RSIFOR FRAZER'S DESCENDANTS. I '-.: ¦' ¦ :¦: ^I&vslMfey&j/efe Gift of & ^t4i 190 If NOTES AND PAPERS OF OR CONNECTED WITH PERSIFOR FRAZER IN GLASSLOUGH IRELAND AND HIS SON JOHN FRAZER OF PHILADELPHIA 1735 to 1765 BY . PERSIFOR FRAZER Docteur es-Sciences Naturelles { Untversite de France) Correspondent der K, K. Reichsanstalt zu Wien, 1906 3cJ-oj±r t FOREWORD. In the preparation of the following very imperfect sketches of the branch of the Frazers descended from Persifor who resided in Glass- lough Ireland during the early part of the XVIIIth Century, I am under great obligations to my kinsman and friend Mr. Joseph S.Harris, who has already made many valuable contributions to the family genealogies of early Pennsylvania immigrants related to the Harrises, including that which is the subject of the following pages. The genealogical tables with dates of birth, death, and marriage, of the earlier generations, together with his comments on the individuals therein mentioned are almost literally taken, by his permission, from printed and manuscript data prepared by him; which however have been verified where possible, and in places corrected, by me. I have also adopted his numerical designation of the generations. Thus, he gives to the generation of the original Persifor Frazer the arbitrary number "XIV", to allow plenty of margin for any earlier an cestors who may be subsequently established. In each generation (designated by Roman numerals) he distinguishes the children, in the chronological order of their births, by Arabic numerals. No case of twins or triplets having been met, this serves as a convenient and short method of specifying any individual, and as no better method occurred to me, and I consider the probability of discovering more than fourteen generations antecedent to the Glasslough Persifor remote, I have adopted Mr. Harris's method both for my own convenience, and also that there may be no confusion when his notes are compared with mine of the same persons. It it should transpire in the future that the ancestor who is the start ing point of this branch of the Frazers were indeed the missing Alexan der, brother of Simon Lord Lovat, the labors of the Scottish historians including Lord Saltoun, and the College of Heralds, will have already spared the necessity of further research by filling up the fourteen gen erations and supplying collateral branches. The rules I have adopted to guide me in this work may be faulty, but they have been at least consistently carried out. One of them is that the document, letter, or whatever it be, should be reproduced as nearly as possible on the printed page. Conse quently I have preserved with the greatest care every fault in spell ing and punctuation. In fact the preservation of these errors has cost a great deal of time, in copying them from the original manuscript, and in curbing the typesetters' zeal to improve the orthography of my an cestors and their contemporaries. Spelling, even of that epoch, throws some light upon character when one knows something of the individual. But it would have been both inartistic and expensive to imitate literally all the words of which the final letters were written above the line as abbreviations, such as ye, Richd, Mr &c. This method of writing is suggested by the in clined line used for fractions, as y/e, Rich/d, M/r. Where a list or column of figures ends in the middle of one of the pages of this book its last term is repeated and the succeeding entries carried down precisely as if an actual page had been turned. But the rule which I consider the most important is that of re cording every name I have found among my ancestors' papers whether connected with any other name or circumstance, or not. My reason for this is that no one can forsee how much light may be thrown upon some one else's genealogical work by the discovery of such a name in mine. If all the memoirs of the period covered in this book were perfect, they would form a connected history of the people mentioned. But as there are very few memoirs extant, and none of these perfectly full, there is the more reason to record every fact however isolated. There are two views held in the family as to the political and re ligious predilections of the first Persifor recorded here. One is that he was Alexander, the eldest son of Thomas of Beaufort the twelfth Lord Fraser ; and like all of his race loyal to church and King. This was the record of the clan chiefs from Simon the first Lord Lovat and friend of Robert the Bruce, who bore a distinguished part with that King at the first battle of Bannockburn, and subsequently with David II at the battle of Duplin Aug 3. 1332 where Simon's brother Sir Alexander Fraser was killed ; through Hugh the third Lord Fraser who marched to the aid of James III of Scotland though too late to avert his defeat and death at the second battle of Bannockburn June 11, 1488; down to April 16, 1746, when Alexander's crafty younger brother Simon threw a large body of Frasers (though he did not lead them) to the support of the Pretender Prince Charley and against the King's troops at the battle of Culloden Moor. According to this view the original Persifor was a Jacobite ; and the probability that he leased land from the Leslies, who were strong Jacobites, lends it plausibility. According to the other view it is difficult to picture a great Lord like the Master of Lovat transformed into a small farmer whose habits of language and thought resembled those of the Puritans, and who exhibited an unaristocratic anxiety about meeting his debts. The ownership of a seat in the Presbyterian church by Persifor's son John, ii and the gift to that son of a family Bible, also suggest the probability that both were Protestants. And while there were Scots and probably Frasers, who though Protestant in faith were not opposed to the re turn to the throne, or at least would follow their chief to battle in the cause of, the Stuarts, the probabilities are that the sympathies of a Scot such as Persifor seems to have been would be with William rather than with the Pretender. Yet the two letters of the old Pretender (pages 12 to 17) which are believed to have been among the papers of John Frazer, the first of his family to reside in America, are opposed to this conclusion. March 1906. Persifor Frazer. Explanation of Marks Used in the Text. Letters following an inclined line in an abbreviated word were writ ten above the line in the original. Small type printed above the line records writing which has been stricken out but remains legible. The same type on the line is used for editorial comment to distinguish it from the text. 111 Errata. Page i, Foreword. First word of third paragraph. For "It" read "If." Page 13, 7th line. For "throughout" read "through." Page 74, genealogical table (XV) of Robt. Smith and Mary Douglass. Lines 2 and 3. Enter "1744" under "Date of marriage." Line 6. Enter "about 1780." under "Date of marriage." Line 7. Enter "Dec, 1783." "Date of marriage." The above dates were obtained from Anthony Blackburn's brief dated 1784. In line 6, "about 1780" is assumed from the phrase "several years ago." Page 78, 9th line. For "XVI-f " read "XVI-2." Page 87, 5th line. For "Vice-Provast" read "Vice-Provost." Page 100, 5th paragraph, 4th line. For "sattirewise" read "saltirewise." CONTENTS. PAGE. Foreword iii to v Persifor Frazer (b. about 1667 d. about 1740 1 to 6 John Frazer (b. 1709- d. 1765) General sketch , 7 to 9 Wm. Penn's deed to John Thomas & Edw. Jones of 5000 acres through Pritchard, Reese, Jones, Lloyd, Rob erts, & Haines 9-10 Caution to the Electors of Pennsylva nia. Conestogo by Emanuel Friend. . . . 11-12 Letters from the Old Pretender James III ( ?), to Lord Kenmure & to one unnamed 12 to 17 Power of atty Alex. Smith of Clanick- ney to John Frazer 17-18 Letter Margaret Smith to her Uncle John Frazer 18 to 20 Letter from Persifor Frazer (XIV-i) to his son John 20 to 22 Notice by Collector Thos. Cummings of Excise by Assembly of Prov. of Pa 22-23 Notice to pay quit-rent Phila., Lancas ter, & Pensbury Jas. Steel Rec. Gen 23 Leaf from Family Bible of John Frazer, last gift of his Father Persifor 24 Notice to pay quit-rents, Phila., Ches ter, Lancaster, Pennsbury, J. Steel Rec. Gen . . 25 Notice to those desiring land to apply to Land Office Phila., signed Rich'd Peters Sec'y 25-26 Broadside against the Assembly. Elec tions of 1742 (anonymous) 26 to 30 Broadside against the Governor and Council. Elections of 1742 signed A. B 30 to 34 1742. The same Continued. Elections of 1 742 signed T. B 34 to 37 iv May 30. 1717. Sept. 30 • 1735- June 18. May 5. 1 1734- 740. May 17. 1736. May 19. 1737- June 3. ] 737- Aug. 29. 1738. Feb. 8. [738-9- Feb. 10. 1 740- 1 Sept. 21. 1741. 1742. 1742. Oct. 5-1 742. 1743-1744 Feb. 14. 1744. May July 1738 Feb. 17 25- to 2. ] to 24. 1744. 1745- i75i- 755- June • 755- June Dec. 10. j 7- 1755- 757- July 21. 1758. March 1 9- 759- Nov. 16 . 1762. Jan. 5- 1 763- Jan. 17- 1763. Dec. 12. 1764. Feb. 22. 1764. Nov. 12 • 1752. Dec. 30. 1763- Dec. 18. I72(?). PAGE. Proclamation against settling on In dians' lands at Juniata, Wyomen,and Licking creek by George Thomas. Lt. Gov 37-38 Almanac by Isaiah Warner 38 & C. Brad ford 38 Deed, Coats to Leech of right to fence on Coats' side of Cohockson creek 39-4° American Weekly Mercury No. 1272 40 Supplement to Penna. Gazette 40 Account book of Dr. John Taylor 41 to 47 Promissory note Eaneas M'Carthy to Robert Frazer 47 Letter to John Frazer from his Father- in-law Robert Smith 49 Letter to John Frazer from his wife 49 " " " " " " son Persifor.. 50 Conveyance by John Frazer & wife of their claims upon lands inClanickney to Wm Crookshanks 50-51 Letter from, Robt. Frazer (XVI-2) to his parents 52 Letter of Wm. Crookshanks to John Frazer 53-54 Letter of Robert Frazer to his Father John Frazer 54-55 Letter from Robert Frazer to his brother Persifor 55 Official certificate of clearance of the "Ranger" from St. Eustatius 55-56 Affidavit of L. Weiss to accuracy of his translation of above 56 Affidavits of Harper & Lukens to the sailing of the "Ranger" from St. Eus tatius 56 to 58 Policy of insurance on Vessel & cargo of sloop "Ranger" 58 to 61 Policy of insurance on furniture & equipment of brig unnamed 61 to 64 A music book of John Frazer 64 Account book & papers relating to set tlement of estate of R. Bayly 64 Doggerel on loose sheet 64 to 66 v Sept. IO, 1764. 1765. Jan. 18. 1774- Jan. 177 Draft of will of John Frazer 66-67 Letter of administration to Persifor Frazer from Benj. Chew 67-68 Account of John Frazer's estate by Persifor Frazer 68 to 70 List of desperate debts due estate of John Frazer 70 to 72 GeneeJogicaJ Tables. PAGE. Persifor and Margaret (Carlton or Clayton) Frazer and their children. Generation XIV and XV (Frazer) 73 Robert and Mary (Douglass) Smith and their children. Generations XIV and XV (Smith) 74 Children of John and Mary (Smith) Frazer. Generation XVI (Frazer) 75 Notes on the individuals mentioned in the preceding tables by Joseph S. Harris 75 to 79 Children of Persifor and Mary (Worrall Taylor) Frazer. Generation XVII (Frazer) 80 Notes on the individuals mentioned in the preceding table by Joseph S. Harris 81 to 85 Children of Robert by Elizabeth (Fries), and Alice (Pennell Yarnall) Frazer. Generation XVIII (Frazer) 85 Notes on the individuals of the preceding table by Joseph S. Harris 86-87 The children of John Fries and Charlotte (Jeffers, Cave) Frazer. Generation XIX (Frazer) 88 The children of Persifor and Isabella (Nevins Whelen) Frazer. Generation XX (Frazer) 88 VI Appendix. Notes on searches relating to the history of this branch of the Frazer family at the beginning of the XVIII Century. PAGE. Persifor Frazer's (XVIII-4) visit to County Monaghan in July 1846 89 to 91 His correspondence with Mr W N Fraser August 12 1879. .. .91 to 96 Persifor Frazer's (XIX-3) visit to Sir Bernard Burke in Dub lin and correspondence with him, with Mr W. N. Fraser, and with Lord Saltoun 96 to 100 Letter from the Rev. L. T. O'Neill '. .101 Letter from Mr W. N. Fraser 101-102 Letter from Mr B. Homer Dixon 103 vn Persifor Frazer XIV-i. b. about 1667 d. about 1740 Some time in the last decade of the XVIIth Century there settled in the townland of Tonyhannigus (written also Tonnyhamigus, Tony- hannigin, etc.,) near the village and lake of Glasslough in the County Monaghan Ireland, a Scot named Persifor Frazer who, according to an entry in the family Bible of Robert his great grandson, had attached himself to the, cause of William III, gone with his army into Ireland about 1690, and settled there.* His wife was Margery Clayton, Calton, or Carlton, but whether he married her in Scotland or in Ireland is not known. The surname Frazer was rare in that part of Ireland then, and the first name was entirely unknown, there or elsewhere. Sir Bernard Burke, Ulster King at Arms in Dublin, Mr. Stoddard, Lyon King at Arms in Edinburgh, Mr. Wm. Fraser, Writer of the Signet, and a large number of persons well skilled in Scotch genealogy have declared to me they never met the name "Persifor" ; and every documentary authority accessible has been searched without discover ing any trace of it. It seems possible that "Persifor" may have been a variant of the not unusual name of Percival, Parcival, Parsifal, Parchvail, Perchvail, Par- zival, Percy, Perceforet, etc., but although at the time of its probable origin "the rules of architecture were strict and orthography was op tional," neither "Lippenfaulheit" nor bad orthography can satisfac torily account for the transformation of "al" or "fal" to "for" ; and this fact led Persifor Frazer (b. 1809) to offer the following ingenious, if as yet unverifiable, hypothesis to explain the name and the identity of its first bearer. It is recorded that Alexander the eldest son of the Master of Lovat, had slain a piper at either a marriage feast or funeral ceremony celebrated at his Father's castle in 1689, and had thereupon fled from the country and disappeared. One tradition would have it that he went to Wales, but there seems no surer foundation for this surmise than for others that he went to England, to France, or to Ireland. All accounts agree, however, that he disappeared, and while some able commentators have scouted the notion that in those days a Scot of high birth should have given himself any great concern at tak ing the life of a mere piper, yet the fact of his flight would lead to another conclusion; and basing the guess upon the assumption that Alexander was stricken with remorse, which would explain his sudden *See Foreword. disappearance; and recalling the fact that shortly after the tragedy a Frazer with the forename "Persifor" appeared mysteriously in a part of the Kingdom of Ireland where Frazers were previously un known, the uncle of the present writer suggested that the wanderer after winning a victory over the evil in his nature by rigorous self abasement and sincere contrition, had adopted for himself a first name, contracted, according to the manner of the time, from the words per se fortis, "Strong through himself". It is quite true that the written words which he has left fully accord with the spirit of self deprecation and melancholy from which the unfortunate man was sup posed to suffer, but his religious sense is so unmistakable that it would seem more likely for him to have chosen a name condensed from "Per Deum fortis". A plausible hypothesis is that the word "Persifor" is a perversion of "Persevere". This supplies the consonant skeleton more perfectly than the other words considered, and was equally in harmony with the usage of the times. The motto or device is also in keeping with the supposed temper of the man.