If you hear back from anyone, would you please keep me in mind. I am very interested in this subject, too. In William & Mary Quarterly there is an article about Fredericksburg during the Revolution and there is a reference to a letter from James Hunter about the Accokeek Iron Mine. One of the people he sent a copy of the letter to (besides Zane) was a NICHOLAS HARVIE. I'm looking for his involvement in the iron mines. Sandra [email protected]

Hi everyone, This is rather long, but I'm hoping someone mind find this article interesting, if not helpful. Zebulon Sheetz was a brother to my ancestor Frederick Sheetz who was married to Nancy Emerson, daughter of Thomas and Mary Downey Emerson. Please excuse any typos! :-) Adina ============================================================ Newspaper Article regarding Sheetz Cemetery and the Sheetz family of Monticello, White Co., IN Source: Herald Journal, Monticello, Indiana, August 23-24, 1997 Page 1, Cover Story LINK TO THE PAST Early development of White County can be traced to small cemetery near Monticello. By Marsha Geier Herald Journal Staff "As the Heritage Lakes Festival is celebrated, a large segment of White County history can be traced to a small tract of land near Monticello. This portion of early White County history rests on a high bluff overlooking the Tippecanoe River. It is a tiny cemetery, the final resting place of one of White County's early citizens and some of his descendants. They were among the first settlers in White County. The cemetery is named for Zebulon Sheetz, a man who played a significant role in the early development of White County. The grandfather of Zebulon Sheetz, Gerhard Heinrich Shutz, came to Philadelphia in 1739 from Rotterdam on the ship Snow Betsie. The family history unfolds with the Sheetz family living in Viriginia. His parents were Henry and Ann Barbara Endt Sheetz. Zebulon Sheetz was born in 1793 near Shepherdstown, Va., one of 10 children. He became a gunsmith and a farmer. He lived in Bethel Valley near Cold Stream Post Office, Va. (now West Virginia), made rifles for the Virginia Militia and served in the War of 1812. His first wife was named Isabella Cram and they had three children. After her death, he married Mary Patterson, and they had five children. He and his family were active members of the Bloomery Mills Prebyterian Church. He was ordained an elder in November 1825. In the early 1830's, a large delegation--including the Sheetz family--moved west. Zebulon and his family were given a letter of dismissal from their church at Cold Stream to move "to any Presbyterian churh in the West, in whose neighborhood God might cast his lot." He was also given a testimonial of appreciation of the high community regard for his church service. He is first traced to Indiana with his purchase of 36.36 acres of land east of the Tippecanoe River. This purchase was recorded at Crawforsville on the first day of November 1834. Zebulon Sheetz played a significant part in the early organization of the Presbyterian church in White County. In 1836, a small church class was formed. Zebulon; his wife, Margaret; mother Ann B. Sheetz; and son, Austin C. Sheetz were included in the membership. The class met at the cabin of John Wilson, another early settler, a mile west of Monticello on the Moore farm. Later history records that "meetings were also held at the house of Zebulon Sheetz, on the east side of the river, until the completion of the school house at Monticello in 1836." In the spring of 1836, the Presbytery of Logansport was petitioned by members of the Presbyterian Church residing in White County. They requested that a church be organized in Monticello. Zebulon Sheetz, a former ruling Elder in the Bloomery Mills Church, Winchester Presbytery, Va., was chosen as the first Elder of the Presbyterian Church of Monticello. It is believed that Zebulon Sheetz owned most of what is now East Monticello and land as far north as what is now the Hickory Ridge area. Records from the White County Historical Society say the County Commissioners appointed John Ream, William Sill and Zebulon Sheetz as trustees to receive title to a cemetery north of town in November 1838. The sum of $30 was appropriated from the County Treasury to be spent for the ground. According to local historian David Lottes, the road now known as U.S. 24 did not travel the same route east of Monticello. There was no bridge across the Tippecanoe River. There was a crossing or ford perhaps a mile north of where Washington Street bridge is located. Lotte notes. "It is possible that the cemetery was located along this road. We can't be sure, but it would have been a convenient location. And he owned property in the area." The Monticello Hydralic Company is mentioned in early county history. The company inagurated a line of industries involved in the early growth of Monticello. In February 1848 the Legislature enacted that Phillip Wolverton, John Burns, Ashley L. Pierce, Henry Ensminger, Randolph Brearly, John C. Merriam, Zachariah Van Buskirk, Isaac Reynolds and Zebulon Sheetz should constitute a "body politic and corporate under the name of the Monticello Hydraulic Company." They were known as "incorporators." The purpose of the company was to develop water power in the Tippecanoe River in Monticello. Records show that in January of 1849, the Monticello Hydraulic Company bought a small tract from a man known as Rowland Hughes. In June of the same year, another small tract was purchased from Zebulon Sheetz and "a dam was thrown across the river." History records are sparce but they state, " a saw mill was also built by Zebulon Sheetz." Citizen Sheetz is mentioned in obscure bits of White County Historical Society footnotes... **In the presidential election held in November of 1836, Zebulon Sheetz was listed among the men who voted. **A union meeting was held at the courthouse Tuesday evening, May 14, 1862. J.C. Brown moved that a committee of five should be appointed to consider the propriety of organizing a vigilance committee at Monticello. The motion, after some discussion was carried...Zebulon Sheetz was appointed to this committee. **On the 18th of May, another rousing war meeting was held at the courthouse with Levi Reynolds, president, and Zebulon Sheetz and D.D. Dale, vice-presidents. **Zebulon Sheetz was among a committee of 10 men selected to draft a constitution for "The White County Temperance Society..." **When a Mr. Kenton resigned after his year's service as probate judge, Zebulon Sheetz was elected to succeed him. Kenton was also one of the pioneers of the county and, according to history books, "was a mild, dignified Virginian, who firmly suppressed any levity in court, either on the part of attorneys or laymen." "(Sheetz) and Judge Newell were as different as honest dirt and pure snow. Zebulon Sheetz served in this position for a credible service of four years." As the years pass, the name of Zebulon Sheetz is not found in any additional public records. His descendants moved away. The small cemetery on the bluff is the final resting place of Zebulon Sheetz. It is the only reminder of his presence so many years ago. There are seven graves in the tiny plot. Inscriptions upon the stones within the shady grove include: **Ann Barbara Sheetz (mother of Zebulon) who was born in York Co., Pa., July 1750 and died in White Co., Ind., July 25, 1839. According to history books, "No white person is buried in White County who was born prior to her birth." **Eve, wife of Jonathan Oates (early White County settler) who died Jan. 1, 1845, aged 33 y, 3 m, 10 d. **Sara S. (daughter-in-law of Zebulon), wife of Moses H. Sheetz, who died Jan. 14, 1853, in the 32nd year of her age. **Margaret (second) wife of Zebulon who died Dec. 12, 1861, aged 69 years. **Mary A. (daughter of Zebulon) wife of T.M. Thompson, died Oct. 24, 1867, in the 42nd year of her age. **Zebulon Sheetz died Nov. 9, 1868, in the 75th year of his age. **Thomas M. Thompson (son-in-law of Zebulon) died Aug. 24, 1881, in the 72nd year of his age. The tiny, 30-by-30 foot plot is located on a high bluff on the east bank of the Tippecanoe River, near Bluewater Beach. Youth groups from the Presbyterian Church and other volunteers have cleared and maintained the spot in past years. The area is wooded and the cemetery is not visible to the casual observer. The cemetery is on privately owned land and access is limited." End of article.

