A writ of habeas corpus is a procedure for obtaining a judicial determination of the legality of an individual's custody. This collection includes petitions for writs of habeas corpus and the writs themselves, showing the names of petitioners, persons to be brought to court, nature of dispute or alleged crime, dates of writs and accompanying documents, names of judges, and names of persons that the writs are filed against. Petitioners include indentured servants, Freedom Seekers, free persons of color, convicted prisoners, those awaiting trial, relatives of prisoners, parties in child custody disputes, and relatives of army recruits and draftees.
Lancaster County Archives has Habeas Corpus dockets:
1799-1978, ten volumes, record of writs of Habeas Corpus written.
1895-1983, 43 boxes, original petitions.
Notes
LancasterHistory is committed to preserving and providing access to materials chronicling Lancaster County's heritage. As a historical resource, this document reflects the racial prejudices and actions of the era. In order to maintain the historical integrity and context of collection items, LancasterHistory does not censor historical documents or edit language, titles, or organization names when transcribing original content.
Additional Notes
Or Boston, Abraham.
Alias William Toogood.
Person of color.
Charged with suspicion of being a runaway enslaved person.
Petitioner: Boston, Abram.
Filed against: Barber, Robert. His occupation: jailor.
Commitment paper.
Affidavit.
Habeas corpus, includes answer and decision.
3 items, 2 pieces
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment-contact research@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish. There is no fee for publication.
Credit
Courtesy of Lancaster County Archives and LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Case Number
169.000
Classification
RG 01-00 2313
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Digitization of this document was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 202010016624, 2020-2023.
A writ of habeas corpus is a procedure for obtaining a judicial determination of the legality of an individual's custody. This collection includes petitions for writs of habeas corpus and the writs themselves, showing the names of petitioners, persons to be brought to court, nature of dispute or alleged crime, dates of writs and accompanying documents, names of judges, and names of persons that the writs are filed against. Petitioners include indentured servants, Freedom Seekers, free persons of color, convicted prisoners, those awaiting trial, relatives of prisoners, parties in child custody disputes, and relatives of army recruits and draftees.
Lancaster County Archives has Habeas Corpus dockets:
1799-1978, ten volumes, record of writs of Habeas Corpus written.
1895-1983, 43 boxes, original petitions.
Notes
LancasterHistory is committed to preserving and providing access to materials chronicling Lancaster County's heritage. As a historical resource, this document reflects the racial prejudices and actions of the era. In order to maintain the historical integrity and context of collection items, LancasterHistory does not censor historical documents or edit language, titles, or organization names when transcribing original content.
Additional Notes
Person of color.
Indentured apprenticeship and enslaved person.
Petitioner: Stump, William.
Filed against: Cutler, Jesse; Stubbs, Joseph.
Affidavit.
Habeas corpus, includes answer and decision.
2 items, 2 pieces
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment-contact research@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish. There is no fee for publication.
Credit
Courtesy of Lancaster County Archives and LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Case Number
188.000
Classification
RG 01-00 2313
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Digitization of this document was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 202010016624, 2020-2023.
Commissioners' order for payment to witnesses, justices and court clerks
Admin/Biographical History
This record group contains canceled orders that were issued by the county commissioners for payment to be made by the county treasurer. The orders show date, order number, amount, name of payee, purpose, and signatures of the county commissioners.
Bowman, Benjamin Esq. Justice. Comm. v. Shirk, Jacob; fornication and bastardy. Herbet, Peter; assault & battery with intent to kill.
Commonwealth v. McGuiness, Juliana. Alias Hopkins, Juliana; larceny. Witnesses: Heckrote, Henry. Kauffman, John. Carrol, Jane.
Reitzel, John Esq. Justice. Commonwealth v. Reily Lydia;
larceny. Commonwealth v. Corman, Henry; surety of the peace; complaint of McDonald, Ann. Commonwealth v. Corman, Henry; surety of the peace; complaint of Amstead, Barbara. Commonwealth v. Adams, [Thomas] T.G.; forgery. Commonwealth v. Robertson, Job; assault and battery. Comm. v. Macks, Nicholas; assault and battery. Comm. v. Marke, N. ; surety of the peace. Lemon, Alexander; larceny. Vanhorn, Robert; fornication and bastardy.
