For	" Every horse and Rider, four pence. Every single person on foot, three pence, if more, two pence each. Every ox, cow or heifer, four pence each. "For Every sheep, one penny. Every Hog, three half pence. Every Coach, waggon or Cart, one shilling and six pence. Every empty waggon or Cart nine pence. Every steed four pence.
"To the aforesaid rates, the justices have subscribed their names.

" Richard Hayes, Abraham Emmit, John Crosby, Caleb Cowpland, Henry Hayes, Elisha Gatchell, Samuel Hollingsworth Joseph Brinton, "John Parry." 358 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. In the minutes of the commissioners we find : Jan. 2, 1740-4.—" It being Represented to the Commissioners and Assessors of Chester County that Forasmuch as the Ferry erected over Brandywine Creek on the road from Concord to Maryland had been of Considerable service to the Publiek answerable to the good end thereby Designed, But it appearing that the want of Wharfs When the creek overflows its Banks renders Peoples landing very difficult, And as Causways and Landing places had been heretofore made and maintained at the Charge of the Publick It is therefore Humbly conceived that the said Commissioners and Assessors would be pleased to Remove that Difficulty by Causing ye necessary wharfs to be made for that purpose. " The Commissioners and Assessors upon viewing Brandywine Creek at the said Ferry hath Requested John Taylor & Edward Brinton to take the premises into Consideration and Exhibit to them a scheme for erecting the said Wharfs or Causways which they Judge will best Accomodate Travellers and be of least Charge to the County." Mr. Chads maintained this ferry for several years, certainly after 1743, in which year (having been deprived of his license to keep a public-house) he petitioned to be released " from the care and management of said boat and appurtenances, and some other person appointed to act therein in his stead." The court did not grant his request, but two years later gave him the coveted tavern license. He died in 1760, and possibly kept the ferry until that time. The last mention of' the ferry is in the minutes of the county commissioners in 1772, when “the consideration of rebuilding the flat for carrying persons over the Brandywine coming before the board, they agree that it should be done with all convenient speed, and appoint John Webster and Thomas Taylor to procure the same as soon as they can, at the most reasonable terms." When the ferry ceased to be used is not known. " People who approached Phoenixville from the north," says S. W. Pennypacker, " prior to 1859, were brought across the Schuylkill at Buckwalter's Ferry, where two men pulled a low flat-boat backward and forward by means of ropes stretched from shore to shore, but this slow and tedious contrivance was that year superseded by the Black Rock bridge." NAVIGATION ON THE SCHUYLKILL. The Schuylkill was noted, in the days of the early settlement, for its extensive shad-fisheries, and the inhabitants along its banks were engaged almost en masse in fishing. Fishing-dams and " racks" were erected from shore to shore, without regard to the obstruction of navigation; and notwithstanding a bill was passed in 1724 for " demolishing and removing fishing-dams, wears, and kedles set across the river Schuylkill," and a similar act in 1730, the enactments were evaded. The archives of 1732 contain many depositions, from among which the following are taken : " Marcus Huling Saith That as he was going down the Schuylkill with a Canoe Loaded with wheat, that striking on a fish dam, she took in a great deal of water into ye wheat, by means whereof his wheat was much damnified; . . . and that at another he stroke fast on a fish dam, and should have lost his whole Load of wheat if he had not leaped into ye river." "George Boone, John Boone, Joseph Boone, James Boone, Samuel Boone Say, That they have been sundry times fast. on ye (fish Dams and Rack Dams, and to preserve the Loads of wheat have been forced several times to leap into ye River, and have very narrowly Escaped with their lives & Loads." But the fishermen of Long Ford would not yield up the privileges they had enjoyed for years without a struggle. Their adversaries up the river, in 1738, organized a force of volunteers and a fleet of canoes, under command of the muscular Timothy Miller. On April 20th they proceeded to Long Ford, where they tore up the racks and set them adrift down stream. Fishermen who caught some of the loosened racks and tried to carry them away were assailed, and the racks taken from them and broken and cut into pieces. The fishermen rallied with reinforced numbers, and in canoes made an attack upon Miller's squadron after a desperate contest they disabled Miller and all his crew, capturing the boat. Miller, with his thumb broken and companions overboard, ordered a retreat, which soon became a rout. They fled down the Schuylkill, and to escape their pursuers entered the shallow Perkiomen, where their boats got aground, the crews being compelled to seek the forests for safety. The fishermen destroyed their boats and contents, and thus ended " the only naval engagement ever fought upon the Schuylkill." Most of the participants in this affair were Chester County men. It caused considerable agitation in the colony, and resulted in the termination of rack-fishing. Thenceforward the boatmen had free course over the waters of the Schuylkill, and its navigation soon assumed large proportions, increasing from a few small canoes to a veritable fleet of boats, capable of carrying each five hundred bushels of wheat. In 1761 the Assembly appointed a board of commissioners from among the residents along its banks for " clearing, scouring," and making the river navigable for boats, flats, rafts, canoes, etc. They made dams at various places to deepen the water and increase the volume of the current. Many of these " commissioners' dams" can still be seen, among others that at Jacob's Ford, where the Phoenixville bridge now stands. This system of improvement, though simple, was not finished until about 1793. After 1816 the Schuylkill Navigation Company, being permitted by their charter to enter the river, removed many obstructions, and much improved the channel for navigation. CANALS. The making of the Philadelphia and Lancaster turnpike seems to have inspired the people along the Brandywine with the idea that an easier and cheaper mode of transportation for their produce, and for that brought along the road, to tidewater would be found in a canal-and-lock navigation by that stream. Accordingly an act was passed in 1793, concurrent with one passed by the Legislature of Delaware, authorizing a company to be incorporated, with authority to make this improvement. The navigation was to extend up each branch of the Brandywine to the point where it is intersected by the Lancaster turnpike road. It is believed that no part of this improvement was ever made. An act " to authorize the Governor to incorporate a Company to make a Lock Navigation on the River Schuylkill" was passed by the Legislature, and approved March 8, 1815. Under its provisions the " Schuylkill Navigation Company" was formed. The canal was fully opened in the year 1825, and its completion was hailed as the dawn of a INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS - 359 new era in the development of the resources of this section. Much as it has since been left in the background by steam as a motor on land and water, at that time it was a gigantic stride in advance of the slow, tedious, and inconvenient modes of' transportation then in vogue, of teaming over rough and muddy roads, or poling flat-boats through a rocky and crooked river. " During the progress of the .work a fatal fever, engendered by damming up the stream and spreading its water over the lowlands, made terrific ravages among the inhabitants adjacent. . .. It is estimated that one-sixth of the people living within three or four miles perished." The Chester County Canal, running from the Black Rock dam to Phoenixville, was made by the Schuylkill Navigation Company in 1828, in consequence of an agreement with George Thompson, who desired the water-power for use in his nail-works. In 1847 a steamboat made daily trips upon the canal between Phoenixville and Norristown. It was called the " General Taylor." It ran but a short time, its use as a connecting link in the passenger travel to Philadelphia being superseded by the locomotive. RAILROADS. WEST CHESTER RAILROAD. In the summer of 1830 the subject of railroads excited considerable attention throughout the country, which West Chester shared with the rest. The Pennsylvania Railroad being in process of construction, it was thought desirable to connect the borough with that line, and thus Secure a route to Philadelphia. The engineer of this work, John Wilson, was consulted, and on Dec. 10, 1830, a meeting was called at the " Turk's Head," at which Judge Darlington presided, and P. Frazer Smith, Esq., acted as secretary. A committee was appointed to examine a route, and a .favorable report was made at another meeting on December 24th. A bill was passed, Feb. 18, 1831, for the incorporation of a company, and in. March subscription-books were opened with such success that twice the desired capital was offered. A charter was issued March 28th, and an election of directors followed, at which Dr. William Darlington, Ziba Pyle, Esq., William Williamson, Esq., Joseph Hemphill, Esq., Jonathan Jones, Elihu Chauncey, Esq:, and Samuel C. Jefferis were chosen. At a subsequent meeting Dr. Darlington was elected president, William Williamson secretary, and Thomas Williamson treasurer. John P. Baily was appointed resident engineer in May, under the supervision of Mr. Wilson. On the 5th of August, 1832, the first car was sent through from West Chester to the " Intersection," but the formal opening was delayed till. September 13th. The Pennsylvania Railroad not being finished east of that point, no communication was had with Philadelphia until October 18th, when cars were run to the head of the " Inclined Plane," four miles from the city proper, whence passengers were conveyed by stage. On Christmas Day, 1833, the bridge over the Schuylkill being finished, the route- was now complete, and a number of prominent citizens of the State made an excursion to West Chester from the depot on Broad. Street, and returned the same day. In April, 1833, an act was passed to increase the stock of the West Chester road, and to build a branch from the neighborhood of Kirkland to the Pennsylvania Railroad, at some point east of the Brandywine. This work was completed Nov. 15, 1834, being only about three-quarters of a mile long. Its chief use was to transport marble from Thomas' quarries, in Whiteland, to build the Bank of Chester County, and that being accomplished, it was found. so unprofitable that it was abandoned a year or two after. The road-bed can still be traced. It is claimed for the road from West Chester to the Intersection (now Malvern) that it was the first completed in the State. It was about nine miles in length, and cost near $80,000. The fifth annual report, of Jan. 18, 1836, showed a total business of $7381.68. Horses were the motive-power for several years, and the track was made of yellow-pine string pieces, plated with flat iron bars. Steam-power, furnished by the State, was introduced in 1845, and the heavy locomotives soon necessitated a more substantial track. Much might be written of the difficulties with which the company had to contend, how the stock became almost worthless, and complete failure threatened the enterprise. With a change of management, the use of steam, and a better roadway, success came slowly but surely. In 1850 entrance to the city was gained by way of Market Street bridge, thus avoiding the old Inclined Plane, and soon after this the Philadelphia depot was changed from Broad and Race Streets to Market Street. The company ran their cars from West Chester to the city, paying tolls to the State for the use of the main line. While the latter belonged to the State it was the tool of corrupt politicians, who managed it for the interest of party, and it failed to pay. expenses. The West Chester Company was subjected to unjust and oppressive regulations, for which there seemed no redress, and which doubtless caused the formation of a company for the construction of an independent line by way of Media. After the latter was completed, in 1858, the.old branch was leased and operated for some years by the Pennsylvania Company, which had bought the State works. It was next purchased by the rival company, and held until 1879, when the Pennsylvania Company bought it for about $135,000, and proceeded to put it in first-class order, building a new depot, straightening the track, and making the connection with the main line at a nearer point. PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD. The main line of' the Pennsylvania Railroad, extending from Philadelphia 353 miles westward to Pittsburgh, grew out of the system of public improvements inaugurated by the State in 1826, in which year an act was passed providing for a canal, to be styled a The Pennsylvania Canal," to be constructed at the expense of the State. It was to be built from the river Swatara, at or. near Middletown, where the Union Canal commenced, to the mouth of the Juniata, and from Pittsburgh to the mouth of the Kiskiminetas and the Allegheny River. The design appears to have been to make both the Juniata and Kiskiminetas Rivers navigable by slack-water, and to use the Union Canal as the eastern end of the line, connecting it with Philadelphia. In 1827 the Legislature authorized the canal commissioners to make examinations through the 360 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. counties of Chester and Lancaster for a railroad to connect with the canal. In 1828 these commissioners were directed to locate and put under contract a railroad from Philadelphia through Chester County, via Lancaster, to Columbia, and complete the same within two years if practicable. They were also, by the same act, required to examine a route for a railroad from Huntingdon to Johnstown, over the Allegheny Mountains. In 1833 the canal commissioners completed the Columbia Railroad with a double track, and the Portage with a single track, and finished the main line of the canal. In 134 the entire line between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia was opened to trade and travel. The first train of cars from Columbia to Philadelphia passed over the Columbia Railroad on Wednesday, the last day of February, 1834. The following account of the opening of the railroad is taken from the Whig, a newspaper published in West Chester, of the date of March 6, 1834 : " One track of this important State improvement being completed, arrangements were made by Mr. S. R. Slaymaker, of Lancaster, for passing a train of cars from that city to Philadelphia on Wednesday. The members of the Legislature from the city of Philadelphia and the counties adjacent to the line of the road, with others, arrived at Columbia on Tuesday evening, by the canal-packet from Harrisburg, and were immediately conveyed to Lancaster in a train drawn by the locomotive 'Black Hawk;' the engine performed the trip in fifty-five minutes. "On Wednesday morning a train of cars was again attached, and left North Queen Street at eight o'clock, arrived at the Gap at ten, passed with ease the works there constructed, and arrived at the head of the Inclined Plane, near the Schuylkill, at half-past four in the afternoon, having made the trip in eight hours and a half, all stoppages for taking in water, receiving and discharging passengers, and incidental delays included. If it be borne in mind that the engine is one of very limited power, that the number of passengers was large, the weight of cars and baggage very considerable, and that the passage was made under the disadvantages inseparable from first attempts, all will concur in awarding to the engineer and those in charge of the locomotive and train of cars great praise for their skill in effecting so successful and gratifying an issue of the undertaking. " The passengers were under special obligations to Mr. S. R. Slay-maker for his assiduous attention to their comfort on the route, and his politeness in furnishing them with refreshments at Coatesville, at which point, also, many of them enjoyed the hospitality of Mr. Miller, whose house was, in the most friendly manner, opened for their accommodation. "Throughout the whole line the progress of the train was hailed with hearty acclamations by crowds of persons collected to witness the novel spectacle. An immense concourse of citizens was also assembled at the head of the Inclined Plane to greet its arrival at that point. The locomotive was there detached, the cars passed down without obstruction or serious difficulty, and were thence conveyed to Broad Street and other points in the city." The first locomotive put on the road was built in England, and named the " Black Hawk," after the celebrated Indian chief. In 1832 there was but one locomotive, in 1835 but three, but in 1837 there were forty, the motive-power of horses being then discarded. At first there was considerable opposition to the employment of locomotives by persons using the road or residing near it. They feared that the engines would destroy the value of their horses, and that sparks from them would set fire to their houses and barns. April 13, 1846, the Pennsylvania Railroad Company was incorporated by the Legislature with franchises and authority to construct a railroad from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh, which was completed, and on Dec. 10, 1852, cars ran through from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia. Aug. 1, 1857, the Pennsylvania Railroad Company became the owner of the Columbia Railroad. John J. Parker, in some reminiscences published in the Daily Local News of' May 24, 1879, says,— "During the time the State controlled the Columbia Railroad (now the Pennsylvania Railroad), canal commissioners, three in number, furnished the motive-power, while any individual or firm was privileged to put on passenger or other cars by paying to the State the following tolls, viz.: Road toll on car, road toll on person or freight carried, motive-power on car, motive-power on person or freight carried; so that the more passengers carried in the car the better it was for the company owning the car. Bingham & Dock, Miller & and Peters, Calder & Co. were the principal companies engaged in the passenger traffic, and great competition was at times carried on. The early recollections of the writer recall the only three passenger-trains running on the Columbia, Railroad, namely, the fast line,' as it was called, going west every morning ; the slow line, going west in the afternoon, followed by the night line' in the evening. Your readers will remember, if they have been at any of the stations on the arrival of one of these trains, the conductors of some three or four different companies soliciting passengers to take their particular car. Very little coal was used on the locomotives, wood being the principal fuel. In 1850, after the completion of the branch to West Philadelphia, avoiding the Inclined Plane, the West Chester passengers were conveyed by this route to Philadelphia. The first train of cars with passengers crossed Market Street bridge Oct. 14, 1850, with Philip P. Sharpless, of West Chester, then superintendent of the old road, in charge. " The first telegraphic connection between Philadelphia and Parkes-burg was made on April 24, 1850. In 1851, Joseph Jackson ran a market-car from Parkesburg, together with William T. Fielis, Abram Turner, and Uriah Rupert, father of John A. Rupert. Sept. 3, 1851, Joseph Jackson was badly hurt by being crushed between the cars in a collision near the Green Tree, in Willistown township, when the market-train was run into and several cars wrecked. Then living at Parkesburg, I was summoned to take charge of his market-car, and accordingly became a marketman, going to the city twice a week, to one of the produce and commission warehouses on Broad Street near Race, where all the market-cars then went and disposed of their produce to customers, wholesale or otherwise. The market-train then consisted exclusively of individual cars. The writer would drop his car down to William Chandler's, now Pomeroy, take on marketing, then a little father down stop at Joseph Morris's gate or crossing, and one or two other places, each time taking up his brake, until the car had reached Midway, then the station for Coatesville. Soon after the market-train would come along, and, the car being attached, we would proceed to Philadelphia. This was at a time when scarcely one train passed to one hundred that now pass over this part of the road, and when locomotives were but comparably good-sized cooking-stoves to those now in use. I remember some of their names, such as the 'William Penn,' Jesse Miller,' Bald Eagle,' Governor Snyder,' 'Butler,' Telegraph,' etc." THE PHILADELPHIA AND READING RAILROAD. The agitation in the Schuylkill Valley, of which this road was the outgrowth, commenced about the time the Pennsylvania Railroad was projected. At that time a railroad was proposed from Sunbury to Philadelphia, and with an idea that the line between the latter city and Reading might be made a portion of the route of the contemplated road, a meeting was called at the " Bull tavern," Jan. 3, 1831, to adopt measures to insure its location on the west side of the Schuylkill. Notice having been given in all the newspapers of Chester County, the meeting was largely attended by its leading citizens. They appointed a committee to engage engineers to make a survey of the route, committee on correspondence and finance, issued an address " To the Friends of the Railroad, from Philadelphia to INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS - 361 Reading, proposed to be located on the west side of the River Schuylkill," and continued to hold adjourned sessions during the summer of 1831. " The bill by which the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company was incorporated was originally presented in the House of Representatives by Elijah F. Pennypacker, during the session of 1832-33. " Perhaps the most difficult and expensive portion of the road in its construction was that through Schuylkill township, which required bridges over the Valley, Pickering, and French Creeks, and the Schuylkill River, and also a tunnel through solid rock 1932 feet long, and originally 19 feet in width and 17 in height." The tunnel was commenced in December, 1835, and finished in September, 1837. The road was opened for business Jan. 10, 1842. THE PERKIOMEN RAILROAD, connecting the Reading Railroad with the East Pennsylvania Railroad, forms a junction with the Reading at Pawling, in Schuylkill township, Chester County. CHESTER VALLEY RAILROAD. The Norristown and Valley Railroad Company was incorporated by act of April 15, 1835, to construct a railroad from some point on the Philadelphia and Columbia Road, east of Brandywine Creek, to a point on the Philadelphia, Germantown and Norristown Road near Norristown ; but, after expending over $850,000, were unable to complete the road within the time prescribed. The Chester Valley Railroad Company was incorporated by act of April 22, 1850, reviving the former charter. This road is 22 miles in length from Bridgeport to Downingtown, and is operated by the Philadelpha and Reading Company. The Cedar Hollow Lime Company have a railroad connecting their quarries with this road, in Tredyffrin township. WEST CHESTER AND PHILADELPHIA RAILROAD. This road, via Media, sometimes called the " direct" road, was incorporated April 11, 1848, but it was not until Nov. 11, 1858, about noon, that the first train reached West Chester over this route. It had been completed to Media several years previously, and a portion of the track near West Chester was at one time laid, and afterwards taken up to extend the other end of the line. Crossing the valleys of several streams, it was a very expensive road to build, and during its financial 'struggles the value of the stock was for a time almost nominal. It has recently passed into the possession of the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Company, and still later into that of the Pennsylvania Railroad. THE PHILADELPHIA AND BALTIMORE CENTRAL RAILROAD COMPANY was incorporated March 17, 1853. The company was authorized, April 6, 1854, to form a union with a corporation chartered by the State of Maryland ; so commenced to form a combination line. Capital stock subscribed - $225,000.00 Capital stock paid in - 220,606.11 - 46 - Funded Debt.