Please forgive the cross posting but I'm hoping I can reach someone out there who has researched this family. I descend from Mary Bryan Van Hoose (d/o ?William Bryan(t) b. ca 1750 and spouse of JOhn Van Hoose of Anson Co NC) through her son Jesse (spouse of Edy BROWN of Floyd Co KY). A grandson of Mary's in 1901 reported that Mary had the following siblings: Owen, John, William, and a sister married to a RECTOR. I have found an Owen Bryan appearing as O'Brient married to Patience Rector in Washington Co VA 5/15/1806. Patience's father, Bennet married Owen's sister Sally Bryant-2nd wife (per marriage record) in Washington Co Va 3/2/1808. One of Owen and Patience's sons married an Oxsher (Auxier) and a daughter married a Ramey and named her son Owen Ramey. I read that Bennet Rector was from Fauquier Co Va. When I looked back at the fauquier Co Va records I find that the Rector family had dealings with ARNOLDS, NEVILLES, BERRY, BERRYMAN, OWENS, HITT, HITE, BROWN (a Daniel Brown in particular), BRUIN, BENNET, YOCUM, LUKINS (LYKINS) to name of a few. If these look familiar to some its because they are the same names allied to Edy (married to Jesse Van Hoose and mentioned above) Brown's grandfather, Thomas C Brown of Hampshire Co Va and many appear in Hampshire Co records. Now for the several questions: *** Did the RECTORS settle in the GERMANNA colony then move points south (ie FARQUIER and WASHINGTON CO VA) AND points west (HAMPSHIRE COUNTY) or were the GERMANNA settlers originally from somewhere else in VA/PA/MD/DE and settled Germanna later? *** Does anyone known anything about William BRYANT (Rev. War soldier of VA) married to Mary OWEN with daughter Elizabeth married to Louis MERRYMAN? (I see bunches of Berrymans living near this family but no Merrymans). ****The HITE migration was from Chester Co PA south to FARQUIER if I"m not mistaken. But they are also in Hampshire Co VA as well. Did they go Chester to Hampshire to Farquier to Washington? ***** Remember I was looking for Manley Brown who appears in documents with Thomas C Brown in Bourbon Co (Mason Co) KY? I found him in FARQUIER along with a slew of Browns who have dealings with ARNOLD, SLAUGHTER, SANDERS, and all the above names as well. ***** Does anyone know who Owen, Mary, Sally, William and John BRYANT (O'BRIENT, BRYAN etc..) belong to? ** can someone post this on the Brown list as well for me? Thanks!