* That the name was found in other families near the middle of the XVIIIth Century is shown from the letter of Persifor Carr, Sergeant in the 48th British Regiment to "Persifer Frazer" (XVI-I) dated "New York 2 1 st May 1768, but in this case his acquaintance with the family of the Persifor Frazers renders it more than likely that he was in some way related to them and may have been named Persifor for one of them, t *Vide. "Etymological dictionary of family and Christian names" etc., by William Arthur M.A., Sheldon, Blakeman and Co. 115 Nassau St., New York. "Personal and family names" etc., by Harry Alfred Long, Glasgow School Board. London. Hamilton Adams and Co. 1883. "Curiosities of Puritan nomenclature" by Chas. W. Bradsley. R. Worthington 770 Broadway New York. 1880. "What is your name?" etc., by Sophy Moody. Richard Bartley. London. 1863. None of these works mentions "Persifor" thought Long gives (pp. 144 and 146) Percy, and Percival as signifying "head of the valley." I am indebted to Mr. Joseph S. Harris for the following notes. The New Inter national Encyclopedia, Vol. XIII p. 923. Perceforet. A French romance, giving the fabled history of Britain before the days of King Arthur, first printed in Paris in 1528 — It is assigned to the latter part of the 13th Century, and the man who gave it to the world says that he found it in an English Monastery. King Perceforet, who was so named on account of his feat of conquering an enchanted forest, came to Britain with Alexander the Great after the extinction of the royal house of Brut, (which is supposed to have once reigned over Britain). Maurice Hewlett in his novel (published 1903 or 4) "The Queen's Quair" (i. e. quair or cahier — meaning a little blank note book), says at the beginning of Chapter IV that the Gordons of Scotland a family of great antiquity and pride trace their de scent from Gadiffer, brother of Perceforest, whose right name was Batis, who was a descendant of Brutus, who himself descended from Laomedon, King of Troy. These two notes lead me to believe, or rather perhaps to conjecture, that the popular romance printed in 1528, had taken the fancy of the Scotch, who treated it as semi-authentic, and took from it the title-name of their children. t In a recent account of arrivals at one of the European Summer resorts which was Dublished in the Paris edition of the New York Herald, the name "Mrs. Frances The essential facts are that a sober, pious Scot named Persifor Frazer appeared about 1690 in the neighborhood of Glasslough, townland of Tonyhannigin, County Monaghan, Ireland, where he set tled, probably leasing the place from the Leslies of whose estate it was a part as late as 1883, when Sir John Leslie was the "owner of Glass lough and all the lands about it'. (See Appendix. Letter of Rev. L. I. O'Neill). This Persifor Frazer, who is supposed to have been born about 1667, and to have died about 1740, married Margery (or Margaret) Clayton (or Carlton) somewhere about 1700, lived with her in Tony hannigin and had by her seven children to wit : 1 Elizabeth b. about 1701. m. Alexander Smith about 1718 d. after 1766. 2 Persifor b. about 1703. did not marry, d. 1737. ? 3 Rebecca b. about 1705. did not marry d. ? 4 a daughter, name unknown, b. about 1707, m. — Speer and lived in Del. Co. Pa. d. ? 5 John b. Aug. 8. 1709. m. Mary Smith, June 16 1735, lived in Newtown, Del. Co. Pa. d. Sept. 7. 1765. 6 Margaret b. about 171 1. m. John Geiger about 1729, may have emigrated to America, d. ? 7 Sarah b. 171 2. m. John Price about 1735. d. ? It is probable that Persifor farmed the land on which he dwelt and suffered the usual vicissitudes of fortune which in Ireland have always attended the small land owner. If in his youth he was the reckless heir apparent to a Scottish laird, time and misfortune had chastened his spirit by the time he had reached his seventieth year, his age at the time he wrote the only letter which has been preserved. This letter, written to his son, who had gone to America two years and a half be fore, reveals the slender means, the petty misfortunes, the misplaced confidences, the familiar family and neighbourhood news, of one whose horizon was narrow and whose life was hard. He had passed the period when a man may with honor retire from toil and leave the struggle for existence to younger hands ; but there was no rest for him though every note of his existence is in the minor key. His wife and he are in a "weak and tender condition" ; Johnston has "noe truth in him" ; His son's horse was killed by a car man (who probably hired it) and no Pirsifor" occurs. But with the boundless capacity for typographical and other errors which is characteristic of the daily press, including the journal named, this indication is, by itself, of little value. indemnity was received for it ; George is sorry ; PersCarr — (thirty years later a Sergt.of the 48th British Regt. in America. See later) — is a very bad boy ; letters sent to the writer had miscarried ; Keady has a melan choly report of his son ; The writer would have been pretty easy but for McCall's (McCollum's ( ?)) debt ; Corry owed him money but all Corry's property was seized by neighbors for debt ; servants cannot be prevailed upon to go abroad. The letter reads like the lamentations of Job, and is filled with devout expressions of submission to the will of God. He is anxious to leave the place and embark with his son for the new land of promise ; but that was not to be. After this sad letter the thread of his history is cut and we hear nothing further from him. He died, it is thought about 1740. John Frazer XV-5. b. August 8, 1709 d. September 7, 1765 John Frazer (original immigrant), was the fifth child of Persifor and Margaret all of whom were probably born at or near Glasslough Ireland. As will be seen in the accompanying table, two children were born to his parents after himself. In his twenty sixth year he married Mary daughter and fifth child of Robert and Mary (Douglass) Smith, who were neighbors of the Frazers in Glasslough. (See genealogical table (Smith) generations XIV and XV below.) What may have been John's occupation and how much education he may have received during the twenty six years prior to his marriage must be conjectured. It may be assumed without much chance of error that he assisted his Father in the management of the farm, and it can be accepted with still greater certainty that he either received more instruction, or that he profited by what he received to a greater extent than the average small farmer's son, because upon his arrival at the scene of his life work he immediately assumed direction of various enterprises with a success which would have been very unlikely in the absence of such preparation. Family tradition has it that the Smiths were opposed to the marriage of their daughter with John Frazer, but it is not likely that this opposition was based on any objection to the bridegroom personally, for he appears to have been ayoung man of industrious and exemplary habits, who preserved the respect and affection of his sisters-in-law and Father-in- law years after he had taken away his wife, their kinswoman, to his distant home. Very likely her parents were loath to have the ocean be tween them and their daughter ; but whatever may have been the cause the opposition was not serious, for the wedding took place on June 16, and the couple sailed for Philadelphia on June 28, 1735 arriving at their destination exactly three months later (Sept. 28, 1735). It was not difficult to understand that a young man of more than the average education, and possessed of a normal amount of ambition and desire of success, would seek his fortune in other places than that of which a passing glimpse is given in his Father's letter. Direction was given to this ambition by the following prospectus printed on a single sheet y\" x 9§" which is among the family papers. The Proprietors of the Pensilvania Land-Company in London, do hereby give Notice, To all Persons that are willing to Settle upon their Lands in Pensil vania, and the territories thereunto belonging, That they will Give to Every such Person or Persons, Fifty Acres of Land, to them and their Heirs for ever, Free and Clear of all manner of Quit-Rents; Ten Families to Settle together, for the convenience of Good Neighbourhood, in every Five Thousand Acres. This Encour agement we promise to Give to a Hundred Families ; and so soon as each Family have Built them a Cottage, and Cleared Ten Acres of Land, every Family so Settling shall have Deeds executed by the Trustees, and sent them over upon a Certificate for that purpose, first obtained under the Hands of this Company's Agent or Agents, Residing in Pensilvania. (Written on the lower margin) "Samuel Carpenter and Thos fairman are the Comp/as* Agents." Their first home was at Newtown Newtownship.f then Chester (later Delaware) County Pennsylvania. It was not uncommon when or ganizing associations in England for settling Pennsylvania lands, to in troduce a clause providing that for every certain number of acres of land purchased and cleared, the settler should have a bonus of a lot or lots in the town to be built in the neighborhood, or in one actually ex isting. This applied to lots in the city of Philadelphia, and indeed the subject of these lines afterwards moved into such a lot in Philadelphia in a district which' from the fact that it was reserved for the use of a land Society of this kind was known as "Society Hill". This hill was located near what is now Second and Pine and Lombard Sts. or near the mouth of Dock Creek. What employment occupied the attention of the new settler other than that of clearing the land he had purchased, or by what successive steps he advanced from a settler to a merchant or trader, is not known, but it is comforting to believe that the change of continent put an end to the monotonous misfortune of which his father seems to have been a victim in Ireland. In justice to the elder it should be remembered that his age and state of health very probably had much to do with his gloomy views of life. John removed to Philadelphia certainly before 1759, for a letter is addressed to him there in the latter year by Wm. Crookshanks his brother-in-law, and in the address of which John ?Company; (?) tNewtownship was laid out in 1685 and its "townstead or village" now called Newtown Square is still the most important settlement within its limits" (Harris). Frazer is designated as a "Merchant". He was engaged in commerce by sea, notably to the West Indies, and is thought to have owned in whole or in part the vessels employed in this trade. A John Frazer was licensed to trade with Indians August 1748 and Sept. 4. 1753 and it is quite probable that he was the same person as the subject of this sketch. He revisited Ireland at least twice after arriving in America: the first time in 1737 and later, probably in 1752. (J. S. Harris "The Frazer family" unpublished Jan. 1905.). Both he and his wife died and were buried in Philadelphia. The following paper belongs by date more nearly to the period at which John Frazer arrived in America. It may however, have been among the loose and miscellaneous papers always to be found in a lawyer's office and still more frequently in that of a Justice of the Peace ;a dignity conferred on both the son and grandson of the original immigrant. First Wm. Penn Esqr. by Lease and Release dated 16th and 17th Sepr. 1681 grants and conveys to Jno. Thomas and Edw. Jones 5000 Acres Second J. T and E. Jones, by Indenture bearg. date 1st Apl. 1682 promise to Assign over 156^ Acres to Reese Jno. William Third . . . J T: and E Jones by In/re. 18th March 33 yr. of Cha/rs. 2nd promise to Assign over 156I Acres to Thos. Prich- ard — 4th. Thos. Pritchard by Inden/re. 16th July 1784.* conveys the same to Reese John William by the name of Reese John late of Ireland. Reese John William is now vested in both tracts a Moiety in Myrion,f the other in Goshen — 5th. Reese Jno. William by Will dated 20th 11 Mo. 1697-8 devises the land in Goshen to his 2d son Evan Jones and his 3d son Jn/o. Jones 6th. John Jones gave his Share in Goshen to his Brother Evan in ex change for other Lands, but no deed of Conveyance was ever made between them 7th. Evan Jones by his last Will and Testament dated 20th 1st Mo. 1708 and therein among other things devised as follows. "I give and bequeath all the residue and remaindr. of my Estate Real and personal to be sold by my Exec/rs. Richard Jones and Robert Lloyd"— ?1784 must have been an error for 1684. fMerion. 8th. Thos. Lloyd by grant from Proprietr, obtains 156J Acres one half in Goshen and the other in Myrionf 9th. Thos. Lloyd makes his will bearing date as therein mentioned and devises his Land in Goshen to Jno. Roberts (Shoem/r) by virtue of w/ch. or of some otherway or means in the Law the sd. John Roberts became seized etc. 10th. John Roberts. Granted but never yet conveyed the same to Evan Jones aforesaid nth. By Indenture Quadri/te. made 16th 10. Mo. 1710 — between Ed ward Jones of Myrion etc/a. and Mary his wife, Thomas Jones of Myrion (son and heir of Jno. Thomas) and of his wife Ann, Richd. Jones eldest son and heir of Reese John William, eldest Brother and heir at law of Evan Jones second son of Reese John William and Jane his Wife and Robert Lloyd of the first part (the sd. Richd. Jones and Robert Lloyd being Exec/rs. of Evan Jones deed.) — John Jones third son of Reese John William of the second part — John Roberts Shoem/r. and Mary his Wife of the third part — (The said John Roberts being son and heir of Robert Jones and the said Robert Jones being brother and heir at law of Thomas Lloyd — and John Haines of the part etca. Signed by Edwd. Jones. Mary Jones — John Jones — Robt. Lloyd, Richard Jones — John Roberts Mary Roberts — NB : 254 Granted by this deed — 360 survey'd as by D Powells draft of the land. John Haines and Esther Haines Assigns as follows viz. To all People to whom these presents shall come know Ye that I the within named John Haines for divers good and valuable considerations as well as for the natural love and affection I bear my son Isaac Haines do Assign and make over all the within mentioned 254 Acres of Land etc/a. and do by these presents fully absolutely and to intents and pur poses Assign and make over all my right Title Interest property Claim and demand whatsoever unto the within mention'd 254 Acres w/th y/e prem. and appurten/es unto him the said Isaac Haines his Heirs and Assigns for ever To the only Use and behoof of him the said Isaac Haines his Heirs and Assigns for ever. