PA State Archives - Series Descriptions - RG-47

Erie County was created from a part of Allegheny County on March 12, 1800 with the boundaries defined in Smith's Laws, volume 3, p. 421 and in the Statutes at Large of Pennsylvania, Volume Year 1800, p. 457. Named for Lake Erie, the name is derived from the extinct Indian tribe known as the "cat people" who originally occupied the region. The county seat of Erie was laid out in 1795, incorporated as a borough in 1805, and became a city in 1851. The town of Erie began to grow during the War of 1812 and was the point from which Commodore Perry’s fleet sailed to defend the lake in 1813. In August 1859 Colonel Edwin Drake struck oil in Titusville, marking the birth of the petroleum industry in Pennsylvania. Abundant running water led to the development of many sawmills and gristmills. Today, electrical products, farming, wine making, and livestock are a few of the top industries in the county.

Grouped chronologically by year, thereunder geographically by borough, district, or township, and finally arranged by street address.

Tax assessment books for Erie County. Each set of records is broken down into the specific geographic locale, such as borough, district, or township and from there it focuses on individual streets or roads. For each street or road are listings of all the residences on that block, along with public and private buildings, and vacant lots. Information provided is name of taxpayer, location of property, assessed valuation, and amount of tax. Some School and Road taxes for Millcreek Township are included as well as a 1940 county property tax roll.

Returns of Additional Assessments,
1930-1944.
(15 volumes)

{#47.237} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by year of assessment.

Record of receipts from additional assessments. Names of payees are listed in order of payment with columns of figures not otherwise identified.

Law Journals of Erie County,
1925-1948.
(8 volumes)

{#47.238} [Holdings]

Arranged by year of publication.

Indexed internally by name of case.

Reports of cases decided in the several courts of Erie and adjoining counties for the preceding year. Courts included are the Court of Common Pleas and the Orphan's Court. Discussion of cases provides cause for the case, arguments made, some testimony, law and statutes cited, and decisions.

List of judgments of creditors and assignees. Information given is court term and case number, names of parties, date and amount of judgment, and whether the judgment was satisfied.

A variety of papers and documents filed through the county Court of Common Pleas. Since these papers differ significantly in the type of information contained within, each paper or document has to be examined as a separate and distinct entity. Some common data provided by each include the names of the parties and attorneys involved, type of case being filed, date, court term, case number, and official seals and signatures of officers.

General indexes to plaintiff and defendant files of the Court of Common Pleas of Erie County. The information in the series includes the Division Tables to Graves' Tabular Initial Indexes. Each page indexes the first letter of the first and last name of the plaintiff or the defendant. Other information provided is the case number and court term.

Information provided is name of plaintiff and attorney; nature of charge; dates and types of writs issued; dates of stay and returns of writs; amounts for interest, fees, and costs; and the signature of the sheriff.

Indexes to the cases recorded in the Execution Dockets, 1823-1970 {series #47.100}. The information provided includes the names of the parties, court term and case number, and volume and page where recorded.

Index to City of Erie Liens (Not Including General Liens),
1879-1899.
(3 volumes)

Information provided includes name of the taxpayer, the date of the levy (month, day, and year), date of registry, amount of school and city tax, and name of city where property is located. Descriptive information on the property is also provided, such as the tract or ward where the property is located, size of parcel, and any additional remarks indicating whether payment was made.

A record of judgments entered in the county court and filed by the prothonotary. Each docket shows the court term and case number, names of parties involved and their attorneys, date of judgment, type and amount of judgment and execution, and date when judgment was opened, revived, or stricken off..

A record of liens filed as a result of building contracts. The information provided includes the court term and case number, names of parties involved, action taken, nature and amount of lien, date of judgment, location of property, and a description of the property.

A General index that makes possible quick and easy referral to specific cases documented in the Mechanics' Lien Dockets, 1837-1954, 1956-1969 {series #47.104}. The information provided is the case number and the book and page in which the lien was recorded.

Declarations of Intention and Petitions for Naturalization filed with county courthouse. The information given is name and age of applicant, state and county of residence, occupation and physical description of applicant, country of birth, date of birth, city and street address in the United States, name of vessel on which arrived, marital status, country whence departed, port of entry, date of arrival, signature of person making declaration, date of declaration, and signature of the court clerk.

The Petitions for Naturalization filed through the United States Department of Labor and the county court of Common Pleas give the name of applicant and place of residence, occupation, date and place of birth, emigration date and former country of residence, date of oath of citizenship taken, marital status, number of children, name of ruler or leader of former country, declaration of intention certificate number, signature of applicant, signatures of witnesses to the affidavit, and date of petition.

The Dental Register is arranged chronologically by date of the certificate, while the Index to the Soldiers' Discharges is arranged alphabetically by surname of soldier.

A volume containing copies of dentist's diplomas. Information provided about each dentist includes name and address; date of graduation, name of institution, faculty member names, places and dates of practice in the state, and date recorded. Dentists lacking a diploma presented affidavits containing similar types of information. For additional dental licenses, see RG-22 Record of Dental Licenses, 1923-1965 {series#22.95} and RG-26 Record of Dental Licenses, 1965-1973 {series#26.105}.

The portion of the volume devoted to the Soldier's Discharge Index book provides page numbers where more information concerning discharges can be found in the Soldier Discharge Book.

Index to the Power of Attorney Papers in the county courthouse. The information provided is the names of the grantors and grantees, the book and page number where the papers can be located, the date filed, and and the date of recording.

Index of contracts filed with the county. The information provided is names of the grantee and grantor, type of contract, docket, volume and page where the record can be found, and date of the record. Types of contracts recorded include leases, agreements, rights of way, marriages, elections, affidavits, and driveway agreements. Other items include a carton of 1917 Returns of Lost Taxes, a ledger and journal, a "Record of Mortgages, Bonds, Judgments and other evidences of Debt subject to Taxation for state purposes and owned by taxable persons residing in Erie County" dated 1916-1926.

Accounts and financial statements of various people residing in the county. The information provided in each account statement varies significantly, although a majority focuses on estate claims and personal property.

Agreements made by Erie County to pay the state of Pennsylvania for various administrative purposes. Information provided about each agreement includes date, the amount of money to be paid, names of representatives of the county agreeing to administer to the payments, names of witnesses to the agreement, signatures of those swearing to follow through with the agreement, and signatures of witnesses and state representatives.

