USA > Pennsylvania > Chester County > History of Chester County, Pennsylvania, with genealogical and biographical sketches > Part 103
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131 | Part 132 | Part 133 | Part 134 | Part 135 | Part 136 | Part 137 | Part 138 | Part 139 | Part 140 | Part 141 | Part 142 | Part 143 | Part 144 | Part 145 | Part 146 | Part 147 | Part 148 | Part 149 | Part 150 | Part 151 | Part 152 | Part 153 | Part 154 | Part 155 | Part 156 | Part 157 | Part 158 | Part 159 | Part 160 | Part 161 | Part 162 | Part 163 | Part 164 | Part 165 | Part 166 | Part 167 | Part 168 | Part 169 | Part 170 | Part 171 | Part 172 | Part 173 | Part 174 | Part 175 | Part 176 | Part 177 | Part 178 | Part 179 | Part 180 | Part 181 | Part 182 | Part 183 | Part 184 | Part 185 | Part 186 | Part 187 | Part 188 | Part 189 | Part 190 | Part 191 | Part 192 | Part 193 | Part 194 | Part 195 | Part 196 | Part 197 | Part 198 | Part 199 | Part 200 | Part 201 | Part 202 | Part 203 | Part 204 | Part 205 | Part 206 | Part 207 | Part 208 | Part 209 | Part 210 | Part 211 | Part 212 | Part 213 | Part 214 | Part 215 | Part 216 | Part 217 | Part 218 | Part 219 | Part 220
Philip S. Markley was attorney-general of the State from August, 1829, to February, 1830. He appointed no deputy in Chester County, but prosecuted the pleas of the Commonwealth here in person. He resided at Norristown.
Henry H. Van Amringe, from May, 1830, to February, 1835; ap- pointed successively by Samuel Douglass, Ellis Lewis, and George Mifflia Dallas
Joseph J. Lewis, at May, Angust, and November sessions, 1835; appointed by George M. Dallas.
William Darlington, during the years 1836, 1837, and 1838; ap- pointed successively by James Todd and William B. Reed.
Joseph Hemphill, from 1839 to 1844, both inclusive, six years; sp- poiated by Ovid F. Johnston.
John Hickman, during the year 1845, and January and April ses- sions, 1846; appointed by Joha K. Kanc.
Joseph J. Lewis, at July and October sessions, 1846 ; appointed by John M. Read.
John Hickman, at January sessions, 1847; appointed by Benjamin Champneys. Mr. Hickman resigned.
Jobn H. Briaton, from April, 1847, to July, 1848; appointed by Mr. Champneys.
Washington Townsend, at October sessions, 1848, appointed by James Cooper; and at January session, 1849, appointed by Cornelius Darragh.
J. Smith Futhey, from April sessions, 1849, to November sessions, 1850, both inclusive; appointed by Cornelius Darragh. Mr. Futhey was the last of the deputies of the attorneys-general who prosecuted in this county.
These deputies held their office at the pleasure of the attorney-gen- eral, and a new appointment had therefore to be made on the acces- sion of each attorney-general, either of the old deputy or a new one.
In 1850 an act of Assembly was passed creating the office of dis- trict attorney, and making the officer elective by the people. The following are the members of the bar who have filled this uffice :
Paschall Woodward, from November, 1850, to September, 1853, when he resigned and removed to the West.
J. Smith Futhey, at October sessions, 1853,-the remaining session of Mr. Woodward's term; appointed by the Court.
J. Smith Futhey, by clection, from November, 1853, to Nov., 1856. William Butler, from November, 1856, to November, 1859. Wayne MeVeagh, from November, 1859, to November, 1862.
Henry M. McIntire, elected in. October, 1862; died in January, 1863, from wounds received in the service.
James J. Creigh, appointed his successor by the court in January, 1863, to hold until the next election.
James J. Creigh, by election, from November, 1863, to Nov., 1866. Francis C. Hooton, from November, 1866, to November, 1869. George F. Smith, from November, 1869, to November, 1872. Abraham Wanger, from November, 1872, to Jannary, 1876. James H. Bull, from January, 1876, to January, 1879.
Thomas W. Pierce, from January, 1879, to the present.
COUNTY OFFICERS.