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this 30th. May 171 7 — (no Acknowledgment, nor proof of the Execution.) Whatever may have been the business in which John Frazer, the original immigrant originally engaged, it is extremely probable that he was plunged into politics, from the time of his arrival in this country, fMerion. IO as appears by a copy of the following broadside issued just a week before his landing, of which the preservation among his effects is sufficient indication that it engaged his attention, and that upon its subject he probably had decided views; though what they were is not known. A Letter of Caution To The Electors of Pennsylvania. Conestogo, 20th Sept. 1735. Dear Friends, Although our great Friend and honourable Founder has settled this Colony under a Constitution, which not only deserves, but as an indisr- pensible Duty to ourselves and Neighbours, requires our utmost Atten tion Care and Diligence, to Maintain and Preserve; And as a kind Parent to his Children, or a good Patriot to his Country, he has given us such Rules and Directions, as may, if not wanting to the natural Duty of Self-preservation, continue to us and our Posterity, the Happi ness he intended for us and them. But as the Wantonness and Cor ruption of Men and Manners have in all Ages necessarily call'd for aid from the Senate to prevent and correct Evils and Disorders in Society, which at once no human Prudence or Invention could sufficiently pro vide against, it will, as long as that race continues, be found necessary to apply fresh Remedies to fresh Diseases. In Speculation it seems incredible, yet in Practice it's notorious, That Men Act against the most plain Rules, convictions of Conscience, and light of natural Reason, even in a Matter of the greatest Consequence in their Tem poral Concerns ; for who knows not, that the Trade, Interest, and Wel fare of every one in Pennsylvania very much depend upon the Cash of the Country and the due Administration thereof ; and that the Assem bly is the only Check on those who have the Custody of and are Ac countable for the same ? What Infatuation, Madness, or lethargic In dolence, can be thought to seize Men when by their own Content and Influence, they advance and chuse those Men to the Seat of Justice or Assembly, who are the very Parties with whom the Public have this great Concern in Dispute. Is it not against the Laws of God and Man, that Men should sit as Judges in their, own Causes ? Consult but the voice of Common Sense and Natural Reason, and you'll clearly appre hend, that nothing comes nearer the destruction of the Constitution, than the conniving at or promoting such monstrous Heresy in Poli ticks. How easy may the Possessor of a large Treasure Act the Banker, and accumulate to himself immense Sums, and therewith Bribe the Electors and Elected, and so become incontrolable, and subject the n Government to his Arbitrary Will : View well this scene of impending Danger, and consider, if without horror and amazement, you can suf fer your Selves or Constitution thus to be exposed to Slavery and Destruction, and what odious imputation such miserable politicians incur. How comes the Province in Debt Three or Four Thousand Pounds? the Public work not done? or how came it you have not been able to inspect the Public Cash for some Years past ? Why, the Truth is, the Parties became Judges in the Dispute, and by their Power and influence were too Potent to be controll'd or managed; and until you remove the Cause, the Effect will be the same, but worse the longer in continuance. Awake then, and drive away the Servile stupidity or Mercenary views that prevent our free and honest Elec tions; and do not dishonour the Country by chusing Men for your Representatives in Assembly, that bear Offices incompatible with that weighty Trust, or that have been stigmatiz'd with any Scandals or Baseness, either in Principles or Practice : But as Pennsylvania is stock'd with numbers of Men of Estates, Sense, Ability, Honesty and Integrity, out of which you may and doubtless will Chuse the Repre sentatives if you lay aside all other Motives or Considerations save that of the Public Good, by which only you can be called honest and free Electors, which I heartily wish you may ever continue to be, and that you and your Posterity may always enjoy inviolably that happy Constitution which the flourishing Colony of Pennsylvania is blessed with. Farewell Emanuel Friend. Somewhat out of their chronological sequence are introduced here two letters which were among the papers of John Frazer but on which no light can be thrown at present. The first appears to be a note written by the Secretary of the Old Pretender to Lord Kenmure (Kenmare (?)) and signed by the soi distant James III as "James R." dated Albano (an Episcopal city on the Via Appia 12 miles S.E. of Rome) June 18. 1734, without designation of the person addressed save by an endorsement on the back having some characteristics in common with the signature (but not with the body of the note) and written with similar ink, as follows : K. — Jas Lettr ToL K 1733 underneath which is written in a different hand and in different ink "to Lord Kenmure" the "33" of the date appears to have been written over two strokes 12 rather lower than the "17," as if the number had been 171 1. The let ter expresses appreciation of the devotion to the writer's person of the addressee and commends him to the example of his Father ; promising particular marks of the writer's favor. It is evidently a genuine letter of the exiled son of James II, and was in all probability intended for Sir Nicholas Browne sec ond Viscount Kenmare who was attainted throughout the acts of his Father Sir Valentine Browne the first Viscount, and his own, for un swerving fidelity to King James II and his legitimate successor. Sir Valentine was born in 1737; sworn to the privy council of Jas II; was Colonel in his army and created Baron of Castlerosse and Viscount Kenmare subsequently to the abdication of his master in 1689. His Lordship forfeited his estate through his loyalty and died in 1694. His son Sir Nicholas was an Officer of rank in the King's service and this letter was addressed to him. He shared the attainder of his Father and was deprived of the estates during his life. At his death in 1790 his heir and successor recovered them. Albano. June 18th. 1734. I cannot but take very kindly of you the zeal and duty you express for me in your letter of the 25th. May, and hope you will yet have one day an occasion of giving me further marks of them in your Country's and my Service, You cannot follow a better example than that your Father left you, the signal proofs he gave me of his attachment to my person and cause, and what he sufferd for it, can never be forgot by me, and will be the strongest inducement to me to give you particular marks of my favor and kindness, which I doubt not but you will always deserve by continuing in your present sentiments towards me James R. Endorsed k. — Jas Letter ToLK 1734 to Lord Kenmure The second letter is anonymous and also unaddressed, but it is evi dently also from James and not his son Charles Edward who were liv ing more or less together in Rome. He alludes to his determination not to repeat the errors of his Father! (James II) as to intolerance of religious opinions, and also to his own age, which facts preclude the young Pretender as the author. It is interesting to note his mention of the possibility of a restora tion without the help of foreign powers. The persistence in the ef fort to accomplish which, contrary to the advice of his best advisers abroad, and later of his supporters the Scottish chiefs to whom he had 13 made his way, was the cause of the final ruin and overthrow of Charles Edward the Young Pretender. This letter seems to show that these plans had been discussed be tween Father and Son. It was probably a secret document of which many copies were made and distributed in the United Kingdoms of Great Britain and Ireland by Jacobite agents. But how it found its way to John Frazer in America is entirely conjectural as are the senti ments he may have entertained toward the writer. May 5th 1740. Sir I receivd in due time the letter, or paper written by your freind in March last with another short paper in the same hand that accompaneed it; I have perused both w/t. attention and Satisfac tion, and can easely remark in them affund of experience good sense and affection for our Country and my familly. I am no wat surprised, that my Character and principles shoud be so little known where he is, neither I nor my Children have many occasions of declaring our sentiments, T'is true we make no Secret of them ; But those who may be acquainted w/t. them, are but too often under necessity of Concealing w/t they know on Such heads. It would be a subject of just Concern to me, if any who profess my Religion, should, by their writting or dis course have given ground to attribute to it, ill maximsi so Con trary to its true principles as those mentioned in your freinds letter, and if any of my welwishers in general, declare in their conversations for Arbitrary power, they are greatly against my sentiments and Interest. As for those who are brib'd tools to Support the present Arbitrary government, surely nobody can Consider them as my freinds, whatever may be their professions, but these are unconveniencys and misfortunes, for which I can not be answerable, and to which, I have it but little in my power to putt any remedy whille the Enemys of my familly, make to be sure, the most of every thing that can tend to our Disad vantage, and can do it without restraint — It is therefore no wonder that I should be so misrepresented and little known ; were our Conduct in the city of Rome put in a true light it would not a little Contribute to disipate the ill grounded fears and jealousys of many, and as for my Sincerity in what I may promise even during Exile I think without hav ing recourse to my present Character no doubt should be had on that head, by any reasonable man ; who will rightly Consider the present Situation of my familly — We have now been more than fifty years out of our Country we have been bred and have 14 lived in the School of Adversity unacquainted with flattery — and power, which always attend Princes on the Throne, and equally unacquainted with Certain ambitious views which are too common w/t. them. — If long Experience teaches us how little we may depend upon the freindship of foreign powers (whatever view of apresent Interest may (have formerly or may hereafter) induce them to undertake in our favours. Our restoration no doubt would be much more agreeable both to our Subjects and ourselves were it to be brought about without any foreign assistance, but should it happen that any foreign Power Contribute to place me on the throne it might be Visible to all thinking men that I can nether hope to keep it nor enjoy peace and happiness upon it but by gaining the love and affec tion of my Subjects. I am far from aproving the mistakes of former reigns I see and feel the effects of them and should be void of all reflection did I not propose to avoid them with the outmost care — and therefor I do not entertain the least thought of assuming the Government on the footing my father left it — I am fully resolved to make the law the rule of my Gov ernment and absolutly disclaim any pretentions to a dispens ing power I am Sensible of the ruine and oppression with which our Country is distressed, many may make the greatest part of the people desirous of a Change att any Rate, but for my part as naturall and as just as it is for me to desire that I and my familey should be Restored to our Just and lawfull right, I am far (att my age especially) from desiring that should happen but upon an honourable and Solid foundation, cemented by a mu- tuall Confidence betwixt King and people by which the welfare and happiness of Both may be well and Effectually Secured. It is manifest that not only justice, but even the Nation requires my Restoration, because I can never have a Separate interest from that of my Country nor any hopes of peace or Tranquility for myself or my family but by Consulting the affections of my people and having only in View Vein' (?) their h— n Honour and happiness — I am persuaded there are many persons of great Talents and merit who would be of that opinion were my true sentiments known to them, tho they are not all all look'd upon as well w'ishers of my Cause — nither can I wonder that they should have prejudices against me, they haye been bred up in them from their youth and Constantly Confirmed in them by all the 1'ves artifices Imaginable but I hope the time is not far distant in w/c. they will See things in a true light and if they lay aside all unjust prejudices against me and lay as much to heart as I do the prosperity and happiness of our Country. I make no doubt we *5 shall be entirely Satisfied w/t. onanother. Tis fitt your freind should know that I have by me a draught of a Declaration which there has never been any occasion to publish, this declaration was drawn in Consequence of the Sentiments and expressions in this letter It Contains a generall Indemnity without exception for all that has part against me and my familly — A Solemn engage ment to maintain the Church of England as by law Established in all her Rights privelledges possessions and immunitys whatsomever, and as I am utterly averse to all animositys and Persecutions on account of Religion it also Contains apromise to grant and allow a Tolleration to all Protestant Dissenters. . I also express in it an utter aversion to the Repealing the Habeas Corpus Act as well as to the loading my Subjects with unnecessary taxes or raising any in a manner burthensome to them and especially to the Introducing foreign Excesses, and all Such Methodes as may have hitherto been devised and persued to acquire Arbitrary power att the Expence of the Liberty and property of the Subject — and besides, there is a general article of my readyness to Settle all that may relate to the wel fare and happiness of the Nation, both in Civil and Eclesisticall matters by the Sincere advise and Concurance of a free Parli- ment Inf- I infer were I known and justice done my sentiments it would (I am Convinced) make many alter their present way of thinking and induce them toConcure in measures for my Restor ation as the most Effectuall means to Restore peace and happi ness to our Country. I thank God I am without Resentment against anybody I shall never retain any memory of past mis takes and shall never make any other destinction amongst my Subjects but such as true Merit and faithfull Service may Authorsce and require. I have ever the greatest abhorrence to all disimulation and will Certainly never promise any thing during my Exile but what I shall perform after my Restora tion. Endorsed "The