Does anyone know of a website, book, journal or article about Isaac Zane,Jr., ironmaster, who had land dealings in Virginia. I have found Marlboro Iron Works associated with his name. My sons are in the structural steel business and thought they would enjoy reading about Isaac Zane, Jr. and his association with our ancestor, Lewis Stephens of Stephens City, Frederick County, VA ,who had a vested interest in the iron ore business. Thank you. Mary Jane Stephens Hennon in St.Louis

There is now a list for people interested specifically in Hampshire County. To Subscribe send the message subscribe to [email protected] ([email protected] for digest version). Or you can e-mail me directly and I'll set you up. Thanks, -- Michelle R. Staggs : Pendleton County Genweb Coordinator http://www.rootsweb.com/~wvpendle/ http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~mineral/ Mineral County Page http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Valley/6079/ Personal Genealogy mailto:[email protected] : Mineral County Mailing list

Here is more concerning ancestral monetary systems and tax payments, good info! Neil McDonald >The petition above this one is dated Oct. 1766 >From Chalkey: "In 1738 Act was passed for giving incouragement for the >settling the Frontiers by which the Inhabitants of Frederick and Augusta >were allowed to Pay off and discharge the Public County and Parish Levies >and all officers' fees in money for Tobacco at 3 farthings per pound. This >Act was made perpetual. In 1748, Act passed allowing every minister then, >or that should be thereafter, preferred to and Parish 16,000 pounds tobacco >and Cask. In 1752, or thereabouts, the Minister of Augusta Parish >Petitioned the Assembly setting forth the allowance made by the Act of 1738 >was too small to maintain him and Family, for till then he only received his >tobacco at 3/4d. per pound, amounting to L50 per annum, ...... Now the >Question is whether the Act made in 1738, or that made in 1748, is in Force. >And if the latter, how is the tobaccos to be levied and collected. As the >Inhabitants pays all their fees and levies in money." >We learned in Economics that if coinage or paper money is not available a >population will use any readily available but valuable commodity for barter. >Many prisons had cigarette economies. Susan in Oregon, [email protected]

Would anyone have the following book that is willing to do look-ups? Judy, E. L., History of Grant and Hardy Counties, Charleston, Charleston Printing Company, 1951. I am interested to know if he has anything on Joseph GEORGE who was listed on the 1782 tax list of Hampshire county or James GEORGE who appeared on the 1850 census Hardy county. If anyone has this information and would like to share I would be most grateful. Thank-you Elaine

Hello All, I am searching for any information on the CARPER family of Carpers Valley. Any clues at all is appreciated. Thanks and Good hunting, Robert Rooney