County will index providing names of the testator and the executor of the will, Will Book number and page number where the original will can be found, date of registration of the will, date of the will, and date of the letters testamentary.

Detailed inventory and appraisal records of personal property filed with the Notary Public by the appraisers. The information provided includes the name of the deceased, date inventory was taken, names of appraisers, and a listing of the personal property and their assigned valuations.

Letters of administration documenting the goods, chattels, rights and credits of deceased intestate persons. Each record gives the name of the decedent, name of the petition filer and date, name(s) of next of kin and their places of residence, value of property (chattels, goods, rights and credits), description of the estate of the deceased, amount of money for which a bond is filed, date and signature of the register, and date and signature of the bond filer.

Petitions for probate of wills. Information provided includes the name of the deceased, name and address of the petition filer, date of petition, name(s) of next of kin, value of the estate, signature of the register and filer of the petition, and signatures of the deputy and attorneys.

Lists of court cases brought before the Orphans Court or the Court of Quarter Sessions. The information provided includes the date of the hearing, case number, names of litigants, nature of the charges filed, a brief description of the case, and the verdict.

Dockets recording evidence of death for deceased person's property and estate. Each entry provides the name of the deceased, the date and time of death, the person's former place of residence, a list of the names of next of kin along with their present residences, value of property, date of entry, and signatures of the parties involved including that of a notary officer.

Fayette County

Named in honor of the Marquis de la Fayette, Fayette County was erected from a part of Westmoreland County on September 26, 1783 with the boundaries defined in Smith's Law, volume 2, p. 81. The county seat was originally laid out as Beeson's-town about 1776 but was later renamed Uniontown in honor of the formation of the new federal union. Uniontown was incorporated as a borough in 1796 and chartered as a city in 1913. Fayette County's economy continues to be grounded in agriculture and coal mining.

Birth Returns and Other Records for Negroes and Mulattos,
1785, 1788-1826, 1830.
(1 box)

Birth records of "negro" or "mulatto" children filed with the county. Information provided is the date of the child's birth, name of the child, names of the parents, and place of residence. Most of these records were filed with the Clerk of the Peace for Fayette County who also maintained certificates of slave registry. All records were prepared after the passage of the Act of the Gradual Abolition of Slavery in Pennsylvania. The certificates of slave registry, which encompass several counties, contain the registration date, place of residence of the slave owner, gender and age of the slave, and occasionally the slave's date of birth and mother's name. Additional miscellaneous documentation in this series include other materials dealing with slavery or particular slaves in the county.

Court Papers,
1839, 1844-1845, 1875-1890.
(3 folders)

{#47.209} [Holdings]

Grouped chronologically by date of court session.

Records from Court of Quarter Sessions. These are miscellaneous records which include orders to appear, lists of witnesses, Grand Jury indictments, bonds, verdicts and costs of cases, viewers' appointments, and charges brought. The majority of records are unrelated.

Marriage Bonds,
1785-1786, 1815.
(1 folder)

{#47.210} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of bond.

Bonds taken out to confirm there were no impediments to proposed marriages. Data includes name of bondsmen, names of couple intending to marry, and witnesses. These bonds were taken out for William Woolsey and Margaret Goe, Henry Noble and Rachel Goe, Presly Carr and Sarah Stephman, Valentine Giesey and Drusilla Shugert, and Robert Hamilton and Elizabeth McCortney.

Schoolmaster's Contracts,
1810-1812.
(1 folder)

{#47.211} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of contract.

Contracts between Schoolmaster James Whitesitt and trustees and subscribers. The contracts offer schooling for three, six, nine, or twelve month periods. Included with the contracts are records of attendance of students and of payment, in kind or money, to the schoolmaster. Both boys and girls' names are listed.

Tavern Licenses,
1783-1921.
(20 cartons)

{#47.208} [Holdings]

Grouped chronologically by term of Court of Quarter Session.

Petitions to Justices of the Court of Quarter Sessions of Fayette County to grant licenses to sell liquors and to maintain public houses of entertainment. When approved, the petitions were endorsed to reflect that a license was approved. Over time, the amount of information pertaining to each petition increased significantly. Originally, the petitioner's name and location of business were all that was required. Later, accompanying petitions supporting the granting of a license were included as well as bonds taken out by sponsors pledging the good behavior of the licensee. By the late nineteenth century, the petitioner's place of birth, and place of naturalization if foreign born, was included. Additionally, the bondsmen were required to describe the property supporting their bonds and where they obtained it. Remonstrances against the granting of licenses are included as are depositions from witnesses concerning the facts in dispute over contested license applications. Information on the growing prohibition movement and the extent of alcohol abuse can be obtained from the court papers filed with certain applications.

Huntingdon County

Named for the county seat, Huntingdon County was erected out of a part of Bedford County on September 20, 1787 with the boundaries defined in Smith's Law, volume 2, p. 417. Laid out in 1767, the county seat of Huntingdon was named for the Countess of Huntingdon by Dr. William Smith, provost of the University of Pennsylvania, who owned the land there. The town of Huntingdon was incorporated as a borough in 1796. Iron was a major industrial enterprise in the 1800s in Huntingdon County, but the major industries today include dairy, tourism, and farming.

Record of appearances before the county Court of Common Pleas. Since these papers differ significantly in the type of information contained, each paper or document has to be examined as a separate and distinct entity. Some common points of information include the names of the parties and attorneys involved, type of case being filed, date, court term, case number; official seals and signatures of officers.

Records of court arbitration proceedings. Information provided includes the session number, date of docket, names of contending parties, fees paid, and explanations of rules to "Refer and Appoint by the plaintiff with the Prothonotary's Office."

Board of Relief Book,
1856-1866.
(1 volume)

{#47.212} [Holdings]

Grouped chronologically by date of meeting of board and arranged thereunder by locality.

Record of dates of meetings of Board of Relief and orders given for payments of monies to needy persons. Information provided is date, name of chairman, names of persons provided for, amount of funds distributed, and location. Persons are grouped by township or borough.

Chattel mortgage dockets provide names of the mortgagor and mortgagee, docket number, docket date, amount of the mortgage, a brief description of the chattel, and the location on which the chattel is located.

Minute books of the daily proceedings of the Court of Common Pleas. The information provided includes date of session, names of those in attendance, resolutions adopted, description of court proceedings conducted, and description of speeches or presentations.