Kings lett/r fr. Rome 1740" 16 The following are deeds, private letters, powers of attorneys, polit ical publications, and descriptions of objects and papers which were among the effects left by John Frazer. May 17, 1736. Know all men by these presents that I Alexander Smith of Clanickny In y/e parish of Donagh Barrony of Truegh County of Monaghan and Kingdon of Ireland do by these presents for Myself my heirs Ex/rs Adm/rs Nominate and Constitute authorize and appoint my Trusty and well beloved friend and Brother John ffreazer late of Tonyhamigin in y/e said County now of In his Majesty King George's Dominions In America to be My Lawfull Attorney and in my Name to Shue for and recover off y/e within named Thomas Johnsto( ) the within mentioned Sum of one pound Seventeen Shillings and Sixpence Ste/r. and to Shue arrest and Imprison him y/e said Thomas Johnston for y/e Said Sum if need be and after Shuing arresting and Impriosoning him y/e Said Thomas Johnston on payment of Said Sum or Securing y/e Same to be paid him y/e Said John ffraezor my attorney for my use do Impower him My said att/ry. to discharge and release him y/e said Johnston from Said. Debt and out of prisone if Confin'd and do Every other reosanable and Lawfull account or accounts thing or things whatsoever relating thereto in as full and ample a manner as if I was personally present and for Your So Doing This Shall be your Sufficient Warrant and Authority — Given Under my Hand and Seale in Said County the Seventeenth day of May one Thousand Seven Hundred and Thirty Six Signed Sealled and Delivred Allexr Smith seal In presence of us Robert Thompson William Little The above named Robert Thompson and William Little Came this day before me and made oath that they were personally present and Did See the above named Alexander Smith Duely Signe Seale and Exicute the above Instrument of writing or Letter of attorney and that the names Robt Thompson and William Little thereto Subscribed as above are proper hand writings of the sd. Depon/ts Jurat cor rne uno magister Extraord/y. p Tjttlei Captione affid/d.rurein et pro Com. Monaghan Robert Th SQn virtute Commission Mills Direct apud r Glasslough in Com pld 17 Die Mensis Maii et anno Dom 1736 et cognos. Depont Will Johnston Alexand/r Smith of Clanickney in the Parish of Donagh County of 17 Monaghan and Kingdom of Ireland Gen. aged forty four years or thereabouts came this day before me and made Oath, that some time in or about y/e mounth of augst one thousand seven hundred and thirty three, he this Deponant obtained a Bill for the sum off one Pound seventeen Shillings and Sixpence Ste/r. with a penalty of y/e Double Vallue from Thomas Johnston Late of Gallanagh in y/e parish of Monaghan and County aforesaid and under his hand and seal and payable to this Deponant his heirs Ex/s. Adm/s or assigns in a few Days after the possession thereof. But Some little time afterward as this Deponant heard and believes he the Said Tho/s. Johnston went pri- viately out of this Kingdom and transported himself to some part of His Majestie King Georges Dominions in America without paying him this Deponant Any part of Said Sum nor has he this Deponant or Any one for him received any part of Said Sum1 as yet and this Deponant fur ther deposeth that in the month of October following the perfection of said Bill a (fire ? ) accidentally ki(ndled ? ) brooke out on this De- ponants Dwelling house in Clonickney afores, which Suddenly Con sumed Said house and a great part of this Deponants goods and papers, and that y/e said Bill was Either burnt then or Lost in the Hurry So as he can't, find it since or heare any further or other accompt of it, not withstanding he has made diligent Enquiry for y/e same, and he further Deposeth that John Smith of Aghalaverty in Said County and Thoma/s Smith this Deponants Son were witnesses to Said Bill and further Saith not Alexr: Smith Jurat cor me uno magister Extroard. p Captione affiet/t. in rure in et p Com. Monaghan virtute commission milis Direct apud Glasslough in Com. ploilte 17th die Mensis May Anno Dora : 1736 et Cognoss Doponts. Will : Johnston Clinickny may the 19th x737 Dr, and onst affectiont uncle With whome whilst in jreland I had confort and greate satis- fection ; I belive never was uncle and nees dearer to other while heare I never recaived a shy look from you nor you from me, nor did I think their was ever reason for it and though we weare unfortunitly sepper- 18 ated, 1 was big with the hopse of as good a Coraspondance as posable But to my great Concern I find it otherways what The reason of it may be, I am att a los to know for my part I am still the seam as sincaere a frend and as much in my duty to you both as ever I ashure you I never mist one opertunity of writing to you eving since you have not been att the truble to give me your service. I never rcaived a line from ither of you since we parted but one from you in my fathers Leter which I answared very exactly this is the sixth or 8th I have wroate to you I know of too you mist one of them and one from my father and one from your sinceare frend went in a vesell that was wracked the others with more from your frends went with Mr. White who I supoase never went to that contry sine the rest I hope you have recaived though I never was so happy as get the answer of one of them I cannot think How mine should mis cary when others came so seafe I think I may say without presumpion, I was as well Intiteled to a leter from you as any but your parents I need not blame my ant seeing you have been so unkind though I am consious I never gave you the least Reason but if you suppoase any I can forgive you Dr uncle I am ver much concerned to heare you speak so cearelessly of tomy as you do . you know he was but a child in a maner when he went with you and Left very much to the care of you and my dr ant Whose care I thought should not have been wanting Supose she had not been your wife I do declare he never onest complained more than of the distance was between you but I fair itt from your own leters For he has talked much of both your cares but should he be gilty of any ofence I think it would not be willfully but you know he is young in comparison to you and I am shure he is affectionet and if there has been any mis understanding I fain hope its all over last yeare I had great hopes of seeing you onst more in this country but your last leter was deth to them yet I would willingly think you should be beter content to live heare Than there I beg jf you can think it proper That you may come I am shure yo(u) woud meet With a kind recep(tio)n x x ... Id ad to your parents days and . . (torn) ly to the com fort to all your frends a espeacsily to mine I have no news att presen(t) I think wort(h) your notis I ad no more att present but the Lord be your shild in a straing land and give you grace to grow and live together as heirs of the greace of life and that you may walk Befoare him with a perfect hart that in the end you may know in whome you have belived Is the sincere prayer of your most affectionit and dutfull neec whilst in this world Marg :tt Smith Give my love and duty to my uncle Speer and ant Margery 10 bigers gives you her love and service My Father Mother and Brother gives you both their love and service nothing in this life would be worse to my mother than to think theare should be a misun derstanding between you and tomy Alix and betty gives thire love and duty to you both To Mr. John f razor These The following is a letter of the original Persifor referred to on page 5: Dy dear Son this day being the iith of June 1737 I recud yours dated desembr 36 and am glad in the lord that hath mercifuly spared you in life and health your mother and I are yet liueing but in a weak tender condition and hath been much oprest in pay McCollom's debt near 20 po'd and can noe way remedy myselfe but by taking his body it is so hard upon me that I cannot bear it I will defer proceeding against him yet for som reasons John prie and wife is in health but in debt Rebeca Is liueng near her former being margry in a deplorable condition since she had y/e pox y/e too ypunge children dead Jack in Glaslough glower Mally with me hugh Johnston come back yesterday saing he will — (torn) — setle but there is noe truth in him allex and family Is well Sarah hath a young daughter Your wif's peoaple are all well James Morrison at home Your hors died with a carrman noething got for him goarge concerned that he did atack you Nelly in count Derry pers carr a auerry bad boy mally comeing back from mullangar flaxseed was sould in newry this year at thirty shilling pr hoghead allex got fifty at derry for what thomas sent flour is diferent prices in y/e year barrel staues is tenn shillings per hundred which I beliue is the readiest mony You need not fear as for seed and flouer at ye season you purpos to come god willing will be a dull artickle until spring. I haue writen seuerall letters, that I fin find you haue not got one espesially by James White with whom I sent a book and the gospol new creatur was with me in agust last and tould me he liued near you I haue now writ with Samuel McMullan of loart and also with arsbol lees of Keady who was Resolued to goe but haueing a mellancolly Re port of his son I know not if he will but he will send the letter by andrew Lucky if this comes to you let me hear if young lees in your country be well if you can before you come yourself e god spare and prosper you 20 to come giue my love and best Respects to mr. Frazer and his family I p ray god Reward him for his kindnes to you which I take as don to myselfe I am glad to hear by thomses letter which came the same day with yours that you and he are cordial I wish you may continue soe to to be to whom we give our loue and begge god may bless him and you and yours Persifor Frazer if god be pleased to lett me see you here and I liuing and able to goe with you I know not if we shall part the Lord giue direction both to you an me In all thing tending to — (blot) — his glory and our comfort in tim and foreuer Mrs. Corry Is dead Himselfe at Newry the girle with her grand mother the boy with me I am safe with him one way or other all he had here was ceased by neighbours for debt a good tennant in his place Iwould have been pretty easybutformuC'alls' debt I shall have trouble to come at any of my own, if att all I can not bear the loss if posable I can help it as for seruants I can not preuail with any to bind themselues to goe abroad as for hats they are pro hibited noe master of a ship will admit ,m a board to his knowledge whatsoeuor a man might doe goeing himselfe lam told by carpenters.-+ oak boards inch thicke Is worth threepence pr foot as for wallnutt ther Is noe such thing made use In this part of y/e country wherefore noe workman here knoweth the pr — (torn) — thereof wherefore if it pleas god to spare and prosper you to come bring staues and flaxseed are of use in comom which I belieue Is y/e Readest money as for flouer there Is a prospect of a plentifull crope this year the Loard direct to what Is most for his glory and the good of your soule and body your mother hath prouided cloath to make you cloase who Joyns with me in prayer to god for his blesing to and family PersiFor Frazer for John Frazer at Newton and Newtownship in penseluenia in america — or to be Left at the post ofice in filladelfia these — (torn)aze(torn) — 21 Advertisement. PURSUANT TO THE DIRECTIONS IN AN ACT OF GEN ERAL. Assembly of the Province of Pennsylvania, laying an Excise of Four Pence per Gallon on all Wine, Rum, Brandy, and other spirits retailed therein. PUBLICK NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL Retailers and others who intend to retail any of the Liquors above-men tioned ; That is to say, such Traders or Retailers who shall after the ist of September ensuing, Sell, or intend to Sell or Barter Wine in less quantity than one Hogshead, delivered to One Person at one Time : And in Rum and other Spirits in less quantity than Seventy Gallons delivered in Manner aforesaid; that such Re tailers, and every of them, immediately upon the Commencement of the abovesaid Act (which will be on the ist of September ensu ing) enter their respective Names and Places of abode, together with an Account of the quantity of the Exciseable Liquors at that Time in their Possession; as also the Marks and Numbers of the Vessel or Vessels wherein the same is contained. AND that from and after such Entry (which is to be made, upon Oath or Affirmation) no Retailer take into Store, any Cask or quantity of Liquor as aforesaid, before Entry made thereof as aforesaid, and of whom the same was bought, under the Penalty of Forfeiting the said Liquor. THAT every Retailer render an Account once in every three Months (without any further Notice than is herein given) or oftner if required, of all such Wine, Rum, Brandy and other Spir its, which he, she or they have retailed within that Time, and then pay the Excise on the same, under the Penalty of Forfeiting, for the first neglect or refusal, Forty Shillings, and for the second Offence Five Pounds, and have their Permit or License taken away and rendered uncapable of Selling any of the Liquors afore said, during the Continuance of this Act. IT is further Provided also, That whoever shall retail by less quantities than one Quart of any Liquors above-mentioned (with out the Governor's License for so doing) are subject to a fine of Five Pounds, over and above the Excise for all such Liquors so retailed by them, etc AND it is therein further enacted, That no Person who is in Arrears for Excise, be permitted for the future to retail, until such Time as they discharge what they are indebted thereon. AND that if any Person do. Draw, Sell or Barter, any Liquors aforesaid, without having first Entred as aforesaid, every such Person Forfeits Five Pounds over and above the Duty as afore- 22 said. And lastly, That the Constables of the several Districts of this County, are strictly enjoined under the Penalty of Twenty Shillings to return the Names of all Retailers in their respective Districts to the Court of Quarter Sessions, and to be aiding and assisting in detecting of Frauds and abuses committed contrary to the true intent and meaning of the above-said Act. THOMAS CUMMINGS, COLLECTOR. Dated at Chester, the 29th Day of August, 1738. A quaint little almanac (4$" x 6\") for 1837, lacking the covers but otherwise complete, bears the names of various members of the Taylor family and probably came into possession of the Frazers in the gen eration following John's, but it gives one an idea of the subjects which most interested the new comer to America. In the lines of heroic verse which conclude each page and are accomodated to the space left vacant after the calendar and astronomical notes are printed, many in teresting things occur. Thus, under January the reader is warned against keeping alive the political animosities of King Charles' time. Under February the tragic massacre of Christians by the Japanese King Combo is recounted. Under