History of Chester County, Pennsylvania, with genealogical and biographical sketches, Part 100

Author: Futhey, John Smith, 1820-1888; Cope, Gilbert, 1840-1928
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia, L. H. Everts
Number of Pages: 1162


USA > Pennsylvania > Chester County > History of Chester County, Pennsylvania, with genealogical and biographical sketches > Part 100


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


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CROWN OF EKOLAND, 1093 to Nov. 24, 1694 .- Benjamin Fletcher, Gov. of New York, Gov., April 28, 1693, to March 26, 1695; William Markham, Lisut .- Gov., April 26, 1693, to March 28, 1695.


WILLIAM PENN, PROPRIETARY, Nov. 24, 1604, to July 30, 1718 .- William Mark- ham, Gov., March 26, 1605, to Sept. 3, 1698; Samuel Carpenter, John Good- sun, Deputice, Nov. 24, 1604, to Sept. 3, 1698; William Markham, Liant .- Gov., Sept. 3, 1698, to Dec. 21, 1699; William Pan, Proprietary and Gov., Dec. 21, 1609, to Oct. 27, 1701; Andrew Hamilton, Dep. Gov., Oct. 27, 1701, to April 20, 1703 ; The Council (Edward Shlppen, President), April 20, 1703, to Feb. 3, 1704; John Evane, Dep. Gov., Fab. 3, 1704, to Feb. 1, 1709; Charles Gookin, Dap. Gov., Feb. 1, 1709, to May 31, 1717; Sir William Keith, Dap. Gov., May 31, 1717, to July 30, 1718.


JOHN PENN, RICHAUD PENN, and THOMAS PENN, Proprietaries, 1718-48 .- Sir William Keith, Dep. Gov., July 30, 1718, to June 24, 1726; Patrick Gorden, Dep. Gov., Jone 22, 1728, to Aug. 4, 1736; The Council (James Logan, President), Aug. 4, 1736, to June 1, 1788; George Thomas, Dap. Gov., June 1, 1738, to May, 1746.


RICHARD PENN and THOMAS PENN, Proprietaries, 1746-71 .- George Thomas, Dep. Gov., May, 1746, to May 29, 1747; The Council (Anthony Palmer, President), May 20, 1747, to Nov. 23, 1748; James Hamilton, Dep. Gov., Nov. 23, 1748, to Oct. 3, 1754; Robert Hunter Morris, Dap. Gov., Oct. 3, 1754, to Aug. 25, 1756; Willium Denny, Dep. Gov., Aug. 25, 1758, to Nov. 17, 1759; James Hamilton, Dap. Gov., Nov. 17, 1759, to Oct. 31, 1763; John Peun (aou of Richard Penn), Dep. Gov., Oct. 31, 1763, to May 4, 1771.


THOMAS PENN and JOHN PENN (aon of Richard), Proprietaries, 1771-78 .- Tha Council (James Hamilton, President), May 4, 1771, to Oct. 16, 1771; Richard Panu (son of Richard Peuu), Liout .- Gov., Oct. 16, 1771, to July 19, 1773; The Council (James Hamilton, President), July 19, 1773, to Aug. 30, 1773; John Penn, Gov., Aug. 30, 1773, to Sept. 28, 1776.


[August 30, 1773, John Penn, who was confirmed Lieutenant-Gov- craor by the king, June 30, was awarded the title of Governor by the Provincial Council.]


PROPRIETARY SECRETARIES.


1683, Philip T. Lahnman ; May 28, 1685, William Markham; Oct. 27, 1701. James Logan (vice Robinson); June 6, 1747, Richard Petera (vice Logun, deceased); Jau. 2, 1782, Joseph Shippen, Jr. (vice Peters, resigned).


RECEIVERS-GENERAL FOR PROPRIETARIES.


Sept. 25, 1689, John Blackwell: July 15, 1690, Samuel Jennings; Nov. 1, 1690, Benjamin Chambers, Deputy; June 1, 1693, Robert Turner; Oct. 29, 1701, James Logun; Jan. 30, 1714, James Steel; March 30, 1718, James Steel, Deputy ; Dec. 16, 1732, James Steel; Aug. 8, 1741, Lynford Lardner ; March 28, 1753, Richard Hockley ; Jan. 1, 1769, Edmund Phyaick.