1st Penna. mortgage, 7 per cent., due Jan. 1, 1879 " in Md. " " Oct. 1, 1879 2d Pa. and Md. mortgage, due Jan. 1, 1900 Total amount.  1879, Oct. 31, cost of entire road      “ average per mile      " equipment per mile Total cost of road and equipment per mile

$1,800,000.00 300,000.00 400,000.00 $2,500,000.00 1,864,756.21 40,538.18 4,558.26 46,186.45

The length of the main line from West Chester Junction to junction near Port Deposit, with the Columbia and Port Deposit Railroad, is 46 miles, 36- being in Pennsylvania. From West Chester Junction to Lamokin is 7 miles. It is laid on stone ballast 52 miles ; the balance is on dirt, which is being replaced by stone. The length of the main line and its branches in use is 462 miles. The number of wooden bridges is 28, iron 3, trestle 5, and on Oct. 31, 1879, 10 locomotives were in use. The road was opened to Oxford in 1859, to Rising Sun, Md., 1865, and to River Junction in 1869, having been brought into use to Chads' Ford (soon after to Avondale) previously as the improvement progressed. Resting on a community chiefly agricultural for the supply of capital, without any strong claim for aid from the city, this enterprise had for years the experience common in railroad building about the same period, which resulted in the sacrifice of cash raised by sale of stock, and swelling the nominal amount of the cost by carrying forward the work mainly on a credit basis, payments being made in stock, bonds, and time-notes of the company. On the whole, this departure from cash contracts and rates doubtless added one-third, if not one-half, to the nominally high cost of the completed road. Beyond this, it encumbered the directors with heavy indorsements to prevent the work from stopping, and hastened a voluntary sale or lease to the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Company, to escape ultimate failure and the financial ruin of self-sacrificing men, who for years had, as indorsers, commanded the means to keep the work moving forward. In view of the circumstances under which this public improvement was secured, it seems but just to mention some few names of worthy citizens who were steadfast workers during the protracted struggle, extending from about 1853 to 1869: John Miller Dickey, with Samuel, Dr. E. V., Samuel J., and Ebenezer Dickey, Dr. Franklin Taylor (employed as the early and bold advocate of the enterprise ; afterwards, for a period, its president), John M. Kelton, Esq., James R. Ramsey, Mark A. Hodgson, Isaac Watkins, John Richards, Samuel Martin, James A. Strawbridge, Job H. Jackson, Daniel Stubbs, Milton Conard, David Woelpper, and others ; each, during its construction, served a time in the board of directors, sharing the labors and attendant responsibilities manfully. We also deem it due here to state that in the capacity of engineers, supervising and prompting the carrying forward the construction of the road, filling the office of secretary of the board, and performing services as financial agents, honorable mention is cheerfully accorded to the two brothers (both early deceased), Robert and George Hodgson, sons of Mark A. Hodgson. EAST BRANDYWINE AND WAYNESBURG RAILROAD. This road, incorporated in 1854, originally extended from Downingtown to Waynesburg (now Honeybrook), a 362 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. distance of 18 miles. It has been leased by the Pennsylvania Railroad since 1861, and has recently been completed to New Holland, Lancaster County. THE WILMINGTON AND NORTHERN RAILROAD. On April 20, 1864, the Berks and Chester Railroad was incorporated, and on March 16, 1866, authorized to connect with the Delaware and Pennsylvania State Line Railroad. This union was effected, and the consolidated roads, extending from Birdsboro' to Wilmington, were given the mine of the Wilmington and Reading Railroad. This road was placed in the hands of trustees (A. Gibbons, George Brooke, and George Richardson), for its mortgage bonds, May 8, 1875, by order of the court, and by them operated, and sold Oct. 2, 1876. Jan. 1, 1877, it was handed over to the purchasers, who were a committee acting or those bondholders who joined for the purpose of reorganizing it under the present title of " Wilmington and Northern Railroad Company." PENNSYLVANIA AND DELAWARE RAILROAD. This was incorporated March 24, 1868, under the name of the Doe Run and White Clay Creek Railroad, to extend from the Pennsylvania Railroad at Pomeroy to the Delaware State line, and there connect with another road running to Delaware City. The name was subsequently changed to the present title, and in 1873 the road was leased by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, by which it is now operated. It connects with the Baltimore Central Railroad at Avondale, with the Wilmington and Western at Landenberg, and with the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad near Newark, and extends from Pomeroy to Delaware City. WILMINGTON AND WESTERN RAILROAD. This road, from Wilmington to Landenberg, passes for between two and three miles of its length through this county, and was opened Oct. 19, 1872. PICKERING VALLEY RAILROAD, extending from Phoenixville to Byers' Station, in Upper Uwchlan, is 11.3 miles in length, and was constructed about the year 1871. It is operated by the Philadelphia and Reading Company. THE OXFORD AND PEACH BOTTOM RAILROAD, a narrow-gauge road, has been in operation several years, and forms a " feeder" to the Philadelphia and Baltimore Central Railroad. THE FRENCH CREEK RAILROAD, a branch of the Wilmington and Northern Railroad, was opened in March, 1880. THE PHILADELPHIA AND CHESTER COUNTY RAILROAD was chartered a few years ago, and some progress made in its construction. Grading was to some extent done in the neighborhood of Goshenville, when work was suspended, and a more southern route is now looked upon favorably. In 1832 a petition was sent from Downingtown for an act to incorporate the Wilmington and Downingtown Railroad Company. George Fisher and Charles Downing were among the active movers in it. CIVIL AND JUDICIAL LISTS. OFFICERS OF THE COLONIES ON THE DELAWARE, 1614-81.* GOVERNORS OF NEW NETHERLANDS AND OF THE DUTCH ON THE DELAWARE. THE names of vice-directors appear in italics ; those of directors-general in Roman. Capt. Cornelis Jacobsen Mey, Adrian Jorisz Tienpont, 1614-23. William Van Blast, 1623-24. Peter Minuit, 1624-32. Giles Osset, Commissary, 1630-32. Wouter Van Twiner, April, 1633, to March 28, 1638. Arent Corssen, 1633-35. Jan Jansen Van Ilpendam, Commissary, 1635-38. Sir William Keift, March 28, 1638, to May 27, 1647. Jan Jansen Van Ilpendam, 1638 to Oct. 12, 1645. Andreas Hudde, Oct. 12, 1648, to Aug. 15, 1648. Alexander Beyer, Acting Commissary, Aug. 15, 1648-49. * "This list of officers of the colony and province is probably not complete, yet, for its preservation, as also reference, we present the imperfect record as it is. The dates are given as we have found them on various commission-books. These are those of appointment, assuming of office, or of commission, and in most instances extremely difficult to determine which. As to the orthography, we have been guided mostly by the records, save where the spelling could be otherwise properly authenticated."—Editors of 2d Archives, ix. 604. Peter Stuyvesant, May 17, 1647, to May 31, 1654. Gerrit Bricker, Commissary, 1649-54. [Captured by the Swedes, May 31, 1654.] GOVERNORS OF NEW SWEDEN AND OF THE SWEDES ON THE DELAWARE. Peter Minuit, April 28, 1638, to Jan. 30, 1640. Jost de Bogardt, Acting Governor, Jan. 30, 1640, to Oct. 15, 1640. Peter Hollandare, Oct. 15, 1640, to Feb. 15, 1643. John Printz, Feb. 15, 1643, to Nov. 1, 1653. Hendrick Huygen, Commissary, 1646. John Papegoya, Acting Governor, November, 1653, to May 27, 1654. John Claudius Rysingh, May 27, 1654, to May 3], 1654. DIRECTOR OF THE ENGLISH OR NEW HAVEN COLONY ON SOUTH RIVER. Thomas Lamberton, 1641-53. [Colony expelled by the Dutch and Swedes, 1653.] DOMINION OF THE SWEDES. John Claudius Rysingh, Governor, May 31, 1654, to Sept. 25, 1655. Hendrick Van Elswyck, Factor and Secretary, May 31, 1654, to Sept. 25, 1655. [Captured. by the Dutch, Sept. 25, 1655.] CIVIL AND JUDICIAL LISTS - 363 DOMINION OF THE DUTCH. Peter Stuyvesant, Director-General, Sept. 25, 1655, to Oct. 1, 1664. John Paul Jacquet, Vice-Director, Nov. 29, 1655, to Dec. 19, 1656. Capt. Deryck Smidt, Commissary, October, 1655, to Nov. 29, 1655. Andreas Hudde, Commissary, Dec. 3, 1655, to Sept. 23, 1659. Cornelius Van Ruyven, Commissary, Sept. 23, 1659. [The colony divided into that of the city and company, 1656.] COLONY OF THE CITY.-Jacob Alricks,* Dec. 19, 1656, to Dec. 30, 1659 ; Alexander D'Hinayossa, Dec. 30, 1659, to Dec. 22, 1663. COLONY OF THE COMPANY.-Gerrit [Goeran] Van Dyck, schout-fiscal, January, 1657, to Oct. 28, 1658; William Beekman, Vice-Governor, Oct. 28, 1658, to Dec. 22, 1663; † Alexander D'Hinayossa, Vice-Director, Dec. 22, 1663, to Oct. 1, 1664. [Captured by the English, 1664.] DOMINION OF THE DUKE OF YORK. Col. Richard Nicolls, Governor, Sept. 3, 1664, to May, 1667. Sir Robert Carr, Deputy Governor, Oct. 1, 1664, to Nov. 3, 1667. Col. Francis Lovelace, Governor, May, 1667, to July 30, 1673. Capt. John Carr, Deputy Governor, 1668, to July 30, 1673. [Recaptured by tile Dutch, July 30, 1673.] DOMINION OF THE DUTCH. Anthony Colve, Governor General, Aug. 12, 1673, to Nov. 10, 1674. Peter Alricks, Deputy Governor, Sept. 19, 1673, to Nov. 10, 1674. [Retaken by the English, Nov. 10, 1674.] DOMINION OF THE ENGLISH. Sir Edmund Andros, Governor, Nov. 10, 1674, to Jan. 16, 1681. Capt. Matthias Nicolls, Deputy Governor, Nov. 10, 1674-75. Capt. Edmund Cantwell, Deputy Governor, 1675-76. Capt. John Collier, Deputy Governor, 1676-77. Capt. Christopher Billop, Deputy Governor, 1677-80. Capt. Anthony Brockholls, Governor, Jan. 16, 1681, to June 21, 1681. [Colonial government ceases by virtue of provincial charter of March 4, 1681.] OFFICERS OF THE DUTCH ON THE DELAWARE. Council: 1658, Alexander D'Hinayossa, Abraham Rynvelt a Oct. 28, 1658, Gerrit Van Sweringen ; 1660, Cornelis Van Gezel § Jan. 25, 1660, John Prato. Commander on the Whorekill : January, 1660, Peter Alricks. Schepens : 1659, John Williamson, John Prato, Hendrick Kipp : March, 1660, Jacobus Backer. Sheriffs or Schouts : May 20, 1657, Gregorius Van Dyck ; 1660, Gerrit Van Sweringen. Overseers of Fences : Nov. 4, 1656, Harman Jansen, John Eckhart. Inspectors of Tobacco : Dec. 12, 1656, Meenes A ndriessen, William Maunts. Magistrates for the South River: 1657, Oloff Stille, Mathys Hanson, Peter Rambo, Peter Cock. Officers over the Swedes : 1658, Swen Schute (captain), Andries Dalbo (lieutenant) ; 1659, Jacob Swensen (ensign), Martin Krygier (captain). Commissioners to Maryland: Sept. 23, 1659, Augustine Herman, Resolved Waldron. OFFICERS OF THE. COLONY OF THE CITY. Assistant Commissaries: June 26, 1660, Hendrick Kipp, Jacob Crabbe, Jaes Jonsten. Collector of Tolls: Sept. 9, 1663, Peter Cock. Surveyor: Feb. 20, 1661, William Rosenberry. Surgeon : April, 1660, - Williams. Secretaries: Dec. 30, 1659, to August, 1660, Gerrit Van Gezel ; John Prato, assistant ; Gerrit Van Sweringen, assistant. OFFICERS OF THE COLONY OF THE COMPANY. Assistant Commissary : Peter Rambo, resigned March, 1661. Surgeon : Peter Tyneman, April, 1660. Sheriff: Gerritt Van Dyck, removed May, 1661. OFFICERS FOR UPLAND AND DEPENDENCIES. Surveyors : 1676, Walter Wharton; Dec. 15, 1679, Richard Noble. Clerks of Upland Court : 1674, William Tom; 1676, Ephraim Herman. Collector of Quit-Rent: Aug. 23, 1677, Ephraim Herman. Sheriff: November, 1676, Edmund Cantwell. Under Sheriffs : November, 1676, Jurien Hartzwelder ; Sept. 11, 1677, Michael Yzard ; 1679, William Warner. Constables: 1676, Albert Hendricks ; Sept. 11, 1677, William Orian ; June 18, 1678, Andries Homman ; 1680, William Coyles, "at ye faals." OFFICERS UNDER THE DUKE OF YORK. Commissioers : May 5, 1664, Sir Robert Carr, Knt., George Carteret, Samuel Maverick, Esq. Counselors : May, 1667, John Carr, Hans Block, Israel Helm, Peter Rambo, Peter Cock, Peter Alricks. Indian Trader: Nov. 1, 1670, Peter Gronendyke (at the Whorekill). Surveyor-General West Side of Delaware; June '27, 1671, Walter Wharton. Commander in Delaware Bay and River: Sept. 23, 1676, John Collier. Commissioners to Appraise the Island of Tinicum: March 2, 1673, Peter Alricks, Edmund Cantwell, William Tom, Walter Wharton. * Died Dec. 30, 1659. † colonies of the city and company united, Dec. 22, 1663. ‡ Died Oct, 28, 1658,         Removed. OFFICERS OF THE PROVINCE OF PENNSYLVANIA, 1681-1776. GOVERNORS OF THE PROVINCE. WILLIAM PENN, PROPRIETARY, 1681-93.-William Markham, Dep. Gov., April 20, 1681, to October, 1682; William Penn, Proprietary and Gov., Oct. 27, 1682, to Sept. 18, 1684 ; The Council (Thomas Lloyd, President), Sept. 18, 1684, to Feb. 9, 1688; 1. Thomas Lloyd,  2. Robert Turner,  3. Arthur Cook,  4. John Simcock,  5. John Eckley,  Feb. 9, 1688, to Dec. 18, 1688; Capt. John Blackwell, Dep. Gov., Dec. 18, 1688, to Jan. 2, 1690; The Council (Thomas Lloyd, President), Jan. 2, 1690, to March, 1691; Thomas Lloyd, Dep. Gov. of Province, March, 1691, to April 26, 1693 ; William Markham, Dep. Gov. of Lower Counties. CROWN OF ENGLAND, 1693 to Nov. 24, 1694.-Benjamin Fletcher, Gov. of New York, Gov., April 26, 1693, to March 26, 1695; William Markham, Lieut.- Gov., April 26, 1693, to March 26, 1695. WILLIAM PENN, PROPRIETARY, Nov. 24, 1694, to July 30, 1718.-William Markham, Gov., March 26, 1695, to Sept. 3, 1698; Samuel Carpenter, John Goodson, Deputies, Nov. 24, 1694, to Sept. 3, 1698; William Markham, Lieut.- Gov., Sept. 3, 1698, to Dec. 21, 1699; William Penn, Proprietary and Gov., Dec. 21, 1694, to Oct. 27, 1701; Andrew Hamilton, Dep. Gov., Oct. 27, 1701, to April 20, 1703; The Council (Edward Shippen, President), April 20, 1703, to Feb. 3,1704; John Evans, Dep. Gov., Feb. 3, 1704, to Feb. 1, 1709; Charles Gook in, Dep. Gov., Feb. 1, 1709, to May 31, 1717; Sir William Keith, Dep. Gov., May 31, 1717, to July 30, 1718. JOHN PENN, RICHARD PENN, and THOMAS PENN, Proprietaries, 1718-46.-Sir William Keith, Dep. Gov., July 30, 1718, to June 22, 1726; Patrick Gordon, Dep. Gov., June 22, 1726, to Aug. 4, 1736; The Council (James Logan, President), Aug. 4, 1736, to June 1, 1738; George Thomas, Dep. 