April is a curious chronology of creation "5700 years since Heaven and Earth from nothing came" etc. An advertisement leaflet, also 4^" x 6\" is as follows. Advertisement. Province of Penn- Notice is hereby given to all Persons, who svlvania ss are ma-ebted to the Honourable the Proprie taries, for Quit. Rent due on the Lands they hold in the said Province, and for Lots of Ground within the City of Philadelphia : That they provide to pay off the same in the next Month (March;) for collecting whereof the Receiver-General will attend at his Office in Philadelphia, from the First Day of the said Month to the 12th, for receiving those of the County and City of Philadelphia. At Lancaster, for the County of Lancaster. Attend ance will be given from the 14th to the 17th Day inclusive. At Chester from the 21st Day to the 24th inclusive. And at Pensbury in the County of Bucks, from the 27th to the 31st in clusive of the same Month. At which respective Times and Places, all Persons who are indebted as aforesaid, are required without further Delay to pay the same, otherwise they may expect to be proceeded against as the Law directs. James Steel, Rec. Gen. Philadelphia, the 8th of the 1 2th Month, February, 1738,9 23 Leaf from family Bible of John Frazer (XV-5) The Last gift of persifor frazer to his son John frazer Persifor frazer Jun/r was Born the 9th of August 1736 Robert frazer was born the 21st of July being on friday about eight of the Clock in the morning 1738. John frazer was born the 9th of Octo/r 1740 — and Dyed on monday morning the 30th. of aug/t. 1741 — John frazer 2/d was born July y/e 31 and dyed Septemb/r Seventh 1742 — Mary Frazer was Born the 4/th fourth of October 1744 and dyed the 25th of July 1746 Elizabeth frazer was Born the 9th. of July 1747 and Dyed October the 9th Thomas frazer was born the 23/d of September about four oClock on friday morning 1748 and departed this life on Tuesday the twelfth of December 1740 about Forty minutes after tzvelve o'clock in the day Sarah Frazer was Born October 18/th. 1750 Meary frazer was born May the 30th Wednesday morning 1753 & De(pa)rted th>s Hfe — (torn) the 8th. day of Oct (torn) «7S4 Anne Frazer was born September 4th, 1755, married to Joshua Vernon 1776, who died about March 1798. The page on which the entries occur is about 8% x 6% inches and ragged on every side. The first two lines of dedication are written in a very large hand with many flourishes but apparently by the same hand which wrote all the entries ex cepting part of the 16th and the 17th and 18th lines as noted below. The words in italics are in a different handwriting and with paler ink. The words and figures in small text are added from a leaf of the family Bible of Robert Frazer (XVII-2) which is headed "Copy of a leaf of the Bible of John Fra zer." The words supplied, as far as the date of birth of Anne, may have been in the original but are now missing. The date of the marriage of Anne must have been added by Robert or his Father, and that of the death of her husband by Robert him self. 24 ADVERTISEMENT. p . , p In Pursuance of an Act of the General Assem- enn- ^fy Qf ^{s Province, made in the fourth Year syivania, ss. of the Rdgn of the ]ate Qneen ANNE> for the more easy effectual Collecting of Quit-Rents, due to the Hon ourable the Proprietaries within the said Province. Publick No tice is hereby given that the Receiver-General will attend at his Office in the City of Philadelphia, from the 2d Day of the next Month (March) to the 7th inclusive, for receiving the Quit-Rents due the City and County of Philadelphia. At Chester for the County of Chester, from the 9th Day to the 14th inclusive. (At the Town of Lancaster, for the County of Lancaster, attendance will be given by Thomas Cookson Esq ; who is authorized for that Purpose, from the 17th to the 21st.) And at Pennsbury in the County of Bcuks, from the 23d to the 28th of the same Month. At which respective Times and Places, all Persons concerned are required to appear and pay their respective Rents. AND WHEREAS notwithstanding the like Advertisements which have been published every Year, pursuant to the above re cited Act of Assembly, the People who hold Lands or Lots within the said Province, have greatly neglected their Duty in not ap pearing at the Times and Places therein appointed to pay their re spective Quit-Rents: They are therefore to take Notice, that upon their further Neglect, Distress will be made on the Premises charged with such Quit-Rents, whether one Year or more be in Arrear, and the Effects or Premises thereupon taken will be Sold according as the Law directs. J. Steel, Rec. Gen. Philadelphia, the 10th of the 12 Month (February) 1740-1. NOTICE is hereby given To all Persons whom it may concern, That the Honourable GEORGE THOMAS, Esq; Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Pennsylvania, and Counties of New- Castle, Kent and Sussex on Delazvare is fully Impowered by the Honourable the PROPRIETARIES, as well to confirm all Con tracts heretofore made for the Sale of any Lands within the said Province, and Counties, as also to sell and grant any vacant Lands within the same THEREFORE all Persons, who have already contracted, or are desirous to contract for any such Lands, may apply themselves to the LAND OFFICE in Phila delphia, as hath heretofore been usual: And those, who have already made any such Contracts and not fulfilled the same, are admonished to apply and complete their respective Agreements. Philadelphia By the Governor's Command, 2 1 st. Sept. 1 74 1 RICHARD PETERS, Seer. This leaf is surmounted by the Arms of Wm. Penn. TO THE FREE-HOLDERS Of the Province of Pennsylvania. Friends and Countrymen, As theTime approaches for chusing Representatives in theGeneral- Assembly for the ensuing Year, it behoves every Man, that wishes his Country's Prosperity, to exert his utmost Endeavours to put an End to the Dissentions which have been industriously fomented by some amongst us ; who, under the pretence of Zeal for the pub- lick Good, have too much indulged their own Passions, and have brought all into Confusion. It is Criminal under these unhappy Circumstances to be Silent ; it is Criminal to be Neutral and Un concerned. — Let us banish therefore all Prejudice and Partiallity : Let us shut our Ears against Calumny and Detraction, and re solve to restore Peace to our Country, and Peace will be restored. The Governor has declared, in his Message to the last Assembly, That he desires Peace, and he publickly declares, That he will not leave the Province till this good Work is effected. He has promised. if just and equitable Measures are taken to restore Peace, he will pass all the lazvs that shall be presented to him for the Benefit of the Country, and desires that all former Differences may be buried in Oblivion. It matters not who has been right or who has been wrong in the late unhappy Disputes. The Question is now, Whether we shall restore Peace to the Province, in, which our Happi ness and the Reputation of our Country is so immediately con cerned? The Enemies to the Publick Welfare, not satisfied with having already brought our Affairs' under the greatest Distresses, are still blowing the Coals. The Gratification of their private Re- 26 sentments prevails with them over all other Considerations. — Where must these Distractions End? Can they possibly be the Means of any good to us ? — We are already too sensible to the ill Effects of them. The Five Pound Act, which was so beneficial to us, is expired. The Act for chusing Inspectors, which is so neces sary to prevent Tumults and preserve the Freedom of our Elec tions, is expired, and others of as great Importance to the Publick, will expire next Year. The Tenth of October next will put an End to the Trustees of the Loan-Office, so that should the Disagreement between the Governor and Assembly continue, there will be no Trustees legally empower'd to lend out the Publick Money, to such of the industrious Inhabitants as may stand in need of it for the improvement of their Lands, nor to receive the Interest Money for defraying the anual Expences of the Province. This will not only hurt the Credit of our Paper Money, which has been so beneficial to us, but bring us under the Burthen of a Provincial Tax; nor can we have any hopes to see our drooping Trade revive, by a further Addition to our Currency, which, as our Inhabitants have of late greatly increased, is thought by many to be very nec essary. — These are Matters worthy of our strictest Attention at all Times, but more especially now, since upwards of Ten Thousand Pounds of the Publick Money has been squandered away, and we are run four Thousand Pounds in Debt. — Under these Circum stances, is it not absolutely necessary that the publick Accounts should be strictly examined into ? We have a right to know how the publick Money has been disposed of, and the late Members of Assembly cannot but know we have, and yet they have hitherto concealed those Accounts from us, in hopes by this Means to pre vent a publick Detection of their Mismanagement, if it may not deserve a worse Name, till it will be too late for us to shew a proper resentment. If all was fair, why were not their Minutes published immediately after their last Adjournment ? Why is the Publication artfully deferr'd till they have taken their Measures for getting themselves re-elected? These Enemies to the publick Peace are now so artful as to cover their real Designs, under a pretence of Zeal for the publick Good, They endeavor to alarm us with Designs upon our Liber ties, and terrify us with the Severities of a Militia Law; and thus will they blacken the Actions of every Man that opposes them, by calling that an Invasion of our religious and civil Rights, which would have been necessary in Case of a War with France, for the security of our Wives, our Children and our Properties. But it is hoped the Free men of Pennsylvania will not suffer themselves to be so deluded, that they will not be deceived by false colouring1? 27 and bad Names ; but will examine Matters to the Bottom, and as it is now in their Power, restore Peace to their suffering Country. A Militia, it is true, was proposed by the Governor near three Years ago, upon the first breaking out of the War with Spain, and when a War with France was daily apprehended, with an express Offer of Indulgence to Persons conscientiously persuaded against bearing Arms. But the Governor has not pressed it since, and as we have no Hopes of a general Peace in Europe, that Matter is quite out of the present Question. It is true likewise, that a con siderable Number of the Inhabitants petition'd the King, that the Province might be put in a posture of Defence in Case of a War with France. But this was so far from being an Injury to us, that it was the means of preventing many from removing their Fami lies and Effects to other Places of more safety ; which if they had done, the Trade of the Country must have declined much more than it has done. It is to be fear'd however, that the insecurity of Mens Properties, and the confining our Confidence to one particu lar set of Men, with an apparent disregard and distrust of all others (tho' some of them had served the Publick faithfully in former Assembly's) may have sowered the Minds of many, and may be one reason for the discouragement of Building, the decline of Trade, and the low Price of all our Country Produce, when compared with our Neighbours. Let us consider seriously with ourselves, can the Governor's having proposed a Militia Law near three (years?) ago, when Danger was apprehended, be a Reason for confining our Choice at this Time to a particular Set of Men, who have squander'd away the publick Money and involved us in such a Scene of Contention, as every considering Man cannot but see must End fatally to us? No, it is plain that this Dispute is artfully revived by the Enemies of our Peace, to procure them selves to be reelected. If these men had nothing else in View but the good of their Country, they would not have recourse to falsehood to get them selves returned into the next Assembly. A good Intention stands in need of no such ill Practices. They would not have publish'd false Reports of the New-Castle Militia Act, or of the In habitants Petition to the King. They would not have publish'd false Accounts of Severity's exercised in the lower Counties upon such as are principled against bearing Arms. All such are ex empted from bearing Arms upon their producing a Certi ficate of their being Quakers, and the other Inhabitants of those Counties are so far from complaining of that Law, that it is universally acknowledg'd by them, to have been contrived with the greatest Regard to their Ease: Besides the continuance of that 28 Law is limitted to the War ; for so soon as the War shall end, the Lawi will expire. — Are not these flagrant Instances of an imbit- ter'd Spirit, and of a determined Resolution to hew down Truth and every Thing else that stands in the Way of their Designs ? It wou'd be a severe Reflection upon, and the highest prejudice to, the Inhabitants of this Province, to suppose that the late Mem bers are the only Men fit to represent us in Assembly. Are there not Numbers amongst us of Knowledge, at least, equal to these? Are there not Numbers of equal Probity? Are there not Num bers of approved Fidelity and Zeal for the Liberties of the People ? Can it be supposed, that such will wantonly make Shipwreck of our Liberties, and consent at the same time to enslave themselves and their Posterity? What temptation can a Governor throw in their way great enough to engage them in such a Crime? Our late Representatives have brought all into Confusion, and have drank too deep of the Cup of Bitterness to be proper Instruments for healing our unhappy Divisions. A Country divided against itself must be ruined. If therefore we have any Regard for our Country, if we have any Regard for our own Peace or for our Reputation abroad, let our Choice fall upon such as are most likely to reconcile our Differences. Do but resolve upon Peace and there will be Peace. Our Laws will be renewed, the Credit of our Paper Money will be preserved, and our Trade will be restored to its former flourishing Condition. On the Contrary, if these unhappy Differences subsist much longer amongst us, one may, without a Spirit of Prophecy, pronounce our excellent Constitu tion will soon be at an End. Endorsed against the Election of 1742 29 To the FREEHOLDERS of the Province of Pennsylvania. GENTLEMEN, The Government of this Province, with the Territories belong ing to it, was at its first Settlement in 1682, and for about Twenty six years afterwards, compounded of a Provincial Council and Assembly, both of which were chosen by the People the former had the Power to prepare and propose the Bills, and the latter to judge of their fitness, and pass them into Laws. Tho' the Gov ernor presided in the Provincial Council, yet he was restrained, by his own voluntary Agreement, from medling with, or doing any Act whatsoever relating to the JUSTICE, TRADE, TREASURY or SAFETY of the Province without their Consent. Neither could he commission any Persons to serve for Judges or Masters of the Rolls, nor consequently for Prothonataries or other Officers for the Custody of the Records, but such as the Provincial Council should present to him. And the Assembly in like Manner were to present the Persons to serve for Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace, and Coroners. Thus the making of the Laws, which is called the Legislative Power, and the putting the Laws in Execution, which is called the Executive Power, were entirely, lodged in such Per sons as the People should annually appoint. At present the whole Executive Power, except the Sheriffs and Coroners, is vested in the Governor. He not only nominates the Judges in all the Courts of Common-Pleas, and encreases, their Number when and as often as he pleases, but as we are told by the Proprietaries, he can turn them out when he thinks fit. He has. the same Power over the Judges of the Supreme-Court, only that their Number is limited by an Act of Assembly. And as no Bills can pass into Laws without his Approbation, the People have now no other Share left in the Government than to prepare them, by their Delegates, for his Assent. Such great Incroachment on the natural Rights and Liberties of the People could never have been made if their Representatives had not given their Consent. Our own Experience then, without having recourse to foreign Examples, shows we cannot be too careful in the Choice of our Delegates. What we have lost is ir reparable ; for Power is hard-hearted, and will never give up what it has once acquired. Let us therefore trust None who are under the Shadow or Influence of it ; and least of all those Judges and Magistrates to whom the Interpretation and Execution of the Laws are committed, and who hold their Places at the Will of the Governor. Should a Majority composed of such get into the Assembly, as is now attempted, the Legislative and Executive 30 Power would be in the same Hands, which is the very Essence and Definition of Tyrany. 