History of Washington County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 56

Author: Crumrine, Boyd, 1838-1916; Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Hungerford, Austin N
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Philadelphia : H.L. Everts & Co.
Number of Pages: 1216

USA > Pennsylvania > Washington County > History of Washington County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 56

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).

" To all Continental

Officers and others, whom it may Concern. *

" By Order of the Board of War; " RICHARD PETERS, Secretary." * * * *

" Upon the petition of David Philips and others : Ordered, That John Jones, Robert Henderson, and John Wall, they being first sworn do view a road from McKee's ferry, on the Manaungahela River, to Pentecost's Mills on Churteers, and make report of the Conveniency and Incon- veniency thereof to the next Court.

" Upon the petition of David Philips : Ordered, That William Frye, Jacob Barrachman, and Jacob Shilty, make a review of the Road from Peter's Creek to Robt. Henderson's, and make report of the Conveni- ences and Inconveniences of the nearest and best way to next Court.

* *

* * * *

" James Fasithe was brought into Court and Stands charged with Dis- affection to the State, who pleads not Guilty, whereupon came the same Jury as before, who say that the sd James Fasithe shall pay a fine of Twenty dollars, and suffer forty-eight hours confinement in the Com- mon Jail, and, before he be Discharged therefrom, give such security as the Court shall then see fit."

May 27, 1778. *

"Ordered, That Isaac Cox, Thomas Freeman, and Andrew Swearin- gen, Gentlemen, distribute the Cards Consigned for this County upon proper and suitable certificates to them produced, and that two thirds be delivered to Isaac Cox and Andrew Swearingen, and one third to Thomas Freeman, Gentleman."

* * *

June 22, 1778. *

" Upon the petition of Paul Froman: Ordered, That Nicholas De- pugh, John Lovejoy, Robert McGee, and James Colvin, or any three of them, View a Road, the nearest and best way, from Devores Ferry to Penticost's Mill on Chartiers, passing by Froman's Mill, on Mingo Creek, and report the Conveniences and Inconveniences to Next Court.

* * * *

* *

" Whereas, George McCormick, Gentleman, was at a former Court ap- pointed Sheriff for this County for one Month, and at the same time re- comended the said George McCormick to his Excellency the Governor as a proper person to serve as Sheriff for this County the Ensuing year, and no commission as yet arrived for the said Sheriff : Ordered, That the said George McCormick, Gentleman, be appointed Sheriff for this County for and during the Term of one Month next Ensuing, he complying with the Law,

* *

* * *

"A Request from the Court of Ohio to call on the Commissioner for adjusting the Boundary Line between this County and the sd County of Ohio; This Court are of Opinion that the sd Request is highly reasona- ble. It is therefore Ordered, That the Commissioners on the part of this County doth proceed to finish the business to which they have been ap- pointed and make a report to next Court."

* *

" Upon the petition of Richard Yeates; Ordered, that Henry Taylor, James Allison, James Patterson & William Brashers, or any three of them, being first sworn, View a Road, from Catfish camp to Penticost's Mills and make a report of the Conveniency and Inconvenience to the next Court.

* *

* * " George McCormick, Gentleman, came into Court and took the oath of high Sheriff for this County for the Term of one month. * * * * *

" Andrew Dodge obtained License to keep an Ordinary at his Dwelling

* *

* * %

* June 23, 1778. *

219

CIVIL AND LEGAL-THE COURT OF YOHOGANIA COUNTY.

house on the Road from Devoirs ferry to Shirtees Creek, he having com- plied with the Law &c.

"Ordered that William Crawford, Gent., be appointed a Commissioner with Richard Yeates & Isaac Leet for adjusting and settling the Boundary line between this County and the County of Ohio.