Indexed internally, alphabetically by the surnames of both the sellers and buyers.

Sales dockets concerning agreements for the purchase of chattels. Information provided is names of buyer and the seller, the date of the transaction, the amount of money involved, the docket number, and a brief description of the property.

Records of Pleas Returnable to the County Court of Common Pleas held at the the town of Huntingdon. Records provide the date of the plea, names of the contending parties, a brief description of the plea and the amount of money involved in the case.

Debt Case Docket,
1844.
(1 volume)

{#47.213} [Holdings]

Grouped by court term date and arranged thereunder by case number.

Listing of debt-related court cases for the court of quarter session terms of 1844. Each entry lists the plaintiff and defendants with columns of items and associated amounts. "Debt" appears to be the first item in each case followed by interest as of a certain date and other entries. Each has a dollar value associated with it. The final column appears to have a notation as to disposition. Entries are often abbreviated and difficult to read.

Deed Polls,
1813, 1845-1846, 1857, 1859-1860, 1862-1864.
(1 box)

{#47.214} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of deed.

Deeds prepared to convey land at a tax sale. These deeds were used to transfer ownership from owners who failed to pay their taxes on the land. Information contained is name of officials, name of previous owner, acreage of land, location of land, amount of unpaid taxes, tax sale price, name of new owner, date of sale, and date of recording of deed.

Record of equity proceedings in the Court of Common Pleas. The information provided is court term, case number and date, names of contending parties, equitable remedy sought, dates papers relating to the case were filed, and disposition of the case.

Dockets of executed proceedings. Each document contains most, if not all, of the following information: litigant's name, name of attorney, nature of the case, date and type of writ issued, dates of stay or returns of writs, signature of the sheriff, and amounts for interest, fees, and costs.

Index of judgment dockets filed with the prothonotary. Information provided about each case is name of defendant and plaintiff, docket number, court term number, date of entry in the docket, and the amount of money involved in the case.

Judicial Sale Bonds,
1870, 1872.
(1 folder)

{#47.215} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of instrument.

Bonds taken out by purchasers at a tax sale. Document commits purchaser of land at a tax sale to make payment to County Treasurer or previous owner. Information provided includes name of purchaser, amount, bond amount, name of previous owner, and a brief description of property.

Dockets of proceedings in the establishment of liens against property arising out of building contracts. Listed for each proceeding is the court term and case number, names of parties involved, action taken, nature and amount of lien, date and location of property, and property description.

Also known as Medical Register, this series is a record of physicians practicing within the county, showing the name and address, date and place of birth, and medical institute attended by the physician.

Plea Docket,
1840-1875.
(1 volume)

{#47.216} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of entry of rule.

Record of plaintiff's registering an "entry of rule" which required the defendant to enter a plea within six weeks. Data includes names of plaintiff and defendant, number and date of court term where case first filed, date of entry of rule, and names of attorneys for the plaintiff. In some cases, there is a notation as to which plea the defendant made.

Motor vehicle registration forms filed with the county. Each registration form provides the name of the vehicle owner and their residence, the name of the manufacturer, and the registration number.

Roll Book of Junior Order of United American Mechanics,
1865-1866.
(1 volume)

{#47.217} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of meeting for officers and by date of admittance for members.

Record of officers and members of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. The initial pages list the names and titles of the officers and their attendance at meetings between 1882 and 1888. The next section lists members by name, serial number, date of admission, whether initiated, and remarks. Succeeding pages list honorary members, rejected applicants with reason, and suspended members with reason. Finally, there are abstracts of the council. The order was founded in Philadelphia in 1845 as a fraternal organization. In later years it became largely a burial and insurance society.

Each entry provides the names of the debtor and the secured party, their residences, the file number, the amount of money involved, the location of the premises and a description of the property, date of docket entry, and a stamp of "Satisfaction" if the debt was paid.

Lists of stallions for breeding purposes that were registered with the Department of Agriculture. Registers show the name and address of the owner, animal name, and its license number.

Dockets filed with the county concerning individuals that had delinquent or unpaid taxes (usually school taxes). This report was mandated and required by the Act of 1923. Each report provides the name of the school district that filed the report, the debtor, the name of the township, the amount of the claim, and the signature of the president of the school board.

A list of all the practicing veterinarians in the county, the register shows name and address of the veterinarian, his date and place of birth, when and where educational training was received, and signatures of the prothonotary and the veterinarian.

Indiana County

Indiana County was formed on March 30, 1803 from parts of Westmoreland and Lycoming Counties.

Jefferson County

Jefferson County was Created on March 26, 1804 from part of Lycoming County and named for President Thomas Jefferson. It was attached to Westmoreland County until 1806 and then to Indiana County until 1830, when it was formally organized. Brookvillle, the county seat, was laid out in 1830 and incorporated as a borough on April 9, 1834. It is said to have been named for the numerous brooks and in the vicinity.

Declarations of Intention and Petitions for Naturalization filed with county courthouse. Documents provide the following information about the applicant: name and age of applicant, state and county of residence, country of birth, date of birth, country departed, port of entry, date of arrival in the U.S. and applicant's signature Documents also provide signatures of sworn witnesses, the date of declaration and the signature of the county court clerk.

Statement of Cancellation from Business Carried on under Assumed Name and Certificate of Conducting Business under a Fictitious Name, with data providing the name of the business, name and signature of involved individuals, the character of the business, place where business is conducted, and the date and county of registry. May include Affidavit of Notice of Publication of Intention to File a Certificate to Conduct Business under a Fictitious Name, often with a copy of a newspaper article announcement included.

Lackawanna County

Lackawanna County was erected by the Luzerne County Court decree of August 13, 1878 and under the Act of April 17, 1878. It was named for the Lackawanna River that was in turn named by the Algonquin Indians with a word meaning the "stream that forks." Named for its founding family, Scranton was laid out in 1841, incorporated as a borough in 1856, and became a city in 1866. The area gave rise to a number of successful "gravity" railroads. The 1902-1903 Anthracite Coal Strike in Scranton was finally ended by President Theodore Roosevelt, resulting in federal legislation. Lackwanna County saw further troubles in the mining industry in 1911 as a result of the Anthracite Mine Disaster in Throop, which left seventy-two miners dead. Whereas in the past, the county was known for its railroads, coal mining, steel, and textiles, today Lackawanna County relies on banking, small business, and a number of chain companies as the basis of its economy.

