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.

Estate Files,
1823-1959.
(500 cartons)

{#47.387} [Holdings]

Arranged numerically by case number.

Records necessary to complete the settlement of a deceased person's estate. Papers may include wills, letters of administration, inventories and assessments, petitions, testimony, bonds, courrt sale notices, and other material necessary to compile an estate and to distribute it.

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 in the vicinity.

Civil Dockets,
1823-1906.
(44 cartons)

{#47.390} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by term of court session.

A record of all civil proceedings in the Court of Quarter Sessions showing court term and case number, names of parties, type of paper, date filed, and decree of court. Though titled dockets, the papers are loosely filed.

Equity Papers,
1856-1910.
(6 cartons)

{#47.391} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by term of court session.

Petitions and papers regarding suits in equity, that is, those matters not triable according to technical forms of law. Proceedings in equity seek redress of grievances beyond those available under statute law.

Executive Dockets,
1831-1909.
(22 cartons)

{#47.392 } [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by term of court session.

Orders to the sheriff commanding some action in the execution of a judgment. The command may be to seize the goods and chattels of a defendant or to compel the appearance of the defendant at a future hearing. Data may include the names of the plaintiff and defendant, the amount of the judgement, date of hearing, and signature of prothonotary.

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.

Insolvency Petitions,
1831-1921.
(1 carton)

{#47.393 } [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by term of court session.

Petitions submitted to court to be given relief from debt as provided for by an act of the legislature. Information contained includes name of debtor, details of financial condition and debt, and request for relief. Reason for indebtedness and proposed settlement offer may be included.

Mechanics Lien Dockets,
1843-1932.
(2 cartons)

{#47.394 } [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by term of court session.

Liens placed on property to assure recovery of expenses incurred by workers. Data includes name of claimant, name of owner of building, name of owner of land covered by the building, name of the contractor for the work, name of the person authorizing work and purchase of materials, and name of person for whom work was performed. Also included is a statement of the work, amount owed, bill of materials, and date from which the work is unpaid.

Naturalization Papers,
1831 - 1910.
(5 cartons)

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.

Record of proceedings in Court of Equity. Material includes filing of complaint, responses to filings, testimony, depositions, and other papers offered as evidence. These may include bonds, writs of injunction, motions, rule, answer to rule, order of continuance, bill, and cross-bills. Records will generally display names of parties to dispute, date of actions, and nature of dispute.

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.

Orphan's Court Records,
1839-1908.
(20 cartons)

{#47.358} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of term of court hearing.

Records of proceedings in court relating to settlement of estates and guardianship of minor children. Court purview includes adoption proceedings, settlement of decedent's estates, probate of wills, auditing and filing of accounts of fiduciaries and compelling distribution of assets. Records may include petitions for appointment of guardians, appointments as administrator of estate, bonds, inventories, writs of partition, appraisal lists, confirmation and ratification of sale of real estate of minor children, show cause orders, and widow's appraisals among others.

Tax Assessment Rolls,
1945-1960.
(138 volumes)

{#47.360} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by year of assessment and arranged thereunder alphabetically by name of political subdivision.

Records of assessment of properties for taxation purposes. Data contained within the volumes includes name of property owner, mailing address, location of property, map and lot number, acres of seated and unseated land, frontage and depth, and valuation.

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.

Americanization Schools Reports,
1921-1948.
(10 folders)

{#47.343} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by month of report.

Reports of activities of school which was created to assist foreign-born persons to achieve citizenship. Monthly reports provide information on the number of persons attending classes, names of teachers and number and gender of their students, and number of classes. Also provided are the number and types of personal assistance requested. These include citizenship paper applications, phone and personal inquiries on immigration and citizenship, and immigrant visa applications. When naturalization proceedings were completed, the number of new citizens, by country, is given.

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.

Assignment Bonds,
1853-1912.
(1 carton)

{#47.401} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of bond.

Bonds taken out by persons assigned to handle the accounts of insolvents or of the estates of insolvents. The person bonded promises to gather and distribute to creditors any monies which may be owed to the insolvent. Data includes name of bonded person, name of person or estate on whose behalf the actions will be taken, date and amount of bond.

Assignment Dockets,
1839-1928.
(4 volumes)

{#47.312} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by court term and case number.

Indexed internally alphabetically by surname of petitioner.

Record of civil proceedings in court of quarter sessions. Data includes court term and case number, names of parties, character of case, and judgments of court. Multiple hearings are noted where occuring. Many cases involve relief from insolvency and estate matters.

Assignments for the Benefit of Creditors,
1833-1928.
(14 cartons)

{#47.400} [Holdings]

Arranged numerically by number assigned to case.

Records of cases whereby individuals have been assigned to manage the financial affairs of insolvent persons or estates to assure equitable distribution of funds among creditors. Records may include petitions, inventories, testimony, schedules of distribution, lists of creditors, lists of amounts owed, accounts, auditor's reports, and bonds of trustees. Case numbers are not always in chronological sequence. Records are tri-folded.

Auditors Reports on Personal Estates,
1906-1908.
(1 box)

{#47.404} [Holdings]

Arranged randomly.

Reports and supporting documentation compiled by auditors of three estate cases. The cases are C.R. Bachman's personal estate and coal company, the Lehigh Granite Brick Company, and the Weaver-Hirsch Company. Documents include correspondence, claims and responses, receipts, bills, checks and other financial papers, and the auditor's summary of the disposition of the estate.

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.

Circuit Court Records,
1826-1843, 1921.
(10 folders)

{#47.344} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by year of court hearing.

Files of cases heard before the county circuit court. Most of the files contain numerous papers relating to the administration of estates. Disputes, appeals, settlements, writs, auditors reports, supplemental accounts, and verification of debts to the estate may be included. The files contain the name of the deceased, heirs, and attorneys and some depositions. A few jurors lists are included as well as declarations of intention to become citizens. There is also an election return, power of attorney, and list of mechanics liens.

Controllers' Reports,
1947-1954.
(8 volumes)

{#47.345} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by year of report.

Report of county finances. Data provided includes details of receipts and expenditures for the year and cash balances. In addition, financial status of sinking fund, indebtedness and coupon accounts is given. Liquid fuels tax allocations are itemized. Elected officers and their staffs are described.