"Thomas Lapsley, a Lieut in the Militia, came into Court and in- forms them he is in dayly fears on acct of being apprehended by the Military Law and desires the protection of this Court, on a matter which from the testimony of the Evidence now adduced appears an affair of Slander :- the said Mr. Lapsey now surrenders himself to this Court; whereupon Proclamation being made that if any person could ought Bay against the said Thos. Lapsley they might then be heard, but none appearing the Court are of opinion the said Mr. Lapsley be and he is hereby discharged, and the Sheriff of this County is hereby commanded to protect the said Mr. Lapsley, from Injury or Insult for that Cause." * *

* * * * *

June 24, 1778. * * *

* * *

" Ordered that Colo. John Stephenson and Colo. Isaac Cox do call on Thomas Brown and receive from him the Cotton and Wool Cards sent up to this County; one-half of which are to be distributed in the Bat- talion of Colo, Stephenson and the other in that of Colo. Cox. These Gentlemen to whom this charge is intrusted are to conduct themselves agreeable to the Governor's Letter to the Justices of this County on the 26 Novr. last ; provided that if there are more women in either Battalion, Col. Stephenson & Col. Cox are to supply each other accordingly to the number of persons who may have a right to obtain the same.

* %

* * *

"On the Petition of Col. John Campbell setting forth that he is de- Birous of building a Mill on Chartiers Creek ; that the Land on both sides of the Creek where he intends to build his dam is his own prop- erty, but he is apprehensive that some lands the property of some per- sons to him unknown, at the mouth of Robinsons Run, may be flowed by the Back Water of his Dam; Ordered, that the Sheriff summon 12 free- holders of the Vicinage to meet on the Lands said to be affected by the back water from his said Dam and such Jury are to value the Damages and report the same to next Court, under their hands & seals."

* * *

Aug. 26, 1778. * * *

* *

"George McCormick, Gentleman, produced a Commission from the Governor appointing him Sheriff for this County, which was read ; the Court demanded the sd George McCormick, Gent., to enter into Bond according to Law, and Qualify into said Commission which he refused, alledging that he was a captain in the 13th Virginia Redgment in Con- tinental Service, and Contrary to his Expectations the General refused to permit him to resign his said Military Commission, and that his serv- ing as Sheriff was Incompatible with bis duty in the Military depart- ment; it is the Opinion of the Court that the reasons are satisfactory.

" Ordered, That Matthew Ritchie, Joseph Beckett & James Rogers, Gentlemen, be recommended to his Excellency, the Governor, as proper Persons for his Excellency to Commission one as Sheriff to serve the ensuing year.

" Matthew Ritchie, Gent. came into Court and took the Oath of High Sheriff for the term of one month."

* Sept. 29, 1778. * *

"Ordered that the Clerk prefer a Petition to the assembly setting forth, that the Court Conceives the Laying a County levy to defray the Necessary Expence of the County in the administration of Justice will from the Particular situation of the County be attended with difficulty, and praying that it may be Enacted to enable the Court to receive and apply the fines, accruing in the County towards lesing the County Levy."

Nov. 23, 1778. *

"Ordered that Samuel Johnston, Richard Boyce, James Campbell, Alexander McKendless, Peter Rowleter, William Christie, John Ormsby,

Nathaniel Tumbleson, Edmond Polke, Richard Willis, Joseph Noble, James Allison, Lawrence Crow, Nicholas Little & Sunbayly Bentley be fined agreeable to Law, for Non Attendance as Grand Jury Men."

* *

Nov. 24, 1778. * * *

"Ordered that a request be made to the Court of Monaungahela, to ap- point Two Gentlemen to meet Richard Yeates and Isaac Leet, Junr., ap- pointed by this Court as Commissioners to ascertain Dunlap's old road from Redstone old Fort to Braddocks road, as the Boundary Line be- tween this County and the sd County of Monaungahela, agreeable to Act of Assembly. . . *

" Ordered that Colo. Isaac Cox be Impowered to acct with all persona that hath Negotiated any business relative to this County's salt, lodged with Israel Thompson of Louden County, and that he receive the re- mainder of said salt, and Transport it to this County and Issue the same to the Inhabitants to whom it is due, at six pounds Ten Shillings per Bushel, and that the profits thereon shall be his full satisfaction for bia said services, and that the said Col. Cox sball also pay all demands on said salt, Either for the Original purchase or otherwise.

* * * * *

" The Court then proceeded to lay the County Levy.