REGISTERS-GENERAL.


May 5, 1686, Christopher Taylor (deceased April, 1686), Robert Turner, William Frampton, William Southerby, acting; Sept. 18, 1686, Jemea Claypoole, Sr. (deceased June, 1687) ; June 18, 1687, John Eckley (declined) ; July 28, 1887, Thomas Ellia; July 25, 1689, John Black well; March 4, 1690, Robert Tur- ner; Jan. 1, 1693, John Moore; March 29, 1703, William Markham ; f 1712, Benjamin Hayna; 1713-15, Peter Evans; May 14, 1724, Thomas Graeme; Feb. 19, 1735, Peter Evana; June 19, 1745, William Plumated; Aug. 15, 1765, Baujamin Chew.


MASTERS OF ROLLS.


Oct. 27, 1683, Thomas Lloyd ; 1685, Patrick Robinson, Deputy; 1690, Williom Markham; Feb. 8, 1700, Thomas Story ; July 11, 1702, Griffith Owen, Deputy; April 3, 1705, Morria Liale, Deputy; 1712, Charles Brockden, Deputy ; 1722, Charles Brockden ; June 12, 1727, Andrew Hamilton; Juna 20, 1736, Thomas Hopkioson; Aug. 7, 1741, William Allen; Oct. 2, 1750, Tench Fraucis; Aug. 29, 1755, Benjamin Chew; Sept. 28, 1767, William Parr; June 25, 1774, Andrew Allen.


SECRETARIES OF THE LAND-OFFICE.


April 2, 1733, James Steel, John Georges; Nov. 24, 1748, Richard Peters ; Nov. 1, 1760, William Peters; Jan. 1, 1769, James Tilghman.


| Five commissioners appointed by Wm. Penn.


. f Benjamin Hayne, William Watson, and Thomas Hayward lately executed the office.


364


HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.


JUSTICES.


1657 .- Magistrates for the South River: Oloff Stille, Mathys Hanaon, Peter Rambo, Peter Cock.


November, 1674 .- Justices for Upland: Peter Cock, Pater Rambo, Israel Helm, Lnce Andriea, Oelle Swenaon.


Oct. 3, 1676 .- Peter Cock, Peter Ramho, Israel Helm, Laca Andries, Oelle Swen- aon, Otto Ernest Cock.


May 28, 1680 .- Commissioned by Sir Edmund Andros: Otto Erneat Cock, lergel Helm, Laase Cock, Henry James, George Browne.


1681 .- Commissioned by Governor Markham : William Clayton, William War- ner, Robert Wade, William Byles, Robert Lucas, Hendrias Bankaon, Thomas Fairman, James Sandelands, Swen Swanaon, Andriea Bankaon, Otto Ernest Cock, Lassey Cock.


1682 .- Commissioned by Penn : John Simcock, Thomas Brassey, William Clay- ton, Robert Wade, John Bezer, Otto Ernest Cock, Ralph Withers.


1684 .- Christopher Taylor, William Wood, Robert Wade, John Blunston, Nicho- las Newlin, George Maris, James Saunderlaine, John Harding, Thomas Usher. April 6, 1685 .- John Simcock, William Wood, Nicholas Newlin, Robert Wade, George Maria, Thomas Usher, Robert Piles, John Blunston.


1686 .- Bartholomew Coppock, Samuel Levis, Francis Harrison. 1687 .- John Bristow, Edward Bezer.


"Jan. 25, 1688-9, Governor Blackwell issued a new commission to the Justicaa and Sheriffs of tha several counties. Those of Cheater county continued to act under their old commissiona, which coming to the enrs of hia Excallency na he passed through Cheater, he availed himaalf of the opportunity afforded by the next meeting of Council to reprimand John Simcock, John Bristow und Bartholomew Coppock, jr., who were Justices of the Court as well ns Members of Council. After debating the matter 'it wua thought advisable, and agread that a General Sessions should be called,' specially for the purpose of making proclamation of the new Commissions of the Justicea of Cheater County. This took place on the 19th of the lat mo. (March), 1689, when the Commissions constituting John Simcock, John Bris- tow, Bartholomew Coppock, jr., John Blunston, Georga Maris, Francia Harrison and Nicholas Newlin, Justicea, and Joahua Fearn, Sheriff, ware read and published in due form."