Deed Polls, Land Liens, Mortgages,
1870-1927.
(1 carton)

{#47.310} [ Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of document.

Records concerning land ownership and financial obligation. Deed polls confer ownership to successful bidders at Sheriff's sales. Data includes name of former owner and that person's indebtedness which caused the sale, name of creditor, name of purchaser and amount bid, date of sale, and name of Sheriff. Land liens record the payment made to clear a Commonwealth lien on a piece of property which has been surveyed but payment not previously received. Information provided includes name of owner, name of person making payment, date, and brief description of property. Mortgages record the loan taken out to purchase real property. Data includes description of land, amount of loan, terms of loan, and names of mortgagor and mortgagee.

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.

Index to Condemnations,
1856-1943.
(1 volume)

{#47.410} [Holdings]

Arranged alphabetically by surname of defendants and plaintiffs.

Index of persons against whom condemnation proceedings have been adjudged in court. Data includes name of plaintiff, name of defendant, continuance docket volume and page numbers, case number, court term, year, and location of property.

Index to Judgment Against Lunatics,
1880-1929.
(1 volume)

{#47.407} [Holdings]

Arranged alphabetically by surname of plaintiff.

Record of cases brought for divorce or declarations of weak-mindedness. Information contained includes names of plaintiff and defendant, nature of proceedings, term of court, and volume and page number of dockets.

Indexes to Sheriff's Return for Sale of Real Estate,
1814-1904.
(2 volumes)

{#47.408} [Holdings]

Arranged alphabetically by surname of defendant and plaintiff.

Volumes listing persons whose properties were sold at tax sales. Data included is name of defendant, name of purchaser, docket volume and page number, date of sale, case number, court term, year, and location of property. Direct index lists defendants in order. Adsectum index lists purchasers in order.

Inquest Dockets,
1928-1941.
(2 volumes)

{#47.311} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of inquest.

Indexed internally alphabetically by surname of deceased.

Register of inquests held by coroner. Information provided includes date and number of inquest, name of deceased, age, color, sex, condition, place of inquest, date of death, jurors, witnesses, verdict, and remarks.

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.

Medical Registers,
1881-1934.
(2 volumes)

{#47.313} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of registration.

Indexed internally alphabetically by surname of registrant.

Record of local registration of licenses by physicians. Data includes name of physician, place of birth, place of residence, medical degrees and conferring institutions, other degrees and institutions, places of continuous practice in Pennsylvania since 1871, and date of license by Pennsylvania State Medical Council.

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

{#47.232} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by year and term.

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.

Optometry Register,
1918-1975.
(1 volume)

{#47.314} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of registration.

Indexed internally alphabetically by surname of registrant.

Record of local registration of licenses by optometrists. Data includes name of registrant, residence, date of issuance of certificate by Board of Optometrical Education, Examination, and Licensure of the State of Pennsylvania, and volume and page number of book in Harrisburg where certificate is registered.

Partition Dockets,
1863-1954.
(2 volumes)

{#47.405} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of court case.

Indexed internally alphabetically by surnames of defendants and plaintiffs.

Volume of cases brought in partition to require sale of property jointly held. Data includes names of parties, description of lands, name of estate, notes of sheriff's delivery of writ, and occasionally the source of joint ownership. Court judgments and final disposition are also described.

Partnership Docket,
1851-1937.
(1 volume)
{#47.315} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of registration.

Indexed internally alphabetically by name of partnership.

Register of partnerships created to do business in the county. Data includes names of persons entering into partnership, name under which partnerhsip will conduct business, purpose of the partnership, and date of filing.

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.

Physicians' Statements,
1881-1905.
(17 folders)

{#47.346} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of statement.

Affidavits from physicians certifying their qualification to practice medicine. Data includes name of physician, place of birth, place of residence, medical degrees, institutions, dates of medical education, places of continuous practice in Pennsylvania since 1871, and signature. Many physicians included a hand-written copy of their medical degree.

Probation Office Annual Reports,
1961-1966, 1969-1974.
(12 volumes)

{#47.350} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by year of report.

Reports of the activities during the previous year of the three divisions of the County Probation Department. The divisions are juvenile, adult, and domestic. A summary of the major activities and significant staff actions is followed by statistics on the persons served by the department. Juvenile statistics, in particular, are detailed. Clients are divided by gender, then categorized by age, race, who referred by, reason for referral, manner of handling, disposition of case, estimated mental capacity, years of school, grade completed, living arrangements, marital status of parents, religion, and information on detention. In later years all detention facilities used are described. Staff activities for adult and domestic divisions are given along with statistics on cases handled and costs of operating the office.

Reapplications for Registration of Automobiles,
1903-1905.
(3 folders)

{#47.347} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of application.

Applications for registration of automobiles. By an Act of April 23, 1903 owners of automobiles were required to renew the registration of their automobiles. Data required was name of the owner, residence of owner, name of automobile manufacturer, manufacturer's serial number of the automobile, and date of application.

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.

Sheriff's Deed Dockets,
1877-1905.
(6 volumes)

{#47.403} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of deed.

Indexed internally alphabetically by surname of purchaser.

Record of copy of deeds issued by the sheriff for the sale of properties seized by the court. Information contained includes complete description of the land, name of purchaser, amount paid, date, and names of previous owners.

Sheriff's Docket,
1905-1908.
(1 volume)

{#47.409} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of delivery.

Indexed internally alphabetically by surname of defendant.

Volume record of writs served by sheriff. Data includes names of plaintiffs and defendants, date, complaint, whether service made, and court costs.

Sheriff's Execution Dockets,
1815-1958.
(73 volumes)

{#47.402} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of case.

Indexed internally alphabetically by surname of defendant.

Record of payments on debt and interest on mortgages and liens as adjudged by the court. Data includes dates and amounts of payments, names of property owners, monies received from sale of property, and division of sums received.

Soldiers' Peddlers Licenses,
1875-1970.
(9 folders)

{#47.348} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of affidavit.

Affidavits by former soldiers that the materials in their possession are personally owned by them and will not be resold for any other person's benefit. This was required for them to peddle wares and they were further required to affirm their military service. Some papers describe the dates and branch of service. Majority date from 1919 to 1952.

Student at Law Papers,
1826-1883.
(1 folder)

{#47.349} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of the correspondence.