" Dr. The County of Yohogania.

To Philip Pendleton, States attorney.

To Richard Yeates, for Running County Line.

To Isaac Leet, Junr., 46

36.

To Dorsey Pentecost, per acct.

14.18

Cr. By 910 Tithables 1 128. each.

£181.18 546.

£346.2

Dr. To the Sheriff £546, 6 per c ....

32.15.2 To the Sheriff for extra services, 1200 Ib Tob.

"Ordered, that the sheriff Collect from every Tithable person within this County the sum of Twelve shillings each, as a County Levy, and that . he pay the above charges to the different persons to whom they are due, and that he account for the above Collection.

" Ordered, that Benjamin Kuykindall and Samuel Newell, Gentlemen, Contract with a proper person or persons to Junk and Daub the Court House, and provide Locks and Bars for the Doors of the Goal, and to build an addition to the End of the Court House and Goal, sixteen feet square, one story High, with good sufficient logs and a good Cabben Roof, with a good outside wooden chimney, with convenient seats for the Court and Bar, with a Sheriff's Box, & with an Iron pipe stove for the Goal room, and that they have a pair of stocks, whipping post, and Pillory Erected In the Court-yard, and that the whole be completed as soon as Pos- sible.

"Ordered, that Henry Taylor, James Allison, James Patterson, and William Brashers, be attached for Neglecting to make report of the con- veniences and Inconveniences of a Road from Catfish Camp to Pentecoste Mills, agreeable to a former order of Court."

Nov. 25, 1778. * *

* * *

" Andrew Poe produced a Commission from his Excellency the Gov- ernor, appointing him Lieut. of the Militia, which was read and sworn to accordingly.

"Commission from his Ex. the Gov. appointing Matthew Richie Sheriff of this County was read, whereupon the said Matthew Ritchie Informed the Court that he had taken every Method in his Power to Procure deputys to assist him in the Exercise of his Office ; but from the present State of the fees and the small Emoluments arising to the sheriff of this County, although be has offered the whole to any person who would act as a Deputy, he has not been able to procure one, Together with the Contested Boundary of the County, and Therefore refused to Act or Qualify into his Commission. Whereupon Geo. McCormick, Gent., is recommended to his Excellency as a proper Person to serve as Sheriff for this County ; Ordered, that the Clerk Transmit a Copy of this Rec- ommendation to his Excellency as soon as Possible, with an apology for the frequent application the Court are under the Disagreeable Necessity of making for Sheriff's commissions ; and also informed his Excellency that a commission appointing the said Geo. McCormick, Sheriff, was Is- sued some time ago, but the said McCormick was then an Officer in the

1 Perhaps the tithables (taxables) were confined to freeholders, i.e., landholders in fee or for life.

£100.

220

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

Continental Service, and, contrary to his Expectation, the Genl. would not at that Time suffer him to resign, and Consequently could not serve; but since has been permitted to resign, and is now clear of the army, and now assures the court that he will Except of the Office and have the duty Done.

"Geo. McCormack, Gent., is appointed sheriff for one month, Entered into Bond, Sworn accordingly.

"Ordered, that the Sheriff pay out of the Depositum in his hands in the statement of the county levy.

To Wm. Nemmons, as per acct. £6 12

To " for express. 6

To the sheriff for three calld courts, £600 Tob ... 3 15 To executing a negro man belonging to Jo. De Camp, £25

1 76

"Ordered, that the clerk send the recommendation of the sheriff to the Governor, by express, for the said Sheriff's Commission, for which he shall be allowed Eighteen pounds."

Jan. 25, 1779. *

* * *

"Ordered that this Court be adjourned till Court in course.

" BENJ. KUYKENDALL."

* March 22, 1779.

" Admn of the Est. of the late Colo. White Eyes1 is granted to Thos. Smallman, he having complied with the law.

1779. " Jos Skellon, David Duncan, Wm. Christie & Saml. Ewalt appointed appraisers to said Est."