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 29, 1747, to Nov. 23, 1748; James Hamilton, Dep. Gov., Nov. 23, 1748, to Oct. 3, 1754; Robert Hunter Morris, Dep. Gov., Oct. 3, 1754, to Aug. 25, 1756; William Denny, Dep. Gov., Aug. 25, 1756, to Nov. 17, 17591 James Hamilton, Dep. Gov., Nov. 17, 1759, to Oct. 31, 1763; John Penn (son of Richard Penn), Dep. Gov., Oct. 31, 1763, to May 4, 1771. THOMAS PENN and JOHN PENN (son of Richard), Proprietaries, 1771-76.-The Council (James Hamilton, President), May 4, 1771, to Oct. 16, 1771; Richard Penn (son of Richard Penn), Lieut.-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-Governor by the king, June 30, was awarded the title of Governor by the Provincial Council.] PROPRIETARY SECRETARIES. 1683, Philip T. Lehnman ; May 28, 16&5, William Markham ; Oct. 27, 1701. James Logan (vice Robinson); June 6, 1747, Richard Peters (vice Logan, deceased); Jan. 2, 1762, 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 Logan ; 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 Physick. REGISTERS-GENERAL. May 5, 1686, Christopher Taylor (deceased April, 1686), Robert Turner, William Frampton, William Southerby, acting; Sept. 18, 1686, James Claypoole, Sr. (deceased June, 1687); June 18, 1687, John Eckley (declined) ; July 28, 1687, Thomas Ellis ; July 25, 1689, John Blackwell ; March 4, 1690, Robert Turner ; Jan. 1, 1693, John Moore; March 29, 1703, William Markham ;¶ 1712, Benjamin Hayne; 1713-15, Peter Evans; May 14, 1724, Thomas Graeme ; Feb. 19, 1731, Peter Evans; June 19, 1745, William Plumsted; Aug. 15, 1765, Benjamin Chew. MASTERS OF ROLLS. Oct. 27, 1683, Thomas Lloyd ; 1685, Patrick Robinson, Deputy ; 1690, William Markham ; Feb. 6, 1700, Thomas Story ; July 11, 1702, Griffith Owen, Deputy ; April 3, 1705, Morris Lisle, Deputy ; 1712, Charles Brockden, Deputy ; 1722, Charles Brockden ; June 12, 1727, Andrew Hamilton ; June 20, 1736, Thomas Hopkinson ; Aug. 7, 1741, William Allen; Oct. 2, 1750; Tench Francis ; 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 Win. Penn.  ¶ 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 Hanson, Peter Rambo, Peter Cock. November, 1674.—Justices for Upland : Peter Cock, Peter Rambo, Israel Helm, Lace Andries, Oelle Swenson. Oct. 3, 1676.—Peter Cock, Peter Rambo, Israel Helm, Lace Andries, Oelle Swenson, Otto Ernest Cock. May 28, 1680.—Commissioned by Sir Edmund Andros: Otto Ernest Cock, Israel Helm, Lasse Cock, Henry James, George Browne. 1681.— Commissioned by Governor Markham : William Clayton, William Warner, Robert Wade, William Ryles, Robert Lucas, Hendrias Bankson, Thomas Fairman, James Sandelands, Swen Swenson, Andries Bankson, 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, Nicholas Newlin, George Maris, James Saunderlaine, John Harding, Thomas Usher. April 6, 1685.—John Simcock, William Wood, Nicholas Newlin. Robert Wade, George Maris, 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 Justices and Sheriffs of the several counties. Those of Chester county continued to act under their old commissions, which coming to the ears of his Excellency as he passed through Chester, he availed himself of the opportunity afforded by the next meeting of Council to reprimand. John Simcock, John Bristow and Bartholomew Coppock, jr., who were Justices of the Court as well as Members of Council. After debating the matter it was thought advisable, and agreed that a General Sessions should be called.' specially for the purpose of making proclamation of the new Commissions of the Justices of Chester. County. This took place on the 19th of the 1st mo. (March), 1689, when the Commissions constituting John Simcock, John Bristow, Bartholomew Coppock, jr., John Blunston, George Maris, Francis Harrison and Nicholas Newlin, Justices, and Joshua Fearn, Sheriff, were read and published in due form." At a court held 4, 3, 1689, "William Howell's Comission for ye Peace was read and Published dated ye 29th day of ye 2d moneth 1688-9, and did afterward subscribe to ye solemne Declaration prepared by ye 57 Chapter of ye great law of this Province." (Perhaps should be 12th month.) Jan. 2, 1689-90.—John Bristow, John Bevan, John Blunston, Nicholas Newlin, Francis Harrison, Samuel Levis, James Sandelands, William Howell, Joshua Fearne. 7, 6, 1690.—John Simcock. 10, 8, 1691.—Present at Court: William Jenkin. May 13, 1693.—George Foreman, Jeremiah Collet, Thomas Smith, Thomas Withers. "John Simcocke, John Bristow, George Merriss (Maris) 14 Wm Jenkins, former Justices of the peace in the Countie of Chester did give a dilatorie answer to his Excel]. proposal] to have them continued in that office." Jonathan Hayes, Robert Pile, and Randall Vernon refused the office. This was probably from dissatisfaction with the change of government. Jonathan Hayes served, however, in court this year. Peter Baynton sat as president of court June 13th, and after. Sept. 11, 1694.—At Court: Jasper Yeates. 1698.—Caleb Pusey, Philip Roman. 1700.—Ralph Fishbourne. Sept. 25, 1703.—Commissioned: John Guest, Jasper Yeates, Caleb Pusey, Philip Roman, Jonathan Hayes, Ralph Fishbourne, Jeremiah Collett, Walter Marten, Nathaniel Newlin. 1704.—Commissioned by Governor Evans before May 30: Jasper Yeates, Caleb Pusey, Jeremiah Collett, Philip Roman, Jonathan Hayes. 1709.—Thomas Powell, Nicholas Pyle, Henry Pierce. Nov. 24, 1711.—Jasper Yeates; Robert Pyle, Caleb Pusey, Nicholas Pile, Jonathan Hayes, William Davis, Henry Nayle, Richard Webb. Oct. 16, 1712.—" Willm Davis, a Justice of peace in Chester County, for his indiscreet proceedings in marrying of Wm Havard & Eliz:: the daughter of Capt. Roche, is ordered 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 Edwards. May 30 and June 11, 1715.—Caleb Pusey, Nicholas Pyle, Richard Webb, Henry Pierce, Henry Nit) le, Nicholas Fairlamb, John Blunston, Jr., Richard Hayes. Aug. 26, 1717.—Jasper Yeates, Caleb Pusey, Richard Webb, Henry Nayle, Richard Hayes, Henry Pierce, John Wright, John Wood, David Harry, John Worrall, Joseph Coebourn, Henry Hayes, Joseph Pennock. July 4, 1718.—John Wright (to be next to Jasper Yeates), Nathaniel Newlin, Andrew Job, Elisha Gatchell, John Cartledge, Francis Worley. Aug. 19, 1718.—Same recommissioned, with Andrew Hamilton. Oct. 17, 1718.—" The Governor laid before the board a Representation or Greivance signed by several of the justices for the County of Chester, on account of the leaving. out a certain clause in the last Commissions and the putting the Attorney Generals in the Commission. It was thought better to renew the commissions with the addition of the clause, and the Attorney General' might, if the Governor saw fit, have a special commission and be left out of common." Nov. 24, 1718.—Jasper Yeates, John Ws ight, Caleb Pusey, Richard Webb, Henry Nayle, Richard Hayes, Henry Pierce, Nathaniel Newland, John Wood, Joseph Coebourn, Henry Hayes, James Gibbons, Andrew Job, Elisha Gatchell, John Cartledge, Francis Worley. Nov. 24, 1719.—Isaac Taylor. May 22, 1722.—John Wright, Caleb Pusey, Henry Nayle, Richard Hayes, Henry Pierce, Nathaniel Newland, John Wood, Joseph Coebourn, Henry Hayes, James Gibbons, Andrew Job, Elisha Gatchell, Francis Worley, Isaac Taylor, James Mitchell. Nov. 22.—Same reappointed (except Andrew Job), and James Smith, Thomas Reid. Feb. 18, 1723.—John Wright, Caleb Pusey, Henry Nayle, Richard Hayes, Henry Pierce, Nathaniel Newlin, John Wood, Henry Hayes, James Gibbons, Elisha Gatchell, Francis Worley, Isaac Taylor, James Mitchell, John Crosby, Thomas Reid, Abraham Emmit, Jr., James Roddy. 1724.—John Wood, Samuel Nutt, John Crosby, Abraham Emmit, Jr., Thomas Reid, George Aston, Tobias Hendricks, Andrew Cornish, Mercer Brown, Evan Lewis, William Pyle. May 12, 1725.—John Wright, Henry Nayle, Henry Pierce, Nathaniel Newlin, John Wood, Henry Hayes, Isaac Taylor, Samuel Nutt, John Crosby, Thomas Reid, George Aston, James Roddy, Tobias Hendricks, George Stewart, Andrew Cornish, Mercer Brown. Aug. 25, 1726.—John Wright, Richard Hayes, Henry Pierce, Nathaniel Newlin, John Wood, Henry Hayes, Isaac Taylor, Elisha Gatchell, Samuel Nutt, John Crosby, Abraham Emmit, Jr., Thomas Reid, George Aston, Tobias Hendricks, Andrew Cornish, Mercer Brown, Evan Lewis, William Pyle. Oct. 10, 1727.—James James. Aug. 25, 1729.—Richard Hayes, John Wood, Henry Hayes, Elisha Gatchell, Samuel Nutt, John Crosby, Abm. Emmit, Jr., George Aston, Mercer Brown, Evan Lewis, William Pyle, James James, John Parry, James Gibbons. Feb. 19, 1729-30.—" The Governor further acquainted the Board that it was necessary a new Commission of the Peace for Chester County should be issued, for that divers of those who are named in the last having declined to act, there is a great Want of Magistrates in some places of the County which should be immediately supplied by others, & that he had some very good Reasons for leaving out one, viz. : George Asheton, who had acted but too much; that he had advised with divers good Men of that County who had recommended a List, & It was Resolved to Commissionate those following, -viz.: Richard Hayes, Henry Pierce, Henry Hayes, Elisha Gatchel, John Crosby, Abraham Emmit, Jun'', Mercer Brown, James James, John Parry, James Gibbons, Joseph Pennock, Samuel Hollingsworth, Joseph Brinton, Nicholas Pyle, and the Chief Burgess of the Burrough of Bristol for the time being, of which the five last were now added." Aug. 20, 1731.—" The Governor further represented that by several Petitions from the Inhabitants of the back parts of Chester County, now laid before the Board, it appears there is great Want of a Mag- istrate there ; And his Honour proposing that one John Karnaughan being in those parts, of whom he said he had received a favourable Character, should be assigned a Justice of the Peace. The Board agreed thereto & Ordered that he be Commissionated accordingly." Dec. 1, 1733.—All acting justices to be recommissioned, and Caleb Cowpland (?). Dec. 28, 1733.—Complaints having been made (by Robert Boyd and others) of John Carnahan, the. Governor ordered his name left out of the commission " this day issued for the County of Chester."* May 25, 1734.—Joseph Haines. Dec. 2, 1737.—John Evans. Nov. 22, 1738.—Caleb Cowpland, Joseph Haines, John Evans, Richard Hayes, Henry Pierce, Henry Hayes, Elisha Gatchell, John Crosby, Caleb Cowpland, Abraham Emmit, James James, John Parry, Joseph Pennock, Samuel Hollingsworth, Joseph Minton, Joseph Haines, William Pim, Joseph Bonsail, the chief burgess of the town for the time being, Joseph Parker. April 4, 1741.—" The Governor informed the Board that for some time past he had thought it requsite to Issue new General Commissions of the Peace, for that by the Death of some and the Misbehaviour of Others it was now become highly necessary to supply and * See also 2d Archives, vii. 154-57. CIVIL AND JUDICIAL LISTS - 365 rectify the Magistracy of the Province, and more especially as he had lately received a Letter from Mr. John Penn, whereby it appeared he had received Information that the Court at Chester had set aside a man from the Jury for declining to take the affirmation, and insisting to be qualified as a Juror by Oath; and in which Letter Mr. Penn had strongly recommended to the Governor to appoint a Majority of such Magistrates in every County as would not scruple to take or at least to Administer an 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 Justices 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 chief 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 up." 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 burgess of Chester for the time being, Joseph Parker (separate Corn.). April 22, 1749.—" The Governor observ'd to the Board that the Commissions of the Peace being only of force by virtue of his Proclamation, & as it was 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," &c. May 19, 1749.—" The Council resum'd the. Consideration of the new Commissions of the Peace, & agreed to appoint the following Persons Justices for Chester County, viz:" Caleb Cowpland, Elisha Gatchell, William Moore, Joseph Pennock, Joseph Brinton, William Pim, Joseph Bonsall, John Mather, Charles. Grant, Samuel Flower, Thomas Cummings, Thomas Worth, Aaron Ashbridge, John Churchman, John Miller, Richard Richison, Isaac Davis, John Scott, William 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 Separate Commissions of the Peace were ordered to be made for them accordingly." May 25, 1752.—William Moore, Elisha Gatchell, Joseph Bonsall, John Mather, Charles Grant, Samuel Flower, Thomas Cummings, Thomas Worth, Aaron Aehbridge, John Churchman, John Miller, Isaac Davis, John Scott, Joshua Pusey, Samuel Lightfoot, Edward 13rinton, 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 following Persons being unanimously recommended, their Names were inserted in the Commission, which passed the Seals, and was sent down to Chester, this being the first day of the Court, viz.: all the Members 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 Davis, Edward Brinton, the chief burgess of Chester, Alexander Johnston, John Morton, John Culbertson, William Clingan, William Parker, Timothy Kirk, John Hannum, John Price, Roger Hunt, John Fairlamb, George Currie, Henry 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 Chester, under the late Act entituled "A Supplement to the Act Entituled An Act for establishing Courts 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.—Members 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 Fairlamb, Henry Hale Graham, William Boyd, Richard Riley, James Hunter, James Evans. William Swaffer was a justice of the Common Pleas prior to 1770. May 23, 1770.—Members of Council, William Moore, Thomas Worth, John Morton, Isaac Davis, Alexander Johnston, William Clingan, William Parker, John Hannum, John Price, Henry Hale Graham, Richard Riley, Charles Cruikshanks, Richard Baker, James Gibbons, James Moore, William Swaffer, Evan Evans, Thomas Hockley, Joseph Pyle, Thomas Temple, Warwick Miller. At Court, May, 1771, and after.—Joshua Cowpland. At Court, May 28, 1776.—Nicholas 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 Heslit, Israel Whelen, William Denny, Samuel Bond, Robert Mendenhall. Whether these presumed to act as justices it home is unknown, but no courts were held between May 28, 1776, and Aug. 26, 1777. April 4, 1777.