1 1 is absolutely impossible for the People to maintain the Lib erty left them, unless those two Powers be kept distinct and inde pendent of one another. "No Government can be free," says the first Proprietor, unless the Laws rule, and the People are a Party to those Laws." Now how can the Law rule, if the Interpreters of it should be accountable only to themselves for willful Miscon structions and corrupt Judgments ? In England the Judges never were nor can be by the Constitution, members of Parliament. Yet as they hold Places there during good Behaviour, the reasons against chusing such as Representatives here, are much stronger, since they hold their Places but during Pleasure. It may be ob jected that it has been a Custom to chuse some of our Judges to represent us. But it was a Custom of pernicious Tendency and of evil Example ; and since we are now got happily quit of it, I hope none will be found so hardy as to plead for it again. Most of the Seats of Judicature throughout the Province have been lately modelled according to the Governors Fancy. Many new Judges have been created, and several old ones have been turned out. It would be absurd to suppose that the Creatures of the Governor (for we may so call them since they are created by him, and that their Being depends upon his Breath) think differ ently from their Creator. He thinks, and so do the Proprietors, that the Assembly ought not to sit on their own Adjournments, and have the sole Disposition of the publick Money. The Gov ernor's Creatures, no doubt, think so too; and therefore if they carry the approaching Election, we cannot flatter ourselves that those Privileges will be any longer continued to us. Others too may be taken away. Perhaps the powers of chusing the Inspect ors, and of judging of the Qualifications of Electors, may be trans ferred to the Governor's Creatures, under the suspicious pretence of preventing Tumults, as was formerly attempted; and so we shall all be legally ruined and undone. A childish Declaimer asks, What Temptation can a Governor throw in their Way great enough to engage them in such a Crime? But if he inquires into the Motives that induced several of them in their inferiour Courts to arraign the Proceedings of the High Court of Assembly, before it was dissolved, and as much as in them lay, to bring that Branch of the ligislative, which is the only Barrier the People have to oppose against arbitrary Power, into Contempt : If he informs himself how far it is consistent with the Characters of Judges to ride about the Country begging of Votes for themselves to be chosen Mem bers of Assembly: I say, if he inquires into the Reason of so 31 much Zeal, he will, possibly, find an easy Solution to his Question. He has no Objection against our present Representatives on Ac count of their Aversion to a Militia-Act; for that Point, as he says, is now quite out of the present Dispute. Yet, tho' they are all in dependent, tho' none of them have Places depending on the Gov ernor, he would have us change them for Place-Men; (for such he must mean tho' he does not mention them, since they are the Candidates) and on these Conditions he graciously offers us Peace. This pleasant Proposal puts me in Mind of a Fable as cribed to Demosthenes. The Occasion was this. Philip of Macedon having invested Athens, and reduced the Inhabitants to great Ex tremity, offered to raise the Siege, and enter into a Treaty of Peace with them if they would banish some of the Principal Men of the City who had opposed him the most vigorously. Upon which Demosthenes told the Athenians the following Story. Once upon a Time the Wolves proposed a League of Friendship with the Sheep, on Condition they would remove their Shepherds, against whom the Wolves were always howling as the Cause of Contention between them and the Sheep. These from their Desire of Peace stupidly con sented . The immediate Consequence of which zvas, that the Wolves without Mercy devoured the Sheep. There is not, Gentlemen, any one Reason offered you for changing your Representatives, at this Juncture, but what ought to be of the greatest Weight with you for continuing them. The Governor's Creatures publickly declare, that he will pass no Bills whatsoever into Laws if the present Delegates be re-elected. I will not, I ought not to believe that the Governor ever said so; for that would be saying neither more nor less than that we must either suffer him to chuse our Representative for us, or else he will dissolve the Ties of Government, and bring all Things into Confusion. Should His Majesty's Ministers make such a Dec laration mEngland,how many Impeachments andBills of Attainder would it produce? Tyburn would crack with the load of Tray- tors. The Governor's Creatures do also give out, that tho' the Assembly be changed, he will not revive the temporary Laws, lately dropped (by whom by the Way, may be the Subject of a public Inquiry) unless he be paid his Arrearages. Now the sup plies allowed to the Governor of Pennsylvania was always a free Gift. It cannot therefore be claimed as a Debt. Besides to lay the People under such Difficulties as to oblige them to give up their Money, and to take it from them directly by an armed Force, is to do one and the same Thing by two different Methods. By the fourth Law agreed upon in England by the Proprietor and 32 first Adventurers, it was stipulated, "That no Money should be "levied on the People of this Province by Way of public Tax. "Custom or Contribution but by a Law for that Purpose made; "and that whosoever should levy, collect or pay any Money or "goods contrary thereunto, should be held a public Enemy to the "Province and a Betrayer of the Liberties of the People thereof. We are not a free People, if we cannot redress our just Griev ances unless we part first with our Money. And if our Repre sentatives at their last Convention had agreed to do it on any other Terms, it is plain, that in the Sense of the Paragraph just now cited, they would be deemed Betrayers of your Liberties. A s every just Government must be derived from the Consent,* so it cannot be supported but by the Affections of the People. Your domestic Enemies, Gentlemen, and it is impossible you should, have any such, without being at the same Time, Enemies to God, to their King and their Country, have endeavoured to ter rify you out of your Liberties. But they have at last plaid their Game so openly, that the very Women look into their Hands. Your unanimous disdain of such Candidates at the approaching Election will infallibly restore Peace and Tranquility among us; for thereby our Adversaries will be convinced of the Vanity and Absurdity of the attempts to govern Freemen against their Con sent. One of the Articles of impeachment against the Earl of Clarendon in the Reign of KingCharles 2. was, That he endeavoured to introduce an arbitrary Power in the Plantations, which, if it had been true, he acknowledged he had forfeited his Head. That up right Ministers well knew of what importance the Colonies were to Greal Britain, and that the surest Method of multiplying the Brit ish Subjects in America, and of preserving their Affection to the Mother Country was to establish FREEDOM amongst them, and guard them from Oppressions. T o conclude, The Facts I have laid before you are of public Notoriety. The Arguments they suggest are plain and obvious to every Man of common Sense, Truth and a good Cause stand in need of no Artifice or Disguise. That silly Scribler, which I be fore took Notice of, has told you, that under our present unhappy Circumstances, it is criminal to be silent, it is criminal to be neutral and unconcern'd but he forgot to have told you that it is a thousand Times more criminal to be concerned on the criminal Side. I am Gentlemen, Your most humble Servant Endorsed Against the Elections of 1742 A. B. ?Note the germ of a sentence in the Declaration of Independence. 33 The LETTER To THE FREE-HOLDERS Of the Province of Pennsylvania, Continued. Friends and Countrymen, THAT our Province is disturbed with Contentions and Party Heat, and that the Money accruing from the Excise, and the In terest received yearly into the Loan Office (which arises from the Labour and Sweat of our Inhabitants) is squandered away in ridiculous Negociations and empty Pretentions to support Lib erties and Privileges, are Facts not to be denyed. Are not the late Assembly defeated in their applications to England? And is not their conduct like to bring down just Resentments of his Majesty upon the Province? What will be the consequence of their Doings, may be fully seen by the Report of the Lords of Trade lately come over. If we take a particular review of the horrid Waste of the publick Money, it will also further convince us they are the most unfit of any Men in our Province to be con tinued as our Representatives ; for as long as Men of heated Pas sions are intrusted with the Publick Treasury, nothing can ever be expected but that to support their extravagancy of Temper, they will lay aside all Duty or Consideration of the publick Interest, to defend their embarrased Schemes and support their sunk Repu tations. Have we not flagrant Instances before us of the profuse and extravagant Conduct of these Men with Regard to the publick Money? Have they not inconsiderately transmitted Three Thousand Pounds to Great Britain for a chimercial Purpose ? And have they not lodged this Money to be squandered away in sup port of their own fantastical Projects and trifling Solicitations? Have they not, in a Manner, sunk Seventeen Hundred Pounds in the Purchase of a Tide-Swamp to finish the Misery of Foreigners? When a Place, better answering all the Ends proposed, might have been purchased for the Twentieth Part of the Expence; and is it not evident that this Project will bring a considerable anual Charge to keep it above Water ? it being the first instance that was ever heard of in any part of the World, that a Marsh is a proper Place to erect an Hospital. Have not they combined to divide a large Share of publick Money for pretended Services among them selves? Has not a leading Member of this ever-memorable Con vention received Fifty Pounds to himself alone, for Tzventy Days Service as King's Attorney? Has he not likewise had large Shares of the publick Money from drawing Bills, Rejoinders, Answers, Replys, and to spin out Matters for a seven Years Con tention ? Have not large Sums been divided among secret Com- 34 mittee-Men, Inquisitors and Negotiators of a Lower Rank ? Have they not visibly sunk us Ten Thousand Pounds within these two Years, emptied the Treasury, and left us Four Thousand Pounds in Debt ? Which Money they have issued out of the Bills made for Changing the old and ragged Money, and which from the Disap pointment many Persons have met with in their repeated Applica tions to the Office for that Purpose has rendered a great Part of our Currency in a Condition not fit to pass amongst us, and this they have done expresly contrary to Law, since it was lodged in the Trustees Hands for exchanging defaced Bills, and is by no Means subject to any Orders from the Assembly; the Law is to be a Direction to the Trustees for the disposal of that Money, and they are liable to a Prosecution if they transgress it; the Assembly have by this Means deceived the People: This Money must be replaced, and if it cannot be done in any other Way (of which there is hardly a possibility) it must be by a. Provincial Tax ; this will in deed open the Eyes of the People, and then they may wish they had hearkened to the Advice of prudent Men when it will be too late. They have, it is true, been charged publickly with keeping back their Minutes, and with not printing the publick Accounts ; but how do they Clear themselves of the Charge ? Why their Printer is pleased to tell us, that they gave no Orders to de lay the Printing of them : But this piece of equivocal Sophistry will not satisfy the People of Pennsylvania : Did they give him Or ders to print them immediately after the Sessions, as has been usual with all other Assemblies, or was a Committee appointed for that purpose ? or have that Committee done it ? The Truth . of the Matter is, they are not yet published, nor will they be till they have done all in their Power to secure their being Re- Elected : Their Printer goes on and fays, a Sight of the Minutes has not been denied to any that have asked to see them. Let us ask this Advocate for his Masters, who have upon all Occasions paid him so well, has any a Right to a Sight of the Assembly's Votes till they are printed? Has the Printer a Right to show every Man the written Minutes? Or could any considerate Person think it just he should do so? No surely: Had not the Assembly them selves been Apprehensive of the Peoples Dissatisfaction with them for their squandering away the publick Money, they would no doubt e're now been printed. Good Men fear not an enquiry into their Actions, but desire they may be publickly