** * *

* *

. " Oliver Miller returns the following fines : Robt. McGee for Drunk- enness 5s .; John Hall 58 .; Wm. Brashers 15s .; George Sickman 20s .; James Bruce 20s. ; for profane Swearing. Clerk Recd. the money."

% * *

March 25, 1779. *

* *

"Ordered that Benj. Vanatar be allowed £200 for his Expence & ser- vices in going to Wmsburgh for the Shfs. commission and other neces- saries for the use of the County, to be paid out of the depositum in the Shfs. hands, if so much remain, and if not the balance to be Levied at the next County Levy." * * 4 April 26, 1779. * * * * %

" Ordered that Isaac Cox, Gent., pay to the Clerk his proportion of the money arising from the sale of the Cards sent to this County for the use

1 White Eyes, whose Indian name was Koquaitahghaitah (i.e., the man who keeps open the correspondence between his own and other nations), was chief of the Turtle tribe of the Delawares, and a great friend to the Americans, and especially to Col. Geo. Morgan (called Taimenend by the Indians), during the Revolution. When the British had prevailed upon almost all the Western Indians to become their allies, White Eyes, with a band of adherents, remained faithful, and joining Col. McIntosh's expedition in 1778, with a colonel's commission, he died that year. Accounts commonly received state that he died then at Ft. Laurens of smallpox; but a manuscript letter from Col. Morgan to a member of Congress, dated May 12, 1784, would indicate that he had been killed by treachery. A son, George White Eyes, thirteen years of age, was then in the care of Col. Morgan, at Princeton, of which son the letter states : " Having now entered Virgil and begun Greek, and being the best scholar in his class, he will be prepared to enter College next Fall." " His father was treacherously put to death at the moment of his greatest exertions to save the United States, in whose service he held the commission of a Colonel." " I have carefully concealed and shall continue to conceal from young White Eyes the Manner of his Father's death, which I have never mentioned to any one but Mr. Thompson [the Secretary] & two or three Members of Congress," Col. White Eyes was a man of much property, as the letter referred to shows.

of the Soldiers wives, and that he transmit it by the first opportunity to the Treasury." * * * *

April 27, 1779. * *

" Henry Taylor, James Scott on Miller's Run, John Reed of Millers Run, Jas. Edgar, Wm. McCombs, John Douglass, William Bruce, James Marshel, Win. Parker and Ezekiel Magrudin, are recommended to his Excellency the Governor as Proper Persons to be added to the Commis- sion of the Peace."2

May 24, 1779. *

* *

"Vincent Colvin took the Oath of allegiance & fidelity as prescribed by Law.

" William Rankin took the Oath of allegiance and fidelity according to Law.

" Then came a Grand Jury (to wit) Charles Morgan, Joseph Brown, John White, Nicholas Dawson, Richd. Boyce, James Patterson, David Ritchie, Sampson Beaver, Isaac Vance, Nathaniel Brown, John Embly, Wm. Ranking, Vincent Colvin, Sheshbazzer Bentley, Michael Tigurt, Samuel Dunn, Josiah Crawford, Andrew Vaughan & Robt. Ramsey.

* *

* * *

"On the motion of Nicholas Pease setting forth that he is desirous of erecting a Grist mill On Shirtees Creek in which he has lands on both sides but that he cannot do it without condemning an acre the property of Josepb Edington & Isaac Kinny Ordered that the Sheriff do summon a jury to attend on the premises to lay of and value the sd acre of Land and make their report to next Court." 3

May 25, 1779. * * * * *

"Ordered that Jno. Decker, Vincent Colvin, Joseph Perkeson, and Joseph Beckett, or any three of them, being first sworn, do lay of and assign unto Elizabeth Devoir, widow & Relict of James Devoir, decd. her dower in the Lands, Slaves & Personal Est. whereof James Devoir decd. died seized and make report to Next Court."

May 27, 1779. *

* * *

"Ordered that Thomas Gist, Thomas Warren, Jno. Irwin, of Pitts- burgh, Matthew Richie, & Dorsey Pentecost be appointed commissioners agreeable to Act of Assembly, as Judges of Counterfiet money."