While Pennsylvania was a province the various offices now usually known as the county offices-prothonotary, register of wills, recorder of deeds, clerk of the Orphaas' Court, clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions, and clerk of the Court of Oyer and Terminer-were filled by appointments made by the proprietary government. Under the con- stitution of 1776 the incumbents received their appointments from the Supreme Executive Council and General Assembly, and under the constitution of 1790 from the Governor. They became alcctive by virtue of the provisions of the constitution of 1838.
From 1777 to 1821 the offices of prothonotory and clerk of the Orphans' Court, and of the Courts of Quarter Sessions and Oyer and Terminer, were filled by the same persons, by virtue of distinct con- missions. From 1821 to 1824 one person beld the offices of prothona- tary and clerk of the Court of Oyer and Terminer, and one person the offices of clerk of the Orphans' Court and of the Court of Quarter Sessions. From 1777 to 1824 the offices of register of wills and re- corder of deeds were held by the same persons.
From 1824 to 1836 the same persone held the offices of prothonotary and clerk of the Courts of Quarter Sessions and Oyer and Terminer. From 1824 to 1828 the offices of clerk of the Orphans' Court and regis- ter of wills were united in the same person. From 1828 to 1836 the
office of clerk of the Orphans' Court was not connected with any olher office, but beld by a separate officer.
From 1824 to the present time the office of recorder of deeds has been held separate from the other offices, and since 1828 the office of register of wills has been held in like manner.
From 1836 to the present time the office of prothonotary has been beld distinct from the others, and the offices of clerk of the Orphans' Court and of the Courts of Quarter Sessions and Oyer and Terminer have been filled by the same officer.
PROTHONOTARY.
Prior to 1777 this office was generally, if not always, filled by the clerk of Quarter Sessions, Orpbans' Court, etc. In the 2d Archives, ix., 674-75, we find that Robert Assheton was commissioned protbono- tary in 1712; Joseph Parker, as clerk of peace and prothonotary, Feb. 16, 1733-34; and Henry Hale Graham, as prothonotary, clerk of courts, and recorder, in 1770. Siaca 1777 the office has been held by Benjamin Jacobs, appointed March 22, 1777, and April 4, 1777. Caleb Davis (vice Benjamin Jacobs, declined), appointed Juna 20, 1777. William Gibbona, appointed by Governor Mifflin in 1791. Daniel Hiester, appointed by Governor Mckean, Jan. 6, 1800.'
Jesse John, appointed by Governor Snyder, Feb. 1, 1809.
John G. Wersler, appointed by Governor Findlay, March 25, 1818. Thomas Davie, appointed by Governor Hiester, Feb. 29, 1821.
William Williamson, appointed by Governor Shulze, Jan. 17, 1824. David Townsend, appointed by Gov. Shulze, Aug. 3, 1827. Dr. William Darlington, appointed by Governor Shulze, Aug. 17, 1827. John W. Cunningham, appointed by Governor Wolf, Feb. 15, 1830. Benjamin I. Miller, appointed by Governor Ritner, Jan. 26, 1836.
Samuel Pinkerton, appointed by Governor Porter, Feb. 2, 1839; elected undor
constitution of 1838, and recommissioned Nov. 14, 1839.
Abner M. Chamberlain, commissioned Nov. 12, 1842. James Davis, commissioned Nov. 17, 1845. Samuel B. Thomas, commissioned Nov. 25, 1848. William Wollerton, commissioned Nov. 22, 1851.
Jamea Bayard Jefferis, commissioned Nov. 10, 1854. Jacob Gilbongh, commissioned Nov. 10, 1857.
Emmer B. Lamborn, commissioned Nov. 19, 1860.
Franklin Haines, commissioned Nov. 16, 1863. Alfred Rupert, commissioned Nov. 16, 1866. Seneca G. Willaner, commissioned Nov. 20, 1869. John A. Rupert, commissioned Nov. 19, 1872. Hannum Baldwin, commissioned Dec. 28, 1875. James Lynch, commissioned Dec. 28, 1878.