At a court held 4, 3, 1689, " William Howell'a Comission for ye Peace was rend and Published dated ye 29th day of ye 2ยช moneth 1688-9, and did afterward subscribe to ye solemne Declaration pre- pared by ye 57 Chapter of ye great law of thia Province." (Perhaps should be 12th month.)


Jan. 2, 1689-90 .- John Bristow, John Bevan, John Blunaton, Nicholna Newlin, Francis Harrison, Samuel Levis, James Sandelande, William Howell, Joshua Fearne.


7, 6, 1690 .- John Simcock.


10, 8, 1691 .- Present at Conrt : William Jenkin.


May 13, 1693 .- George Foreman, Jeremiah Collet, Thomas Smith, Thomas Withers.


"John Simcocke, John Bristow, George Merriss (Maria) & Wm Jen- kina, former Justicea of the peace in the Countie of Chester did giva n dilatorie answer to his Excell. proposall to have them continued in that office." Jonathan Huyea, Robert Pile, and Randall Vernou refused the office. This was probably from diasatisfaction with tha change of government. Jonathan Hayes served, however, in court this year. Peter Baynton sat as president of court Juna 13th, and after.


Sept. 11, 1694 .- At Court: Jaaper Yeatea.


1698 .- Caleb Posey, Philip Roman.


1700 .- Ralph Fluhbourne.


Sept. 25, 1703 .- Commissioned: John Guest, Jasper Yeates, Caleb Posey, Philip Roman, Jonathan Hayes, Ralph Fishbourne, Jeremiah Collett, Walter Mar- ten, Nathaniel Newlin.


1704 .- Commissioned by Governor Evans before May 30: Jasper Yeatea, Caleb Pusey, Jereminh Collett, Philip Roman, Jonathan Hayes.


1709,-Thomne Powell, Nicholas Pyle, Henry Plerce.


Nov. 24, 1711 .- Jasper Yeates, Robert Pyle, Caleb Pusey, Nicholna Pile, Jona- than Hayea, William Davis, Ilenry Nayle, Richard Webb.


Oct. 16, 1712 .- ".Willm Davis, n Juatice of peace in Cheater County, for bia indiscreet proceedings in marrying of Wm Hovord & Eliz: tha daughter of Capt. Rocha, is orderad to be left out of Common."


May 13, 1713 .- Caleb Pusey, Nicholas Pile, William Davis, Henry Nayle, Richard Webb, Nicholas Fairlamb, John Blunston, Jr., Thomas Edwarde.


May 30 and June 11, 1715 .- Caleb Puaey, Nicholas Pyla, Kichard Webb, Henry Pierce, Henry Nayle, Nicholas Fairlamb, John Blunston, Jr., Richard Hayea.


Aug. 26, 1717 .- Jaaper Yeates, Caleb Pusey, Richard Webb, Henry Nayle, Rich- ard Hayes, Henry Pierce, John Wright, John Wood, David Harry, John Worrall, Joseph Coebourn, Henry Hayes, Joseph Pennock.


July 4, 1718 .- John Wright (to ba next to Jaaper Yeatea), Nathaniel Newlin, Andrew Job, Eliaha Gatchell, John Cartledga, Francie Worley. Aug. 19, 1718 .- Sama recommissioned, with Andrew Hamilton.


Oct. 17, 1718 .- "Tha Governor laid before the board a Representa- tion or Greivanca aigned by several of the justices for tha Conoty of Chester, on account of the leaving ont a certain clause in the last Commissions and the putting the Attorney Generala in tha Commiaaion. It waa thought better to renew the commnisaiona with the addition of tha clauaa, and tha Attorney Generall might, if tha Governor aaw fit, have a special commission and be left out of common."


Nov. 24, 1718 .- Jasper Yeatea, Johu Wright, Caleb Pusey, Richard Wehh, Henry Nayla, Richard Hayes, Heury Pierce, Nathaniel Newland, John Wood, Jo- seph Cosbourn, Henry Hayes, Jamea Gibbons, Andrew Joh, Elisha Gatchell, John Cartledge, Francia Worley.


Nov. 24, 1719 .- Isaac Taylor.