* *

* June 28, 1779. *

"John Reed being served with a scire facs, at the suit of Martha Laps- ley for a Judgment obtained against him by the said Martha on a de- claration of ejectment in May, 1775, came into Court, produced Benj. Kuykendall as Evidence that he had feed an atto., and that he neglect- ing his dutys, the first Court Judgt was obtained against him, unrepre- sented; the Court are of opinion that the matter in dispute be deferred till the next September Court, and that the parties attend with their wits at the time to have a decisive hearing."

% * * *

The regular terms were held July and August, 1779, but no business of importance transacted.

*% Sept. 28, 1779. *

* * *

" An Order of Monongahela Court for appointing a Committee of three to draw up a remonstrance to the Genl. Assembly of Virginia praying a repeal of the Law for opening a Land office, & appointing commrs. to take in Entries of Land, on the west of the Laurel Hill, was laid before the Court at the request of the Court of Monongahela; upon

2 Before, however, a new commission of the peace was issued the county had ceased to exist.

3 This mill is still in the hands of the same family, a few miles east of Washington, on East Branch of Chartiers.

March 23, 1779. * *

March 24, 1779.

* * * *

221

CIVIL AND LEGAL-THE COURT OF YOHOGANIA COUNTY.

seriously considering the same and the consequence of repealing those Laws, Ordered, that the sd Ct. of Monongahela be informed that this Court cannot by any means concur with the sd. Ct. in wishing those Laws to be repealed, as they cannot but consider them as exceedingly well adapted to the Local circumstances & Situation of the People of this County ; so far from wishing a repeal of those Laws this Court are determined to take every Method in their power to prevent it.

" Ordered that Thomas Ashbrook be appointed surveyor of the road from Catfish Camp half-way to Pentecost's Mills, and John McDowell the other half, and that the tithables within three miles do work on and keep the said Road in repair." * * * * * * *

" Col. Wm. Crawford came before the Court, made Oath that Hugh Stephenson, now decd. obtained a Warrant from Lord Dunmore, while Governor of Virginia, for three thousand acres of Land, & that the sd. Hugh Stephenson was an Inhabitant of Virginia, & that he was a Cap- tain of a Company actually raised in Virgu, & in the service of Virginia in the year of Boquet's Campaign, 1764; & the said Crawford further made Oath that he was a witness to the Bd. Hugh Stephenson assigning to a certain Rich:d. Yeates one thousand acres of the said Warrant.

" William Crawford came before the Court & made Oath that Burton Lucas was a Subaltern Officer in the service of Virga in Col. Wm. Byrd's Regt., in the year 1758 and '59, in consequence of which he obtained a warrant from Lord Dunmore, while Gov. of Virginia, for two thousand Acres of Land, which was assigned by the sd. Lucas to Matthew Ritchie & Wm. Bruce."

Sept. 29, 1779. *

* * * * *%

"Ordered that Col. John Cannon have the publick salt which now lies at Alexandria, brought up to the County and Distribute it to persons Intitled to receive it, and that he be authorized to contract for the Car- riage on such Terms as he can, Taking Care in the distribution to Fix the price so as to raise the money due on sd. salt for the Original Cost, Carriage, and other Contingencies.

"Ord. that Benj. Kuykendall, Esq., be authorized to have the Publick salt now lying at Israel Thompson's in Louden County brought up on the same principals." * * * Oct. 25, 1779. * * *

* % *

"Col. Isaac Cox having applied to us for a pasport to remove himself and family and attendance from this County to the County of Kentucky on the Ohio, It is Ordered that the sd. Isaac Cox have leave to remove himself and attendance as aforesaid, he Deporting himself as a good Citizen, and in amity with the United States, having been long a Magis- trate in this County and demeaned himself well therein. It is expected that all good Offices be done him by the Inhabitants of this Common- wealth."