It will be observed that David Townsend was appointed protbono- tary and clerk of the Courts af Quarter Sessions and Oyer and Ter- miner on Aug. 3, 1827, and that Dr. William Darlington was com- missioned his successor on Aug. 17, 1827, only two weeks thereafter. The explanation is that William Willianison, who had been prothono- tary ond clerk from January, 1824, resigned, and David Townsend, who was then cashier of the Bank of Chester County, deeming the salary which he received inadequate, accepted an appointment as the successor of William Williamson, ood resigned as cashier. The direc- tors of the bank, however, finding they could not well dispense with his services, induced him to give up those offices, and to remain as cashier, with increased compensation, and Dr. Darlington was ap- pointed prothonotary and clark of courts in bis stead.
It will also be observed that Daniel Hiester was prothonotary from 1800 to 1809, under Governor Mckean, and register and recorder from 1821 to 1824, under Governor Hiester. This latter appointment he received in consequence of his relationship to the Governor.
REGISTERS OF WILLS.
Prior to 1714 all Chester County wills were taken to the register- general in Philadelphia and filed there. Ao act passed in 1712 di- reoted the appointment of deputies in the different counties; but even after such appointment many wills, and especially from the north- eastera parts of the county, were taken to Philadelphia up to near the time of the Revolution. The first will on record here is that of Edward Beeson, of Nottingham, proven March 9, 1713-4.
In the absence of any record of commissions before the Revolution, the dates of service of the deputy registers for Chester County are taken from the administration books, as follows :
John Simcock, from 1714 to May, 1716.
Joseph Parker, from Aug. 14, 1710, to Jan. 12, 1759.
Henry Hale Graham, from March 5, 1759, to Feb. 13, 1777.
The following are the dates of commissions from 1777 to 1878. Caleb Davis acted as deputy for Thomas Taylor from March 27 to June 9, 1778.
"PLUMLY FARM." RESIDENCE OF GEORGE RHOADS, WESTTOWN.
RES. AND MILLS OF J. C. SAYLOR EAST COVENTRY, CHESTER CO. PA.
373
CIVIL AND JUDICIAL LISTS.
March 25, 1777, Thomas Taylor. April 6, 1782, John Beaton. April 8, 1786, Persifor Frazer. April 7, 1792, Stephen Moylan. Dec. 13, 1793, John Hannum. Dec. 6, 1798, Richard M. Haunum. Jan. 6, 1800, John Chirietie. Feb. 22, 1804, Jamea Bonea. Jan. 12, 1806, John Smith. Jag. 12, 1809, Charles Kenny. March 26, 1818, Jesse Sharp. Feb. 28, 1821, Daniel Hieeter. Jan. 17, 1824, Joseph Pearce. April 23, 1828, Eher WorthIngton. Feh. 15, 1830, Robert Ralston. April 29, 1833, Nimrod Strick laod.
Jan. 26, 1836, James Walker. Feb. 2, 1839, Jease Couleon .* Nov. 12, 1842, George W. Parke. Nov. 17, 1846, Heory Buck walter. Nov. 25, 1848, Willlam Baker. Nov. 22, 1861, Alexander Lealle. Nov. 10, 1854, Hickman Jsmea. Nev. 10, 1867, Amarlah Strickland. Nov. 19, 1860, Dr. Charles L. Seal. Nov. 17, 1863, George O. M. Eicholtz. Nov. 14, 1866, Hampton S. Thomas. Nov. 20, 1869, Levi G. McCauley. Nov. 19, 1872, Lewis H. Evana.
Dec. 28, 1875, George H. Paxton.
Dec. 30, 1878, William S. Underwood.
RECORDERS OF DEEDS.
At a court beld Aug. 22, 1683, "John Bezer offered twe Deeds to bee Recorded, one from Jnº Harding & another from Willm Hewes, but ye Records of Land being not there it was deferred."
The first deed recorded in Chester County appears to have been the grant from Urin Keen, for a lot on which Chester meeting-house was built, dated 1st month 1st, 1688, and Inrooled the 10th day of the same month. The next was from Charles Pickering to David Loyd, for 197 acres st Chester, Inrooled 4th month 3d, 1688.
At the top of the second page of Book A is & decd from Governer Markham to Peter Erickson, dated the last day of November, 1681, which ie indersed : " Inrooled The 30th day of the fourth month, 1688, per me, John Bristow, Deputy Mr. Rools for the County of Chester."
But few documents were put on record prior to the Ist of 5th month (July), 1688, after which the recorder seems to have been pretty busy fer s time.