—" A General Commission of the Peace for the County of Chester was issued this day, dated the 31st March, 1777, and the Dedimus Potestatem for the same County was also made out, dated April 10th, 1777." The justices were : Isaac Davis, Evan Evans, James Moore, Benjamin Bartholomew, John Mackey, William Gibbons, Joshua Evans, 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 returns of Justices elect from several Counties, & thereupon were commissioned accordingly." "Agreed . . . That Thomas Levis, Thos Boyd, Robt Ralston, John Hart, and Rich Reiley, be appointed Justices 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 Pleas 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 necessity of appointing a 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 districts 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, "Ordered, That Will'm Clingan, Esq'r, be appointed & Commissioned to be a 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 following therefore is a list of the names of all the persons mentioned In the several Commissions of the peace Issued since the Revolution with such distinction as his Honour requested to be made, viz. : "First. Isaac Davis, Sworn into Office & since Deceased. 2nd. Evan Evans, Sworn. 3d. James Moore, Ditto. 4th. Benjamin Bartholomew, Ditto. 5. John Mackey, a Member of Council. 6. William Gibbons, 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 Ralston, 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 ; 2d, 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, Darby. 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 a Justice of the Peace for the district of West Caln, Sadsbury and West Fallowfield townships, and Justice of the Court of Common Pleas of the county aforesaid, upon a 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, 1788.—" Charles Dilworth and John Hannum, 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." Feb. 16, 1789.—William Haslet, Common Pleas. April 11, 1789.—John Worth, Common Pleas. June 5, 1789.—David Mackey, Common Pleas. June 16, 1789.—Walter Finney. Oct. 28, 1789.—Robert Cooper, Common Pleas. Aug. 28, 1790.—John Bartholomew, Common Pleas. In colonial days, when a general commission was issued for justices, the first named was understood as the presiding judge of Quarter Sessions, Common Pleas, and Orphans' Court, and on the records the names mostly given in the same order as in the commission. Their attendance varied at different times, and sessions of Orphans' Court were often held at private houses or taverns, in different parts of the county. In 1772 the number of justices at Quarter Sessions was six * Archives, vii. 444. in February, twelve in May, fifteen in August, and six in November. The "bench" on some occasions would certainly need to be a long one, but there were probably three or more of them. One, which has survived to the present day, now finds a resting-place in the commissioners' office, and is one of the few relics which have been preserved of the old court-house. Doubtless upon it have sat John Morton and many others whom posterity will delight to honor. After the constitution of 1790 went into effect, it would seat all the judges, and perhaps this is why it alone was preserved. A picture of it is here given. The justices sat upon the bench for the last time in August, 1791. From 1791 to 1839 justices of the peace were appointed by the Governor for the different districts in the county, and held the office during life or good behavior, if still residing within the district. The following are the dates of commissions during the period : Philip Scott, Aug. 26, 1791, Oxford, E. and W. Nottingham ; sworn Sept. 1, 1791. John Ralston, Aug. 26, 1791, Vincent, Pikeland, and Coventry ; sworn Sept. 1, 1791. Thomas Cheyney, Aug. 26, 1791, Birmingham, Thornbury, and Westtown; affirmed Sept. 21, 1791. Ezekiel Leonard, Aug. 26, 1791, East Fallowfield, East and West Bradford, Newlin, and Pennsbury ; affirmed Sept. 1, 1791. Aaron Musgrave, Aug. 26, 1791, Easttown, Willistown, and Goshen ; affirmed Sept. 1, 1791. Robert Smith, Aug. 26, 1791, Oxford, E. and W. Nottingham ; aff. Sept. 2, 1791. Joseph Parke, Aug. 26, 1791, West Fallowfield, Sadsbury, and West Cain; sworn Sept. 2, 1791. Stephen Moylan, Aug. 26, 1791, Easttown, Willistown. and Goshen ; sworn Sept. 11, 1791. Richard Humpton, Aug. 26, 1791, East Fallowfield, East and West Bradford, Newlin, and Pennsbury ; sworn Sept. 19, 1791. Samuel Cunningham, Aug. 26, 1791, West Nautmeal, East Caln, Honeybrook, and Brandywine ; sworn Sept. 28, 1791. Robert Cooper, Aug. 26, 1791, Kennet, East and West Marlborough ; affirmed Sept. 12, 1791. Dennis Wheelen, Aug. 26, 1791, Uwchlan and E. Nantmeal ; aff. Sept. 31, 1791. James Hannum, Aug. 26, 1791, East and West Marlborough and Kennet ; affirmed Sept. 31, 1791. Jonathan Pugh, Aug. 26, 1791, Vincent, Pikeland, and Coventry ; affirmed Nov. 4, 1791. William Worthington, Jr., July 3, 1792, Easttown, Willistown, and Goshen ; affirmed Aug. 2, 1792. William Clingan, Sept. 4, 1792, West Fallowfield, Sadsbury, and West Cain ; sworn Sept. 3, 1792. Robert Smith, Dec. 21, 1792, Uwchlan and E. Nantmeal ; sworn Jan. 3, 1793. Isaac Taylor, April r0, 1793, East Fallowfield, East and West Bradford, Newlin, and Pennsbury ; affirmed April 15, 1793. Thomas Henderson, Jan. 25, 1793, Londonderry and New London ; sworn May 22, 1793. Thos. Downing, Dec. 29, 1792, Uwchlan and East Nantmeal; aff. May 24, 1793. John Longstreth, June 10, 1793, Tredyffrin, Charlestown, East and West White-land; affirmed Sept. 21, 1793. Benjamin Brown, Jan. 17;1794, London Britain, Newgarden, and Londongrove ; affirmed Jan. 22, 1794. John Hannum, Feb. 4, 1794, Goshen, Willistown, and Easttown ; affirmed Feb.8, 1794. Caleb Way, Feb. 6, 1794, West Fallowfield, Sadsbury, and West Caln; affirmed Aug. 20, 1794. John Graves, April 18, 1795, Easttown, Willistown, and Goshen ; sworn April 20, 1795. Joseph Millard, March 27, 1795, East Caln, West Nantmeal, Honeybrook, and Brandywine ; affirmed May 19, 1795. Moses Marshall, April 6, 1796, East Fallowfield, East and West Bradford, Newlin, and Pennsbury ; affirmed April 14, 1796. Charles Willing, April 2, 1796, Easttown, Willistown, and Goshen ; affirmed May 9, 1796. Thos. Church, Aug. 2, 179G, Coventry and E. Nantmeal ; sworn Aug. 3, 1796. Jacob Lantis, Aug. 18, 1796, Coventry, Birmingham, Vincent, and Pikeland ; affirmed Aug. 29, 1796. James M. Gibbons, Aug. 29, 1797, East Fallowfield, East and West Bradford, Newlin, and Pennsbury ; affirmed Sept. 2, 1797. Hazael Thomas, March 28, 1798, Vincent, Pikeland, Coventry, aff. May 21, 1798. Matthew Stanley, May 7, 1798, Brandywine, Honeybrook, East Caln, and West Nantmeal ; sworn June 19, 1798. Samuel Sinclair, Dec. 11, 1798, Kennet, East and West Marlborough ; affirmed Dec. 26, 1798. David Jones, Dec. 11, 1798, Houeybrook, West Nantmeal, East Caln, and Brandywine ; sworn Dec. 14, 1798. Jesse Roberts, Jan. 18,1799, Coventry, Vincent, Pikeland ; aff. Jan. 28, 1799. Robert Miller, Feb. 8, 1799, East Caln, West Nantmeal, Honeybrook, and Brandywine ; affirmed Feb. 18, 1799. John Smith, Feb. 26, 1799, W. Fallowfield, Sadsbury, W. Caln ; sworn March 6, 1799. Edward Hicks, Jan. 25, 1799, Willistown, Goshen, and Easton; aff. March 15, 1799. CIVIL AND JUDICIAL LISTS - 367 Nathan Scofield, April 5, 1799, E. and W. Bradford, E. Fallowfield, Newlin, and Pennsbury ; affirmed April 22, 1799. James Battin, May 3, 1799, Brandywine, W. Nantmeal, E. Cain, Honeybrook ; affirmed May 14, 1799. Isaac Anderson, Sept. 27, 1799, Charlestown ; affirmed Nov. 13, 1799. Isaac Haines, Dec. 3, 1799, Goshen, Easton, and Willistown ; aff. Dec. 11, 1799. William Davis, Dec. 3, 1799, Tredyffrin, Charlestown, E. and W. Whiteland ; aff. Dec. 18, 1799. James McClellan, Dec. 3, 1799, W. Cain, Sadsbury, and W. Fallowfield ; sworn Dec. 24, 1799. Enoch Yarnell, Dec. 3, 1799, Willistown, Easttown, and Goshen ; affirmed Dec. 24, 1799. Rees John, Dec. 3, 1799, Pikeland, Vincent, Coventry; affirmed Dec. 30, 1799. Francis Lee, May 20, 1800, Tredyffrin, Charlestown, E. and W. Whiteland; sworn May 22, 1800. Charles Kenny, May 21, 1800, Birmingham, Thornbury, and Westtown ; sworn June 14, 1800. Jesse Laverty, May 21, 1800, E. Fallowfield, E. and W. Bradford, Newlin, and Pennsbury ; sworn July 5, 1800. Whitehead Weatherby, May 21, 1800, Willistown, Easttown, and Goshen ; sworn Aug. 1, 1800. John Whitting, July 23,1800, London Britain, New Garden, and Londongrove; sworn Aug. 22, 1800. Daniel Evans, Aug. 10, 1800, Uwchlan and E. Nantmeal ; affirmed August 28th. James Smith, Sept. 25, 1800, E. and W. Marlborough and Kennet; aff. Oct. 18, 1800. Samuel Townsend, Oct. 1, 1801, Vincent, Pikeland, and Coventry ; aff. Jan. 1, 1802. Thomas Bodley, April 2, 1802, Tredyffrin, Charlestown, E. and W. Whiteland; affirmed May 6, 1802. Charles Kenny, July 29, 1802, Willistown; Easton, Goshen (recorded Aug. 5th). John Crosby, Jan. 8, 1803, Londonderry and New London ; sworn March 25, 1803. An act of Assembly of April 4, 1803, for dividing counties into districts for justices of the peace, directed that Chester County should be divided into 16 districts, which was afterwards done in this manner : Dist. 1. West Chester, Goshen, West Whiteland. 2. East and West Bradford. 3. Westtown, Pennsbury, Thornbury, and Birmingham. 4. Kennet and East Marlborough. 5. East Fallowfield, West Marlborough, Newlin. 6. New Garden, Londongrove. 7 London Britain, New London, Londonderry. 8. East and West Nottingham and Lower Oxford. 9. Upper Oxford, West Fallowfield, and Sadsbury. 10. East Caln, West Caln. 11. Uwchlan, Brandywine. 12. Honeybrook and West Nantmeal. 13. Coventry and East Nantmeal. 14. Vincent and Pikeland. 15. Charlestown, Tredyffrin. 16. East Witeland, Willistown, and Easttown. COMMISSIONS BY DISTRICTS. Dist. 12. Alexander Lockhart, Jan. 2, 1804; sworn Feb. 10, 1804. 10. Hugh Thompson, Jan. 2, 1804; sworn February 10th. 7. William Price, Jan. 2, 1804 ; sworn May 22d. 13. George Evans, Jan. 2, 1804; sworn May 30th. 12. George Evans, Feb. 25, 1805. 13. John Heister, Jr., April 1,1805; sworn April 20th. 8. William Thompson, M.D., Jan. 9, 1806; sworn January 24th. 13. Thomas Church, Jan. 29, 1806; sworn February 3d. 2. Joshua Gibbons, Jan. 1,1806; affirmed March 19, 1806. 13. Michael Lynch, April 1,1806; sworn April 8th. 9. Thomas Love, April 1, 1806: sworn April 30th. 7. John Finney, Feb. 1, 1806; sworn May 20th. 3. Abraham Darlington, April 1, 1806; affirmed July 16, 1806. 9. Joseph Cloud, Jan. 1, 1807; affirmed January 20th (or 26th). 8. John McCulloch, April 22, 1807; sworn May 21st. 3. Peter Harvey, Sept. 17, 1807; affirmed October 16th. 11. Methuselah Davis, Jan. 7, 1808; sworn Feb. 2, 1808. 4. James Wollaston, Nov. 8, 1808; affirmed December 16th. 13. Thomas Leighton, Nov. 8, 1808 (recorded Jan. 17, 1809). 12. William Mendenhall (no day), 1809; affirmed (recorded Feb. 21, 1809). 13. Jonathan Wynn, Feb. 10, 1809; affirmed March 21st. 1. Henry Fleming, April 18, 1809 ; affirmed May 3d. 4. John Craig* (the elder), April 18, 1809 ; affirmed May 12th. 5. Daniel Kent,* Feb. 19, 1810 ; affirmed March 13th. 10. Alexander Maitland, June 8, 1810; sworn July 10, 1810. 9. Thomas Hope, Aug. 24, 1810; affirmed September 13th. 7. John Reed, Jan. 5, 1811; sworn February 1st. 11. James McFarlan,* March 23, 1811 ; affirmed May 2d. * Still in office, May 23, 1837. Dist. 6. Jacob Jones, Feb. 24, 1812 ; affirmed February 28. 8. James Wilson,* February 25, 1812 ; sworn March 14th. 7. Robert M. Waugh,* March 16, 1812; sworn March 24th. 1. William Everhart,* March 30, 1812; affirmed April 3d. 9. David Crosby, July 6, 1812; sworn August 14th. 1. William Newlin,* March 12, 1813; affirmed March 29th. 15. William Brown, Oct. 1, 1813 ; affirmed November 1st. 2. Townsend Lamborn,* Nov. 11, 1813; affirmed Dec. 10, 1813. 15. Abram Phillips,* Feb. 14, 1814; affirmed February 25th. 12. Richard Walker,* June 1, 1814; sworn June 24th. 12. Benjamin Talbot,* Feb. 8, 1815 ; affirmed February 23d. 5. Joseph Baker, Feb. 15, 1815 ; affirmed February 25th. 11. Samuel Culbertson,* March 7, 1815; sworn May 1st. 16. Daniel Abrahams, April 27, 1815 ; affirmed May 24th. 16. Joseph Pearce, Sept. 7, 1815 ; sworn November 7th. 10. Charles Mowry, April 17, 1816 ; sworn April 27th. 9. Samuel Wilson, April 12, 1816; sworn May 7th. 4. Joshua Taylor, May 14, 1816; affirmed July 4th. 7. John Finney, Jr., May 24, 1816 ; sworn July 8th. 13. Evan Evans,* Nov. 26, 1816; affirmed December 10th. 14. Nathaniel Brooke, Nov. 15, 1816 ; sworn December 17th. 13. Hugh Strickland, Nov. 26, 1816 ; sworn December 18th. 15. John Morgan, May 23, 1817 ; sworn June 14th. 13. Edward Anderson, June 19, 1817 ; sworn August 4th. 16. Benjamin Wetherby,* Aug. 30, 1817 ; sworn October 6th. 13. Jonathan Hudson,* March 7, 1818 ; affirmed April 7th. 15. Joshua Jones,* May 25, 1818; affirmed July 11, 1818. 8. William McCullough,* July 7, 1818 ; sworn July 28, 1818. 14. John Beerbower,* Sept. 5, 1818 ; sworn September 21st. 14. George Neiler, Oct. 2, 1818 ; sworn October 20th. 16. John Hoskins, Sept. 28, 1818 ; affirmed October 22d. 16. Thomas Jones,* March 27, 1819 ; sworn April 9th. . 8. James Hutchinson,* March 22, 1819; sworn April 10th. 10. James Wilson Brown, Jan. 15, 1820 ; sworn January 28th. 9. David Trueman, Aug. 28, 1820 ; affirmed September 15th. 11. Josiah Philips, Oct. 14, 1820; affirmed October 31st. 4. Robert Buffington, Dec. 14,1820; affirmed January 11th. James McClellan, Dec. 3, 1799. W. Fallowfield, Sadsbury, and W. Cain. Supersedeas March 8, 1821 (by an ,address from both houses of the General Assembly). 9. Joel C. Bally, March 28, 1821; affirmed April 16th. 5. James Walton, March 28,1821; affirmed April 20th. 2. Abraham Bally, March 27, 1821; affirmed April 20th. 10. Samuel Miller,* March 27, 1821; affirmed May 2d. 12. Jesse James,. June 1, 1821 ; affirmed August 22d. 6. John W. Thomas,* Oct. 19,1821; affirmed October 30th. 12. Jonathan Jones,* March 26, 1822 ; sworn April 19th. 8. Ensile, Haines, March 23, 1822; affirmed April 29th. 3. Walker Yarnell, March 23, 1822; affirmed May 6. 