known. To such a Height is the indiscreet Madness of these Men grown, that many among them now declare, that they wish for a Change of our Government, rather than own that they have been in the wrong, or admit of falling upon Ways to reconcile the present .35 Differences; they are disposed to part with all the great Conces sions granted to them by our late Honourable Proprietors, rather than lay aside their favourite Passions, for that must be the Case if the Government is given up into the Hands of the Crown ; we must then be upon a level with the rest of his Majesty's Colo nies, though at present (if we knew when we are well) we are, in many respects, in a happier Condition: We have anual Assem blies, we have the Choice of our Sheriffs, and many other Privi leges as our undoubted Rights. When Mr. Fletcher had a Com mission from the King for being Governor of this Province, he issued out Writs to chuse an Assembly, and appointed Sheriffs, without any Regard to the Charter that subsisted then among us : Can these People therefore be proper Advocates for our Liberties who would willingly part with so many valuable Privileges to gratify their Passions and private Revenge. The Militia and Forts they now make use of as Bugbears to affright weak People : Will they not of course attend a change of our Government? Is there any Province belonging to the King where a Militia is not appointed by Law, or where there are not Batteries and For tifications for Defence? How consistent then are these Mens Proceedings with their many and high, Declarations of maintain ing our Liberties and Privileges ? If we therefore desire to have our excellent Constitution preserved and many valuable Privileges continued to us; if we desire to avoid the Oppression of heavy Fees in petty Law Sutes ; if we would promote the Prosperity of the landed Interests and give Life to our Trade abroad and in- courage Industry at home ; if we ever desire to see Peace again in our Days' in this our distracted Country, let us take time by the Fore-lock and make use of the Opportunity we now have ; and let every Man of every Rank and Denomination joyn Heart and Hand to rescue our Country from the impending Evils these men are like to bring upon us. — Let us put it out of their Power for the future to support their own private Quarrels and Contentions with the Country's Money. — And let us direct our Choice to such Men as are likely to restore that Harmony and Peace which formerly subsisted among us, and like true lovers of our Country let us at this Time show our Zeal for the Common Good, by mak ing choice of such Men whose Hands have not been the Instru ments of our present Distractions and threatening Ruin. But especially let us avoid those, who, at all adventures, will run the Province into the utmost Extremity to execute their implacable Resentments. The Freeholders Endorsed reai Friend and Countryman Against the Elections T. B. of 1742 36 BY THE HONOURABLE GEORGE THOMAS, Esq; Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of the Province of Pennsylvania, and the Counties of New-Castle, Kent and Sussex upon Delaware. A PROCLAMATION. WHEREAS, by the express Orders of the Hon. the Proprietaries, no Warrant or License has issued out of the Land-Office for taking up or settling any Lands in the County of Lancaster, to the West ward of the Kittochtinny-Hills otherwise called the Endless or Blue Mountains, so that all such as have presum'd to possess themselves of any Lands there, are manifest Intruders ; and, as such, liable by the Laws to be removed, and, in Case of Refusal, to be committed to Prison and severely Fined. AND WHEREAS the Indians at the Treaty made with them in the Month of luly last, did complain that they were greatly dis turbed and injured by Peoples settling at luniata and in other Parts of the County of Lancaster to the Westward of those Hills, and be came earnest Petitioners that all such Persons might be made to remove from thence. I favouring the Request of the said Indi ans, and to the End that all Persons concerned may have sufficient Notice of the Dangers they incur from their Resentment, and the Violation of the Laws, Have thought fit to issue this my Procla mation, hereby strictly requiring all Persons who have presum'd to possess themselves of any Lands situate in the Places aforesaid, or in any Part of the said County of Lancaster to the Westward of the aforesaid Ridge of Mountains, or who have seated themselves on any Tracts appropriated to the use of the Indians on this side of those Hills, forthwith to leave their Possessions and remove off them with their Families and Effects, as they will answer the con trary at their highest Peril. And as by reason of the approaching Winter, some may not be able to provide themselves with fit Habi tations or, with the Necessaries of Life, if they should be compell'd immediately to leave their Houses- and Plantations, the Removal of such as are in these Circumstances is respited to the first Day of May next, the longest Time that will' be allowed any one to con tinue in the Possession of any Land so situate as aforesaid. AND I DO hereby require the Sheriff of Lancaster County to publish this Proclamation at the Court-House of the said County, and to cause Copy's thereof to be affixed at the most publick Places, and particularly at luniata and from thence all along on the Banks of the River Susquehanna to' Wyomen, and at Licking-Creek Hills near the River Patowmeck, that none may pretend Ignorance thereof. Given at PHILADELPHIA under my Hand and the Great Seal of the said Province, the Fifth Day of October 1742 in the Sixteenth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord GEORGE the Second, by the Grace of God of Great- Britain, France and Ireland, KING Defender of the Faith, etc. GEORGE THOMAS. GOD Save the KING. Endorsed "The Governour,s Proclamation forbidding the Settling the Indian's Lands" Pensilvania 1743 An almanac of Ephemeris etc. years Being for the creation of the world 5747 Landing of Julius Caesar in England I797 Royal Grant of Pensilvania 63. by Jacob Taylor etc. Philadelphia Printed and sold by Isaiah Warner almost opposite to Charles Brockden's in Chestnut Street giving besides the usual alma nac news the times of meeting of the Provincial Courts in Penna., Md., and N. J. The American Almanack for the year of Christian Account 1744 etc. Fitted to the latitude of Forty Degrees, by John Jerman Philomath, etc. Printed and sold by /. Warner and C. Bradford at the Bible in Front Street. 38 Feb. 14. 1744 THIS INDENTURE made the fourteenth day of Feb ruary One Thousand Seven hun/d. and ffourty four Between William Coats of the Northern Liberties of the City of Phila. Yeoman of the One part and Thomas Leech of the. s/d. City of Philadelphia Merch/t. of the other part. Whereas the s/dThomas Leech is now about to fence in the piece of Land lately belonging John Stacey dec/d. And the Creek called Cohockson Creek the Bounda betwixt the s/d. William Coats his Land and the s/d.Staceys Land, and it being represented by the s/d Thomas Leech to the s/d William Coats the ffence cannot be made secure and fixed so as to remain any time along s/d Creek side in the Soft mud on the s/d Stacy s side of the Creek Now This Indenture Witnesseth That the s/d William Coats as well for and upon the Consideration afores/d. as of the paym/t. of the Rent and in and by this present Indenture reserved Hath given granted devised set and to ffarm Let and by these presents doth give grant devise set and to ffarm Let unto the s/d Thomas Leech his heirs and Assigns all those slips or narrow pieces of Swamp or Marsh Ground along the Creek where any such shall happen to be betwixt the Creek and ffast Land along the Creek as far as the same is the Boundary betwixt the s/d two Tracts of Land. And also full right License Liberty privilege and Authority to Errect and place the Division ffence upon the Edge of the fast Land on the said Coats his Side of the Creek all along the side of the s/d Bank as far as the Creek divides betwixt the s/d two Tracts of Land To have and to hold the s/d slips or narrow pieces of Marsh Ground or Swamp and premises with all the Rights Liberties and priviledges hereby granted or mentioned to be granted with the ap- purtenanses unto the s/d Thomas Leech his heirs and assigns to the only proper Use and behoof of the s/d Thomas Leech his heirs and assigns for ever Yielding and paying unto the said William Coats his heirs and Assigns the Yearly Rent of ffive Shillings Lawful money of Pensilvania on the Twenty ffifth day of March for Ever. The first payment to be and commence on the Twenty fifth day of March One Thousand Seven hundred and ffourty six Reserving never theless unto s/d William Coats his heirs and Assigns full and ffree Lib erties and privelege of Convenient Watering place or places to and for the accommodation of any Lott or Lotts hereinafter to be fenced in or Leased Out ffronting the s/d Creek and Boundary. And the s/d William Coats for himself his heirs Exect/rs and Admin- ist/rs, doth Covennt. promise and grant to and with s/d Thomas Leech his heirs and Assigns That he the s/d Tho/s. Leech his heirs and as signs paying the Rent hereby reserved and performing and keeping the Reservations and Covenants herein Specifyed shall and Lawfully may from time to time and at all times hereafter freely quietly and peacea- 39 bly have hold and enjoy the hereby granted or mentioned to be granted premisses with the appurtenances without any the Lawfull Let suit Trouble or Molestation of any person or persons whatsoever by from or under him them or any of them. In Witness whereof the s/d parties to these presents have In(ter)changeably to these present Indentures set their hands and Seals Dated this Day and Year first above Written William Coats [Seal. J Sealed and Delivered in the presence of the Word (Six) being made first in the twenty third Line Reese Peter his Hugh IR Ross Mark The American Weekly Mercury Num. 1272. From May 17 to May 24. 1744. Containing news of the action of Admiral Mathews with the Dragon, Warwick, and Winchelsea, against the combined French and Spanish Fleets off Toulon. Boston May 14. Last Saty Ev'g a ship arrived here in five weeks and 2 days from Glasgow with translation of the French King's Ordonance declaring war against England dated March 15. 1744. and a copy of the declaration of War by the King of Great Britain against the French King. etc. The Pennsylvania Gazette June 14, 1744. Numb 809. containing Proclamation by the Hon. Geo. Thomas, etc., etc. Supplement to the Pennsylvania Gazette N/o 867. Phila. July 25, 1745. containing message of the Governor to the Gen. Assembly of the Province, and the resolution of the latter granting £ 4000 to the King's use. 40 The account book from which the following notes are taken seems to have served the original owner Dr. Taylor and his granddaughter's husband General Persifor Frazer ACCOUNT BOOK OF DR. JOHN TAYLOR Note Bond Bond Note page 12 John Taylor to Jacob Taylor to be paid on Demand Dated the 29th of Decern1, 1757 for Jn° Taylor to James Broom Dated 8th Jany. 1759 for Assurr.'d by Jacob Taylor the 9th of Jany. the same year and Assign'd by sd James Broom 6th July foil8. Jn° Taylor to Jas Broom dated 25th Novern' 1758 a Judgm' Assum4 and Assign'd as above, for Jn" Taylor to James Broom dated, the 4* Decern' 1758 for Assurn'd and Assign'd as above £ 23 Jn° Hart Dr To Cash at G. To Cash To D° ToTo ToTo To To To To ToTo ToTo To To D° D° D°D°D° d°wu. d° d° d°d°d°d°d° Aliens: B:Wine Keelars fair w'RC etc Bevans D» Beelan Bevans, S. dc J. M W J. Hart C: K d° do d S O Mason Sunday Keelars Kemlers (?) C: C:H d° £ page 71 Copy of Ace* out of a Memorandum Book of Doctor Taylor. My Daughter Martha was Married the 23* of Novemr 1738 to W1" Empson The Expence of her Wedding dinner besides trouble etc. amta to The | Cloathes she had ag8 her Marriage Am* to The week after She was Married 1 gave her in part of her portion a Horse which Cost and twenty Pistoles which with ye common advance amounted to and ten yards Ozenbrigs April 1739 I gave him a suit of BroadCloath with trimmings wch came to October 1739 I gave her a Plush Side Saddle which Cost a looking Glass Some household Stuff, callico and Linnen w'b necessaries for dying in w°" came to 41 ^25 . 24. 16 . 28. 5 ¦ 1 . 13 ¦ 125 10 9 10 93 11 9 o 3 39 4 , 10^ 4 6 ACCOUNT BOOK OF DR. JOHN TAYLOR (Continued) page 72 Nov' 22 Dec' 4 12 March 1740 br '13 April 1741 Aug' 3 1742 May i74l< Jan* 30 1744 Ap'i6 Am' brought Forward a large Trunk to Cash to his Wife to a frying pan to a warming Pan to Cash to himself My Wife carrd him Linnen and other goods to the value of to pay to Cash to his Wife A for nursing his Child To a Tea Kettle, Spoons, dishes and Furniture w*h tea To Sundries ag' her lying in -Viz his wife To Sundry goods delivered to her at the amts to To goods did to my daughter Martha to the Value of To a Servant Girl nam'd Mary Simmons To Cash p4 Thomas Booth for William Empson £ 125. . 2 . . 5- • 5- • 5 ¦ • 7 ¦ ¦ 6. . 8- . 3 • • 8! '. 6. . 10 . . 4 ¦ • 10 . . 14. . 10 . . 19. . 15 . . 0 . . 5 • • 6 9 6 8 173 • • 6. . 5 1744 July 20 page 73 Am' bro' forward To so lb feathers To a Mare and Colt £ Jn° Taylor advance Martha Empson Philip Taylor Jacob Taylor 173. • 4- 12 . . 6. . 11 . • 5 8 189. . 18. . 1 215. • 166. . 114. . 15. . 13 ¦ • 8. . 15 ¦ • 10 . . 1 7 2 512. . 6. . 10 1007 . g. . 8 1738 Dec' 1 5'" 20 1739 I0,fi May Octo 17 Dec' March 1740 page 74 Acc' of Physic which William Empson had for his Family etc since his Marriage for his negro Woman Physick amounting to Physick for himself to yB Value of Physick for himself to y8 Value of Physick for his Wife himself and family which came to to Physic for his Wife and family w0" came to To Physick for his servant Girl and Boy I . . 10 . . 7 • ¦ 5 • 10 . . 17. . 12 . . 66 6 6 42 ACCOUNT BOOK OF DR. JOHN TAYLOR (Continued) page 74 (continued) Aug' To physick for Negroes . . 7 . . 6 Octo. To d° for his Self and Child . . 8. . 6 April 1741 To Sundrys for his family to Value of . . 8. . 6 1742 July and Aug' 1742-3 To Sundrys for his family to y" value of . . 12 . . 6 To Sundrys for his family to the value of 1 • 7 • • 6 Jan* 8 To Cash to pay his Ditchers 10 — Mar : To Cash to pay the Ditchers 5 . .' 8 . ! — Nov. 29 To a saddle £ 3 — 25 . . 15 • ¦ 6 page 75 am' bro' forward £ 25 . . 15 . . 6 To one pair Boots 1 . . 6. — To Physick . . 8. . 27 . . 9- . 6 Total am' of the ac' i8( ). . 18 . . 1 ag' Wm Empson £ 21; • ¦ 7 ¦ 7 page 76 October 26th 1748 Then Commenceth the ace' of my Donations to my son Philip Taylor To 1 C. flour ¦ . 12 — To a pott 15-. a ffryin pann 6-6 1 . . 1 . . 6 An Ax and Hoe • 5 ¦ — To two half Barrells and a powdering Tubb . 12 . . — To 3 yards Ozenbrigs . 6 . . — One Bushell Salt . 4- ¦ 6 To 7 yards Garlix 1 • 5 • • — To 2 Tin panns 7-6. one hand saw 12- one Hammer 2-6 d 1 2 . . — To 315 lb Beef @ 2>£ 3 . 5. . 7 To a pr Boots from Jos: Pratt 1 ¦ 7 • ¦ — To no lb Pork @ 2^ 1 2 11 To 10 lb Tallow • 5 • • — One pair Shoes • 7 • 6 To 2 Bushells Oats . 