Records of cases tried before the commonwealth juvenile court system. The dockets provide the court term and case number; names of the defendant, prosecutor, and judge; date the information was filed; description of the case; criminal record of the juvenile(if any); and outcome of the case.
NOTE: These records are Restricted and not available to the general public.

Details of the daily operations of the Court of Quarter Sessions. The books contain daily attendance sheets, lists of court cases, meetings and resolutions, and documentation of all other business tended to.

Lawrence County

Named for Captain James Lawrence who served on Commodore Perry's flagship, Lawrence County was laid out from portions of Beaver and Mercer Counties in 1849. The county seat of New Castle was originally laid out in 1802, incorporated as a borough in 1825, and chartered as a city in 1869. This area was formally acquired from Native Americans by the 1784 Treaty of Fort Stanwix, also known as the the “Last Purchase,” and migrants from Allegheny County began to settle in 1793. Railroads and canals used to be big business in Lawrence County, along with cement, oils, and paper. Today, farming is the top industry in the county.

Inquisition reports filed by the county coroner with regard to suspicious deaths. The information provided in each report includes the date of the report; the name of the coroner; information about the deceased (name, if known; location where body was found; theories on how it is believed the individual died; physical condition of the body), signature of the coroner; and a listing of any charges associated with filing the report.

Fictitious Names,
1917-1977.
(9 cartons)

{#47.249} [ Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by filing date.

Records filed by applicants for the registration of a fictitious name under which they wish to conduct their business. The application shows date, certificate number, name and addresses of individuals or firms applying for fictitious name, proposed name which they wish to assume, location and character of business, and signature of parties and prothonotary. Attached forms include proof of publication in the Lawrence County Law Journal and Application to Add or Delete Parties.

Marriage Returns,
1885-1910.
(5 cartons)

{#47.248} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by filing date.

These records are on microfilm, which includes an index.

Records authorizing and confirming marriages. They are divided into two sections, the marriage license giving authority for the marriage to be performed and the duplicate of the marriage certificate filled out by the person officiating at the marriage and given to the couple. Other forms in this series include affidavits and consent forms. The information found includes date of marriage, license number, names and addresses of parties, and signature of the official who performed the ceremony.

Naturalization Records,
1850-1948.
(19 cartons)

{#47.230} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of declaration or petition.

Indexed externally on microfilm, alphabetically by surname of applicant.

Declarations of Intention and Petitions of Naturalization filed in Court of Common Pleas. Prior to 1906, information given includes name and age of applicant, city emigrated from, country of origin, place of arrival, subject of which foreign sovereign, file date and date of declaration, current residence, and signatures of applicant and court clerk. The New Act regulations of 1906 added physical description, current occupation, and vessel of arrival in addition to changing the naturalization procedures. Pre-1906 records are indexed alphabetically by surname in the microfilm Index. Numbers are assigned to each declaration and petition which are filed together. Post-1906 records are maintained on standard forms issued by the Naturalization Service of the Department of Commerce and Labor. These petitions and declarations are filed separately and by date of application. The later records are indexed annually. Each year's list is then made alphabetical by surname of applicant.

Board of County Commissioners

Selection of Jurors,
1851-1860, 1867-1877.
(2 volumes)

{#47.262} [Holdings]

Grouped chronologically by year of selection then arranged by political subdivision.

Record of the selections made by the jury commissioners of men eligible for jury duty for the coming year. The earliest volume lists the names of eligibles by township or borough. The second volume notes the occupation of each man.

Tax Journal,
1861-1866.
(1 volume)

{#47.261} [Holdings]

Grouped chronologically by year of payments then arranged alphabetically by name of political subdivision.

Record of returns from tax collectors of the county. Each borough or township lists the name of the collector for that year and the transactions that took place. Cash payments, losses, and commissions are recorded. The figures are totals for the borough or township.

Tax Records,
1852-1868.
(117 volumes)

{#47.260} [Holdings]

Grouped chronologically by date of assessment, thence arranged by political subdivision.

Tax assessment books describing the values of real and personal property upon which rates were to be applied. Information provided includes name of owners of real property, by whom that property is occupied, size and value of seated and unseated lands and town lots, number and value of horses and cattle over four years of age, debts, stocks, value of furniture and pleasure carriages, occupation and annual income therefrom, offices held and income therefrom, county tax, state tax, militia tax, and watches of various kinds. In the back of each volume the same data, except relating to land, is provided for single men. Entries are grouped alphabetically by last name. Volumes are in poor shape and some names are not legible.

Clerk of Courts

Acceptances,
1877-1979.
(16 folders).

{#47.220} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of acceptance.

Letters from officials elected to public office stating their acceptance of the position. Data includes position, location of position, name and signature of elected official, date of election, reason for election, and date. Offices include Justices of the Peace and Aldermen from Allentown and Bethlehem. Some refusals are included.

Appointments of Election Officials,
1916-1921.
(2 folders)

{#47.227} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of appointment.

Petitions to appoint persons to vacancies in the election process. When approved, the petition identifies the person named to a position. Data includes name of election district, office vacant and reason therefor, name of previous officeholder and political affiliation, name of nominee and political affiliation, and signatures of voters creating the petition. Positions include minority inspector, judge, inspector, and majority inspector. Some petitions have letters of resignation of incumbent attached.

Bonds of Elected Officials,
1946-1973,
(1 folder)

{#47.221} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of bond.

Bonds required to be taken out by newly elected justices of the peace. The bond confirmed that the justices would correctly and faithfully apply all monies which came into their possession. Data includes name of justice, district to which elected, and term of office. The signed bonds were approved by the president judge. A few bonds contain the oath of office.

Certifications of Elected Officials,
1970-1981.
(1 folder)

{#47.222} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of certification.

Records of completion of the course of instruction required before serving as district justice of the peace. These courses were required for elected officials who had not previously served as justices or who were not members of the bar of the Supreme Court. Only a few certifications are filed.

Certifications of Election Returns,
1902-1979,
(1 folder)

{#47.223} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of certification.

Certifications of the Municipal Elections Return Board for elections held for aldermen and district justices. Having computed and canvassed the returns, the Board certified to the Prothonotary the winners of the elections. Data provided includes district and name of newly elected officers and their addresses.