RECORDERS (OR DEPUTY MASTERS OF THE ROLLS). Joha Bristow, in office 1, 10, 1688. Joshua ffearne, 1, 25, 1691. Robert Eyre (?), 1, 26, 1693. John Childe, 11, 3, 1695.
Henry Helliageworth, 10, 10, 1700.
Peter Evans, commission from Thomas Story, 2, 17, 1706.
Jebo Simcock, 11, 28, 1707.
Feb. 24, 1707-8, " John Simcock's Commission for holding the office of Inrollment was poblickly read in open Court."
An act passed in the session of 1714-15 makes the prothonotary or county clerk of Chester County to be recorder of deeds until removed by the justices of the Quarter Sessions, bond to be £200.
John Simcock was acting in 1714, and probably continued to be recorder until 1716, when perhaps George Yeates succeeded him, as he was clerk of courts in 1717. Richard Marsden was clerk or deputy 1719-23, but was employed about the office as early as 1716. Joseph Parker became clerk in 1724, and continued in office till about the time of his death, in 1766, though Henry Hale Graham was associ- sted with him for some years previously. Under Joseph Parker, Robert Parke was & clerk for some time, and his record of deeds from May, 1731, to January, 1736, is about the neatest specimen of writing in the office. Henry Hale Graham wrote a peculiarly bold and even hand, which is well known to those who frequent the county offices. He held the office until 1777, since which time the following persons have been recorders, and the dates of their commissions are given : March 25, 1777, Thonias Taylor. Feb. 2, 1839, George Hartman.t Nov. 12, 1842, Ahner Williams. Nov. 17, 1845, William Mccullough. Nov. 25, 1848, Edward H. Hibbard. Nov. 22, 1851, Thomas Walter. Nov. 10, 1854, Robert F. Hoopea. Nov. 10, 1857, Thomas 8. Taylor. Nov. 19, 1860, Jonas G. Bossert. Nov. 17, 1863, David Andrews. Nov. 14, 1866, Dilwya Parker. Nov. 20, 1869, John A. Groff. Nev. 19, 1872, C. Burleigh Hambleton. Dec. 22, 1875, Edwio Bateman.# Dec. 18, 1877, Franklin P. Ach. Dec. 13, 1880, Harry 8loyer. April 6, 1782, Jeha Beatoo. April 8, 1786, Persifer Frazer. April 7, 1792, Stephen Meylan. Dec. 13, 1793, Jobo Hagnum. Dec. 6, 1798, Richard M. Hannum. Jao. 6, 1800, Joha Christie. Feb. 22, 1804, Jamea Bonea. Jan. 12, 1806, John Smith. Jao. 12, 1809, Charles Kenny. March 25, 1818, Jesse Sharp Feh. 28, 1821, Daniel Hiester. Jan. 17, 1834, Stephen Marshall. Feb. 16, 1830, Nimrod Strickland. April 29, 1833, Robert Raleton. Jan. 26, 1836, Edward Bartholomew.
. * Elected under constitution of 1838, and recommissioned Nov. 14, 1839. t Elected under the constitution of 1838, and recommissioned Nov. 14, 1839. # Mr. Bateman died Aug. 28, 1876, sad the office was filled by his deputy, Sharpless M. Paxson, till' January, 1878.
In 1830, Governor Wolf appointed Nimrod Strickland recorder of deeds, and Robert Ralston register of wills. In 1833, on his re-elec- tion as Governor, he reversed the order, and appointed Mr. Strickland register of wills and Mr. Ralston recorder of deeds. This was prob- ably done to cqualize the offices in value to the incumbents, that of register being most valuable, and Mr. Strickland having been an ap- plioant for it in the first instance.
Richard M. Hannum, who succeeded John Hannum as register and recorder in 1798, was his son, and was appointed on the death of his father.
Previous to the coming of William Penn, and for more than twenty years after, deeds were acknowledged in " open court," and a minute made thereof by the clerk, both on the deed and on the court record. In 1705 an aot was passed for the acknowledgment of deeds before a justice of the court in presence of the recorder.
CLERK OF COURTS.
At the first sitting of the Upland court of which we have any record, held Nov. 14, 1676, "The Cort ordered that Mr. William Tom, the former Clarke, should deliver unto the prsent Clarke, Eph : Her- man, the Records and other publicq hookes and wrytings belonging to this Court."
