the court suspends determination till next court.
Oele Dirksen vs. Evert Aldrets-for a debt of 71 gilders-affirmed. Rodger Peddrick vs. Hans Oelsen-an action for assault and bat- VOL. II .- 2 F 21
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The Swedes.
tery ; striking him in the open street with an axe handle. There being no witnesses, and the defendant utterly denying the fact, the plaintiff also refusing to swear it, the court could not come to any judgement, but order future peace, under severe penalty.
Walter Wharton vs. Andries-action for 50 gilders, in wheat- judgement ordered.
James Sanderlins vs. John Edmunds, of Maryland-on a claim of 1200 pounds tobacco, to be delivered in Great Chaptank river ; not being paid, he now moves an attachment of his great boat or shallop, now at Upland-granted, and the vendue master to make public sale, and return the same for the use of the plaintiff. She was sold to John Test for 625 gilders.
Benjamin Goodman, a servant to Oele Swenson, prays his free- dom, alleging that his master says he has longer to serve. The in- denture is ordered, and it being said to be lost, the court adjudges that he ought to be free.
It being taken into consideration that it was very necessary that a mill should be built in the Schuylkill, [at the present falls of Schuyl- kill,] " and there being no fitter place than the fall called Captain Hans Moens' falls"-the court decides that either the captain ought to build a mill there, (as he says he will,) or else suffer another to build there, for the common good of the parts.
And upon the request of Jan Shoetan, "the court grants him a small tract of marrish, (marsh,) lying at the aforesaid great mill fall, at the end thereof; that is to say, so much as is fit to mow four stacks of hay-and the said mill fall being a run that comes in the Schuylkill." [The same running from Redinger's and by Hagner's mills The writer has in his possession the deed to Capt. Moens.]
Laurens Cock appeared and acknowledged his deed of convey- ance to Elizabeth Kinsey, of 300 acres of land, lying in Sachamex- in, " on the west side of Delaware river, at the towne or neigh- bourhood called and known by the name of Sachamexin-the whole dividend or quantity of land being of late surveyed for the inhabit- ants of Sachamexin in general, and containing 1800 acres, by which resurvey the share or interest of the said Laurens Cock, of that place, amounts to 300 acres-together with the marshes or meadows, the houses, barns, stables, stalls, fences," &c. [The above-mentioned conveyance shows the extent of the land wherein the celebrated Treaty-tree of Penn so long stood. It also seems to show a name derived from Sacham, i. e., a place familiar as a convening place for Indian chiefs ; and these pages show that the Senecas had before assembled there as a preferred or chosen spot.]
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