Charters,
1838, 1855-1856, 1860-1861, 1864-1877, 1879-1883, 1887-1901, 1903-1909, 1927, 1938, 1940-1966.
(8 cartons)

{#47.218} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by term of court of quarter sessions where application was made.

Charters granted to non-profit organizations to confirm their name and to legalize their conduct of operations under the terms and clauses of their application. Organizations include churches, fraternal societies, athletic associations, charitable trusts, political organizations, and others. Amendments to the charters may be found filed with the original charters or they may be filed under the term of court of their filing. Applications to dissolve organizations are filed as well. Where an amendment resulted in a legal dispute, some additional court papers may be found. Charters may contain the name of the organization, its intended purpose, powers granted, a description of the officers, their responsibilities, rules of governance, articles of incorporation, case number, and term of court.

Election Returns,
1915-1936,
(15 folders and 2 volumes).

{#47.224} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by year of election.

Reports of elections made to Court of Common Pleas. Each report may contain the appointing order of election officials, checklist for correct procedures, a chronology of steps taken to conduct and verify the election, and tabulated results. Where errors were made, steps taken to correct them are noted. Some tabulations of votes by military personnel are included.

Justice of the Peace Dockets,
1869-1874, 1877-1891.
(2 volumes)

{#47.263} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of hearing.

Knauss volume is indexed internally by name of case.

Record of cases brought before the Justices of the Peace situated in Macungie and Millerstown boroughs. The earliest volume is the record of Justice James Christman of Millerstown and the latter is that of Justice O.J. Knauss of Macungie. For each case is recorded the charge, summons issued, pleas made, hearings held, disposition, and costs. Parties and witnesses may also be named.

Naturalization Records,
1790-1991.
(22 cartons and 25 boxes)

{#47.232} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by year and term.

Returns of Elections of School Directors,
1933, 1935, 1971-1981.
(2 volumes and 1 folder)

{#47.225} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of return.

Report of the votes cast for candidates for school director in all districts in Lehigh County. Data provided is date of election, name of school district and municipalities contained therein. Names of candidates, their political affiliations, and the number of votes received complete the reports.

Returns of Elections of School Superintendents,
1918-1926, 1930-1936, 1938-1942.
(3 folders)

{#47.226} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of election.

Records of the process of electing school superintendents. Records include calls for election, agenda of meetings, votes of school boards, and other materials. Majority of records are tally sheets.

Petitions of Married Women to get their Separate Earnings,
1875-1887.
(2 folders)

{#47.219} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of petition.

Petitions of married women to hold and maintain their earnings outside the control of their husbands. Provision for such control had been established under Public Law 35 section 2 of 1872. The petitions contain the name of the petitioner and her husband.

Luzerne County

Luzerne County was formed in 1786 from Northumberland County and named for the Chevalier de la Luzerne, French minister to the United States. Beginning at the mouth of the Nescopeck Creek due east to the head of the Lehigh Creek and finally crossing the eastern branch of the Susquehanna River, the specifics of the county's boundaries can be found in Smith's Laws, Volume 2, p. 386. Laid out in 1722, the county seat is the city of Wilkes-Barre. The county was home to a number of forts during the colonial and Revolutionary war era including Ft. Durkee, Ft. Wyoming, Forty Fort, and Jenkins Fort. This county's tumultuous early history includes the Yankee Pennamite Wars, the Wyoming Massacre of 1778, and the Sugarloaf Massacre of 1780. Numerous mining disasters and labor clashes have plagues the county throughout its history including the Avondale Mine Disaster of 1869, the Twin Shaft Disaster of 1896, the Lattimer Massacre of 1897, and the Knox Mine Disaster of 1959. Coal mining, textiles, and the rail industry have given way in recent decades to agriculture, tourism, banking, small business, and a number of retail chain companies.

Yearly tax assessment records, including assessments of real and personal property, debts, judgments, bonds, household furniture, etc. prescribed by law assessable with the county. Each record provides the name of the taxable individual, the number of dogs and militia fines, and the acres of improved and unimproved lands, the value per acre, the total value, the number of houses, and the gross actual value. This same information is supplied for lands that are above four years of age. Information about the taxable individual includes his/her trade or profession, yearly income, aggregate state and county taxes, and any special state taxes that may apply.

Externally indexed by certificate number and surname of the defendant, but the State Archives does not hold the Index.

Certificates issued by the county court system to negligent parents ordering them to provide monetary support for their child or children. Each certificate provides the date, the certificate number, the name of the defendant, the amount of money to be paid and to whom the money is to be paid to, and the signature of the court officer.

Records of all the papers filed through the Court of Oyer and Terminer. The docket provides the case number and the date, the names of the opposing parties, a brief description of the case, the verdict of the case, amount of any money to be rewarded, and signatures of the court officers.

Papers from cases brought before the Court of Oyer and Terminer, providing the names of the disputing parties, charges filed, court term and date, name of witness(es), explanation of the case, the verdict and penalty, and the signature of the judge.

Indexed externally, alphabetically by defendant's surname in Quarter Sessions Indexes, 1918-1965 {series #47.144}.

Record of cases brought before the Court of Quarter Sessions. Details provided include the court term and case number; date of the case; names of the opposing parties, judges, attorneys, witnesses, prosecutors, and jurors; details of the case; the plea and verdict; and the disposition and costs. Although most dockets contain the information stated, some are lacking in certain areas.

Each entry provides the name of the defendant, the case number, the session date (month and year), the docket number and page, and an explanation of the charge (civil or criminal), along with some specifics regarding the offense).

McKean County

Named for Pennsylvania Governor Thomas McKean, McKean County was erected out of a part of Lycoming County on March 26, 1804 with the boundaries defined in Smith's Law, Volume 4, p. 170. It remained attached to Centre County for administrative purposes until 1814 when it was combined with Potter County to elect commissioners jointly, and also was attached to Lycoming County for judicial purposes. It was finally fully organized in 1826. The county seat of Smethport laid out in 1807 was named in honor of Amsterdam bankers Raymond and Theodore de Smeth and was incorporated as a borough in 1853. The Kinzua Viaduct was an important innovation in the transportation of coal north via rail. During the Civil War a number of the famed members of the 42nd Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, the "Bucktails", came from McKean County, including Brigadier-General Thomas L. Kane. The lumbering, oil, railroad, and chemical industries that once thrived in this county have been replaced by small manufacturers.