Since the date of the charter for Pennsylvania, March 4, 1681, the following have been clerks of courts :
Thomas Revell, Sept. 13, 1681, to Ang. 22, 1683.
Robert Eyre, Oct. 17, 1683, to December, 1689.
Joshua Fearne, September, 1690, to April 18, 1693.
John Childe, June 13, 1693, to March, 1699-1700.
Henry HollIngaworth, June 11, 1700, to Feb. 22, 1708-9.
Jehin Simceck, May 24, 1709, to 1716 (?).
Richard Marsden, deputy, 1713 to November, 1716 (?).
George Yeatea, clerk, 1717.
Richard Marsden, clerk or deputy, 1719 to 1723.
Joseph Parker, 1724 to 1766 (?).
Henry Hale Graham, 1766 to 1777.
From this time we have the dates of commission of those holdiog the office, viz. :
Caleb Davis (clerk of all the courts), July 1, 1777.
William Gibbone (clerk of all the courta), 1791.
Daniel Hiester (clerk of all the courta), Jag. 6, 1800.
Jesse Jobn (clerk of all the courta), Feb. 1, 1809.
John G. Wersler (clerk of all the courta), March 25, 1818.
Thomas Davia (clerk of Oyer and Terminer), Feb. 28, 1821.
Heary Fleming (clerk of Orphans' Court and Quarter Sessione), Feb. 28, 1821. William Williagiaoo (Quarter Sessiona aod Oyer and Terminer), Jan. 17, 1824. Joseph Pearce (Orphaoa' Court), Jan. 17, 1824.
Joseph Pearce (Orphana' Court), Dec. 21, 1826.
David Townsend (Quarter Sessiona aod Oyer and Terminer), Aug. 3, 1827.
Dr. Wm. Darlingtoo (Quarter Sessions and Oyer aod Terminer), Aug. 17, 1827.
Simeon Siegfried (Orphane' Court), April 23, 1828. John W. Cnoingham (Quarter Sessiona and Oyer aod Terminer), Feb. 15, 1830. George Fisher (Orphans' Court), Feb. 15, 1830.
John W. Cuningham (Quarter Seasione and Oyer and Terminer), April 29, 1833. George Fiaher (Orphana' Court), April 29, 1833.
P. Fraser Smith (Orphans' Court), May 2, 1835.
Horatio G. Worrall (clerk of all the courts), Jan. 26, 1836.
Jamea M. Kinoard (clerk of all the courta), Feb. 2, 1839.
Jamea M. Kinnard (elected), recommissioned Nov. 14, 1839.
Cheyney Nielda, commissioned Nov. 12, 1842.
Alexander Marshall, commissioned Nov. 17, 1845. Thomas P. Williams, commissioned Nov. 25, 1848. Jamea Sweney, commissioned Nov. 22, 1851. Thomas W. Parker, commissioned Nov. 10, 1854. Addie M. Ayara, comarisaioned Nov. 10, 1857.
Thomas P. Evana, commissioned Nov. 19, 1860.
Thomas H. Windle, commissioned Nov. 17, 1863. James E. McFarlao, commissioned Nov. 16, 1866. William H. Gnie, commissioned Nov. 20, 1869.
James H. Wyan, commissioned Nov. 19, 1872; died Oct. 31, 1874. William W. Scott appointed, Feb. 17, 1875, by Governor Hartranft to fill vacancy.
William W. Scott, elected in November, 1875, for the regular teroi, and com- miasiooed Dec. 22, 1875.
Pierce Hoopes, Jr., commissioned Dec. 30, 1878.
SHERIFFS.
During the jurisdiction of the Dutch on the Delaware, an officer called a schont performed duties somewhat similar to those of sheriff, and the office was continued for some time under the English. Thus, on Feb. 28, 1669, a commission was granted hy Governor Lovelace to Hermans Frederickson to be schout at the Hoare-Kill, and although at a council hold at Fort James (New York) May 17, 1672, it was
374
HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
agreed upon for "the office of Scheut to be Converted into a Sherriff for the Corporation and River, aod that he be annually Chosen," yet we find the following :
" Upon the return of a double number from the Inhabitants at the Whorekill in Delaware Bay for Schout & Comissary, I do approve of Hermans Freder- ick Wiltbsok to be Scheut, & of Ottho Wolgast, William Claessen & Isaac Savo to be Commissarye for ye space of one year ensuing, after wch time they are to make a new return.