May 22, 1722 .- John Wright, Caleb Pusey, Henry Nayle, Richard Hayes, Henry Pierce, Nathaniel Nawland, John Wood, Joseph Coebourn, Henry Hayas, James Gibbona, Andrew Job, Elisha Gatchell, Francia Worley, Isaac Taylor, James Mitchell.


Nov. 22 .- Same reappointed (except Andrew Job), and James Smith, Thomas Reid.


Feh. 18, 1723 .- John Wright, Caleb Pueey, Hanry Nayla, Richard Hayes, Henry Pierce, Nathaniel Newlin, John Wood, Henry Hayea, Jamea Gibbons, Eli- sha Gatchell, Francis Worley, Isaac Taylor, James Mitchell, John Croaby, Thomas Reid, Abraham Emmit, Jr., Jamea Roddy.


1724 .- John Wood, Samuel Nutt, John Crosby, Abraham Emmit, Jr., Thomaa Reid, George Aston, Tobias Heudricks, Andrew Cornish, Mercer Brown, Evan Lewis, William Pyle.


May 12, 1725 .- John Wright, Henry Nayle, Henry Pierce, Nathaniel Newlin, Jolin Wood, Henry Hayea, leaac Taylor, Samnel Nutt, John Crosby, Thomas Reid, George Anton, James Roddy, Tobias Hendricks, George Stewart, An- drew Cornish, Marcer Brown.


Aug. 25, 1726 .- John Wright, Richard Hayes, Henry Pierce, Nathaniel Newlin, John Wood, Henry Hayes, lsaac Taylor, Elisha Gatchell, Samuel Nutt, John Crosby, Abraham Emmit, Jr., Thomas Reid, George Aston, Tobias Hen- dricks, Andrew Cornish, Mercer Brown, Evan Lewia, William Pyle. Oct. 10, 1727 .- James James.


Aug. 25, 1729 .- Richard Hayes, John Wood, Henry Hayes, Elisha Gatchell, Samuel Nutt, John Croaby, Abm. Emmit, Jr., George Aston, Mercer Brown, Evan Lewis, William Pyle, James James, John Parry, James Gibbone,


Feb. 19, 1729-30 .- " Tha Governor further acquainted tha Board that it was necessary a naw Commission of the Peace for Cheater County should be issued, for that divera of those who are named in tha laat having declined to act, thare ia a great Want of Magistrates in some places of tha County which should be immediately supplied by othera, & that he had aome very good Reasona for leaving out one, viz. : George Aabeton, who had acted but too much; that he had adviaed with divera good Men of that County who had recommended R Liat, & It waa Resolved to Commissionate thosa following, viz. : Richard Hayea, Henry Pierce, Henry Hayes, Elisha Gatchal, John Croaby, Abraham Emmit, Junr, Mercer Brown, James James, John Parry, James Gibbona, Joseph Pennock, Samnel Hollingsworth, Jo- aaph Brioton, Nicholas Pyla, and the Chief Burgess of the Burrough of Bristol for the time being, of which the fiva last wera now added."


Aug. 20, 1731 .- " Tha Govarnor further represented that by several Petitiona from the Inhabitants of the buck parta of Chaster County, now laid befora tha Board, it appears there ia great Want of a Mag- istrate there ; And his Honour proposing that ona Joho Karnaughan being in those parta, of whom ha aaid he had received a favourable Character, should be assignad a Juatice of the Peace. The Board agreed thereto & Ordered that he he Commissionnted accordingly."


Dec. 1, 1733 .- All acting justicea to bo recommissioned, and Caleb Cowplund (?).


Deo. 28, 1733 .- Complainta having beau made (by Robert Boyd and othera) of John Carnahan, tha Governor orderad hia nama left out of the commission " thia day iasued for tha County of Cheatar."*


May 25, 1734 .- Joseph Haiusa.


Dec. 2, 1737 .- Johu Evane.


Nov. 22, 1738 .- Caleb Cowpland, Joseph Halnea, John Evana, Richard Hayea, Henry Pierce, Henry Hayes, Ellsha Gatchell, John Crosby, Cnleb Cowpland, Abraham Emmit, Jamaa James, John Parry, Joseph Pennock, Samuel Hollingsworth, Joseph Brinton, Joseph Hainea, William Pim, Joseph Bon- aall, the chief burgesa of the town for the time being, Joseph Parker.