Brown, David Esq. payment to Lloyd, Thomas, clerk. Comm. v. Findlay, Sarah. Comm. v. Thompson, John; larceny on complaint of Hoffer, Joseph. Comm. v. Thompson, John; larceny on complaint of Guy, John. Comm. v. Johnston, Robert; assault and battery on complaint of Haughey, D. Comm. v.ODonnald, Roger and ODonnald, Dominick; house of ill fame on complaint of Haughey, D. Comm. v. Haughey, Dominick; assault and battery. Comm. v. Leek, Margaret, Johnson, Robert; keeping a disorderly house. Comm. v. Davis, Henry. Comm. v. Johnson, Robert, African Amerrican; assault and battery.
Comm. v. Johnson, Robert; assault and battery on complaint of Haughey, Dominick. Witnesses: Haughey, Dominick. Dolot, Mary. Linn, William. Sweeney, James. McGlachlin, Bernard. Pleston, Stephen.
Comm. v. Wimble, Joseph; larceny. Witnesse: Heckrotte, Henry. Wade, Joseph.
Comm. v. Pyle, John; assault and battery. Witnesses: Brown, Benjamin. Brown, [Elizabeth]. Brown, Benjamin Jr. Snodgrass, William. Brown, Ann. Furniss, Gardner. Whebster, Joseph. Hutton, Isaac. Hutton, William. Hains, Jeremiah B.
Comm. v. Wan, Daniel; assault and battery. Witnesses: Withers, George. Reese, William. Steele, William. McClune, George. Russel, William.
Comm. v. Pile, John; assault and battery. Boyd, Samuel Esq. Justice.
Comm. v. Kirk, WIlliam; counterfeiting. Martin, Peter; Witness.
Comm. v. McClure, Barbara; malicious mischief. Heinzelman, John J. [also spelled Henselman].
Spear, Robert, Justice in the following cases: Comm. v. McCall, George; fornication and lewdness. Comm. v. McCall, George; assault and battery. omm. v. McCall, George; larceny. Comm. v. Baker, Maryan; fornication and lewdness.
Comm. v. McKittrick, John; fornication. Witness: Wengert, Jacob. Signed over to Mathiot, Joseph J.
Comm. v. Poke, Robert; assault and battery. Witnesses: Dick, Margret. McKinney, Eave. Fox, Fanny.
Comm. v. Brown, John. Lechler, WiIlliam. Deputy sheriff.
Comm. v. Davis, Henry; manslaughter. Albright, Henry served subpeona.
Boyd, James; Constable. Comm. v. Davis, Henry; manslaughter. Comm. v. Thompson, John; larceny. Comm. v. Thompson, John; larceny. O Donald, Roger, O Donald, Dominick; nuisance and disorderly house.
Wimble, Joseph; larceny. Witnesses: Russel, Elijah. Brown, Mary Ann.
Comm. v. Adams, James. Assault and battery. Witnesses: Schminky, John. Briceland, James. Briceland, Mary. Newcomer, Mary. Peters, Abraham.
Comm. v. Wise, Catherine. Arson. Witness: Ebeman, Mathias.
Comm. v. Duncan, Melvy. Assault and battery with intent to kill. Witnesses: Ruth, Abraham. Ruth, Fanny. Adam, Frederick. Fryberger, Jacob.
Comm. v. Smith, Louis. Assault and battery. Witnesses: Barr, Joseph. Markly, John Esq. Reese, William. Withers, George.
Comm. v. Smith, Louis. Surety of the peace. Withers, George.
Comm. v. Lewis, John. Charge brought by Wither, Isaac. Witness: Platt, James. Comm. v. Lewis, John. Charge brought by Puhly, Charles. Witness: Platt, James.
Boyd, James. Constable in the following cases: Comm. v. Findly, Sarah. Keeping a disorderly house. Comm. v. Johnston, Robert. African American. Assault and battery. Comm. v. Johnston, Robert and Leek, Margret. Keeping a disorderly house. Comm. v. Johnston, Robert, assault and battery.
Comm. v. McKellegan, John. Manslaughter. Witnesses: Shafer, Martin. Miller, Benjamin. Deffenderfer, George. Snyder, John. Luther, John Dr. Heister, William Esq.
Comm. v. Brown, John. Larceny. Witness: Herr, John.
1 item. 49 pieces.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at research desk. Photocopy made by staff member.
This record group contains canceled orders that were issued by the county commissioners for payment to be made by the county treasurer. The orders show date, order number, amount, name of payee, purpose, and signatures of the county commissioners. In the case of "poor children," teachers were reimbursed by the county for tuition and/or the supplies purchased for students whose parents were unable to pay. Orders include: Poor Children, Almshouse, Bridges, Coroners' Inquests, Prisons, Roads, Court House, and Tax Exonerations.