6. John Kelton,* March 2(1,1822; sworn May 9th. 10. John Baldwin,* March 31, 1823 ; affirmed April 23d. 9. William H. Van Amringe,* March 24, 1823; sworn June 17th. 15. Wesley Anderson, Sept. 22,1823; affirmed October 9th. 1. Jesse McCall,* Dec. 4, 1823; affirmed December 16th. 16. Walter Kerr, Dec. 4, 1823; sworn December 29th. 16. Thomas Davis, Dec. 12, 1823; sworn Jan. 6, 1824. 9. James Monaghan,* Dec. 4, 1823; sworn Jan. 8, 1824. 11. Ezekiel Evans, Jr.,* Dec. 4, 1823; affirmed Jan. 12, 1824. 14. Major McVeagh, Dec. 4, 1823; sworn January 27th, 1824. 8. Amos Bye,* Dec. 4, 1823 ; affirmed Feb. 2, 1824. 13. Matthew Davis,* Dec. 12, 1823; sworn Feb. 3, 1824. James Wollaston, Nov. 8, 1808. Supersedeas March 25, 1824 (recommended by both houses of General Assembly). 16. James Dilworth, May 5, 1824 ; affirmed May 26th. 14. Alexander Marshall,* June 4, 1824; sworn June 16th. 4. Jacob Lamborn,* July 11, 1825; affirmed July 23d. 7. Davis Whitting,* Sept. 12, 1825; affirmed September 28th. 13. John Bingaman, Sept. 12, 1825; sworn October 3d. 14. John Chrisman, Nov. 16, 1825 ; sworn Dec. 5, 1825. 15. Daniel McCurdy,* March 14, 1826; affirmed April 1st. 1. George Meredith,* May 5, 1826; affirmed May 20th. . 16. Joseph Mason,* May 5, 1826 ; sworn May 26th. 13. George Lloyd,* March 6, 1827; affirmed March 27, 1827. 13. John Davis,* March 6, 1827 ; sworn April 30th. 9. James Haslett,* Aug. 3, 1827 ; affirmed September 1st. 9. John Dillies,* Aug. 3, 1827; sworn September 12th. 3. John Crosgrove,* Aug. 3, 1827; affirmed September 10th. 16. Elijah Lewis,* Aug. 3, 1827; affirmed September 5th. 12. Robert Morton,* Nov. 5, 1827; affirmed December 11th. 2. John Worth,* March 11, 1828; affirmed May 12th. 9. George W. Parke,* April 3, 1828 ; sworn June 9th. 4. James McFadgen,* May 12, 1828; affirmed May 26th, 1. James M. Gibbons,* Feb. 6, 1829; affirmed February 12th. 5. Joel J. Baily,* March 28, 1829 ; affirmed April 8th. 10. Christopher Wigton,* March 28, 1829; affirmed May 20th. 12. James Wilson Brown,* May 29, 1829; affirmed July 6th. 11 John Templeton,* May 29, 1829; affirmed August 5th. 368 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. Dist. 15. Peter Suplee,* July 2, 1829; affirmed August 6th. 11. John M. Mullin,* Nov. 10, 1829; affirmed December 5th. 15. John Beaver,* Nov. 4, 1829; sworn December 14th. 2. Thomas Clayton,* Nov. 23, 1829; sworn December 1st. 12. William Allen,* Nov. 23, 1829 ; sworn December 14th. 7. William Michener, March 3, 1830; affirmed March 16th. 3. Abner Miller,* March 3, 1830; affirmed March 18th. 3. Thomas Bennett,* April 5, 1830; affirmed April 13th. 1. George Boyer, April 17, 1830; sworn April 24th. 14. Sampson Davis,* Aug. 5, 1830; sworn September 14th. 16. David C. Lee,* Feb. 23, 1831; sworn March 29th. 9. John 'Warner,* April 18, 1831; affirmed May 9th. 10. Thomas S. Valentine,* Feb. 17, 1832; affirmed April 9th. 10. Joseph Hughes,* March 26, 1832; affirmed May 1st. 11. Jonathan Worrall,* May 17, 1832; affirmed July 30. 4 John Taggart,* June 20, 1832; affirmed Aug. 6th. 7. Joseph Jefferis,* Dec. 3, 1832; affirmed Jan. 24, 1833. 1. John T. Denny,* Feb. 9, 1833; affirmed February 20th. 8. Jesse Coulson,* Feb. 9, 1833; affirmed March 13th. 5. Robert Wilson,* March 12, 1833; affirmed March 23d. 16. Thomas R. Trimble,* April 29, 1833; affirmed May 6th. 2. Matthias Pennypacker,* Dec. 17, 1833; affirmed Jan. 25, 1834. 15. Abraham Olwine,* Jan. 14, 1834; sworn February 6th. 13. Samuel Willauer,* March 7, 1834; affirmed March 26th. 12. Beynard Way,* April 9, 1834; affirmed April 24th. 14. Edward S. Davis,* May 27, 1834; affirmed August 5th. 9. Andrew McNeil,* May 27, 1834; affirmed June 13th. 1. Jacob Boyer,* June 6, 1835 ; affirmed June 20th. 11. Isaac Finch,* Oct. 26, 1835; affirmed November 6th. 14. George Strickland, Nov. 14, 1835; sworn December 14th. 15. Major McVeagh, Nov. 18, 1835; sworn Jan. 7, 1836. 9. Rudolph Huzzard,* Dec. 9, 1835; affirmed December 18th. 13. John Stem,* March 31, 1836; affirmed April 11th. 4. Samuel Jacobs,* March 30,1836; affirmed May 2d. 15. Edward Garrigues, Jr., July 3, 1837; affirmed July 7th. 16. Nathan Y. Hunt, Dec. 12, 1837; affirmed December 18th. 1. Henry Fleming, Dec. 23, 1837; affirmed December 26th. 5. Enoch Harlan, Jan. 11, 1838; affirmed February 14th. 7. Mark A. Hodgson, Feb. 9, 1838 ; sworn February 20th. 15. Jacob Rogers, March 7,18.38; affirmed February 20th (recorded March 20th). 14. Samuel Jones, Aug. 24, 1838; affirmed September 21st. 9. Arthur Andrews, Aug. 24, 1838; sworn. October 6th. 12. David H. Hackett, March 9, 1839; affirmed March 25th. Under the constitution of 1838 justices of the peace became elective in each township. PRESIDENT JUDGES. The constitution of 1790 provided that, until otherwise directed by law, the State should be divided into circuits or districts, including not less than three nor more than six counties ; that a president judge should be appointed by the Governor in each district, and that associate judges should be appointed in each county, not fewer than three nor more than four. In the division of the States into districts, the First District was composed of the counties of Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, and Delaware, and the Second District of the counties of Chester, Lancaster, York, and Dauphin. The first president, judge of the Second District was William Augustus Atlee, who was appointed by Governor Mifflin, and presided over the courts of Chester County from November, 1791, to August, 1793. He resided at Lancaster. He was succeeded by John Joseph Henry, also appointed by Governor Mifflin, who presided from February, 1794, to May, 1800, both terms inclusive. John D. Coxe, appointed by Governor McKean, succeeded in May, 1800, and presided to the end of May term, 1805, though from May, 1803, to 1803 he was often absent, and the courts were held by the associates. William Tilghman presided at August term, 1805, and February term, 1806. By an act of Assembly passed Feb. 24, 1806, the State was redistricted. Philadelphia was constituted the First District, and the counties of Chester. Delaware. Montgomery, and Bucks the Seventh District. Soon after the passage of this act Bird Wilson was appointed by Governor McKean president judge of the Seventh District, and presided from February, 1806, to November, 1817, when he laid aside the ermine and became a clergyman of the Episcopal Church. Judge Wilson was a man of talent, learning, and remarkable miHness of manner and amiability of character, united with in flexible firmness and decision. lie was distinguished for the soundness of his decisions, and it is said that only one was ever reversed in a superior court. He was held in high respect and esteem for his virtues as a man, and his integrity, uprightness, and ability as a presiding officer in the judiciary department. He is still remembered by many of the older citizens of Chester County. In 1813 he edited an edition of Bacon's "Abridgment of the Law," a standard English work. When he presided over the courts of this county he resided at Norristown. After he left the bench he was pastor of the Episcopal Church in Norristown until 1821, when he was appointed a professor in the Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church, in the city of New York. In this position he continued until June 25, 1850, a period of twenty-nine years, when he resigned. As a token of respect, the trustees of the seminary appointed him Emeritus Professor in his department. He died in New York, April 14, 1859, at the age of eighty-two years. John Ross was appointed by Governor Findley in 1818. He presided over the courts of the four counties composing the district from February, 1818, to May, 1821. The district was then divided, and a new district formed, called the Fifteenth Judicial District, composed of the counties of Chester and Delaware. Judge Ross remained the president judge of the Seventh District, composed, after the division, of the counties of Bucks and Montgomery, and ceased to act in Chester and Delaware Counties. lie resided, while presiding over the courts of this county, at Easton. Isaac Darlington was appointed by Governor Heister, president judge of the new judicial district, composed of Chester and Delaware Counties, May 22, 1821, and held the office until his death, April 27, 1839. Judge Darlington was a man of remarkably strong intellect, and of excellent attainments in the law. He was eminently prompt and sagacious in perceiving the strong points of the causes before him, and his adjudications were ever highly respected by the supreme tribunal of the State. With the people, his opinions were treated with profound respect, and so implicit was their confidence in his judgment that it was enough that Judge Darlington decided a matter : they never dissented from or doubted the correctness of the decision. On the death of Judge Darlington, Governor Porter appointed Thomas S. Bell his successor. lie was commissioned May 16, 1839, and presided over the courts of the district from that time until his appointment by Governor Shunk to a seat on the bench of the Supreme Court, Nov. 18, 1846. The vacancy created by the translation of Judge Bell to the bench of the Supreme Court was filled by Governor Shunk by the appointment of John M. Forster, of Harrisburg. Judge Forster presided from December, 1846, until March, 1847, about three months, when his nomination was rejected by the Senate. He was a very courteous gentleman, but did not seem suited to the wants of so important a district. When his nomination was first made to the Senate it was confirmed, but afterwards reconsidered and rejected. On the rejection of Judge Forster, James Nill, of Chambersburg, was appointed, and presided over the courts from March 23, 1847, until March 18, 1848, when his nomination was also rejected by the Senate. Judge Nill possessed a fair knowledge of the law, and was especially well read in Pennsylvania decisions, and much interest and a good deal of feeling were excited when his nomination was before the Senate. The bar was divided, some maintaining that he was not suited in all respects to fill the position satisfactorily, and that a more acceptable nomination should be made ; and others that he would in time make a good judge, and that those who were against his confirmation were captious and hard to please. Those opposed to him, however, succeeded in procuring his rejection by a tie vote in the Senate. Governor Shunk then, at the solicitation of members of the bar of the district, appointed his son-in-law, Henry Chapman, of Doylestown, who was forthwith unanimously confirmed by the Senate. Judge Chapman presided over the courts of the district with great acceptance, and to the entire satisfaction of the bar and the people, until the expiration of his term of office under the provisions of the amendments to the constitution, which made the office elective. His presidency extended from March 18, 1848, to Dec. 2, 1851. He was solicited by members of both political parties to become a candidate for the office under the elective system, with the assurance that it was not likely any candidate would be placed in the field against him ; but he CIVIL AND JUDICIAL LISTS - 369 declined, it not being convenient for him to reside in the district, agreeably to the requirements of the amended constitution. Townsend Haines was elected president judge at the general election in October, 1851,-the opposing candidate being Hon. Thomas S. Bell,-commissioned by Governor Johnston, Nov. 6, 1851, and presided during the constitutional term of ten years, from the first Monday of December, 1851, to the first Monday of December, 1861. He was succeeded by William Butler, who was elected at the general election, Oct. 8, 1861, the opposing candidate being Joseph Hemphill. Judge Butler was commissioned by Governor Curtin, Nov. 20, 1861, entered upon his duties Dec. 2, 1861, and in 1871 was re-elected for another term. He continued to preside with marked ability and dispatch over the increasing business of the courts until Feb. 24, 1879, when, owing to his appointment as United States district judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, he resigned his former position. J. Smith Futhey was appointed by Governor Hoyt, Feb. 27, 1879, to act until the first Monday in January, 1880, and in November, 1879, was elected by the people for a full term, there being no opposing candidate. ASSOCIATE JUDGES. The constitution of 1790 provided that the Governor should appoint associate judges in the various counties, not less than three nor more than four in each, to hold their offices during good behavior. The first associate judges in Chester County were Joseph Shippen, of Westtown; Walter Finney, of New London ; and James Moore, of West Nantmeal. They were appointed by Governor Mifflin, Aug. 17, 1791. Benjamin Jacobs, of West Whiteland, was appointed July 3, 1792, thus filling up the full number allowed to each county. Judge Shippen owned and probably resided at first on the farm now of Francis J. Darlington, in Westtown. He also owned and in 1794 was living on the farm now of George Rhoads, in the same township. He belonged to a prominent Philadelphia family, and did not remain in our county. He held the judgeship until Dec. 28, 1792, when he resigned, and on Jan. 5, 1793, Samuel Evans was appointed first associate judge in his stead. Samuel Evans only held the office until June 29, 1793, when he resigned, having removed to Lancaster County. lie was succeeded by James Boyd, of (now) Penn township, who was appointed by Governor Mifflin on Nov. 1, 1793, to take rank according to the date of his commission. These four-Finney, Moore, Jacobs, and Boyd were associates together until 1802, when Judge Moore died, and John Ralston, of Vincent, was appointed, April 7, 1802, by Governor McKean in his stead. On the 31st of March, 1803, the commission of Judge Jacobs was vacated, and on the same day Governor McKean filled the vacancy thus created by the appointment of John Day's, of Tredyffrin. Judge Jacobs was a well-educated man, had studied law, and was a practical surveyor and conveyancer. He was a son of John Jacobs, who was long a leading man in the county, and who was elected some fifteen years in succession (from 1762 to 1776) a member of Assembly, and was during one session Speaker of that body. Judges Finney, Boyd, Ralston, and