I've enjoyed this list for awhile so far, but haven't yet submitted anything but one brief inquiry. Hoping someone can help with this problem. I'm searching for the families of John B. Portlock and Sarah (Sary) Dougherty who were married in Fauquier Co. 27 Dec 1791. John B. was born in Shenandoah according to his R.V. war pension application. Shenandoah town? County? or somewhere in the Shenandoah Valley? He must have had parents in the area in 1765. (b. 7 Jul. 1765). John was in Augusta Co. in 1789 turning in his wolf scalps; William Portlock turned in scalps in 1790 -- father or brother? We have no information on the Dougherty family, who were probably in Fauquier co. also. We would appreciate any info on Dougherty's or Portlocks in any of these areas who could possibly tie in. Thank you. Beverly Portlock [email protected]

Alison, If you still have the 1850 VA censuses and if you don't mind could you do a few lookups for me? Chilcott or Silket in Hardy Co and Hampshire Co. Santmyer(s) in Rockingham Co - mainly William Harrison Santmyer(s) Santmyer(s) in Warren Co., Shenandoah Co and Frederick Co. - my main interest is Martha Elly Cain Santmyer(s). Anything else would be a goldmine. Thanks for this generous offer. Pat O'Toole [email protected]

ROANOKE TIMES Copyright (c) 1999, Roanoke Times DATE: Sunday, January 24, 1999 TAG: 9901250202 SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO RESEARCHERS DISCOVER WHO FIRST AFRICANS IN VA. WERE 'WHAT WE'RE FINDING OUT IS REVOLUTIONARY' SUMMARY: Evidence suggests that these unwilling immigrants were likely to have been Christians and spoke a common language. In the scant history of forgotten persons, many people are faceless. But few have been swallowed by the dark shadows that obscure the first blacks known to have lived in Virginia. Except for a few passing references from Capt. John Smith and members of theVirginia Company, these ''20-odd Negroes'' left virtually no trace after disembarking from a Dutch ship in late summer 1619. And for nearly 400 years that lack of evidence made it hard for anyone, including many determined scholars, to talk about one of early America's most historic moments. A recent survey of Portuguese colonial shipping records, however, may have turned up the very vessel in which these unwilling immigrants came to the New World. New studies of the Portuguese African colony of Angola have shed unexpected light on the subject. ''When I gave a talk on the arrival of the first Africans in 1994, I really had very little to say,'' said Jamestown Settlement curator Tom Davidson. ''But in five years the whole story has changed - almost completely. Gradually, we're taking what was the poorest known segment of 17th-century Virginia's population and moving into a realm where we can talk about them as people.'' Davidson gave a lecture recently that focused on several studies, including two pioneering works that appeared in the scholarly journal William & Mary Quarterly over the past two years. The first revolutionized the field, he says, by pinpointing the name, nationality and port of origin of the ship that carried the blacks from Africa to the New World. Sifting through Colonial shipping records, California historian Engel Sluiter came across a Portuguese merchant-slaver that lost its human cargo to English and Dutch privateers in the West Indies. The timing and description of the attack almost certainly tie that ship, known as the San Juan Bautista, to the Dutch adventurers who brought the first blacks to Virginia. They also link that human cargo to the Angolan port town of Luanda. ''Before this, we knew nothing about the Africans themselves. We didn't know if they were slaves. We didn't even know if they were Africans or Creoles from the West Indies,'' Davidson said. ''Now we have not only a probable origin - the Portuguese ship sailed from Angola - but a specific locale in Angola. And that's enabled us to discover what kind of people these first Africans were.'' Other scholars, including William & Mary Quarterly editor Philip Morgan, an award-winning author in the field, believe Sluiter's careful work leaves little doubt about the identity of the Portuguese vessel. And that crucial missing link has led to a fast-growing chain of information about the first blacks who landed in Virginia, he says. In 1998, the journal published a study by Pennsylvania historian John Thornton that examined the Portuguese colony of Angola during the early 17th century. Thornton's search through the records of the period turned up not only the region in Angola from which the blacks came, but also the military campaign in which they were probably captured. He also turned up evidence suggesting that these Africans were likely to have been Christians, that they had years of experience in trading and dealing with Europeans and that they spoke a common language. Such traits would have made them better able to adapt to their lot in Virginia than the ethnically and linguistically diverse groups of blacks that began to arrive from West Africa later in the 1600s, Davidson says. Continued trading with Portuguese Angola, he adds, may help explain why the first generations of Africans were so much more successful in working their way out of servitude than those that followed. It may also help scholars understand why attitudes about race hardened in the late 1600s, when the concept of limited-term indenture began to mutate into the institution of lifelong slavery. ''What we're finding out is revolutionary,'' Davidson said.