April 4, 1741 .- "The Governor informed the Board that for aoma tima pnat ha had thought it requisite to Isade uew Gearal Commia- aions of the Peace, for that by the Death of aoma and the Miabehav- iour of Othera it was now become highly necessary to aupply and


* See also 2d Archivea, vil. 154-57.


365


CIVIL AND JUDICIAL LISTS.


rectify the Magistraoy of the Province, and more especially os he had lately received a Letter from Mr. John Penn, whereby it appeared he had received Information that the Court at Chester hnd set aside a man from the Jury for declining to take the affirmation, and ineisting to be qualified as a Juror by Outh; and in which Letter Mr. Penn bad strongly recommended to the Governor to appoint a Majority of euch Magistrates in every County as would not scruple to take or at least to Administer on Oath, that equal and impartial Justice might be done to all men; That he had consider'd and inform'd himself, the best he could, of the most proper Persons to be Justicee of the Peace for the several Counties, and proposed the following Gentlemen, viz. :


"FOR CHESTER COUNTY."


Henry Pierce, Henry Hayes, Elisha Gatchell, John Crosby, Caleb Cowpland, William Moore, Abraham Emmit, Joseph Pennock, Joseph Brinton, William Pim, Joseph Bonsall, Joseph Parker, William Webb, John Mather, Ralph Pyle, John Taylor, Job Ruston, Charles Grant, the chlef burgess of Chester for the time being.


" And no Objection being made to any of these Gentlemen


" Ordered, That Blank Commissions be prepared by the Secretary 'in order to be filled ap."


Dec. 17, 1745 .- John Crosby, Elisha Gatchell, Caleb Cowpland, William Moore, Abraham Emmit, Joseph Pennock, Joseph Brinton, William Pim, Joseph Bonsall, William Webb, John Mather, Job Ruston, Charles Grant, Samuel Flower, Thomas Cummings, John Parry, Andrew McDowell, the chief bur- gese of Chester for the time being, Joseph Parker (separate Com.).


April 22, 1749 .- " The Governor observ'd to the Board that tho Commissions of the Peace being only of force by virtue of his Procla- mation, & as it wns usual for Governors to renew them at or soon after their Accession to the Government, he proposed to issue new Commissions, & desir'd the favour of the Board to recommend proper Persons to be Magistrates for the several Counties, & particularly at this time for the County of Lancaster, that Court sitting next Week," &o.


May 19, 1749 .- " The Council resum'd the Consideration of the new Commissions. of the Peace, & agreed to appoint the following Persone Justices for Chester County, viz :"


Caleb Cowpland, Elisha Getchell, William Moore, Joseph Pennock, Joseph Brinton, William Pim, Joseph Bonsall, John Mather, Charles Grant, Samuel Flower, Thomas Cummings, Thomas Worth, Aaron Ashbridge, John Churchmau, John Miller, Richard Richison, Isaac Davis, John Scott, Wil- liam Read, the chief burgess of Chester for the time being.


Aug. 21, 1751 .- "Some more Justices being wanted for the County of Chester, Joshua Pusey and Samuel Lightfoot were recommended to the Governor as Persons well qualified for that Office and two Sepa- rate Commissions of the Peace were ordered to be made for them accordingly."


May 25, 1752 .- William Moore, Elisha Gutchell, Joseph Bonsall, John Mather, Charles Grant, Samuel Flower, Thomas Cummings, Thomas Worth, Aaron Ashbridge, John Churchman, John Miller, Isaac Davis, Jolin Scott, Joshua Pusey, Samuel Liglitfoot. Edward Brinton, Mordecai Moore, Mordecai James, the chief burgess of Chester for the time being.


Feb. 22, 1757 .- " The Council resumed the Consideration of a new Commission of the Peace for the County of Chester, and the follow- ing Persons being unanimously recommended, their Names were in- serted in the Commission, which passed the Seale, and was sent down to Chester, this being the first day of the Court, viz. : all the Mem- bere of Council,


" William Moore, John Mather, Samuel Flower, Thomas Worth, Aaron Ash- bridge, John Miller, Isaac Davis, John Scott, Samuel Lightfoot, Edward Brinton, Mordecai Moore, the chief burgess of Chester, Alexander Johnston, John Morton, John Culbertson, William Clingan, John Paschall, William Parker, Timothy Kirk."