"Given under my hand st Fort James in New York August ye first 1672."
"FRANCIS LOVELACE, EsQ' &c.
" Whereas Capt. Edmond Cantwell is one of the two persons whose namee are returned unto me, out of wch to make choice of one to be High Sheriff ia Dela- ware River, having conceived a good Opinion of the Fitness and Capacity of the ed Edmond Cantwell to officiate in that Imployment ; I have therefore Nomi- nated and Appointed, and by these presente do hereby Nominste and Appoint him the ssid Edmond Cantwell in the place of Schout to be High Sheriff io New Castle aud Delaware River, for the Year ensuing of the web all persons concerned are to take Cognizaoce, and to give him that respect and obedience se ie due to his Office : And the sd High Sheriff ie to Enjoy in his ed Imployment all the Perquisite & Priviledges of & Schout: Io all other Matters he ie to be regulated by the Laws of this Governmt & such Orders and Direcone as from time to time he shall receive from me.
"Given under my Haud and Seal at Fort James in New York the 2nd day of August in the 24th Year of his Majesties Reign, Annoq Domi 1672."
William Tom had been commissioned receiver of quit-rents en Del- aware River Aug. 10, 1669, but, having since resigned, Capt. Cant- well was authorized Ang. 7, 1672, to receive the arrears of rents, for which purpose be was to have an " Authentick List out of the rec- ords." In 1673 the Dutch resumed control, and Peter Alrichs was ap- painted schout, but this lasted little more than a year, and the Eng- lish were again the rulers. Capt. Cantwell was sheriff from 1676 until the arrival of Gov. Markham, in 1681, when John Test succeeded hiin, and served as sheriff of Upland till the arrival of Pean. Upon the division of the province into three counties, his residence falling into Philadelphia County, he was continued in that office there, and Thomas Usher appointed the first sheriff of the new county of Ches- ter.
Under the "Charter of Privileges," granted by Peno in 1701, the iohabitants af each county were authorized to choose two persons to present to the proprietary for the office of sheriff, one of whom should be commissioned by him to serve for three years. The sheriff's were appointed under this charter until the adoption of the constitu- tien of 1776. That constitution provided that two persons should be elected annually in each county, one of whom should be commis- sioned by the president of the State. The constitution of 1790 con- tained a similar provision, except that the term of service was three years, and the commission was issued by the Governor. The amended constitution of 1838 provided that hut one person should he elected.
The following is a sample miaute of Provincial Council, Oct. 4, 1736, in regard to elections:
"For the County of Chester, John Owen & Benjamin Davis being returned for Sherife, and John Wharton & Robert Parke for Corner, Joho Owen is appointed Sherif, and John Wharton Coroner."
The following is a list, believed to approximate very nearly to com- pleteness, of those who have filled the office from the year 1676 to the present time, a period of over two hundred years. From 1786, when West Chester hecame the seat of justice of the county, the residences of the sheriff's at the time of their election are given :
Capt. Edmund Cantwell, 1676-81. John Test, Sept. 1681-82. Thomas Usher, Nov. (?) 1682-83. Thomas Withers, Dec. 1683-84. Jeremy Collett, Jan. 1684-85. Thos. Usher, June, 1686, April, 1687. Joshua Fearne, June, 1687, June, 1689. George Foreman, Aug. 1689, March, 1691-2.
Caleb Pusey, June, 1692, April, 1693. Joseph Wood, April 28, 1693-97.
Andrew Job, Dec. 1697-1701. Johu Hoekius, June, 1701-8. John Simcock, 1708. John Hoskins, 1709. Henry Worley, 1715. Nicholas Fairlamb, Oct. 3, 1717-19. John Crosby, Oct. 4, 1720. John Taylor, Oct. 4, 1721-28. John Owen, Oct. 4, 1729-31.
Jelin Parry, Oct. 3, 1732-34. John Owen, Oct. 3, 1735-37.
