I have learned it was legal for the sheriff to seize personal property, including harvest in the fields, animals, household goods, etc. to pay for court and jailing costs. But was there a law which allowed Sheriff Corwin to legally seize real estate? If your ancestor's real estate was seized, please post what you know to the list (including where you found your information). I have read references in books that Sheriff Corwin seized real estate. I have heard from one person (Sandy) that John and Elizabeth Proctor's real estate was seized BEFORE they were tried and convicted. How could Sheriff Corwin get away with that? Also, if Sheriff Corwin took the property, would the sales (conveyances) be found in deed records and would they be listed on the Grantor Index under "S" for Sheriff George Corwin to, or under "C" Corwin, George to ? Or, would the Grantor be the govt, as in "Massachusetts Bay" or "Colony of Massachusetts Bay", or what? -- Helen