Feb. 23, 1761 .- Thomas Worth, Samuel Flower, John Miller, Isaac Davia, Ed- ward Briuton, the chief burgess of Cheeter, Alexander Jolineton, John Mor- ton, John Culbertson, William Clingen, William Parker, Timothy Kirk, Johu Haonum, John Price, Roger Hunt, Joha Fairlamb, George Currie, Beory Hale Graham.


The Governor issued supersedeas to Samuel Lightfoot, Edward Brinton, Thomas Worth and John Morton, to forbear the exercise of the Office of Judge of the Common Pleas for the said County of Ches- ter, under the late Act entituled "A Supplement to the Act Eotituled 'An Act for establishing Courte of Judicature in the province,'" which had been repealed by his late Majesty.


These persons were appointed Oct. 20, 1759, under the act of Sept. 29, 1759.


Nov. 19, 1764 .- Membere of Council, William Moore, Thomas Worth, Samuel Flower, John Miller, Isaac Davis, Edward Brinton, Alexander Johnston, John Culbertson, William Clingan, William Parker, John Hannum, John Price, John Fuirlamb, Henry Hale Graham, William Boyd, Richard Rlley, James Hunter, James EvaDe.


William Swaffer was a justice of the Common Pleas prior to 1770.


May 23, 1770 .- Members of Council, William Moore, Thomas Worth, John Mor- ton, Isaac Devie, Alexander Johnston, William Clingen, William Parker, John Hannum, John Price, Henry Hale Graham, Richard Riley, Charles Cruikebanke, Richard Baker, James Gibbons, James Moore, William Swaffer, Evan Evane, Thomas Hockley, Joseph Pyle, Thomas Temple, Warwick Miller.


At Court, May, 1771, and after .- Joshua Cowpland.


At Court, May 28, 1776 .- Nicholae Fairlamb.


Appointed by Convention of July 15, 1776 .- Alexander Johnston, William Clingan, Evan Evans, Richard Baker, John Sellers, Nicholas Fairlamb, John Jones, John Wilson, William Heelit, Israel Whelen, William Denny, Sam- uel Bond, Robert Mendenhall.


Whether these presumed to act as justices at home is uuknown, but no courts were held between May 28, 1776, and Aug. 26, 1777.


April 4, 1777 .- " A General Commission of the Peace for tho County of Chester was issued this day, dated the 31st March, 1777, and the Dedimus Poteetatem for the same County was also made out, dated April 10th, 1777." The justices were :


Isaac Davis, Evan Evane, James Moore, Benjamin Bartholomew, John Mackey, William Gibbons, Joshus Evane, Isaac Pearson, Daniel Griffith, Patterson Bell, John Hannum, Robert Smith, Philip Scott, Thomas Taylor, Thomas Cheyney.


After this the justices appear to have been elective, but were especially commissioned to hold courts.


July 25, 1777 .- " The Council took into Consideration the returas of Justices elect from several Counties, & thereupon were commis- sioned accordingly."


"Agreed . .. That Thomas Levis, Thos Boyd, Robt Ralston, John Hart, and Richd Reiley, be appointed Jastices of the Peace for the County of Chester."


Aug. 22, 1777 .- " Caleb Davis, Esqr., appeared in Council, & took the affirmation required by the Constitution of this State to Qualify him to act as one of the Justices of the Court of Common Plexe for the County of Chester."


This was by virtue of his office of Prothonotary, and a resolution of Council of June 11, 1777, that prothonotaries should sit as judges of the Common Pleas.


July 30, 1778 .- " The Council taking into Consideration the neces- sity of appointing & Justice of the Peace in the neighbourhood of Vincent Township, in the County of Chester,


" Ordered, That William Evans be appointed one of the Justices of the Peace for the County of Chester, & Commissioned accordingly."


About this time the county seems to have been divided into distriote for the election of justices.


April 27, 1779 .- " A return of an Election for chusing Justices of the Peace for the District of West Fallowfield, Sadsbury & West Caln in the County of Chester, was read; by which it appears that William Clingan, Esq'r, & Joseph Parke, were chosen; thereupon,


"O, dered, That Will'm Clingan, Esq'r, be appointed & Commissioned to be & Justice of the Peace for the County of Chester."