Automobiles had to be registered with the prothonotary's office as per the Act of 1903. The registers provide the name and address of the owner or owners, name of manufacturer, the manufacturer's number of the vehicle, and date of registration.

These volumes contain recorded copies of dentist's diplomas. Some of the relevant information provided includes the dentist's name and address, date of graduation, name of institution, faculty member names, places and dates of practice in the state, and date recorded. Dentists lacking a diploma presented affidavits containing similar information, which are also part of the records in the volumes. For additional dental licenses, see RG-22 Record of Dental Licenses, 1923-1965 {series#22.95} and RG-26 Record of Dental Licenses, 1965-1973 {series#26.105}.

A list of dogs registered with the county. Each entry contains all or most of the following information: the owner's name and address, the name of the dog, descriptive details about the dog (such as size, weight, age, hair color), signature of the officer that registered the dog, and date of registration.

Original registration forms filed with the legislature which include the name and address of the filing optometrist, the date and place of birth, name of certifying institute and date of graduation.

A record of certificates which the legislature required optometrists to file with the prothonotary. The information provided includes the optometrist's name and residence, county's registration number and date of registration, date granted by the Board of Optometrical Education, and volume and page of the certificate in the State Optometry Register. One-dollar stubs proving that the registration fee was paid are also included.

Original registration forms filed with the legislature which include the name and address of the filing osteopath, date and place of birth, name of certifying institute and date of graduation.

Also known as Medical Registers. The registers provide a record of physicians practicing within the county, showing the name and address, date and place of birth, name of medical institute attended by the physician, and date of graduation.

Petitions and affidavits submitted in conjunction with the Act of Assembly regulating medical practice in the counties of the Commonwealth passed on March 24, 1897. The volume contains only one entry, that of Byron Clark, documenting his educational background, years and locations as a practicing physician, and the location of his residence and practice.

A list of stallions for breeding purposes that were registered with the Department of Agriculture. The register shows the name and address of each owner, animal name, and its license number.

List of all the practicing veterinarians in the county. The register provides the name and address of the veterinarian, his date and place of birth, when and where educational training was received, and signatures of the prothonotary and the veterinarian.

Monroe County

Created on April 1, 1836 from parts of Northampton and Pike Counties and named for President James Monroe, the boundaries of Monroe County were laid out in the Laws of Pennsylvania, volume year 1836, p. 430. Stroudsburg, the county seat, was incorporated as a borough on February 6, 1815 and named for Jacob Stroud, an early settler to the area. The region witnessed depredations during the French and Indian War. Early industries in the county were the railroads, lumber, and mining. In the early 1900s the rail industry proved the backbone of Monroe County's economy. The Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad Company introduced the well-known "Phoebe Snow", which ran from New York to the Poconos. Today, the area is a major farming region, and the Poconos and the Delaware Water Gap support a vibrant tourist industry.

Reports of School Districts and Municipal Taxes Collected,
1911, 1968-1988.
(2 volumes)

Various returns and reports of incoming tax yields to the local school districts in Monroe County in conjunction with Act 511. The Act 511 reports provide such data as the calendar year date, name and county of the school district, name and residence of each taxpayer, type of taxes, number of taxables and tax rate percentage, amount collected, salary or commission, other expenses paid by tax district, and the signature of the tax collector. Other documents found include school audit reports, tax related correspondence, and incoming tally sheets on the amount of money brought in from the taxes.

Arranged chronologically by date of report, which is then subdivided by township, borough, or district.

School auditor's reports filed with the Commonwealth's Department of Public Instruction. Each report provides the name of the county and municipality; ending date of the school year; name of the school district; assessed value of real estate and number of mills levied; per capita tax assessment value; rate of per capita tax; amount of school tax (per capita, property, and total); current expenses, instruction expenses, auxiliary expenses, school plant operations expenses, maintenance expenses, and charges filed expenses; a sinking fund report; assets and liabilities; a summary of the report; amount of tax collector's bond, treasurer's bond, and secretary's bond; and the date and signature of the auditors. Other types of reports found include the Summary of Receipts and Disbursements Report; Financial Statement Report, Local Audit Report of ESEA Title I Projects, Local Audit Report of Federal Programs, General Fund Budget Reports, balance sheets, and financial statements. The school auditor's reports are the primary documents in this collection. Early reports are in loose-leaf paper form, but by the mid 1980s they begin to appear in bound format.

Arranged chronologically by date of report, which is subdivided by city, borough, township, or district.

Reports of the Tax Collector filed with the state Department of Community Affairs. The reports provide the name of the county and township, ending date of the school year, stamp of the prothonotary, and signatures of the chairperson and secretary. Each report contains all or most of the following sub-reports: Cash and Investment Assets at the End of the Fiscal Year; Financial Statement, School Taxes Levied and Collected, County Taxes Levied and Collected, Institution District Taxes Levied and Collected, and the Report of Act 511.

Montgomery County

Montgomery County was erected from a part of Philadelphia County on September 10, 1784 with the boundaries defined in Smith's Law, volume 2, p. 267. The county seat of Norristown was named for Isaac Norris, who owned land there. During the American Revolution Montgomery County witnessed action as a result of the Battle of Whitemarsh of 1777. The Pennsylvania Railroad’s Main Line passed through in the 1860s, giving rise to an elite residential area. Montgomery County is home to Graeme Park, the estate of Pennsylvania's colonial Lieutenant-Governor Sir William Keith, along with the home of Lucretia Mott, the well-known abolitionist and women's rights advocate. Both Republican Governor Hartranft and Democratic presidential candidate General Winfield Scott Hancock were natives of the county. Various manufacturing plants and rich farming help to make Montgomery County one of the wealthiest counties in the state today.

Various court dockets filed with the Prothonotary's Office. Each docket entry provides the following information about a legal case: names and addresses of the opposing parties, date and time of filing, the docket number, description of the case including the amount of the suit involved, the verdict, and the signature of the prothonotary. Some dockets have a stamp for judgments that were paid in full and resulted in satisfaction, while others are stamped if the case was terminated under the Local Rule of Court #406.