This record group contains canceled orders that were issued by the county commissioners for payment to be made by the county treasurer. The orders show date, order number, amount, name of payee, purpose, and signatures of the county commissioners.
LancasterHistory is committed to preserving and providing access to materials chronicling Lancaster County's heritage. As a historical resource, this document reflects the racial prejudices and actions of the era. In order to maintain the historical integrity and context of collection items, LancasterHistory does not censor historical documents or edit language, titles, or organization names when transcribing original content.
Additional Notes
Jail fees and expenses for prisoners from July 1 to October 1, 1821.
Vandike, Jacob. Person of color.
Francis, Fanney.
Smith, John.
McGrann, Patrick.
Stewart, George.
Hyden, George.
Kain, James.
Cannon, John.
Pinehart, Michael.
Green, Charles. Person of color.
Swann, Saul. Person of color.
Austen, James.
Bullman, James. Person of color.
Mooney, William.
Laferdy, Lewesa.
Hildebrand, John.
Ellinger, David.
Gallagher, Michael.
Carter, Charles. Person of color.
Ward, Michael. Person of color.
Christy, John. Person of color.
Banks, David. Person of color.
Leek, Margaret.
Stewart, Charles.
Black, Alexander.
Franton, Samuel.
Paterson, Charles.
Lynch, Hannah.
Myers, Jacob.
Markle, Jacob.
Jones, Samuel.
Mail, Urial.
Blotenberger, Peter.
Deneven, David.
Thompson, William.
Jones, John.
Hains, Samuel.
Bisco, John. Person of color.
Williams, Robert.
Milford, John.
Lewis, William. Person of color.
Burk, Joseph.
Campbell, Mary.
Dill, Thomas. Person of color.
Tate, Agnes.
Watson, Olaver.
Boyle, John.
Zarlet, Mary Ann.
A stranger. (Name not recorded).
Glasgoe, Abraham. Person of color.
Price, John. Person of color.
Eron, George. Person of color.
Richardson, John B. Person of color.
Bennet, Isaac.
Johnson, Thomas. Person of color.
Livey, John.
Kee, William.
O'Donnel, Barney.
McKitrick, Patrick.
Myers, John.
Parker, Joseph. Person of color.
Carns, Robert.
O'Donnel, Dennis.
Gray, John. Person of color.
Kauffman, Isaac.
Lyle, Hugh.
Shartz, Conrad.
Nagle, Frederick.
Keiler, Daniel.
Stewart, Christopher.
Tunaron, Francis. Person of color.
Cochran, Isaac.
Johnson, John. Person of color.
Willes, Thomas.
Moldoon, Charles.
Moore, James.
Clark, Henry.
Flick, Christian.
Taylor, William.
Howard, Adam.
Philips, Henry.
Frances, Fanny.
Lynch, Biddy.
Lynch, Elonor.
Cooper, William.
Milyert, Alexander. Person of color.
Chapman, Barbara.
Smuller, John.
Will, Conrad.
Clark, Henry. Person of color.
Williams.
Gallagher, Paterick.
Porter, Thomas.
Copelen, Isaac.
Peterson, Charles.
Debler, Joseph.
Fitzgerrel, George W.
Doress, James.
Shepperd, Benjamin.
Summervill, William.
Keiler, John.
A stranger (name not recorded).
Smith, Martin.
Davis, Hugh.
Wilson, John.
Dunlap, John.
Chapman, Barbera.
Will, John.
1 item, 1 piece
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at research desk. Photocopy made by staff member.
This record group contains canceled orders that were issued by the county commissioners for payment to be made by the county treasurer. The orders show date, order number, amount, name of payee, purpose, and signatures of the county commissioners.
LancasterHistory is committed to preserving and providing access to materials chronicling Lancaster County's heritage. As a historical resource, this document reflects the racial prejudices and actions of the era. In order to maintain the historical integrity and context of collection items, LancasterHistory does not censor historical documents or edit language, titles, or organization names when transcribing original content.
Additional Notes
Prisons.
Jail fees for the following prisoners. 1 January 1822 to 2 April 1822.
Tarbell, Samuel.
McGrann, Patrick.
Kean, James.
Richardson, John B. Person of color.
Kauffman, Isaac.
Cochren, Isaac.
Snotgrass, James.
McCarty, David.
Burkheiser, Mary.
Keller, Daniel.
Aaron, Joseph. Person of color.
Aaron, Sally. Person of color.
Smuller, John.
Willes, John.
Molson, Ephraim. Person of color.
Getz, Philip. Person of color.
Lewis, William. Person of color.
Nelson, Pompey. Person of color.