Davis were associates together until the death of Judge Finney, in September, 1820. The Legislature in 1803 passed an act providing that when a vacancy should thereafter happen in any county, by the death, resignation, or removal from office of any associate judge, that the Governor should not supply the same until the number of associates should be thereby reduces to less than three, and that then he should commission so many as would complete that number in each county and no more. The object of the law was to reduce the number of associates in each county to three. In 1806 an act was passed reducing the number, in a similar manner, to two." Accordingly, on the death of Judge Finney, in 1820, no appointment was made to fill the vacancy. Judge Boyd died Aug. 10, 1821, thus reducing the number to two, Judges Ralston and Davis. Judge Ralston died Sept. 1, 1825, in the eighty-first year of his age, and Cromwell Pearce, of East Whiteland, was appointed by Governor Shulze, by commission dated Sept. 5, 1825, to succeed him. Judge Davis died in 1827, and Governor Shulze appointed Jesse Sharp, of New Garden, in his place. His commission is dated Jan. 26, 1827. It will be observed that Judge Finney occupied the bench twenty-nine years; Boyd, twenty-eight years; Ralston, twenty-three years; and Davis, twenty-four years. They all attained to a good old age, and during the latter years of their lives some of them were not able to render much service. - 47 - Judges Pearce and Sharp were associates together until the resignation of Judge Pearce, in 1839, on account of defective hearing, when Governor Porter appointed Thomas Jones, of East Whiteland, for the term of five years, under the provisions of the amended constitution of 1838. Judge Sharp's term expired, under the provisions of the amended constitution, on Feb. 27, 1841, when he was reappointed by Governor Porter for the constitutional term of five years. On the expiration of this term, in February, 1846, he was reappointed for another term by Governor Shunk. He resigned in December, 1847, on account of the infirmities of increasing years, having occupied the bench a period of nearly twenty-one years. Judge Sharp was a man of excellent character, and during the long period of his services was a general favorite with the members of the bar, and enjoyed the respect and confidence of the citizens of the county generally. At a meeting of the members of the bar, held Dec. 17, 1847, on the occasion of his resignation, the following paper was adopted : "The members of the bar of Chester County having learned that the Hon. Jesse Sharp, for twenty years an associate judge of the courts of said county, has resigned his commission and is about to retire from the bench, they deem it due, as well to him as to their feelings, to offer some testimonials of their regard for his services, and their sentiments of esteem for himself; therefore, "Resolved, That during the long period of his public services Judge Sharp has performed his official duties with integrity and impartiality, and with a due regard to the public interests, while on all occasions he has manifested courtesy and kindness to the members of the bar. "Resolved, That in parting with a long-tried, faithful, and meritorious officer they would do injustice to their feelings were they to withhold the expression of their gratitude for his services, regret at his retirement, and their kind wishes for his future health and happiness." On the resignation of Judge Sharp, Nimrod Strickland, of West Chester, was appointed by Governor Shunk to succeed him, by commission dated Jan. 31, 1848. Judge Jones' term of five years expired Feb. 19, 1844, when he was reappointed by Governor Porter. At the expiration of his second term, in February, 1849, he retired from the bench, and Governor Johnston appointed Samuel Shafer, of South Coventry, to succeed him. Judges Strickland and Shafer occupied the bench until the expiration of their term of office, on the 1st of December, 1851, under the provisions of the amendments to the constitution, making the office elective. At the general election in 1851 Samuel Shafer and Joseph Hodgson were elected for five years, commissioned by Governor Johnston, and took their seats on the first Monday of December following. The opposing candidate to Joseph Hodgson was Judge Strickland. Judge Shafer received the united votes of both political parties, no candidate being run in opposition to him,-an evidence of his extreme popularity both in his private and official capacity, a compliment very rarely bestowed, and as deserved as it was generous. He held the office until his death, April 26, 1856, at the age of sixty-six years and one month. Robert Parke, of Sadsbury township, was commissioned by Governor Pollock, May 9, 1856, for the remainder of the term for which Judge Shafer had been elected. Judge Hodgson was a resident of Penn township, and a grandson of Judge Boyd, already noticed. At the expiration of his official term of five years he declined a re-election. At the general election in 1856 Nimrod Strickland and William Wollerton were elected, and commissioned by Governor Pollock for the term of five years from the first Monday of December following, when the terms of Judges Hodgson and Parke expired. The opposing candidates were Robert Parke and John P. Bally. Judge Strickland was elected canal commissioner in October, 1857, and on assuming the duties of that office, in January, 1858, resigned the judgeship, when Governor Packer, by commission dated Jan. 21, 1858, appointed John P. Baily, Esq., of West Chester, a member of the bar, to fill the vacancy until the first Monday of December then next. In October, 1858, Robert Parke was elected in opposition to Judge Baily, commissioned by Governor Packer, and took his seat again on the bench Dec. 6, 1858. In October, 1861, John P. Baily was elected to succeed Judge Wollerton, who declined a re-election, and commissioned by Governor Curtin for the term of five years from the first Monday of December. 370 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. Andrew Buchanan ran in opposition to him. In 1866 he was reelected over Cheyney Nields for another term of five years. In 1863, Benjamin J. Passmore, of West Chester, formerly of East Nottingham, was elected to succeed Judge Parke, over Hibberd Evans, of Willistown, and commissioned by Governor Curtin for the term of five years from the first Monday in December ; was re-elected in 1868 over Eber W. Sharp, of New Garden, and commissioned for another term of five years by Governor Geary, and elected for a third term in 1873, over Lewis Baker, of Londonderry, and commissioned by Governor Hartranft. He died March 4, 1875, having served one year and three months of his third term. In 1871, Joel Hawley, of Uwehlan, was elected to succeed Judge Baily, over John Ralston, of Honeybrook, and commissioned by Governor Geary, and held the office until the expiration of his term of five years, on Dec. 4, 1876. On the death of Judge Passmore no successor was elected, the new constitution having abolished the office on the death, resignation, or expiration of term of any of the incumbents, and Judge Hawley was the only associate from the death of Judge Passmore until the expiration of his own term of office. Judges Hodgson, Parke, Wollerton, and Hawley are still living. In the early days of the judges they were always escorted from their lodgings to the court-house and back again, at each session of court, by two tipstaves, one going before and the other behind, carrying their insignia of office, the long pole ; the one in advance, if the passage was obstructed, calling, in a loud voice, "Clear the way for the Honorable Court!" This practice, derived from England, was abandoned in the early part of the present century as not suited to the genius of our people. The following persons have been criers of the courts. The list probably embraces nearly all who have acted in that capacity since the courts have been held in West Chester: 1, John Taylor ; 2, Thomas Evans; 3, Cyrus Carpenter ; 4, Job Wickersham; 5, George Callanan ; 6, Gustavus Macartney ; 7, Benjamin S. Bates ; 8, George EhrenzelIer ; 9, James Sweney. For many years the tipstaves were detailed by the judges at each term of court from the constables of the county, taking them in rotation until all had served. Those selected were permitted to substitute persons acceptable to the court in their stead, if they did not wish to serve themselves. As a general rule, the constables whose duty it was to serve substituted persons residing in West Chester, who eagerly sought the position. Sometimes persons desirous of acting as substitutes would ascertain from the clerk of courts the names of constables whose turn it was to act, and meet them on the morning of court before they reached the town, for the purpose of securing appointments. About 1895 this system of selecting tipstaves was abolished, and since then they have been annually appointed by the court. PROVINCIAL COURT. Prior to 1790 the Court of Oyer and Terminer, for the trial of the higher crimes and appeal, was held by the justices of the Provincial or Supreme Court, who made a circuit of the counties at stated times. With few exceptions the records of this court have not been met with, but from the colonial records some information has been gleaned. A sitting of this court was held at Chester, 8th mo. 3, 1698, before Joseph Growdon and Cornelius Empson, to hear an appeal in a suit between Thomas Thomas and Morgan James. Another session was held Oct. 2, 1705, before John Guest and Jasper Yeates, when the Governor's commission to John Guest, Joseph Growdon, Jasper Yeates, Samuel Finney, and William Trent, or any two of them, was read. David Lloyd, attorney for the defendant on that occasion, showed the justice's commission to be defective, and they could do nothing. The following appear to have been the judges of this court: May 29, 1684.—Nicholas More, William Welch,* William Wood, Robert Turner, John Eck 1 . Sept. 14, 1685.—James Harrison, James Claypoole, Arthur Cook. These declined to serve, and the Council heard the appeals. March 31, 1686.—Arthur Cook, William Clark, Joint Cann. Sept. 26, 1686.—Arthur Cook, John Simcock, James Harrison. April 2, 1687.—Same recommissioned. April 2, 1690.—Arthur Cook, William Clark, Joseph Growdon. Sept. 5, 1690.—Arthur Cook, John Simcock, Joseph Growdon, Peter Alrichs, Thomas Wynne. * William Welch died before 7, 10, 1684, and William Clark was appointed in his room. Nov. 21, 1690.—John Simcock, William Clark, Arthur Cook, Griffith Jones, Edward Blake. May 29, 1693.—ANDREW ROBESON, C.J., William Salway, John Cann, Edward Blake. Aug. 10, 1694.—Anthony Morris (rice Cann, deceased). Oct. 3, 1698 (in office).—Joseph Growdon, Cornelius Empson. April 18, 1699.—Edward Shippen, Cornelius Empson, and William Biles held court at Chester. Aug. 20, 1701.—JOHN GUEST, William Clark, Joseph Growdon (declined), Ed. ward Shippen, Robert French (declined ?), Caleb Pusey, Thomas Masters. 1702.—John GUEST, William Clark, Edward Shippen, Thomas Masters, Samuel Finney. 1703.—WILLIAM CLARK, Edward Shippen, Thomas Masters, Samuel Finney. April 10, 1704.—WILLIAM CLARK, John Guest, Jasper Yeates, Samuel Finney, William Trent. 1705.—JOHN GUEST, Joseph Growdon, Jasper Yeates, Samuel Finney, William Trent. April 17, 1706.—R0GER MOMPESSON, Joseph Growdou, Jasper Yeates, Samuel Finney, William Trent. Nov. 20, 1707.—JOSEPH GROWDON, C.J. Dec. 2, 1707.—Jasper Yeates. April 8, 1708.—Samuel Finney. March 16, 1711.—JOSEPH GROWDON, Samuel Finney, Richard Hill, Jonathan Dickinson. June 10, 1715.—JOSEPH GROWDON, William Trent, Jonathan Dickinson, George Roche. † Feb. 15, 1717.—DAVID LLOYD, Jasper Yeates, Richard Hill, William Trent. Sept. 23, 1717.—DAVID LLOYD, Jasper Yeates, Richard Hill, Jonathan Dickinson. Feb. 15, 1718.-DAVID LLOYD, Jasper Yeates, Richard Hill, William Trent. June 2, 1722.—DAVID LLOYD, Richard Hi11, Robert Assheton. Sept. 20, 1726.—DAVID LLOYD, Richard Hill, Jeremiah Langhorne. April 9, 1731.—ISAAC NORRIS, Jeremiah Langhorne, Dr. Thomas Graeme. Aug. 20, 1731.—JAMES LOGAN, in place of Isaac Norris, declined. April 9, 1733.—JAMES LOGAN, Jeremiah Langhorne, Thomas Graeme. Aug. 13, 1739.—JEREMIAH LANGHORNE, Thomas Graeme, Thomas Griffitts. April 5, 1743.—JOHN KINSEY, Thomas Graeme, William Till. Sept. 20, 1750.—WILLIAM ALLEN, Lawrence Growdon, Caleb Cowpland. April 8, 1758.—WILLIAM ALLEN, Lawrence Growdon, William Coleman. April 8, 1760.—Same recommissioned. March 20, 1761.—Same recommissioned. March 21, 1764.—Alexander Stedman, in stead of Lawrence Growdon. Sept. 14, 1767.—WILLIAM ALLEN, William Coleman, John Lawrence, Thomas Willing. April 29, 1774.—BENJAMIN CHEW, John Lawrence, Thomas Willing, John Morton. July 28, 1777.—THOMAS McKEAN. Aug. 17, 1777.—William Augustus Atlee, John Evans. April 3, 1780.—George Bryan. Feb. 26, 1784.—Jacob Rush. Jan. 31, 1791.—Edward Shippen. March 21, 1791.—Jasper Yeates. Dec. 18, 1799.—EDWARD SHIPPEN. Of the foregoing chief justices, Simcock and Lloyd were citizens and McKean a native of this county. Among the puisne or associate judges, Simcock, Pusey, and Cowpland were citizens and John Morton and John Evans born in the county. "CHESTER, May 31, 1750. "SIR,—Please to pay to James Mather the sum of seven Pounds seventeen shillings and Five Pence in full of his Account of Expellees of the Judges, the Attorney General, Clerk of the Crown and a servant, during the Court of Oyer & Terminer and General Goal Delivery held at Chester the 26,, 29th and 30,, of this Instant. "THOS: GRAEME. "To the Treasurer of the County of Chester." May 26, 1752.—A similar order was given by Will : Allen Lawr Growdon and Caleb Cowpland. Nov. 29, 1752.—The bill was for £6 78. 3d. At this term James Rice, alias Dillon, was tried for murder, and the bill of costs in his case amounted to £8 Os. 9d., including £1 168., the attorney-general's fee. In Thomas Kelly's case the costs amounted to £6. COMFORT BILLS PAID BY THE COUNTY FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT OF COURTS AND OTHER PUBLIC FUNCTION ARIES. In 1745 the following bill was allowed and paid by the proper authorities :   For commissioners, assessors, justices, and grand jury :