John Parry, Oct. 4, 1738-39. Benjamin Davie, Oct. 3, 1740-42. John Owen, Oct. 4, 1743-45. Benjamin Davis, Oct. 4, 1746-48. Jolin Owen, Oct. 8, 1749-51. Isaac Pearson, Oct. 4, 1762-54. John Fairlamb, Oct. 4, 1755-58. Benjamin Davis, Oct. 4, 1759-61. Joba Fairlamb, Oct. 4, 1762-63. Philip Ford, Oct. 4, 1764-66.
John Mortou (vice Ford, dec'd) Oct. 28, 1766-68.
Jesee Maris, Oct. 5, 1769-71. Henry Hayes, Oct. 5, 1772-73. Nathaniel Vernon, Oct. 5, 1774-75. Robert Smith, March 20, 1777. Charles Dilworth, Oct. 17, 1778. Robert Smith, Nov. 21, 1778.
David Mackey, Oct. 16, 1779. John Gardner, Oct. 19, 1780.
William Gibbons, Birmingham, Oct. 20, 1783.
Ezekiel Leonard, Weet Bradford, Oct. 13, 1786.
Charles Dilworth, Birmingham, Oct. 17, 1789.
Col. Joseph Mcclellan, West Chester, Oct. 13, 1792.
Ezekiel Leonard, West Bradford, Oct. 17, 1795.
William Worthington, Weat Goshea, Oct. 13, 1798.
James Bones, West Chester, April 17, 1801.
James Keltoo, Londongrove, Oct. 21, 1801.
Jesse John, Vincent, Oct. 16, 1804. Titus Taylor, Westtown, Oct. 22, 1807. George Hartman, West Pikeland, Oct. 25, 1810.
Jesse Good, Londonderry, Oct. 22, 1813. Cromwell Pearce, East Whiteland, Oct. 19, 1816.
Sameon Babh, West Chester, Oct. 21, 1819.
Jesse Sharp, New Garden, Oct. 15, 1822.
Jonathan Joace, Willistown, Oct. 29, 1825.
Oliver Alison, Londongrove, Oct. 30, 1828.
Peter Osborne, Pennsbury, Oct. 28, 1831.
Robert Irwin, West Fallowfield, Oct. 25, 1834.
Joseph Taylor, East Marlborongh, Oct. 24, 1837.
William Rogers, East Vincent, Nov. 9, 1840.
Nathan Frame, West Chester, Nov. 1, 1843.
Clinton Frame, West Chester (appt'd 13th), March 20, 1844.
James Bayard Wood, Londongrove, Nov. 7, 1844.
Brinton Darlington, Pennabury, Oct. 21, 1847.
Davis Bishop, Willietown, Oct. 30, 1850.
Lewis Heffelfinger, West Vincent, Nov. 4, 1853.
David McNutt, Newlia, Oct. 29, 1856. Jacob Heffelfinger, West Vincent, Nov. 8, 1859.
Rees Welsh, Honeybrook, Nov. 7, 1862.
Pusey J. Nichola, Oxford, Nov. 3, 1865. De Witt Clinton Lewis, West Chester, Nov. 2, 1868.
Davie Gill, Willistown, Nov. 1, 1871. William B. Morrison, West Brandy- wine, Jan. 2, 1875.
James E. McFarlan, Weet Chester, Dec. 31, 1877.
George R. Hoopes, West Chester, Dec. 13, 1880.
It will have been observed that from the early organization of the province to the year 1838 the voters were directed to choose two per- sons for the office, although only one of them could be commissioned. The idea originated with the proprietary, and was designed to give him a choice in making the appointment. The ordinary course was for each elector to vote for one candidate; the two highest thus voted for were returned to the Governor, and he usually commissioned the one having the greatest number of votes.
In 1807, however, at a time of high party excitement, Governor Mckean exercised his right to select either of these returned, and commissioned the one having the lowest vote. George Hartman and Titus Taylor were returned, and Titus Taylor, the lowest in vote, being in political sympathy with the Governor, received the commission. In order to prevent a repetition, and to compel the Governor to com- mission a member of the dominant party, the course was thereafter adopted af each elector voting for two candidates. Those returned being by this course usually both of the political party in the ma- jority, the Governor had no motive to select the one rather than the other, and the highest in vote was always thereafter commissioned. The people of this county whose memories extend back to the adop- tion of the constitution of 1838 will remember that the tickets they voted for sheriff always contained the names of two persons.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.