Deven, John.
Miller, Frances.
Berry, John.
Griffen, Stephen.
Deitrick, John.
Sharp, William.
McManamey, John.
Bear, John.
Brown, William.
Williams, Charles.
McAlargen, John.
Long, Samuel.
Lewis, John.
Derick, Mary.
Trepere, Chearles.
Black, William.
Butler, Mary. Person of color.
Butler, Harriet.
Prutzman, John.
Sweeney, Isaac.
Lynch, Biddy.
Wiggans, Robert.
Heisten, John.
Ladley, Peter.
Whitson, Henry.
Morcan, George.
Thompson, William.
Richardson, Henry.
Dellam, Joseph. Person of color.
Dellam, Charles. Person of color.
Glass, William.
Lynch, Elonor.
Lynch, William.
Sensenig, Jesse.
Tuneson, Frances. Person of color.
Meyer, John.
Leck, Margaret.
McKinsey, Thomas.
Bosier, Samuel. Person of color.
Erron, George. Person of color.
Sensenick, Joshua.
Cowhick, John.
Noble, Thomas B.
Philips, Henry.
Charles, James.
McKnight, John.
Barten, William.
Mentere, Mathias.
Maroney, Peter.
Roth, John.
Breden, John.
Gable, Jacob.
Vagrants:
Williams, Stephen.
Williamson, Stephen.
Bullman, James. Person of color.
Black, John.
Wilson, Isaac. Person of color.
Sensenig, Jesse.
Johnson, Thomas.
McLane, Alexander.
McConnel, William.
Tolen, John.
Hickman, Sally.
An unnamed stranger.
Harris, Isaac. Person of color.
Richard. [No last name recorded.]
Sheaffer, _____. Jackson, John.
Suppliers:
Breneman, Henry.
Kreiner, John.
Stineman, J.
Johnson, Ben.
Hitzelberger, George.
Withersd, George.
Marten, Jacob.
Bushman, Abraham.
Breneman, Henry.
1 item, 1 piece.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at research desk. Photocopy made by staff member.
This record group contains canceled orders that were issued by the county commissioners for payment to be made by the county treasurer. The orders show date, order number, amount, name of payee, purpose, and signatures of the county commissioners.
LancasterHistory is committed to preserving and providing access to materials chronicling Lancaster County's heritage. As a historical resource, this document reflects the racial prejudices and actions of the era. In order to maintain the historical integrity and context of collection items, LancasterHistory does not censor historical documents or edit language, titles, or organization names when transcribing original content.
Additional Notes
Prison.
Payment for key fees and maintenance of prisoners.
Heinitsh, August. Jailer.
List of prisoners:
Kauffman, Isaac.
Johnston, Sarah.
Sawyer, William.
George, John. Person of color.
Pence, George.
Cowhawk, John.
Lemmon, Alexander.
Cromwel, Jeremiah.
Stewart, Benjamin.
Burns, Henry.
Alexander, Clarissa.
Johnston, Robert.
Switzer, Conrad.
Lamb, James.
McCammon, James.
Ross, Thomas.
Heitwole, John. Debtor.
Huston, Charles.
Finkenour, George. Debtor.
Tager, James. Debtor.
Loneas, William. Debtor.
McKinsey, Thomas.
McDonald, Hugh.
Walker, James.
Drake, Joseph.
Tillman, Charles.
Gain, Norban.
Copart, David.
OHara, John.
Cole, Christian.
Kauffman, David.
Heas, James.
Stacy, William.
Lynch, William.
Lynch, Eleanor.
Milford, John.
Hyde, Nicholas.
Sinister, Garret.
Hickman, Sarah.
Thompson, Kitty.
Lick, Rebecca.
Beedle, Benjamin.
Payment for cleaning chimneys, January. Johnston, Benjamin.
Payment for repairing chimney. Winaur, Jacob.
Payment for mending wood saw. Remly, _____.
Payment for mending saw. Hook, Michael.
Payment for mending pump. Kriner, John.
Payment for cleaning chimneys, March. Johnston, Benjamin.
Payment for brooms. Smith, James.
Payment for repairing buckets. Heisler, G.
Payment for filing and repairing saw. Dunner, Jacob.
Payment for medical treatments ordered by Dr. J. Atley for prisoner:
Neal, David.
Lynch, Hannah.
1 item. 1 piece.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at research desk. Photocopy made by staff member.
This record group contains canceled orders that were issued by the county commissioners for payment to be made by the county treasurer. The orders show date, order number, amount, name of payee, purpose, and signatures of the county commissioners.