Wine Punch More wine Punch

£ s. d. 0 2 8 0 3 0 0 5 4 0 3 0

Nimbo  One bole broke Total

£ s. d. 0 2 8 0 2 0 0 18 8

† Roche being absent from the country, Robert Assheton was appointed in his stead, June 12, 1716.   CIVIL AND JUDICIAL LISTS - 371   The following is a bill of "Justices Expenses at the Court of Oier and Terminer, November 1752" :

Punch Sling Three dinners 8 half peck of oats Bowll of punch Bowll of punch Oats Bowll of punch Bowll of punch Wine Suppers Punch Liquor 8 half peck oats Bitters  Cordiall

£ s. d. 0 1 6 0 0 6 0 4 6 0 4 0 0 1 6 0 1 6 0 0 6 0 1 6 0 1 6 0 2 6 0 6 0 0 1 6 0 0 6 0 4 0 0 0 3 0 1 0

Punch Punch Wine & bitters 8 breakfasts Quart wine & bitters Punch 7 dinners Punch 8 half peck of oats 6 Suppers Cordiall To wine Two nights hay for 8 horses

£ s. d. 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 1 6 0 8 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 10 6 0 3 0 0 4 0 0 6 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 16 0 - - - 5 2 0

James Mather kept the leading tavern at Chester, the county-seat in 1755, and the following was his bill against the judges, etc.:

To Quart Wine Bowle punch First wine Bowle punch Quart Wine Bowls punch Bowls punch for three men Bowls punch 11 Dinners 6 quarts beer cider Bottle claret 5 mens dinners Bowls punch Punch for Constables First Wine Tea 2 quarts cider 1 bottle claret 1 Quart Wine 1 Bowls punch 6 suppers & clubs Ye mens suppers & bowls punch

£ s. d. 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 1 6 0 1 6 0 3 0 0 1 6 0 1 6 0 1 6 1 7 6 0 3 0 0 4 0 0 5 0 0 1 6 0 5 0 0 1 6 0 4 0 0 1 0 0 4 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 1 1 0 0 6 0

To 3 breakfasts Ye mens breakfast Quart beer for ye men Bowle punch Bowle punch for ye men 6 dinners & clubs Quart punch Ye mens dinners, bowle punch, quart beer Tea Bowle punch for men Bowle punch, 2 quarts beer & 1st Wine 6 suppers & clubs Ye mens suppers & bowle punch 4 breakfasts ye mens breakfasts 56 quarts oats & hay

£ s. d. 0 3 0 0 1 6 0 0 6 0 3 0 0 1 6 0 18 0 0 1 6 0 6 8 0 5 0 0 1 6 0 3 0 1 5 0 0 5 6 0 4 0 0 1 6 0 15 0 - - - 10 2 2