Loose pieces of correspondence directed to the prothonotary concerning the status of persons studying law. Some describe the name and age of a person studying law in the office of a practicing attorney. Others confirm the competency of a student and his fitness to sit for examination.

Treasurer's Deed Docket,
1933-1934.
(1 volume)

{#47.406} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of action taken.

Indexed internally alphabetically by surname of person assessed.

Record of properties sold at tax sales. data includes name of person assessed, purchaser, tax authority, sale date, and description of property sold.

Veterinary Medical Register,
1898-1912.
(1 volume)

{#47.316} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of registration.

Indexed internally alphabetically by surname of registrant.

Register of veterinarians planning to practice veterinary medicine in the county. Data includes name of veterinarian, place of birth, residence, veterinary degree held, institution conferring degree, and date of license by Pennsylvania State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

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.

Annual Reports of Central Poor District,
1902, 1904, 1906-1908, 1910-1911, 1913, 1916-1917, 1921-1922, 1926, 1928-1936.
(27 volumes)

{#47.506} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by year of report.

Reports on the operation of the Almshouse and Retreat Mental Hospital by the Board of Directors of the Central Poor District of Luzerne County to the government and citizens of the county. These reports all contain the same type of information. Primarily, they are a report of the financial condition for the year. Additionally, the patient population is broken down by gender, age, race, education, type of illness, cause of destitution, and whether their condition had improved. Other information about the hospital includes documentation on the quantities produced on the farm and in the workrooms, the quantities of food and other produce consumed on site, the number of employees and their salaries, and photographs of the facility. In 1943 the state assumed control of the mental hospital and it became the Retreat State Hospital until its closing in 1981. In 1986 the State Correctional Institution Retreat took over the facility and these records were obtained from them. A more detailed set of these records along with supplemental records are contained in Record Group 23 under Retreat State Hospital. The Annual Reports are in series #23.290.

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.

Mercer County

Created on March 12, 1800 from part of Allegheny County. It was named for General Hugh Mercer who was mortally wounded at the Battle of Princeton January 3, 1777. General Mercer's leadership held off two British regiments and allowed General Washington the time to win a victory that forced Lord Cornwallis to retreat to New York. Mercer was attached to Crawford County until February, 1804 when it was officially organized. Mercer is the county seat. It was laid out in 1803 and incorporated as a borough on March 28, 1814.

Minutes,
1916-1979.
(47 volumes)

{#47.366} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of recording.

Volumes containing the official record of the meetings of the Board of County Commissioners. Items contained may include ordinances and resolutions passed, motions made and votes taken, and any presentations made to the Board. The minutes relating to the salary board are kept in separate binders.

Records generated by the actions of the court in criminal cases. Included are true bills, recognizances, writs, commitments, court costs, lists of constables, subpoenas, transcripts, indictments, process precipe, auditor's reports, and borough incorporations. Later cases may include lists of jurors, sentences, and bonds. Not all types of records will be found for each case. Records are tri-folded as originally filed by the office of the Clerk of Courts.

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.

Judgment Indexes,
1828-1891.
(18 volumes)

{#47.364} [Holdings]

Grouped alphabetically by surname of defendant and thereunder arranged chronologically by date of judgment.

Registers of judgments made by a verdict of the court or which are certain and authorized to be entered by the Prothonotary. Dat provided is defendant's name, plaintiff's name, case number, date of entry, amount of judgment, docket number, and page number where record of trial exists.

Lawyer Disbarment Proceedings,
1872-1944.
(1 box)

{#47.412} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of disbarment proceedings.

Record of two disbarment proceedings in court brought by the Montgomery County Bar Association. The first case concerns Theodore W. Bean Esq.in 1872. The second is against H. Eugene Gardner from 1940-1944. Records include summaries of investigations, testimony, and judgement.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Grouped chronologically by year of appropriation and thereunder arranged by component of county government.

Listings of the amount of monies appropriated to perform each element of selected areas of county government. These records contain the amounts necessary for salaries, supplies, services and other elements of the commissioners' office, prison, almshouse, mental hospital, and general county budget. Included herein are some notifications to contractors that were selected to provide the goods and services. The prison records include population numbers, receipts from prison labor and court costs, goods manufactured by prisoners, and costs of maintenance of warden's house and detention house. Materials are partially processed and remain tri-folded.

Cash Ledger,
1886-1888.
(1 volume)

{#47.368} [Holdings]

Grouped by surnames of persons holding accounts.

Volume of financial data concerning various accounts. Receipts, expenditures, reasons therefor, and names of account holders are contained therein.

Controller's Annual Reports,
1923-1936, 1940-1941.
(16 volumes)

{#47.369} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by year reported upon.

Volume of financial data submitted by the county controller. The purpose was to describe the receipts and expenditures, in detail and classified, together with a full statement of the financial condition of the county. Itemized are cash receipts and disbursements, along with cash balances, of all departments and programs. Salaries of county employees are included.

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.

Court Minute Books,
1857-1976.
(9 volumes)

{#47.370} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of court term.

Record of proceedings of court administration. Contains decisions made and orders issued for the management of the court term.

Records generated by the actions of the court in criminal cases. Included are true bills, recognizances, writs, commitments, court costs, subpoenas, transcripts, indictments, process precipe, and auditor's reports. Not all types of records will be found for each case. Records are as originally filed by the office of the Clerk of Courts.

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.

Juvenile Dockets,
1920-1974.
(9 volumes)

{#47.416} [Holdings]

Arranged numerically by case number assigned.

Indexed internally alphabetically by surname of juvenile charged.

Record of cases brought against juvenile offenders. Data contained in the dockets includes name of juvenile, address, charge, name of petitioner, date of complaint, and finding of court. Offenders were generally dismissed, committed to an institution, placed on probation, ordered to make restitution, or allowed to enlist in military service.

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.

Miscellaneous Docket,
1940-1976.
(1 volume)

{#47.417} [Holdings]

Arranged numerically by number of case.

Record of persons recommended for commitment to mental hospitals. Information provided includes date, names, reason for commital, age, sex, religion, military service, report of physicians, orders for commitment, and orders for release.

Oyer and Terminer Dockets,
1824-1960.
(8 volumes)

{#47.418} [Holdings]

Arranged numerically by case number and term of court.