Re: the posting of "...Thanks for the info!... I have a distant relative who had a license for a tavern and will include this info in the family narrative." I learned one of the inputs to my posting on this subject was paraphrased from a published book: SOME EARLY SOUTHERN SETTLERS by Billie Redding Lewis. Please acknowledge credit to the author if you distribute the following info from my earlier posting: (2) "In researching for my books on SW Virginia I learned that a night in an inn with meals and transportation was not valued as much as a gallon of whiskey. As you know when the Pilgrims came to New England they had never tasted water; same with those to Virginia; however, there were no land conducive to vinyards, or so they thought; so they raised corn and made corn liquor which they used as currency or for bartering. They sometimes used both methods. Sold the whiskey and used the money, but more often they bartered whiskey for something. I have a letter that one of my ancestors said he would settle the bill if the indebted would just send him so much whiskey. When my mother read the letter she was highly indignant until I explained the monetary system of the 17 and 1800s." Thanks to all who provided input, understanding the lives and times of our ancestors is just as important as learning family names and dates, to me (and others), possibly more. Our ancestors were 'real people' who did important things, each in their own way, when building the framework for our great country. Just like you and I in today's world, one vote, one petition or one attempt to 'make a difference' in some positive way, large or small, can indeed help us to collectively build an even better country and society. Neil McDonald It's also important to have a little fun along the way.

Preston, Madaline H wrote: > QUESTION: > Should I go on the premise that the Frederick Co, MD is a > misprint or > Would Frederick Co, MD have been Frederick Co., VA in > 1800? Madaline, I wouldn't necessarily assume either of those. Frederick Co. Maryland and Frederick Co. Virginia are in fairly close proximity - separated by the Potomac river. Neither has ever been part of the other - and because of the river's location, there has never been any dispute over which colony owned which land. Many, many folks migrated through Frederick Co. Maryland on their way south, so it's entirely possible that he was born in Maryland and later moved on to Virginia and Kansas. Now, where does the "PA" in your subject line fit in here? <G> Phil

PLEASE HELP! Here is the URL to post information that you may have about former slaves. THANKS so much!!! http://members.aol.com/slavedata/Public/index.htm [email protected] wrote: > > Hello group, > > Several weeks ago, I received an email from a member of this list concerning a > website that was for the genealogy of slaves. I have information about slaves > in Bedford County Virginia 1811-1817 & 1823-1827. > > I will gladly forward this information if that person would please contact me > again privately. > > Thank you > > Pat Corbitt Johns > > ==== VA-SOUTHSIDE Mailing List ==== > Happy 2nd Birthday VAGenWeb Project! > Welcome to the VA-SOUTHSIDE mailing list! This list is for > genealogy researchers of the counties of: Amelia, Appomattox, > Brunswick, Charlotte, Dinwiddie, Franklin, Greensville, > Halifax, Henry, Isle of Wight, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, > Nottway, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Prince Edward, Prince George, > Southampton, Surry, and Sussex. It also includes the cities > of: Petersburg, Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Danville, Suffolk, > Emporia, South Boston, Franklin, and Martinsville.

Thanks to all of you who replied, telling me how to find this library. I appreciate your help. Wanita Lucas

I thought that Lord Fairfax was "given" a huge amount of land and he seems to be mentioned in a lot of land transactions because he deeded the land to whoever bought or leased it....in the Frederick County Deed films, you will see a whole section on Lord Fairfax and after his name it will say deeded "To" and the name of the person. I don't think it means our ancestors knew him personally...I'm sure someone out there more learned can quote chapter and verse on this little epistle......Jan --

In a message dated 1/25/99 3:38:18 PM, OLD-FREDERICK-CO-VA-D- [email protected] writes: << find out about my ancestor William Hickman. >> Peggy, I am decended from William HICKMAN 1683 ENG - 1765 MD or VA Arthur 1711-1779 Sotha 1748-1834 RevWar veteran buried Harrison Co., WV Arthur 1771-1856 Barbour Co., WV Arthur Jr. 1803- ? Doddridge Co., WV Jane Hickman 1830 m. Josiah Collins (my 2g grandparents) If you think this could be your line, let me know and perhaps I can help you. Melinda Collins Larson