" Pay to James Mather the sum of ten pounds two shillings and two pence for the entertainment of the Judge & Clerk of the Crown at a Court of Oyer & Terminer held at Chester for the County of Chester the 25th day of August, after laying the within account before the Commissioners of the County for their Allowance.   " 27th August 1755. "WILL ALLEN " LAWE GROWDON " CALEB COWPLAND   "To THE HIGH SHERIFF OF THE COUNTY OF CHESTER."   ATTORNEYS-GENERAL FOR THE PROVINCE AND DISTRICT ATTORNEYS.   From the establishment of the colonial government, in 1683, to the year 1793, a period of one hundred and ten years, the criminal business of Chester County was conducted on the part of the prosecutions by the attorney-general in person. In the latter year the first deputy attorney-general was appointed, and from thence to the year 1850 the pleas of the Commonwealth were prosecuted by deputies appointed by the attorneys-general, with the exception of a brief period, which will be noticed hereafter. In 1850 an act of Assembly was passed creating the office of district' attorney, and since then officers elected in pursuance of the provisions of this act have conducted the prosecutions.   The attorneys-general of the province prior to 1790 were commissioned as follows:   Oct. 25, 1683, John White ; Jan. 16, 1685, Samuel Hersent (commission revoked); Nov. 17, 1685, John White (special); April 24, 1686, David Lloyd ; May 19, 1698, John Moore ; 1700, William Assheton ; 1701, Par. Parmyter ; April 5, 1705, George Lowther ; June 24, 1708, Thomas Clarke ;* 1710, Robert Quarry; March 5, 1717, Henry Wilson ; Sept. 24, 1717-24, Andrew Hamilton ; Sept. 26, 1726-38, Joseph Growdon, Jr. (died 1738) ; July 6,1738-41, John Kinsey; 1741-54, Tench Francis; 1754-69, Benjamin Chew ; Nov. 4,1769-[1776], Andrew Allen ; July 28, 1777, Jonathan Dickinson Sergeant; Aug. 31, 1777, John Morris, pro tern.; Aug. 21, 1778, Joseph Reed ; Nov. 23, 1780, William Bradford, Jr.   Andrew Hamilton, appointed in 1717, was one of the most extraordinary men who lived during the early provincial history of Pennsylvania. He was probably the greatest lawyer of his time in this country, and a man of irrepressible energy and character. Besides   * At a court of Quarter Sessions held May 25, 1708, "Thomas Clark appeared in open court and was qualified attorney-general for the county of Chester, according to law."   being attorney-general, he became president of the Executive Council, Speaker of the House of Assembly, and filled several other stations with integrity and ability. "Bush Hill," where he resided, he received, with other lands, for his services to the Penn family. His son, James Hamilton, was repeatedly Governor of Pennsylvania between the years 1748 and 1771.   Joseph Growdon, Jr., attorney-general from 1726 to 1738, was also a judge of the Supreme Court from 1705 to 1715, and chief justice from 1715 to 1718, and was a man of some legal and literary distinction. He involved himself in a conflict with the provincial government by publishing comments upon the character of William Penn. The Growdons came to the province at a very early date, and for nearly a century seem to have been connected in different ways with its courts and bar. William Rawle is said to have been a descendant.   John Kinsey, attorney-general from 1738 to 1741, became chief justice in 1743, prior to which he had been in extensive practice. Ile was undoubtedly an educated lawyer, as well as a man of fine natural parts.   Tench Francis, attorney-general from 1741 to 1755, was one of the most eminent lawyers of the province. He was a relative of Sir Philip Francis, the reputed author of the celebrated " Letters of Junius," and was the maternal grandfather of Chief .Justice William Tilghman.   Benjamin Chew, the ninth attorney-general, received his professional education at the Temple, in London. Ile was attorney-general from 1755 to 1769, and was president judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia. In 1774 he was appointed chief justice of Pennsylvania, but, being opposed to the Revolution, he retired from the bench in 1776, the last chief justice of the crown. In 1790 he became president of the High Court of Errors and Appeals of Pennsylvania, and continued in that relation until the abolition of that court, in 1806. He was for a long time at the head of his profession, and died in 1810, at the age of eighty-seven years.   Andrew Allen was the last attorney-general under the king. Ile had also been a member of Congress, and of the Committee of Safety. On the breaking out of the Revolution-to which he was opposed-he put himself under the protection of Gen. Howe, at Trenton. He was faithful to his master, and his estates were confiscated by the new government, to whose sovereignty he refused to submit. He went to England, where he died in 1825, at the age of eighty-five years. He is said to have been a very accomplished man. Ile was a grandson of Andrew Hamilton, already noticed.   In 1777 the bills of indictment on file in the clerk's office are signed by "John Morris, Jr.," as attorney for the Commonwealth.   From 1778 to 1793 the attorneys-general who signed the bills of indictment were Jonathan Dickinson Sergeant, from 1778 to 1780; William Bradford, Jr., from 1780 to 1791; and Jared Ingersoll, from August, 1791, to February, 1793.   At May sessions, 1793, the first deputy attorney-general officiated in our courts. The following is a list of the deputies of the attorneys-general from the latter year to the year 1850, with the names of the attorneys-general by whom they were respectively appointed:   Robert Frazer, from May, 1793, to February, 1800; appointed by Jared Ingersoll.   John Sergeant, from May, 1800, to May, 1803; appointed by Joseph B. McKean.   Thomas Sergeant, at August sessions, 1803; appointed by the same attorney-general.   William Hemphill, from November, 1803, to November, 1808; appointed by the same attorney-general.   John Duer, Jr., from February, 1809, to April, 1816; appointed successively by Walter Franklin, Richard Rush, and Jared Ingersoll.   Robert Frazer, at July and November sessions, 1816 ; appointed by Jared Ingersoll.   Isaac D. Barnard, from January, 1817, to November, 1820; appointed successively by Amos Ellmaker and Thomas Sergeant.   Isaac Darlington, at January and April sessions, 1821 ; appointed by Thomas Elder. While holding the office of deputy attorney-general, Mr. Darlington was appointed president judge of the new judicial district, composed of the counties of Chester and Delaware, and was succeeded by   William H. Dillingham, from July, 1821, to November, 1823; appointed by Thomas Elder.   Thomas S. Bell, from January, 1824, to May, 1828; appointed by Frederick Smith.   372 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.   Henry H. Van Amringe, from August, 1828, to August, 1829; appointed by Amos Ellmaker.   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; appointed successively by Samuel Douglass, Ellis Lewis, and George Mifflin Dallas   Joseph J. Lewis, at May, August, and November sessions, 1835; appointed by George M. Dallas.   William Darlington, during the years 1836, 1837, and 1838; appointed successively by James Todd and William B. Reed.   Joseph Hemphill, from 1839 to 1844, both inclusive, six years; appointed by Ovid F. Johnston.   John Hickman, during the year 1845, and January and April sessions, 1846; appointed by John K. Kane.   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.   John H. Brinton, 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 accession 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 district attorney, and making the officer elective by the people. The following are the members of the bar who have filled this office :   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 election, from November, 1853, to Nov., 1856. William Butler, from November, 1856, to November, 1859.   Wayne McVeagh, 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 January, 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 Orphans' 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 constitution 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 elective by virtue of the provisions of the constitution of 1838.   From 1777 to 1821 the offices of prothonotary 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 commissions. From 1821 to 1824 one person held the offices of prothonotary 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 recorder of deeds were held by the same persons.   From 1824 to 1836 the same persons 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 register of wills were united in the some person. From 1828 to 1836 the office of clerk of the Orphans' Court was not connected with any other office, but held 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 held 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, Orphans' Court, etc. In the 2d Archives, ix., 674-75, we find that Robert Assheton was commissioned prothonotary 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. Since 1777 the office has been held by   Benjamin Jacobs, appointed March 22, 1777, and April 4, 1777. Caleb Davis (vice Benjamin Jacobs, declined), appointed June 20, 1777. William Gibbons, 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 Davis, 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 under 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. James Bayard Jefferis, commissioned Nov. 10, 1854. Jacob Gilbough, commissioned Nov. 10, 1857. Emmor B. Lamborn, commissioned Nov. 19, 1860. Franklin Haines, commissioned Nov. 16, 1863. Alfred Rupert, commissioned Nov. 16, 1866. Seneca G. Willauer, 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 prothonotary and clerk of the Courts of Quarter Sessions and Oyer and Terminer on Aug. 3, 1827, and that Dr. William Darlington was commissioned his successor on Aug. 17, 1827, only two weeks thereafter. The explanation is that William Williamson, who had been prothonotary and clerk from January, 1824, resigned, and David Townsend, who was then cashier of the Bank of Chester County, deeming the salary which be received inadequate, accepted an appointment as the successor of William Williamson, and resigned as cashier. The directors 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 appointed prothonotary and clerk of courts in his 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. An act passed in 1712 directed the appointment of deputies in the different counties; but even after such appointment many wills, and especially from the northeastern 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, 1716, 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.   CIVIL AND JUDICIAL LISTS - 373   March 25, 1777, Thomas Taylor. April 6, 1782, John Beaton. April 8, 1786, Persifor Frazer. April 7, 1792, Stephen Moylan. Dec. 13, 1793Thomas Hannum. Dec. 6, 1798, Richard M. Hannum. Jan. 6, 1800, McFarlanJohn Christie. Feb. 22, 1804, James Bones. Jan. 12, 1806, John Smith. Jan. 12, 1809, Charles Kenny. March 25, 1818, Jesse Sharp. Feb. 28, 1821, Daniel Hiester. Jan. 1824, Joseph Pearce. April 23, 1828, Eber Worthington. Feb.15, 1830, Robert Ralston. April 29, 1833, Nimrod Strickland. Jan. 26, 1&36, James Walker. Feb. 2, 1839, Jesse Coulson.* Nov. 12, 1842, George W. Parke. Nov. 17, 1845, Henry Buckwalter. Nov. 25, 1848, William Baker. Nov. 22, 1851, Alexander Leslie. Nov. 10, 1854, Hickman James. Nov. 10, 1857, Amariah Strickland. Nov. 19, 1860, Dr. Charles L. Seal. Nov. 17, 1863, George C. M. Eicholtz. Nov. 14, 1866, Hampton S. Thomas. Nov. 20, 1869, Levi G. McCauley. Nov. 19, 1872, Lewis H. Evans.  Dec. 28, 1875, George H. Paxton. Dec. 30, 1878, William S. Underwood. 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. Hannum. Jan. 6, 1800, John Christie. Feb. 22, 1804, James Bones. Jan. 12, 1806, John Smith. Jan. 12, 1809, Charles Kenny. March 25, 1818, Jesse Sharp Feb. 28, 1821. Daniel Hiester. Jan. 17, 1834, Stephen Marshall. Feb. 15, 1830, Nimrod Strickland. April 29, 1833, Robert Ralston. Jan. 26, 1836, Edward Bartholomew.   RECORDERS OF DEEDS.     At a court held Aug. 22, 1683, "John Bezer offered two Deeds to bee Recorded, one from JO 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 at Chester, Inrooled 4th month 3d, 1688.   At the top of the second page of Book A is a deed from Governor Markham to Peter Erickson, dated the last day of November, 1681, which is indorsed : "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 1st of 5th month (July), 1688, after which the recorder seems to hav been pretty busy for a time.   RECORDERS (OR DEPUTY MASTERS OF THE ROLLS).   John Bristow, in office 1, 10, 1688. Joshua ffearne, 1, 25, 1691. Robert Eyre (?), 1, 26, 1693. John Childe, 11, 3, 1695. Henry Hollingsworth, 10, 10, 1700. Peter Evans, commission from Thomas Story, 2, 17, 1706. John Simcock, " " " 11, 28, 1707.   Feb. 24,1707-8, "John Simcock's Commission for holding the office of Inrollment was publickly 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 associated with him for some years previously. Under Joseph Parker, Robert Parke was a 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 :     Feb. 2, 1839, George Hartman. † Nov. 12, 1842, Abner Williams. Nov. 17, 1845, William McCullough. Nov. 25, 1848, Simcock. Hibbard. Nov. 22, 1851, Thomas Walter. Nov. 10, 1854, Robert F. Hoopes. Nov. 10, 1857, Thomas S. Taylor. Nov. 19, 1860, Jonas G. Bossert. Nov. 17, 1863, David Andrews. Nov. 14, 1866, Dilwyn Parker. Nov. 20, 1869, John A. Groff. Nov. 19, 1872, C. Burleigh Hambleton Dec. 22, 1875, Edwin Bateman. ‡ Dec. 18, 1877, Franklin P. Ash. Dec. 13, 1880, Harry Sloyer.   * Elected under constitution of 1838, and recommissioned Nov. 14, 1839. † Elected under the constitution of 1838, and recommissioned Nov. 14, 1839. ‡ Mr. Bateman died Aug. 28, 1876, and 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-election as Governor, he reversed the order, and appointed Mr. Strickland register of wills and Mr. Ralston recorder of deedsHartman. ts probably done to equalize the offices in value to the incumbents, that of register being most valuable, and Mr. Strickland having been an applicant 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 act 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 prscnt Clarke, Eph : Herman, the Records and other publicq bookes 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 Aug. 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 Hollingsworth, June 11, 1700, to Feb. 22, 1708-9. John Simcock, May 24, 1709, to 1716 (?). Richard Marsden, deputy, 1713 to November, 1716 (?). George Yeates, 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 holding the office, viz.:   Caleb Davis (cleik of 611 the courts), July 1, 1777. , William Gibbons (clerk of all the courts), 1791. Daniel Hiester (clerk of all the courts), Jan. 6, 1800. Jesse John .(clerk of all the courtsprsent. 1, 1809. John G. Wersler (clerk of all the courts), March 25, 1818. Thomas Davis (clerk of Oyer and Terminer), Feb. 28, 1821. Henry Fleming (clerk of Orphans' Court and Quarter Sessions), Feb. 28, 1821. William Williamson (Quarter Sessions and Oyer and Terminer), Jan. 17, 1824. Joseph Pearce (Orphans' Court), Jan. 17, 1824. Joseph Pearce (Orphans' Court), Dec. 21, 1826. David Townsend (Quarter Sessions and Oyer and Terminer), Aug. 3, 1827. Dr. Wm. Darlington (Quarter Sessions and Oyer and Terminer), Aug. 17, 1827. Simeon Siegfried (Orphans' Court), April 23, 1828. John W. Cuningham (Quarter Sessions and Oyer and Terminer), Feb. 15, 1830. George Fisher (Orphans' Court), Feb. 15, 1830. John W: Cuningliam (Quarter Sessions and Oyer and Terminer), April 29,1833 . George Fisher (Oclerks' Court), April 29, 1833. P. Fraser Smith (Orphans' Court), May 2, 1835. Horatio G. Worrall (clerk of all the courts), Jan. 26, 1836. James M. Kinnard (clerk of all the courts), Feb. 2, 1839. James M. Kinnard (elected), recommissioned Nov. 14, 1839. Cheyney Nields, commissioned.Nov, 12,1842. Alexander Marshall, commissioned Nov. 17, 1845. Thomas P. Williams, commissioned Nov. 25, 1448. James Sweney, commissioned Nov. 22, 1851. Thomas W. Parker, commissioned Nov. 10, 1854. Addis M. Agars,. commissioned Nov. 10, 1857. Thomas P. Evans, commissioned Nov. 19, 1860. Thomas.H. Windle, commissioned Nov. 17, 1863. James E. MCFarlan, commissioned Nov. 16, 1866. William H. Guie, commissioned Nov. 20, 1869. James H. Wynn, 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 NovemberCuninghamr the regular term, and commissioned Dec. 22, 1875. Pierce Hoopes, Jr., commissioned Dec. 30, 1878.   SHERIFFS.   During the jurisdiction of the Dutch on the Delaware, an officer called a schout 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 wcommissioned Novvernor Lovelace to Hermans Frederickson to be schout at the Hoare-Kill, and although at a council held at Fort James (New York) May 17, 1672, it was.   374 - HISTORY OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.   agreed upon for "the office of Schout to be Converted into a Sherriff for the Corporation and River, and 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 Sehout & Comissary, I do approve of Hermans Frederick Wiltbank to be Schout, & of Ottho Wolgast, William Claessen & Isaac Savo to be Cômissarys for ye space of one year ensuing, after web time they are to make a new return.   "Given under my hand at Fort James in New York August ye first 1672."   "FRANCIS LOVELACE, ESQR &C.   " Whereas Capt. Edmond Cantwell is one of the two persons whose names are returned unto me, out of web to make choice of one to be High Sheriff in Delaware River, having conceived a good Opinion of the Fitness and Capacity of the sd Edmond Cantwell to officiate in that Imployment ; I have therefore Nominated and Appointed, and by these presents do hereby Nominate and Appoint him the said Edmond Cantwell in the place of Schout to be High Sheriff in New Castle and Delaware River, for the Year ensuing of the wet all persons concerned are to take Cognizance, and to give him that respect and obedience as is due to his Office : And the sd High Sheriff is to Enjoy in his sd Imployment all the Perquisite & Priviledges of a Schout: In all other Matters he is to be regulated by the Laws of this Governmt & such Orders and Direcôns as from time to time he shall receive from me.   " Given under my Hand and Seal at Fort James in New York the 2nd day of August in the 24th Year of his Majesties Reign, A nnoq Dômi 1672."   William Tom had been commissioned receiver of quit-rents on Delaware River Aug. 10, 1669, but, having since resigned, Capt. Cantwell was authorized Aug. 7, 1672, to receive the arrears of rents, for which purpose he was to have an " Authentick List out of the records." In 1673 the Dutch resumed control, and Peter Alrichs was appointed schout, but this lasted little more than a year, and the English were again the rulers. Capt. Cantwell was sheriff from 1676 until the arrival of Gov. Markham, in 1681, when John Test succeeded him, and served as sheriff of Upland till the arrival of Penn. 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 Chester.   Under the "Charter of Privileges," granted by Penn in 1701, the inhabitants of 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 sheriffs were appointed under this charter until the adoption of the constitution of 1776. That constitution provided that two persons should be elected annually in each county, one of whom should be commissioned by the president of the State. The constitution of 1790 contained 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 but one person should be elected.   The following is a sample minute of Provincial Council, Oct. 4, 1736, in regard to elections:   "For the County of Chester, John Owen & Benjamin Davis being returned for Sherifs, and John Wharton & Robert Parke for Coroner, John Owen is appointed Sherif, and John Wharton Coroner."   The following is a list, believed to approximate very nearly to completeness, 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 became the seat of justice of the county, the residences of the sheriffs 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 Posey, June, 1692, April, 1693. Joseph Wood, April 28, 1693-97. Andrew Job, Dec. 1697-1701. John Hoskins, 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. John Parry, Oct. 3, 1732-34. John Owen, Oct. 3, 1735-37. John Parry, Oct. 4, 1738-39. Benjamin Davis, Oct. 3, 1740-42. John Owen, Oct. 4, 1743-45. Benjamin Davis, Oct. 4, 1746-48. John Owen, Oct. 8,1749-51. Isaac Pearson, Oct. 4, 1752-54. John Fairlamb, Oct. 4, 1755-58. Benjamin Davis, Oct. 4, 1759-61. John Fairlamb, Oct. 4, 1762-63. Philip Ford, Oct. 4, 1764-66. John Morton (rice Ford, dec'd) Oct. 28, 1766-68. Jesse Maris, Oct. 5. 1769-71. Henry Hayes, Oct. 5, 1772-73. Nathaniel Vernon, Oct. 5, 1774-75. Robert Smith, March 29, 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, West 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, West Goshen, Oct. 13, 1798. James Bones, West Chester, April 17, 1801. James Kelton, 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. Samson Babb, West Chester, Oct. 21, 1819. Jesse Sharp, New Garden, Oct. 15, 1822. Jonathan Jones, 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 Marlborough, 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, Pennsbury, Oct. 21, 1847. Davis Bishop, Willistown, Oct. 30, 1850. Lewis Heffelfinger, West Vincent, Nov. 4, 1853. David McNutt, Newlin, Oct. 29, 1856. Jacob Heffelfinger, West Vincent, Nov. 8, 1859. Rees Welsh, Honeybrook, Nov. 7, 1862. Pussy J. Nichols, Oxford, Nov.3, 1865. De Witt Clinton Lewis, West Chester, Nov. 2, 1868. Davis Gill, Willistown, Nov. 1, 1871. William B. Morrison, West Brandywine, Jan. 2, 1875. James E. McFarlan, West 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 persons 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 commission a member of the dominant party, the course was thereafter adopted of each elector voting for two candidates. Those returned being by this course usually both of the political party in the majority, 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 adoption of the constitution of 1838 will remember that the tickets they voted for sheriff always contained the names of two persons.   William Gibbons was sheriff when the county-seat was removed to West Chester, in 1786. Charles Dilworth was the last sheriff elected previous to the division of the county, and Joseph McClellan the first after the county was reduced to its present limits, in 1789. Ezekiel Leonard was twice elected,—once, in 1786, by the old county, and again, in 1795, after the division of the county. Of those who have filled the office since 1783, two were simply appointed to fill vacancies,—James Bones, appointed in 1801, to fill the unexpired term of William Worthington, who resigned in April, 1801, in consequence, it is said, of some difficulties with the commissioners ; and Clinton Frame, who was appointed in March, 1844, in place of his father, Nathan Frame, who had been elected in 1843, and died after filling the office about four months.   Since the year 1777 (and probably generally before that period) all the sheriffs have been natives of the county except three,—James Bones, who emigrated from Ireland ; William Worthington, who came front Bucks County; and James Bayard Wood, who was born in the State of Delaware.   In 1781, John Gardner was unanimously elected sheriff, not a solitary vote being cast for any other person.   The practice of advertising by candidates for the office was introduced into Chester County, so far as can be ascertained, about the