Record of charges brought in court for criminal cases. Information provided includes name of defendant, name of plaintiff, charge, date of arraignment and plea, names of jurors if case went to trial, findings of court, sentence imposed, and court costs.

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.

School District Treasurer's Bond Books,
1894-1964.
(7 volumes)

{#47.371} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of filing.

Indexed internally alphabetically by surname of bonded person.

Bound volume of bonds taken out and filed by treasurers of school districts. These bonds were made to guarantee the faithful performance of duties by the elected treasurers. Data includes name of person elected, amount of bond, date, and name of verifying officials.

Sessions Blotters,
1850-1963.
(48 volumes)

{#47.363} [Holdings]

Arranged numerically by case number within each court session.

Indexed internally alphabetically by surname of defendant.

Registers of cases brought before the Court of Quarter sessions. Data includes a summary of each case including the name of the defendant, charges brought, plea made, findings, sentence, date, name of judge, and amount of bail, if any.

Sessions Dockets,
1811-1969.
(97 volumes)

{#47.415} [Holdings]

Arranged numerically by case number and term of court.

Indexed internally alphabetically by surname of defendant.

Record of cases brought before the court. The cases include both those prosecuted and those not prosecuted. Data includes the name of the defendant, offense charged, plea, whether or not prosecuted, date of true bill, name of complaintant, names of jurors if taken to trial, and sentence imposed. Later dockets include name of judge and information on bail and sureties.

Settled Case Dockets,
1884-1939.
(5 volumes)

{#47.419} [Holdings]

Arranged numerically by case number and term of court.

Indexed internally alphabetically by surname of defendant.

Record of cases settled out of court. Data provided includes names of defendant and complaintaint, date, charge, and name of justice of the peace. Court costs and costs paid are given as is the date of the district attorney's agreement that the case may be settled.

Supervisor's Bond Books,
1894-1945.
(3 volumes)

{#47.372} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of filing.

Indexed internally alphabetically by surname of bonded person.

Bound volume of bonds taken out and filed by supervisors of townships. These bonds were made to guarantee the faithful performance of duties by the elected supervisors. Data includes name of person elected, amount of bond, date, and name of verifying officials.

Tax Collector's Bond Books,
1894-1977
(11 volumes).

{#47.373} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of filing.

Indexed internally alphabetically by surname of bonded person.

Bound volume of bonds taken out and filed by elected tax collectors. These bonds were made to guarantee the faithful performance of duties by the elected collectors. Data includes name of person elected, amount of bond, date, and name of verifying officials.

Township and Boroughs Treasurer's Bond Books,
1894-1958.
(5 volumes)

{#47.374} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of filing.

Indexed internally alphabetically by surname of bonded person.

Bound volume of bonds taken out and filed by treasurers of townships and boroughs. These bonds were made to guarantee the faithful performance of duties by the elected treasurers. Data includes name of person elected, amount of bond, date, and name of verifying officials.

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}.

Miscellaneous Quarter Session Dockets,
1915-1971.
(11 volumes)

{#47.317} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by court term and date of case.

Indexed internally alphabeticaly by surname of person making appeal.

Volume containing listing of court cases which were appealed. Information includes name of person making appeal, description of case, hearings held and decisions rendered, and final judgments.

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.

Execution Dockets,
1796-1805.
(1 carton)

{#47.384} [Holdings]

Arranged numerically by order of submission during a term of court.

Orders to the sheriff commanding some action in the execution of a judgment. The command may be to seize the goods and chattels of a defendant or to compel the appearance of the defendant at a future hearing. Data may include the names of the plaintiff and defendant, the amount of the judgement, date of hearing, and signature of prothonotary.

Mechanics Liens,
1843-1921.
(2 cartons)

{#47.385} [Holdings]

Arranged numerically by order of submission during a term of court.

Liens placed on property to assure recovery of expenses incurred by workers. Data includes name of claimant, name of owner of building, name of owner of land covered by the building, name of the contractor for the work, name of the person authorizing work and purchase of materials, and name of person for whom work was performed. Also included is a statement of the work, amount owed, bill of materials, and date from which the work is unpaid. Liens are not refoldered.

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.

Tioga County

Named for the Tioga River. The word comes from an Indian word meaning "the forks of a stream". This 6th class county was formed on March 26, 1804 from part of Lycoming County. The county seat is Wellsboro which was laid out in 1806 and incorporated into a borough on March 6, 1830.

Candidates Expense Accounts,
1928-1936.
(.5 carton)

{series #47.375} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of filing.

Reports filed by election candidates describing their expenditures while running for elective office. Data includes name of candidate, office aspired to, sums of money spent and their purpose, and persons to whom the money was paid.

Constable's Bonds,
1835-1976.
(2.5 cartons)

{#47.376} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of filing.

Bonds taken out and filed by elected constables. These bonds were made to guarantee the full performance of duties by the constables. Data includes name of elected constable, amount of bond, date, name of company issuing bond, and names of company officials.

Jury Lists,
1878-1977.
(1 carton)

{#47.377} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of court term.

Lists of persons considered eligible in all respects to serve as jurors for the various courts to be held in the coming year. Names will be placed in a jury wheel to be selected for specific sessions of selected courts. Data includes names of selected persons, their occupation and residence, and verification by the sheriff and jury commissioners.

Miscellaneous Civil Papers,
1898-1900.
(6 cartons)

{#47.386} [Holdings]

Grouped by term of court hearing.

Loose papers from civil proceedings in Court of Common Pleas. Records include judgments, statements and confessions, promissary notes, receipts, praecipes, mechinic's liens, petitions, witnesses depositions, divorce papers, and other miscellaneous records. Records are not organized.

Performance Oaths of Sheriffs and Jury Commissioners,
1888-1977.
(.5 carton)

{#47.378} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of filing.

Filed oaths taken by sheriffs and elected jury commissioners to faithfully and impartially make the selections for jury duty among the county's eligible citizens. Data includes names, date, signatures of sheriff and jury commissioners and witnessing signature of court clerk.

Venire Facias for Jurors,
1828-1961.
(2.5 cartons)

{#47.379} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of court term.