Northumberland County

Named for Northumberland County in England, Northumberland County was erected out of portions of Lancaster, Cumberland, Berks, Bedford, and Northampton Counties on March 21, 1771 with the boundaries defined in Smith's Laws, volume 1, p. 367. Named for an English village near London, the county seat of Sunbury was laid out in 1772, incorporated as a borough in 1797, and became a city in 1921. Fort Augusta was an inportant post in the defense of the colony during the Indian raids of the late 1700s. Well-known residents of this county have included Thomas Edison and Joseph Priestly. Lumbering, anthracite coal, and textiles were once big industries in this county, but today farming is the bedrock of the economy.

Grouped chronologically by year, and thereunder municipality and district, and finally arranged by street address.

Returns of tax assessments taken in the county. Each set of records is broken down by specific geographic locale, such as borough, district, or township, and from there it focuses in on individual streets or roads. For each street or road are listings of all the residences on that block, along with public and private buildings, and dormant lots. This set of records provide a microview of the county's residents and incoming taxes for a particular year. Information contained in these tax records varies throughout the years. Many of the early records cover townships which are no longer in Northumberland County.

Perry County

Originally part of Cumberland County, Perry County became the 51st county in the state on 22 March 1820. It is named in honor of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, the American hero of the naval engagement with the British on Lake Erie in the War of 1812. On the north, west, and south Perry County is bordered by the Tuscarora, Conococheaque and Blue Mountains, while the Susquehanna River forms its east boundary. The precise bounds are defined in Smith's Laws, volume 7, p. 275. Sherman’s Valley was the scene of Indian attacks in 1755 and 1756. The Susquehanna Division of the Pennsylvania Canal ran through Perry County. Known for its forests and woodlots, Perry County attracts scores of hunters. The county seat is New Bloomfield. The lumber industry is still actively pursued by a few, but many residents today travel beyond the confines of the county to seek employment.

NOTE: These records were once kept by the Pennsylvania State Archives, but have since been returned to Perry County.

Pike County

Named for General Zebulon Pike, Pike County was erected out of a part of Wayne County on March 26, 1814 with the boundaries defined in Smith's Laws, volume 6, p. 190. The county seat of Milford is probably named for Milford Haven in Wales and was incorporated as a borough in 1874. The relatively unknown Battle of Minisink of 1779 was fought in Pike County. The county is also the site of the family home of Gifford Pinchot, forester and conservationist. A variety of industries once thrived here including lumbering, railroads, tanning, and quarries. Today, the summer tourist population, a feature for over a century, is often ten times the permanent population.

Booklets put out by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts about historic sites and scenic areas in the various townships of Pike County. The townships represented are Lackawaxen, Blooming Grove, Palmyra, Sholola, Matamoras, Porter, Dingman, Delaware, Milford, Lehman, Westfall, and Greene. Each booklet provides a brief vignette sketch of the township detailing its location, date of establishment, physical description, types of residents, areas of industry, and a look at its role in various facets of Pennsylvania and American history. Some of the more notable historic sites are pointed out, accompanied by a discussion of their significance and directions as to how they can be found. The backside of each booklet provides a map of the particular township.

Schuylkill County

Schuylkill County was erected out of portions of Berks and Northampton Counties on March 11, 1811 with the boundaries defined in Smith's Laws, volume 5, p. 201. Parts of Columbia and Luzerne Counties were added to Schuylkill County in 1818. "Schuylkill” is Dutch for “hidden stream". This was the scene of Indian raids and frontier forts in the French and Indian and Pontiac Wars, and of brief Indian raids during the American Revolution. The Union Canal ran through Schuykill County from 1832 to 1862 carrying extracted coal. Coal mining and the rail industry were the major money makers in Schuylkill County in its early days, but today farming is mainstay of the economy.

These tax assessment records assume a more condensed format than those of some other municipalities. The books provide assessments and enumerations of all people, property, and things taxable by the laws of the county. Each record gives the freeholder's name and address, the name of residence owner and location, and miscellaneous tax fiscal information. There are various different reports that can be found in this series: triennial, female, freeholder, occupational assets, tenants, numbered streets.

A record of individuals that were appointed to various positions within the county court system. Each docket provides the number of the docket and date, the name of the individual being appointed and the name of the person whom they are replacing, and the title of the position that the new appointee will be filling.

List of dogs registered with the county. Each entry contains all or most of the following information: the owner's name and address, the name of the dog, descriptive details of the dog (such as size, weight, age, hair color), and the signature of the officer that registered the dog and date of registration.

List of Applications for Retail, Wholesale, Bottling, and Brewing Licenses,
1921-1932.
(2 volumes)

Applications of individuals applying for a license to sell alcoholic beverages in the county. Each application provides the name of the applicant and their area of residence, the date which the application was filed, the type of business which the applicant is involved in, type of stand (old or new), name of the attorney, location of the individual's business, disposition of the application (whether the application was granted or not), and the date of the license issue. The front of each volume in this series contains a statistical compilation of information with regards to these licenses and their applications.

Indexed internally, alphabetically by the last name of the individual receiving the license.

Licenses granted to individuals that applied to sell, bottle, or brew alcoholic beverages in the county. Each license provides the docket number and the date, the name of the district and ward, the date which the license was filed, the name of the applicant and their residence, type of business in which the applicant is involved in, the location of the business, signatures of the witnesses and sureties, the disposition of the license application, the date of acknowledgment, and the signature of the Justice of the Peace.

Annual Reports of the Controller of Schyulkill County. Each report provides the date and the term number, and most of the information is fiscal, dealing with taxes, property value, expenditures, and other financial concerns. Other types of reports that can be found within the annual reports are statistical reports concerning inmates in the county, and reports of the sinking fund.

Appeals made by individuals or companies against the county coal provider as a result of coal prices or coal tax prices. Each appeal provides the appeal number and date, the parties involved in the case, a brief description of the case, the amount of money involved, and signatures by the prothonotary or other officers with notary powers.

This volume contains recorded copies of dentists' diplomas. The information provided on each includes the dentist's name and address, date of graduation, names of institution and members of the faculty, places and dates of practice in the state, and date recorded. Dentists who possessed no diploma presented affidavits containing similar information. These, too, were recorded in this volume. In 1897, the responsibility of maintaining these records was officially transferred to the State Dental Council and Examining Board, under the Department of Education. In 1965, the responsibility was transferred to the Department of State, State Dental Council and Examining Board. For additional dental licenses see RG-22 Record of Dental Licenses, 1923-1965 {series #22.95} and RG-26 Record of Dental Licenses, 1965-1973 {series #26.105}.