* Oct. 26, 1779. *

* *

" Edward Ward Genl. came into Court, and being sworn on the Holy Evangelist of Almighty God, sayeth, that Thomas Smallman,1 Gent., was a Lientenant and Quartermaster in the first Battalion in the Penn- sylvania Regiment in Actual service in the year 1758." * * * * * *

" Benjamin Kuykindall, Gent., came into Court, and being sworn, gayeth, That in the spring of the year 1754 he saw Maj. Edward Ward 2 on his March to Virginia from what is now Fort Pitt, that the sd. Maj. Ward had the Command of the party with him, and that he understood that he was the Commanding officer of the Post at the aforesaid place as an Officer in the Virginia line and surrendered to the French." 8

" Certificate Adam Stevens to Isaac Cox, on motion Ordered to be re- corded.

"Col. Crawford being sworn sayeth that the ad FrRac Cox wann ful- altern Officer in the Virginia service In the year 1744."

* * *

No court appears to have been held in November. Dec. 27, 1779. *

" Majr. Edward Ward having applied to this Court to Certify his Geul. Character; It is Ordered therefore to be Certified, That the rand Majr. Edward Ward has been a Jn-tice of the peace in this County since its Institution, and Demeanod himself well therein, as also in the Offices of Sheriff for a. County, and that he has always deported himself an a good citizen of the Com. Wealth & an honest man and a good Neighbor."

* * * *

Dec. 28, 1779.

" Whereas John Campbell, Esq., Lieut. for this County, is now a Pris- oner with the Indians, and it is uncertain when he may return to take the Command of the Militia of this County ; upon Consi lering the same and the present situation of the Militia of this County, it is the opinion of this Court that it is Necessary that some person should be appointed in the stead of the sd Col. Campbell; it is therefore ordered that Dorsey Penticost be recommended to his Excellency the Governor as a proper person to be appointed in the stead of the sd Col. Campbell." * * * * *

Feb. 28, 1780.

"George McCormick proved to the satisfaction of the Court that he served as an Ensign in the Company of rangers in the Vir- ginia service in 1764, and that he has never reed. any premium 1780. for sd service under the Proc. of 1763."

* *

"John Gibson, Gent., one of the Justices of the Peace for this County, provd to the satisfaction of the Court that be served as a Deputy com- missioner in the service of Great Britain at Fort Pitt in the year 1760, and that he has never recd. any benefit, under the Kings proc of 1763."

. * *

March 27, 1780.

* * *

"Ordered that it be certified that Edward Ward, Gentleman, acted as a Captain in the Ist Pennsylvanin Battalion in the year 57 & 58; 88 8 Lieut. in 56 & 57, & as au Indian agent in service of the Crown in the years 60, 61, 62, & that he has reed no satisfaction for the same from the King of G. B.'e proclamation of 63."

May 23, 1780. * *

"On the petition of Dorsey Pentecost setting forth that he is desirous of Building and completing a water Mill ou the Eastern branch of Chur- tees creek, and that he owns the Lands on both s des of the creek, 80 that no person will be ffected by the overflowing from his Dam ; Ordered that the sd Pentecost have leave to build and compleat a water mill at the place atoresd according to Law."

June 26, 1780.

"Ordered, that Paul Mathews be allowed two Thousand Dollars for Erecting a Whipping Post, Stocks and Pillory.

" Gentlemen deposited.

William Gue, One linndred and fifty Dollars.

Oliver Miller,

Do.

Joseph Beckett, One Hundred.

Dorsey Petitecost, One Hundred.

Samuel Newil. One Hundred.

to be Deducted vuc the Money when Levied by the Sheriff."4

4 This allowance for the building of the whipping-pust, stocks, and pillory was not su extravagant, neither were the advancements made to pay for it so extremely liberal, for at this date the currency was so dle- preciated that righty dollars of paper were worth but one dollar of spe- cie, so that the allowance for the service was but twenty-five dollars, and Dorsey Peutecost's large advancement was but one dollar and a

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.

History of Washington County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 56

Author: Crumrine, Boyd, 1838-1916; Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Hungerford, Austin N Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Philadelphia : H.L. Everts & Co. Number of Pages: 1216

Author: Crumrine, Boyd, 1838-1916; Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Hungerford, Austin N
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Philadelphia : H.L. Everts & Co.
Number of Pages: 1216