Writs summoning the presence of persons to serve on grand and petit juries. The sheriff and jury commissioners use the jury wheel to select a predetermined number of persons for jury duty for a specific court and during a specific time frame. The writ includes the names, occupation, and residence of those selected, and the writ acts as an order to the sheriff to notify the named individuals.

Union County

Named for the federal union. This 7th class county was formed on March 22, 1813 from part of Northumberland County. The county seat is Lewisburg which was laid out in 1785 and incorporated into a borough on March 21, 1822. New Berlin acted as the county seat from 1815 to 1855.

Commissioners Bonds,
1879-1909
(1 folder)

{series #47.380} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of filing.

Bonds taken out and filed by elected county commissioners. These bonds were made to guarantee the proper performance of duties by the commissioners. Data includes name of commissioner, amount of bond, date, and names of guaranteeing officials.

Constables Bonds,
1814-1910.
(8 folders)

{#47.381} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of filing.

Bonds taken out and filed by constables, both elected and appointed. These bonds were made to guarantee the full performance of duties by the constables. Data includes the name of the constable, amount of bond, date, and name of verifying officials.

Justice of the Peace Bonds,
1840-1910.
(4 folders)

{#47.382} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of filing.

Bonds taken out and filed by justices of the peace. These bonds were made to guarantee the faithful performance of duties by the justices. Data includes name of justice, amount of bond, date, and name of verifying officials.

Tax Collector Bonds,
1886-1910.
(3 folders)

{#47.383} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of filing.

Bonds taken out and filed by elected tax collectors. These bonds were made to guarantee the proper performance of duties by the tax collectors. Data includes name of collector, amount of bond, date, and names of guaranteeing officials.

Washington County

Named in honor of General George Washington. Washington County was erected from a part of Westmoreland County on March 28, 1781. Washington, the county seat, was laid out in 1781 and incorporated as a borough on February 12, 1810. It was chartered as a city in 1924.

Tax Assessment Books,
1799-1899.
(75 cartons)

{#47.430} [Holdings]

Grouped alphabetically by township and borough, grouped thereunder chronologically by year of assessment, and thence arranged alphabetically by initial letter of surname.

Records of the county assessments levied on residents of the political subdivisions of Washington County. Assessments were applied to the following categories, occupation, houses, horses, cows, oxen, other improvements, improved land, and unimproved land. In later years such categories as money at interest was added. The records are generally complete with only a few missing years.

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.

Commission Books,
1890-1976.
(8 volumes)

{#47.365} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of entry of instrument.

Indexed internally by surname of person receiving commission or making bond.

Registers of commissions given to elected and appointed officials and bonds made by persons having fiduciary responsibility. Contained within are instruments that include commissions, oaths of office, bonds for performance of office for estate administrators as well as government officials. Volumes also contain commissions for coal policemen hired by local companies.

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.

Ballot Check Lists,
1934.
(22 volumes)

{series #47.421} [Holdings]

Grouped alphabetically by city, thereunder grouped by ward and precinct, and arranged thereunder alphabetically by surname of voter.

Lists of voters for selected election districts. Data includes name of voter, ballot number, party registration, occupation, permanent residence, whether householder or renter, which floor of residence, length of residence in state and in district, state, city, address and year of last registration, place of birth, naturalization data, color, whether 21 or over, height, weight, and signature when challenged.

Census Workbooks,
1870.
(2 volumes)

{#47.422} [Holdings]

Grouped by political subdivision.

Volumes of pages taken from federal census of 1870. Not all parts of the county are held. Data includes dwelling number, family number, name of person, age, sex, color, profession. value of real estate, value of personal estate, place of birth, whether father or mother foreign born, born within the year, attended school, read, write, whether deaf dumb or blind, male over 21, male over 21 whose right to vote denied for reasons other than crime or rebellion.

Census Workbooks,
1880.
(8 volumes)

{#47.423} [Holdings]

Grouped by Eighth Supervisor's District and arranged thereunder alphabetically by surname of person enumerated.

Volumes listing persons enumerated in the federal census of 1880. Information recorded is name of person, color, sex, and age at last birthday.

Church Cost Book,
1940.
(1 volume)

{#47.424} [Holdings]

Arranged randomly.

Volume which lists various churches which have been completed, some dates, and addresses. The office that created this record is not identified.

Commissioners' Tax Book,
1889-1894.
(1 volume)

{#47.425} [Holdings]

Grouped by political subdivision and arranged thereunder chronologically by year of collection.

Journal of accounts of state taxes collected less exonerations, discounts, and commissions.

County Census Books,
1955.
(12 volumes)

{#47.426} [Holdings]

Grouped by township or borough and thereunder arranged alphabetically by first letter of surname.

Register of adults in Westmoreland County. Data obtained includes name of person, served by which post office, where employed, and occupation. Only political subdivisions beginning with s through y plus southwest Greensburg are held.

County Census Books,
1956.
(50 volumes)

{#47.427} [Holdings]

Grouped by township or borough and thereunder arranged alphabetically by first letter of surname.

Register of adults in Westmoreland County. Data obtained includes name of person, served by which post office, where employed, and occupation.

County Home Food Purchases Ledger,
1926-1931.
(1 volume)

{#47.428} [Holdings]

Arranged by name of person supplying products.

Book recording food purchases, probably made for the County Home. Listed therein are the names of the suppliers, quantity and type of food products purchased, and the amount paid.

Date Books,
1928-1929.
(2 volumes)

{#47.502} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of entry.

Journal of activities. Brevity of entries makes it unclear which office created these books.

Election Board Payroll and Equipment Rental,
1894-1899, 1906, 1932-1933.
(6 volumes)

{#47.503} [Holdings]

Arranged alphabetically by name of political subdivision.

Some volumes indexed by surname of collector.

Volumes recording expenses of holding elections. Earliest volumes list worker's name, district, date paid, and amount. Later volumes cover the general elections of 1932 and 1933 and the primary election of 1933. Data includes ward, district, election judge, verification of the number of voters, costs, amount paid, and date.

Enrollment List of White Males Subject to Military Duty,
1865.
(1 volume)

{#47.504} [Holdings]

Arranged by township of residence.

List of white males 21-45 years of age who were subject to military duty. Data entered includes name, residence, age, occupation, whether married or unmarried, remarks, and exemptions, if any. Pasted within the volume are numerous printed financial reports from 1879-1880.