Seeking any information about the following individuals AND their slaveowners, please! Lucy/Lucinda (born ca. 1847) Lynn/Linn/Len (Lucy's father) C.C. Riley Lewis Dolly Emily They were living in Mason Co., KY, by the 1870's. THANKS!!!! Judy

Hi all. I'm new to the list, but hoping someone can help piece together some missing "links" in my genealogy--particularly the FAGAN line. My third great grandfather was John Fagan, Irish immigrant and founder of the Old Valley Marble Works in Winchester, VA. He is buried with his wife, Mary Ann Clark, and daughter Margaret in the old Catholic cemetery in Winchester (which has all his birth/death info). His daughter, Mary Ann Fagan, married Jonathan Haines (my great great grandparents). Their son, Daniel Fagan Haines, married Betty CORRELL (my great grandparents). Does anyone have any other information on John Fagan and/or any siblings or children? I have gotten lots of info from the Archives at the Handley library and from the cemetery, but his family is still a mystery. He arrived in Philadelphia from Co. Wexford in 1822. Any information on the Haines family would be appreciated, too. Jonathan Haines seemed to appear out of nowhere. He spent most of his life in Charles Town (now WV), but died in Winchester. Thanks in advance! Beverly Abeles http://members.aol.com/WeRBevo/index.htm