The following letter will explain itself :


" CHESTER COUNTY, 28th May, 1779.


"DEAR SIR,-I received a letter from the Honourable George Bryan, Esq., Vice- President of the Supreme Executive Council of this Common Wealth requesting me to Transmit an Account To you of the Justices in this County &c. The fob- lowing therefore is a list of the names of all the persone mentioned In the severai Commissions of the peace Issued since the Revolution with such distinc- tion as his Honour requested to be made, viz. :


" First. IBBac Davis, Sworn into Office & since Deceased. 2nd. Evan Evene, Sworn. 3d. James Moore, Ditto.


4th. Benjamin Bartholomew, Ditto.


5. Jolin Mackey, a Member of Council.


6. William Gibbone, not Qualified & out of County.


7. Joshua Evans, refused to Qualify.


8. Isaac Pearson, Ditto.


9. Dan Griffith, Sworn.


10. Patterson Bell, Ditto.


11. John Hannum, Affirmed.


12. Robert Smith, Ditto.


13. Phillip Scot, Sworn.


14. Thomas Taylor, Affirmed.


366


HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.


15. Thomas Cheyney, Ditto.


16. Thomas Levis, Ditto.


17. Thomas Boyd, Sworn into Office & since Deceased.


18. Robert Raleton, refused to Qualify.


19. John Hart, never Qualified & out of County,


20. Richard Reyley, refused to Qualify.


21. William Evans, Sworn.


22. William Clingan, Ditto.


" Elections have been held in every District but there is no Justices In the three following Districts, To wit, first, Chester, Upper and Lower Chichester, Aston, Bethel, & Middletown; 24, Darby, Radnor, & Haverford; 3d, Newtown, East Town, Willistown, & Goshen.


" I am, Dear Sir, " Your most obt Servt,


" CALEB DAVIS.


(Directed)


"Timothy Matlack, Esq., Secret'y of Council, Philadelphia."*


June 4, 1779 .- Alexander Johnston, New London.


Sept. 15, 1779 .- David Mackey, vice Johnson, declined.


March 21, 1780 .- John Pearson, Darhy.


Evan Evans and David McKinney resigned Nov. 3, 1780, on account of being elected to the Assembly, according to the Colonial Records, but the name of Mckinney (Mackey ?) does not appear in Assembly.


Nov. 18, 1780 .- William Clingan, appointed presiding justice of the courts.


Nov. 17, 1781 .- James Moore's resignation received, he having been elected to Assembly.


Dec. 7, 1781 .- William Haslet.


March 8, 1782 .- Capt. Joseph Luckey, Maj. Isaac Taylor.


March 9, 1782 .- David Mackey.


June 26, 1782 .- John Beaton, Common Pleas and Orphans' Court,


Nov. 6, 1782 .- James Moore, resigned Oct. 31, 1785; elected to Assembly.


July 31, 1783 .- John Bartholomew.


June 5, 1784 .- George Pierce, Aston ; Dan Griffith, East Nantmeal, Common Pleas, June 25.


Sept. 24, 1784 .- Thomas Levis; also Common Pleas.


Oct. 1, 1784 .- John Ralston.


Oct. 9, 1784 .- Thomas Cheyney, Thornbury.


Oct. 13, 1784 .- Same commissioned justice of Common Pleas.


Jan. 21, 1785 .- Philip Scott, Court of Common Pleas.


Oct. 31, 1785 .- James Moore, Common Pleas.


June 16, 1786 .- Persifor Frazer, Court of Common Pleas.


June 22, 1786 .- " William Clingan was also appointed & Justice of the Peace for the district of West Caln, Sadebury aud West Fallowfield townships, and Justice of the Court of Common Pleas of the county afuresaid, upon & return made agreeable to law."


"NOTE .- That Mr. Clingan preside in the Court of Common Pleas, the Court of Quarter Sessions, and Orphans' Court of the said county."


Oct. 9, 1786 .- Adam Grubb and Richard Hill Morris commissioned justices of the Peace and of Common Pleas.


Dec. 22, 1787 .- John Pearson, Common Pleas.


Sept. 16, 1798 .- " Charles Dilworth and John Kannum, Esquires, were appointed and commissionated Justices of the Peace and of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the county of Chester, upon a return made according to law, for the district of the town of West Chester."




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