Ledgers,
1856, 1882-1887, 1907-1908.
(3 volumes)

{#47.505} [Holdings]

Arranged by name of account or appropriation.

Record book of accounts of persons and organizations doing business with the county. Many provide sand, gravel, and lime for construction. Some accounts are filed by appropriation. Data provided includes name of account, dates and amounts of material purchases, and date of payment. Volume of 1882-1887 includes order number.

Ledger of E.L. Grable,
1874-1924.
(1 volume)

{#47.433} [Holdings]

Arranged randomly.

Volume of rough financial notes compiled by C.L. Grable and other family members. Some early entries appear to be rough notes for activities of the Baptist Church. Later entries cover estate sales and other expenses.

Memorandum Books,
1922-1923.
(2 volumes)

{#47.501} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of entry.

Rough journal of significant daily financial transactions. Information recorded includes date, reason for entry, and amount of money involved. Types of transactions recorded include receipt of disorderly conduct fines, maintenance of personnel at the state hospital, election costs, receipt of county share of state gasoline taxes, tax returns, and coroner's death certificates.

Minutes,
1856-1863.
(1 volume)

{#47.434} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of activity.

Record of meetings, travel, and other activities of the commissioners. Included are lists of grand and traverse jurors.

Minute Book, Taylor Wire Nail Company,
1889-1893.
(1 volume)

{#47.435} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of meeting.

Record of actions taken and decisions reached by the board of directors of the Taylor Wire Nail Company. Matters discussed include election of directors, other personnel appointments, and stock issues among others. Most meetings were held at company headquarters in Pittsburgh.

Military Roll Books of Men Enrolled in Militia,
1919.
(80 volumes)

{#47.436} [Holdings]

Grouped by political subdivision and arranged thereunder alphabetically by surname.

Register of men who were enrolled in the militia. Information includes name, residence, age, occupation, whether married or unmarried, remarks, and exemptions, if any.

Order Books,
1844, 1856-1862, 1871-1889, 1895.
(6 volumes)

{#47.437} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of payment.

Volume listing the decisions of the commissioners to make payments to suppliers of goods and services. Data includes order number, payee, and amount. Later books include reason for payment. These may include sheep claims, road and bridge viewers, witness payments, road repairs, and court fees.

Personal Property Returns,
1937-1943.
(2 volumes)

{#47.438} [Holdings]

Arranged alphabetically by surname of person assessed.

Record of personal property taxes filed with the county which are then compared with state returns. Data contained therein includes name of person assessed, address, and four years of taxes reported to the county and to the state.

Petition of Candidates to Have Name on Ballot,
1912.
(1 bundle)

{#47.439} [Holdings]

Arranged randomly.

Petitions of persons desiring to run for elected office. Petition includes name of potential candidate, party, occupation, residence, office sought, election district, signature, and occupation and residence of persons signing the petition in support.

Poor Warrant Stub Books,
1897-1901.
(5 volumes)

{#47.440} [Holdings]

Arranged numerically by the number of the warrant.

Book of stubs from warrants made out for the relief of poor persons. Data includes amount, warrant number, date, poor warrant number, and name of recipient.

Relief Order Books,
1862-1864.
(3 volumes)

{#47.441} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of order to pay.

Record of orders to provide funds to persons seeking relief. Information recorded includes date, name of person receiving relief, period relief payment is to cover, warrant number, and amount.

Sheep Claims,
1867-1880, 1888-1901.
(4 volumes)

{#47.442} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of claim.

Record of payments made to sheep owners. Claims generally generated by the actions of dogs. Data included in the volumes is name of claimant, township, amount of claim, percent, amount as audited, order number of payment.

Tax Collector's Accounts,
1828, 1866-1881, 1890-1896, 1905-1919.
(10 volumes)

{#47.443} [Holdings]

Arranged by township and borough.

Record of receipts from tax collectors by tax category. Information provided includes date, type of payment, and amount. Tax categories include building, state, county, and dog.

Tax Exoneration Dockets,
1848-1864, 1877-1882, 1892-1907, 1910-1924.
(12 volumes and 1 carton)

{#47.444} [Holdings]

Grouped by year of assessment and arranged thereunder by political subdivision.

Listing of persons authorized by the commissioners to be all or partially exonerated from selected taxes. Recorded were the names of persons exonerated, the county tax, state tax, and dog tax adjustments to be paid.

Tax Liens,
1909-1915.
(1 volume)

{#47.445} [Holdings]

Grouped by political subdivision and thereunder arranged by year of payment.

Ledger of tax lien payments. Data includes name of person making payment, date, amount of school and road tax liens collected.

Tax Receipts Book,
1896-1897.
(1 volume)

{#47.446} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of payment.

Book of stubs from which receipts have been made and given to persons making tax payments. Information on each stub consists of date, number of receipt, amount received, and name of person making payment.

Warrants Registers,
1901-1916, 1921-1924, 1933, 1935-1936, 1938-1939.
(9 volumes)

{#47.447} [Holdings]

Arranged numerically by warrant number.

Record of warrants issued by the commissioners to pay for goods and services provided to the county. Data contained therein includes warrant number, date of issue, name of payee, purpose for which warrant was authorized, amount, date actually paid, and account.

Warrants Stub Books,
1898-1907.
(20 volumes)

{#47.448} [Holdings]

Arranged numerically by warrant number.

Book of stubs from which warrants have been made and issued to persons providing goods and services to the county. Data contained on the stubs includes warrant number, amount, date issued, to whom issued, reason for warrant, and number of appropriation drawn against.

Alderman's Docket
1926-1927.
(1 volume)

{#47.452} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of hearing.

Record of summons issued and cases heard before Alderman's Court. Data includes name of defendants, date of hearing, charges brought, summary of evidence, judgements rendered, and court costs.

Argument Lists,
1820-1836, 1862-1892.
(12 volumes)

{#47.453} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by term of court.

Record of cases listed for argument. Data provided is name of lawyer, names of plaintiff and defendant, date and notation of previous rulings made. Two volumes titled Argument Dockets provide the same information.

Charges,
1901-1927.
(1 volume)

{#47.454} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of entry.

Draft record of the Clerk of Courts of appointments made to various offices and money paid to those offices.