To answer one question, it appears that taxes assessed in terms of 'pounds of tobacco' were often actually paid with tobacco. For those who did not grow tobacco, they likely paid with some other crop or equivalency (some apparently even paid with furs or 'bounty-type' pests at times.) Brokers or traders were apparently available who exchanged such commodities 'for cash' or barter. Financial accounting in those days was complex to say the least. See the following for info I have found concerning colonial monetary history: http://www.rootsquest.com/~amhisnet/topic/pamoney.html . (Scroll freely, this article includes other topics such as the VA-PA border dispute, varying land prices, McDonald genealogy and pointers for obtaining books.) As to 'hemp certificates,' such certificates apparently were required of farmers to raise and sell a hemp crop, as marketing of hemp was controlled by the Crown. The Royal Navy used a lot of hemp rope. 'Liquors rated' apparently pertained to the court setting the selling price of various liquors. (I am curious about how liquor was taxed and would like any references to such taxing, the excess of which ultimately led to a so-called 'Whiskey Rebellion' in several areas of frontier states, southwestern Pennsylvania was a primary example.) Following are various responses received to support the above summary. These include interesting information as to the lives and times of our ancestors. (1) Hemp was a crop controlled by the crown, a certificate was required to raise and sell the crop. Hemp was a necessary commodity for shipping and the Royal Navy required lots of rope. (2) In researching for my books on SW Virginia I learned that a night in an inn with meals and transportation was not valued as much as a gallon of whiskey. As you know when the Pilgrims came to New England they had never tasted water; same with those to Virginia; however, there were no land conducive to vinyards, or so they thought; so they raised corn and made corn liquor which they used as currency or for bartering. They sometimes used both methods. Sold the whiskey and used the money, but more often they bartered whiskey for something. I have a letter that one of my ancestors said he would settle the bill if the indebted would just send him so much whiskey. When my mother read the letter she was highly indignant until I explained the monetary system of the 17 and 1800s. (3) PAYMENT FOR TRANSATLANTIC TRIP ABOARD THE SAILING SHIP "AGREEMENT" Be it known to all men by these present that I, John Faulkner of Hogg Pen Neck in the county of Kent in the province of Maryland, Cordwaynder, [A person who makes shoes from Cordovan leather or a shoe maker] **in consideration of three-hundred pounds of tobacco, well and truly paid to me by Richard Fitzallen, the receipt whereof I do acknowledge by these present**, have assigned unto Mr. Daniel Jennifer of St. Maries all my right title, interest claim and demands of and to all those lands and rights to land which are become due unto me for or by reason of the condition of Plan Facon [A french word - fashion, manner, style] of the right Honorable Ceceleus Baltimore, Lord Proprietary Of the province of Maryland, for the transportation of myself and Elizabeth, my wife, and Thomas, Francis, and John, my children, with Eliza Bloxom and Thomas Jones, my servants, into the said Province on or about the twenty-second day of January, 1665, And do hereby, for the considerations aforesaid, assign and make over all my rights, title, interest, claim and demands of, and to all the premises to the said Daniel Jennifer to the only proper use and behold of him, his heirs and assignees forever. As witness my hand and seal this nineteenth day of November, 1665. John Faulkner X /s/ Nicholas Pichard X /s/ Edmond Barton X (4) Counties have Will, Deed, and Order books at their court-houses. The order books tell much info about taxes. Sometimes a road would need to be maintained, the county would tell families who owned land nearby how much they were to maintain, most of the time it was the section that ran along their property. (5) One Jacob Chrisman was fined 2,000 pounds of tobacco for keeping a tippling house without license. (6) The valley Germans differed from their countrymen in the Piedmont also in that they did not grow tobacco as a cash crop. Indeed, as a commodity, tobacco was so uncommon in the valley that the House of Burgesses considered " suffering the Inhabitants therof to pay all public Dues & Officers Fees in Hemp in lieu of Tobacco" (7) They were assessed taxes and fees, and paid in the crops they could or did grow. Sometimes they would pay with such items as even squirrel or crow -- when there were pest-type animals the government wanted to get rid of, it varied from year to year. (8) Chalkey I 1753-4 P.1 To the Worshipful Court of Augusta now sitting: We, the inhabitants of this County, have long felt the smart of the great indulgence the ordinary keepers of this County have met with in allowing them to sell such large quantities of rum and wine at an extravagant rate, by which our money is drained out of the County, for which we have no return but a fresh supply to pick our pockets. We, your petioners, humbly pray your worship to put a stop to the said liquors, which would encourage us to pursue our laborious designs, which is to raise sufficient quantities of grain which would sufficiently supply us with liquors and the money circulate in this County, and lay us under an obligation to pray for your prosperity. ( then follows a list of almost 100 signers) As far as I can figure out, Inns and taverns were regulated by the court. There are numerous reference to "licence to keep an ordinary or tavern" and I have seen lists of prices that can be charged for: a night's stay, an evening meal, stabling and feeding a horse, and various libations. I think this is because the licence made a monoply in a certain area and on his own the licencee might charge exorbident fees to to tired and hungry travelers. Specie of any sort was extremally hard to come by in the colonies. There is a will in Chalkey that mentions both Spanish Dubloons and English pounds. Many debts were settled with the products produced in the area. Someone could then take the product to market and buy what was needed. In Oregon the pioneers had the same problem. They produced a unit called the "Beaver". It was worth the equivalent of one beaver pelt. (9) County courts used to set the price at which certain liquors could be sold. I would think that setting liquor rates would mean setting selling prices.. Soldiers who served during the Indian wars when mustered out about 1754 were paid fifty pounds of tobacco or a specified amount of English money for their service..Apparently there were brokers or traders of some sort who would buy tobacco at any time and ship it to the ports and resell it or ship it overseas at a profit.... -----Original Message----- From: macbd1 <[email protected]> To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Date: Thursday, January 21, 1999 6:08 PM Subject: Tobacco, hemp and liquor... >Our ancestral Virginia frontiersmen and women in the mid-1700's were sometimes taxed in terms of 'pounds of tobacco.' I'm wondering whether our ancestors actually paid 'in tobacco' (barter) or whether they paid 'in cash' after they marketed their tobacco. If 'in cash' this payment was likely made in Spanish milled dollars (coins) from my study. > >I note within Chalkey's Chronicles many court entries of "Hemp Certificates: (then a list of names.)" Does anyone know what these entries mean? Were these possibly to certify certain ancestral farmers were qualified to market hemp, or did these 'certificates' possibly have something to do with the hemp quality or payments, I wonder. Hemp was used for manufacturing rope, was it used for other purposes such as for bags (like burlap) or other products in those days? > >Many court entries simply state: "Liquors rated." (No names.) I doubt the court was conducting anything like today's wine-tasting (rating) parties.... or, did this more likely have something to do with setting the 'tax-rate,' I wonder. Some of our frontier ancestors didn't like the government over-taxing liquor since this was a higher-priced 'value-added' product from corn -- which was much easier to transport to distant markets than grain or flour. There was a so-called 'Whiskey-Rebellion' in the early 1790's as many of you probably know. > >Can anyone shed more light on these topics? Understanding such entries helps us appreciate the lives and times of our ancestors, not just jotting down names. Responding to the list might be helpful to others but I welcome private responses as well. > >Neil McDonald > > >==== OLD-FREDERICK-CO-VA Mailing List ==== >Search this list's archived messages! >http://searches.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/listsearch.pl >