Registration forms filed with the legislature which include the name and address of the filing optometrist, date and place of birth, and name of certifying institute and date of graduation.

Official election returns for various positions in the county. Each return shows the office being contested, the name of the candidates, their political parties of affiliation, and the number of votes per candidate.

Somerset County

Named for Somersetshire in England, Somerset County was erected out of a part of Bedford County on April 17, 1795 with the boundaries defined in Smith's Law, volume 3, p. 229. The county seat of Somerset was also laid out in 1795 and incorporated as a borough in 1804. The necessity of converting the bulky grain crops of the region into whiskey for transport over the mountains involved the area in the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794 in protest of the federal government’s tax on distilleries. A portion of Albert Gallatin's National Road passed through Somerset County. Like many of the counties in the state, Somerset County played a major role in lumbering, livestock, and railroads. Today, bituminous coal is an important component of the county's economy.

Petitions filed in the county Court of Quarter Sessions recommending certain individuals to fill a particular vacancy in the county bureaucratic system. Each petition provides the name of the person being recommend and the position they are being recommended for, the date of the recommendation, and the names and signatures of those recommending the individual.

Audit reports filed in compliance with Act 330 of 1937. Each report provides detailed fiscal information concerning taxes, assets and liabilities, property values, expenditures, bonds, the general sinking fund, receipts, and other financial concerns. Some of the offices and jurisdictions covered in these reports are the: coroner, sheriff, school districts, townships and boroughs, local auditors, and the poor districts.

Inquisition reports submitted by the county coroner detailing the specifics of a sudden, suspicious, or mysterious deaths. The report provides the name of the deceased, the date inquisition was filed, the name of the township or borough where the deceased resided,circumstances surrounding the death, and names of witnesses. All the costs and fees dealing with the coroner's report are also given.

Election Returns,
1800, 1802-1805, 1807-1839, 1898, 1900, 1902-1905, 1907-1917.
(4 cartons)

Official election returns for various positions in the county. Information provided is the office sought, the name of the names of the candidates and their political affiliations, and the number of votes polled by each candidate.

Reports of the Directors of the Poor and the House of Employment and Managers of Somerset County Hospital,
1902-1904, 1906-1926.
(1 carton)

Miscellaneous reports dealing with the Somerset County Hospital. Included are Reports on the Hospital for the Insane, Reports on Indentured Children, Steward's Reports, Summary Reports, and Inmate Classification Reports.

Susquehanna County

Named for the Susquehanna River, Susquehanna County was erected out of part of Luzerne County on February 21, 1810 with the boundaries defined in Smith's Laws, volume 5, p. 90. Pennsylvania purchased the land from the Indians at Fort Stanwix in 1784. It remained attached to Luzerne County until 1812. Named for Dr. R. H. Rose, a prominent citizen, by combining the French "Mont" with Rose, the county seat of Montrose was laid out in 1812 and incorporated as a borough in 1824. As the lumbering, tanning, toy, and the railroad industries have entered into decline, the farming remains the basis of the economy.

Arranged chronologically by date of report. Subdivided by municipality and school district.

Audit reports filed in compliance with Act 330 of 1937. The information provided concerns taxation, assets and liabilities, property values, expenditures, bonds, general sinking fund, and receipts.

Wayne County

Named for General Anthony Wayne, Wayne County was erected from a part of Northampton County on March 21, 1798 with the boundaries defined in Smith's Laws, volume 3, p. 316. Named for Philip Hone, president of the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company, the county seat of Honesdale was laid out in 1827, incorporated as a borough in 1831, and became the county seat in 1842. Earlier county seats were Wilsonville (1799-1802), Milford (1802-1805), and Bethany (1805-1841). David Wilmot, author of the Wilmot Proviso of 1846, was born in Wayne County. In 1865 Christian Dorflinger established Dorflinger Glass Works, which was a major industry in the area until the 1920s. In 1829, the first locomotive to operate in North America, the “Stourbridge Lion,” ran in Wayne County. Lumber, mining and glassmaking were once top employers in Wayne County, but today the economy is focused on tourism, health services, and home construction.

Election return books for Erie County. The information provided is name of office, names of the candidates and their political affiliation, and the number of votes polled by each candidate.

Index for the election expense vouchers providing the name of candidate and voucher number together with the volume and page where the voucher can be found.

Tax Assessment Books,
1850-1873, 1875, 1882.
(8 cartons)

{#47.231} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by year of assessment, grouped thereunder by township and thence by initial letter of surname.

Records of the county assessments levied on residents of the townships of Wayne County. Assessments were applied to the following categories, occupation, houses, mills, horses, cows, oxen, manufactories, other improvements, improved land, and unimproved land. In later years such categories as money at interest, watches, and pleasure carriages were added.The records are generally complete through 1868 with only a few holdings from later years.

Westmoreland County

Named for a county in England, Westmoreland County was erected from a part of Bedford County on February 26, 1773 with the boundaries defined in Smith's Laws, volume 1, p. 407. Named for General Nathaniel Greene, Greensburg became the county seat in 1785, was incorporated as a borough in 1799, and became a city in 1928. The first county seat was Hannastown that was burned by British troops and their Indian allies on July 13, 1782. The county was site of the 1763 Battle of Bushy Run during Pontiac's War. Colonel Henry Bouquet led a force a British and colonial troops that put an end to Indian success in the Pennsylvania hinterlands. This area was also involved in Lord Dunmore’s War and in Indian fighting during the American Revolution. The county witnessed a number of mining setbacks, including the 1891 Morewood Massacre, the 1891 Mammoth Mine Disaster, and the 1907 Darr Mine Disaster. Prominent individuals born in Westmoreland County include Revolutionary War officer General Arthur St. Clair, steel industry icon Henry Clay Frick, and former Pennsylvania governor and Civil War general, John White Geary. The county was once a major manufacturer of steel, glass, gas, and coke. Today some steel is still produced, and glass and metal products remain important.

Indexed externally, alphabetically by surname of commissioned individual, in {series #47.176}, Index to Commissions, 1792-1964.

A record of commissions granted. Each record shows the name of the commissioned person, his term and date of commission, and the position commissioned to.

An index to the {series #47.175}, Commission Books, 1792-1973. Each entry provides the name of the commissioned individual and the volume and page where his information can be found.