Constables Returns,
1880-1886.
(1 volume)

{#47.455} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of court term.

Indexed internally by name of political subdivision.

Volume of periodic reports received from constables in each political subdivision tallying the number of instances in the categories of violation of intoxicating liquor laws, deer killed, obstructions of public highways, number of base-born children, index boards needed at intersections of public roads, and inn keeper violations.

Court Administrator's Docket,
1812-1887.
(1 volume)

{#47.456} [Holdings]

Grouped alphabetically by surname of defendant and arranged thereunder chronologically by court term.

Index book for court cases. Only data contained under heading of each court term are names and numbers which appear to be an index to case numbers for each term.

Coroner's Day Book,
1905-1907.
(1 volume)

{#47.457} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of entry.

Journal maintained by coroner to keep track of various commitments. Entries exist to show dates of inquests and viewings as well as costs for each event.

Court Dockets,
1847-1849, 1855-1866, 1875-1878, 1881-1902, 1916-1918.
(6 volumes)

{#47.458} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of hearing.

Some volumes are indexed internally by surname of defendant.

Record of cases heard in court. Data includes court term and case number, name of lawyers, name of defendant, charge, dates of previous hearings and note of motions made.

Discharge of Insolvent Prisoners and Bond Book,
1916-1936.
(5 volumes)

{#47.459} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of bond.

Indexed internally by surname of prisoner.

Book of bonds taken out by prisoners promising to pay specified sums. Data includes name of prisoner, date of bond, amount to be paid, bond number, and date and term of court case brought against defendant.

Jail Dockets,
1934-1940, 1948-1952.
(2 volumes)

{#47.460} [Holdings]

Grouped alphabetically by surname of prisoner and arranged thereunder chronologically by date of incarceration.

Listing of prisoners committed to jail. Information provided is name, number, prosecutor, date into jail, date out of jail, and charge.

Judgement Bonds Book,
1828-1833.
(1 volume)

{#47.461} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of entry.

List of bonds taken out relating to court cases. Data are name of plaintiff, date, name of defendant,date of bond, when due, and amount secured. Other columnar data are unidentified.

Judgement Docket,
1860-1862.
(1 volume)

{#47.462} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of court term.

Record of cases and judgements given for all court proceedings. All awards made in court are entered here. Data contained herein includes names of attorneys, name of case, list of writs issued, judgement made, remarks, financial data, whether or not execution was issued, and any other information describing the settlement of the case.

Judge's Dockets,
1874-1880, 1887-1892.
(6 volumes)

{#47.463} [Holdings]

Arranged numerically by case number and term of court.

Record of cases heard in court. Data includes case number, term of court, names of lawyers, names of plaintiff and defendant, remarks on writs issued, rulings made and petitions filed.

Judge's Lists,
1851-1896.
(16 volumes)

{#47.464} [Holdings]

Arranged numerically by case number and term of court.

Record of cases to be heard in court. Essentially, it is a calendar. Data includes the case number, term of court, names of lawyers, names of plaintiff and defendant, remarks on writs issued, rulings made and petitions filed.

Jury Records,
1894-1900.
(1 volume)

{#47.465} [Holdings]

Grouped chronologically by year and thereunder arranged by political subdivision.

Compilation of persons determined to be eligible for jury duty for each year. Data entered is name of person, term, occupation, and post office.

Justice of the Peace, Constable, Notary Listing,
1886-1911.
(1 volume)

{#47.466} [Holdings]

Grouped by office held and arranged thereunder chronologically by year of appointed or elected term.

Indexed internally by name of office holder.

Record of persons holding office as justices of the peace, constables, and notaries public including dates of term.

Justice of the Peace Dockets,
1864-1933.
(15 volumes)

{#47.467} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of hearing.

Hearing Book indexed internally by surname of defendant.

Record of cases heard at Justice of the Peace Court. Also called Hearing Book. Formats differ among Justices, but data commonly inclues the name of the person charged, names of the constable, Justice of the Peace, and the person making the complaint, and the nature of the charge. Some dockets will include a summary of the hearing and the judgement rendered.

Justice of the Peace Signature Books,
1911, 1905-1930.
(2 volumes)

{#47.469} [Holdings]

Arranged alphabetically by surname of Justice of the Peace.

Book of sample signatures of persons holding office as Justices of the Peace.

Juvenile Court Record,
1904-1907.
(1 volume)

{#47.470} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of hearing and case number.

Indexed internally by surname of person charged.

Record of hearings of juveniles charged with crimes. Data entered is name of defendant, charge, court costs, Prosecutor, Justice, summary of case, and judgement rendered.

License Court Docket,
1840-1910.
(1 volume)

{#47.471} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of court action.

Record of hearings related to suspension and return of licenses of various types. Data provided includes license number, license type, name of attorney, when license was taken, and when license was returned. Column headings are civil, Q. S., rd., and Misc.

Partition Docket,
1886-1890.
(1 volume)

{#47.472} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by case number and term of court.

Record of all proceedings in partition held by the court. These proceedings appear to have been held in Orphans' Court as the name of the person leaving an estate is recorded. Other data contained therein is the name of the lawyer, the cause of the action, court costs, and the results of the hearing.

Prisoner Commitments and Discharges,
1912-1917, 1940-1948.
(2 volumes)

{#47.473} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by month of action recorded.

Listing of person committed to and discharged from the County Jail. Information is prisoner number, date of action, name of person committed, name of person discharged, and remarks. The later volume also lists the name of the Prosecutor.

Prisoners Boarded,
1907.
(1 volume)

{#47.474} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by month.

Record of the costs of feeding prisoners at the County Jail. Data provided is prisoner number and name, specific days of the month in which the prisoner was boarded, total number of days for the month, dollar cost, and remarks.

Record of Judgements, State Tax,
1894-1907, 1923-1927.
(2 volumes)

{#47.475} [Holdings]

Grouped alphabetically by surname of plaintiff and arranged thereunder chronologically by date of bond. Second volume is also grouped by political subdivision.

Record of persons taking out bonds to satisfy judgements at court. Data contained therein includes name of plaintiff, residence, name of defendant, date, character of instrument securing debt, when due, amount of just sum secured, number, term, year, remarks, whether assigned, and whether satisfied.

Record of Prisoners,
1910-1912, 1936-1952.
(4 volumes)

{#47.476} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of commitment.

Record of persons committed to Westmoreland County Jail. Data recorded includes name and number of prisoner, name of magistrate, charge, when committed, when convicted, term of sentence, sentenced to, when discharged, how disposed of, sex, color, school attended, age when leaving school, whether read or write, physical health,mental health, marital status, nationality, whether naturalized, age, term of residence in Pennsylvania, term of residence in other states, and manner of discharge.

Surety of the Peace Docket,
1889-1895.
(1 volume)

{#47.477} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by case number and term of court.

Record of cases brought against persons having committed breaches of the peace or expected to commit such breaches. At hearings named persons were required to swear they would refrain from such conduct in the future or take out bonds covering future conduct. Data provided is name of person charged, charge brought, name of Justice hearing the case, and judgement rendered.

Tavern License Court Docket,
1890-1898.
(1 volume)

{#47.478} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by case number and term of court.

Record of dates of petitions filed to obtain licenses to keep taverns, inns, or hotels which would serve alcoholic beverages. Also included are petitions to operate breweries or distilleries. Data are the name of petitioner and dates of supplemental hearings and remonstrances.

Tavern License Dockets,
1877-1922.
(7 volumes)

{#47.479} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by case number and term of court.

Indexed internally alphabetically by surname of petitioner.

A summary listing of applications for licenses to brew or distill alcoholic beverages or to operate public houses where such beverages would be served. Information contained in the volumes includes name of petitioner, residence, type of license desired, location, date, fee paid, and judgement rendered at hearing.

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.

Appointments,
1893-1905.
(1 volume)

{#47.488} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by year of appointment.

List of tax collectors and assistant assessors for each political subdivision. Data are the name of person appointed, position held, and political subdivision to which assigned.

Appraisors Return of Mercantile and Other Licenses,
1885-1890, 1897-1898, 1923-1925, 1928-1930.
(8 volumes)

{#47.489} [Holdings]

Grouped by political subdivision and arranged thereunder by type of licenses or alphabetically by surname of licensee.

Record of evaluation by appraisors of volume of business conducted by persons requesting mercantile licenses. A state tax on gross receipts of businesses was expanded to all businesses in 1841 and remained in effect until 1943. An appraisor was tasked in each county to visit all places of business to get sworn statements on the proprietor's volume of business. The formats differ from the earlier to the later returns but generally the following information was recorded, list of licensees, location of business, class of license, amount paid, license number, appraisal, tax at one mill, additional $2.00 tax. Later volumes break down the businesses as wholesale, retail, pool and billiards, broker's agents, auctioneers, restaurants, theaters and other places of entertainment.

Assessors and Constables Returns,
1916-1917.
(1 volume)

{#47.490} [Holdings]

Arranged by assessor and political subdivision.

Receipt book for dog taxes. Data are the name of owner, date of payment, and amount.

Cash Books,
1906-1910, 1916-1924.
(4 volumes)

{#47.491} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of transaction.

Record of daily listing of cash received and disbursed by the Treasurer's office. Data provided is date of transaction, source of cash, amount, bank deposits, and daily balance. A separate cash book for the period 1917-1919 additionally lists warrants by number and amount.

Dental Register,
1883-1913.
(1 volume)

{#47.492} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of registration.

Indexed internally by name of registrant.

Register of persons making statements verifying that they are capable of practicing dentistry. Information includes name of dentist, place of business, residence, years practicing dentistry, and qualifications. In some cases the person's diploma from dental school is transcribed.

Discount Books,
1814-1828.
(2 volumes)

{#47.493} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of transaction.

Record of discounted notes sold. Data included is name of seller, name of purchaser, date, amount, and when due.

Dog and Auto Register,
1879-1923.
(1 volume)

{#47.494} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of registration.

Indexed internally by surname of owner.

Volume of registration of dogs and automobiles. Dog registration dates from 1879-1910 and includes name of owner, description of dog, name, age, color, height, weight, and value. The automobile registration dates from 1919-1923 and includes name and residence of owner, make and model of automobile, manufacturer's registry number, engine number, and license number.

Drafts Register,
1815-1829.
(1 volume)

{#47.495} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of transaction.

Record of withdrawals to make payments. Data includes date of transaction, name of depositor, drawer of draft, person in whose favor draft was drawn, payer, date, when due, sum, and time of draft.

Journals,
1923-1932, 1936-1939.
(2 volumes)

{#47.496} [Holdings]

Grouped by revenue source and arranged thereunder chronologically by date of transaction.

Record of fees paid in for various reasons. Among the sources of revenue are hunting licenses, dog tags, fines, mercantile appraisor's fees, postings, state remittances, commissions, restaurant licenses, peddlers licenses, billiards permits, wholesalers and brokers licenses.

Mercantile Licenses,
1897-1898.
(4 volumes)

{#47.497} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of license.

Stub book for issued licenses required by the state mercantile tax. Data includes license number, date of issuance, to whom issued, address, license class, and amount.

Record of Licenses,
1903-1911.
(3 volumes)

{#47.498} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of license.

Book which lists licenses issued for retail sales. Information contained includes date of issuance, license number, kind of license, to whom issued, location of establishment, term issued for, and amount of license.

Stallion Register,
1893-1908.
(1 volume)

{#47.499} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of registration.

Indexed internally by surname of owner.

Record of stallions registered for breeding purposes. Data includes name of horse, age, date of birth, description, breeder, address of breeder, names of forebears through four generations, names of all owners, name of present owner, and terms and conditions upon which stallion will serve.

Tax Journal,
1896-1902.
(1 volume)

{#47.500} [Holdings]

Arranged by township and borough.

Record of receipts from tax collectors by tax category. Information provided includes date, type of payment, and amount. Tax categories include building, state, county, and dog.

Westmoreland Bank Journal and Teller's Statement,
1814-1823.
(2 volumes)

{#47.468} [Holdings]

Arranged chronologically by date of transaction.

Record of daily financial activity at the bank. One volume is titled a Journal, the other a Teller's Statement. Both summarize the state of the bank each working day. Data contained in the volumes includes bills discounted, monies owed to other banks, real estate, silver, gold, foreign notes, stock, bank notes issued, profit and loss, and other financial indicators.