4. . 6 To Cash to his Wife ¦ 7 6 To 2 Bushells Malt 9. . 6 To Raccoon Hatt 1 — To Cash p4 Hannah Lindly for him 3 — To one felt Hatt £ 5 ¦ • 6 17 • 2 . . 0 page 77 Am' bro' forward 17- . 2 . . 0 To 26 yda Ozenbrigs 2 . . 12 . . — ro 2 Bushell Oats • 5 ¦ ¦ — To Cash to John Taylor for Smith work done for him 7 ¦ . 4 . . — Tin Ware 5-. Six Chairs 18-. 1 • 3 ¦ ¦ — \ Trunk . 15 . . — Feather Bed and Furniture 8' 10 . . — 43 ACCOUNT BOOK OF DR. JOHN TAYLOR (Continued) page 77 (continued) May 20 1749 June 30 July 26 Aug' To two Cows bought of Benj' Sharpless 2 a Bell To a new Vest To 1 p' Shoes To two Horses To 30 lb Wool @ i4d To 8 yards Ozenbrigs To one side harness leather To an Ox Chain To a Grinding Stone To one pair Shoes One Hundred flour two Bushells Malt To 25 lb Bacon To 17 lb Bacon £ 8. . 1 . . 16 ; '. 1 . . 1 . . 3 • • 15 . . 7- • 15. . 16. . 12 ¦ ¦ 8. . 15. . 7 ¦ ¦ 10 . . 12 . . 8. . 66 6 6 71 . . 2 . . — Aug' 15 Sep' 10 18 Octo 20 30 Nov' 2 Nov' 24 Dec' 20 page 78 Am' bro' forward To 1 O flour To cash p4 a Man who worked for him To 7 yards Chucks To g}i Bus: Wheat for seed at 5-3 To 3 Bus: Seed Rye To 2 Horse Collars To %. gall Mellasses To % O flour To 150 lb flour To 1 pair Shoes To one Fatt Steer To one Iron Pott and hook To one Hogg To one Barrell Cyder To Turnips To one Coat To goods at Concord To paid for a Cheese press To goods at Concord To one pair Shoes To 2 Bushells Malt £ 71 2 . . 2 . . 1 . . 4. . 1 . . 3 • ¦ 1 . . 2 . . 16. . 14. • 9. . 9. . 9- • I . ; 12 . . 5 • • 7 ¦ ¦ 5 • • 12 . . 14. ¦ 5 • • 7 12 . . 15 . . 7 ¦ ¦ 10 . . I0# 10 10 6 93 . . 14- • % Ap1 2 page 79 Amount bro' forward To Iron delivered last Spring and worked up for him To a new pair Bound wheels and a good Cart Body To one Bushell flaxseed 93- ¦ 2 . . 6, . 14. . 16. . 12 . . 10% 44 ACCOUNT BOOK OF DR. JOHN TAYLOR (Continued) page 79 (continued) 7 20 27 1750 June 20 July 7 Sep' 20 30 To 5^ Bushells of Oats at 3- for Seed To ten Ewes with their Lambs and wool To 2 young Hoggs To 1 O flour 2 gallons Mellasses 2 Q' Rum 2 gallons Rum ¦ 1 C* flour To a new Vest To a Bull Calf To a Servant Boy To a Horse To 4 Barrells Cyder To 10 Bushells Turnips To 8 Bus: Winter Apples £ 5 • • 1 . . 11 . . 15 • 3- ¦ 16. . 10 . 16. . 12 . . 6. . 2 . . 8. . 12 . . 15. . 12 . . 10 . . 10 . . 6 6 144- • 144. . 2 . . 2 . . 1 . . 2 . . 1 . . 2 . . 1 . . 12 . . 12 . . 10 . . 5 • • 15. . 15 . . 17 • • 7 ¦ • 10 . . 15 . . 5- • 10 . . 14. • 10 . . 11 1751 June Aug' page 80 Am' bro' forward To Cash To Malt To a pair Steel yards To 5 Bushells Rye To Cash to James Dilworth for him To Cash to Chichester To Cash to Nath' Evenson for Carting Wheat To Cash to Hannah Lindly Rum and Mellasses at Harvest and Hay To Cash to a workman for him To a Bake Iron and Crow Barr paid Rob' Walker for him Total am' of the Ace' against Philip Taylor * 11 1 9 6 162 . . 7 • • — 3 45 page 8 1 A List of Bonds, Bills and Promissory Notes which Dan/1. Calvert hath in hia hands of the Estate of Jn/o Taylor delivered unto Edw/d. Brinton and Jn/o. Hannum the 29/th of March 1756. — OneBond W/m.EmpsontoJn/o.Taylordated 27/th. feb/y. 1747/8 One Bond Tho/s. Ogle Jun/r. 19/th Sep/r. 1754 One Judg/t Bond Joseph Sellars 15 Sep/r. 1755 One Bond W/m. Keepers 10/th. Aug/t. 1754 One Bond James Lindley I5/th. April 1749 One Bond Richard Frew 14/th feb/y. 1755 One Jud/t. Bond John Carter 28/th. May 1745/ One Bond W/m. Darlington 22 March 1749/50 One Bond David Richards 26/th. April 1755 One Bond Tho/s. Calvert 2/nd. Aug/t. 1753 One Bond James Few 14/th. feb/y. 1754 One Bond James Broom 17 Jan/y. 1745/6 One Bond Jacob Hollingsworth and Jn/o. Ruston 20 Jan/y. 1756 One Bond Tho/s. Clayton to Jacob Roman 18/th. may 1744 One Bill Owen Owens 17/th.Jan/y. 1749/50 One Note W/m. Keepers to Zebulon Oldham assign'd to Jn/o. Taylor dated 24/th. april 1752 page 82 Note W/m, Bennitt dated 2/nd. Jan/y. 1749/50 Note Rich/d Few 15/th Octo 1755 Note Jn/o. Baker 28 June 1755 Note James Underwood 14 Decern 1749 Note Rob/t. Jackson, Jacob John 24/th. March 1755 Note Josiah Lewis 26/th. Nov/r. 1743 Note Rob/t. Mercer 26/th. Nov/r. 1753 1 David Derrick 8/th. June 1752 Rob/t. Lyon Note 6/th. Nov/r. 1752 Charles Crossly Note 13/th. April 1748 W/m. Harriss Note 2/nd. June 1750 Note Edw/d. Pilkinton 8/th. June 1751 Note W/m. Holliday 29/th. Nov/r. 1742 d/o Ja/s. House last day April 1755 d/o Isaac Strode 31/th. May 1746 Bill Edward Brogden 29/th May 1746 46 Note Jn/o. Vaughan Note Jn/o. Duglas Note Rich/d Few Note James Millison Note Nehemiah Baker Sign'd by 14/th. April 1753 24/th. May 1740 12/th. feb/y. 1756 12/th. feb/y. 1756 31 Jan/y. 1756 Edw/d. Brinton Jn/o Hannum Nutmegs 16/ p lb Cinnamon 17/ p. lb (on last fly leaf reversed) The 10/th Day of March at John Hills at IO/o.Clock audit of Court (next to last Pase reversed) (Second page from the end reversed) D' Hart J. Philips 0 . . 3 • • 1 . . 2 . . To Cash p* for Pictures To D° p4 for Glass To D° p4 fo paint G: L To D" p4 for Glass 6 7- ¦ b The following promissory note is to Robert the second son of John Frazer. I Promise to pay or Cause to be paid to Robert Frazer or Order the Just and full Sum of Five pounds lawfull money of Pennsylvania at Six months after date for Value Received as Witness my hand this 2 day of February 1755 Eaneas m'Carthy Endorsed Pay the within to my father Robert Frazer* *XVI-2 47 Letter to John Frazer from his Father-in-law Robert Smith Cleary June the 1755 D/r John I receiued yours of the 15th of Dec/r last the other of 17th of the sam I did write by Phelimy Coulan who went to your Country two years agoe he had all I could Inform you of the memorand/m I had from Captn Mallholoun about his Lands in your Contry which was in his Deed of settlement that Sir Willm Penn or his Son sould their Lands to one Starkey a Quaker who aferwards died and by his Last will Bequeathed the sd Lands to his full Brother and sd Brother who cam to Dublin and made over the sam by settlement to Capt. Mallholoun at mariag to Starkies neess and their heirs for dow/r I maid further Inquiry that there was two men from Drohaday went ouer to manage them Lands by a power from sd Capt : more then 30 years ago, one Parks and one Gooll: but if they did dispose thereof they aplyd the profits to theier own use and neuer returned : nor any acount of them I did speak to the Capts oldest son and he wood not giue any Consent to dispose of said Lands untill he goes to see them first Sd Pheliny Conlan deceiued me for as I hear he wrot hom to a Get : of his acquaintance about the sd Lands but no return to me t'her- for finds by your lettr you did not receiue any from him I wrot from Dublin and Matty and Pearsifor with Collom did Joyn therein and belieue you did not receiue that now this bearer is Grandson to William Wattson whos: nam is James Smith his father wnt ouer to your Island and was a Tealor to tread Increased in his business and died in Pennelvena and left som fortun of Considerable Valew to his son had seuerall time wrott for his wife etc: to com to him but she being in our Lord Bleandys seurice was prewlad oni to stay expecting he wood com back to Irland now as the bearr is a frend if it Lies in your way to assist him to get Justice. Said Phelimy Conlan when he went to Pennelvena pretended he was the nearest of kin to the de- sesed and clamed all he died posessed of I heare but francis Brodly our wood ranger declared he knew the Deseased had his wife and two sons all aliue and sad disapointed Mr Conely this bearers Grandfather Willm Watson is Brother to John Wattson of Dery heath my ouldest sisters husban, this bearers Legesys is in the hands of Willm Arm strongs hands our Jon armstrongs Brother in law near Post town a e'{.^ way from you and vet your assistance may be vefy be of great seruice to him his name is James Smith sd Willm armstrong Hue near near New Castle abut 10 mills from it I am tould I thank God all heare is well only I and my wife are near worn Crasy I was in Dublin this last Tearm and has all business prepeared for a tryall against the next Tearm and has no dout to get a Decree for John Arm- 48 strongs 3/d part of the Lands of Clunnickney and Cawen I was: 10: days in Dublin and seen Matty Just com from the Bath in ould Eng land very well and Marget and famely and Couzn Coote and his famely and as Thomas Smith had remoued his ould Cruked Cause about his Brothers will from Ardmagh to the Froe Prorogitune Court I spok to John Greasons Proctr and he is to manag for John there although sd will was Condmned as a false unlawful! firadelent will yet Thos Smith is not ashamed to pay Costs and remoue it to Dublin: I have got about 12/th Cost and he has Lost as much Disputing and am very sure he will be easey in a short tim for both John and me are on good ground and well aduised wee will both defatt him which is a great trouble to his Unkle Allixandr and all his famely Thos Smith has not Left John armstrong the value of one peny eithe(r) in Cattle Corn or land only the house bearly : but I hop I will recouer lost profits and all wasts agnst him as I am aduised I hop you and your famely are in good health pray let us know how our frend Mr scott is and if he Continus their his father and mother and Brothr are well but Waltr Yong of Knockban is Dead about a year agoe. May the Almigety God grant you all peace of Consuence Increass of Grace and Joy and rejoysing in full hope and asurance through faith in Jeasus Crist of eternell Life from your father : 77 : years ould the 5th day of 7/br 1755 next ould still.* Robert Smith these in both peaprs I haue wrot without Spectils and tells you my wife and all frends of my famely Joyns in their Complymts to you you please to mention in your next if so next your wife if liueing John armstrong earnestly desirs to know if his Sistr and her husban James armstrong be yet liueing if if you can willm armstrong that has the bearers mony is a Justice of peace near new Castle and if posible I beg you may shew him all the frendshipe in your pouer for he is a frend and a yong man and your aduice and asistance is only all he wants Short note to John Frazer from his wife on her arrival at some point on the Delaware, probably Chester, by sail boat. June 10th 1755 My D/r. I got Safe here last night abt 8 o. Clock, have been very well Since, and have a good appettite, and have heav'd none, I hope to hear that you are all well give my Loue to all fr/ds. I am y/r. louing wife Mary frazer ?Old Style. ~' ~ 49 Note about the same time from John's eldest son D/r. Father I shall send down p first oppertunity money for the Barrell of Sug/r. if you please to send it p first Conviniency, you must not be too urgent for my Mothers going Home for I believe I shall go to Chester on Tuesday next Mother gives her love to bob sally and Molly like wise mine I am y/rs. Pers/r. Frazer John Cooper is very ill, they dont expect h'ell li — (torn) To Mr. John Frazer to the Care of Mr. Jno Curry on Society Hill Philad/a Deed of John Frazer and wife conveying to Wm Crookshanks their interest in the lands owned by Andrew Smith deceased, Mrs. Frazer's brother This Indenture made the seventh Day of Decem/r in the Yeare of oure Lord one Thousand seven Hundred and fifty seven and the thirty fourth first Yeare of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the second by the grace of God King of Great Brittan france and Ireland and etca. Between John Frazer of the City of Philadelphia in the Province of Penalvanea shop keeper and Mary His wife (She being one of the sisters of Andrew Smith late of Clenekney in the Parish of Donagh in County of Monaghan in the Kingdon of Ireland Yeoman deceased Intestate without Issue) of the One parte and W/m. Crook- shank of Anagola in the said Parish of Donagh Linnen weaver Of the other Part Witnesseth that the s/d John Freazer and Mary his wife for and in Consider/n of the sum of five Pounds Stirg monney of Great Britt/n ; unto them in Hand p/d will and truly p/d, by the sd/ W/m Crookshank at and before the sealing and Delivry hereof the receipt wherof the s/d John Freazer and Mary His wife do hearby Acknow ledge and therof Do Aquit and for ever Discharg the s/d, W/m. Crook- shank his Hires Exr/'s Adm/ers and Assignes and by these Presents have given granted bargand sold relaced and Confirmed and by these Presents the s/d John Freazer and Mary his wife do give grant bargan sell and release and Confirm unto the said W/m Crookshank and to his Hires and Assignes for Ever all and Every the Part and Parts purport and perports share and Divedend whatsoever of them the said John 50 Freazer and Mary his wife of in and to all and Singuler the Lands Farems Tenements Rents and Heredetamt/s. whereoft the said And/w Smith died seized or posse/d. or Intittled unto situate lying and bing in Clenekney and Caven in the s/d County of Monaghan or in anney oth/r. Part or Parts pleace orPleaces in the s/d County and Also all the Estates Right Tittle Interest use Possession property Clame and De mand whatsoever of the said John Freazer and Marey his wife of in and to all and Singuler the Lands Farems and Tennmts Rents and Hereditaments in the s/d County of Monaghan whereof the s/d And/w. Smith died seized Poss/d Intittled unto or to which he Had Anney Right Tittle Intrist Property Cleem or Demand to have and to hold the Afors/d parts or Parts perport and perports share and Dividend Heredatments and Premisses hearby granted or mention/d and in tended to be hearby granted with all and singular the Right Members Heredit/mts and Apurtenances whatsoever there unto Respectivly belonging unto the said W/m Crookshank his Hires and Assigns to the onley use and benefit behalf of Him the said W/m. Crookshank his hi W/m. Crookshank His Hares and Assignes for ever and the said John Freazer Doth hereb(y) Covenant for him and his Hares and for the said Mary his wife and for the Hires of the said Mary to and with the said W/m Crookshank his Hires and Assignes that he the said John Freazer and Mary his wife and there Hires respectively and every of them the afores/d Part and Parts Purport and Purtorts share and Dividend and all and Singular Oth/r. the Heredita/mts and Premes/s, hereby Granted or Mention/d to be Granted with the Apurtenances unto the said W/m Crookshank his Hires and Assignes Against him the said John Freazer and Marey his wife and his and her Hares respec tivly and Against all Person and Persons whatsoever lawfully Cleam- ing to C1 or to C1 or to Cleam by from or under him her them Or anney of them shall and will warrant and for Ever defend by these Presents in Witness whereof the said Parties to these presents ha — (torn) set their Hands and seales hereunto Dated th s Day the Day and yeare first abo — (torn) Written. John Freazer Sealed and deliv/d in the Presence of us Mary Freazer Rich/d Scott Thomas Dunbar The occupation of John Frazer is given as "shopkeeper" in this document, in others as "Marchand." In the early days of the Colony the active citizens pursued many callings simultaneously, as is the case to-day in our frontier towns. But in this respect the party of the first part had no advantage over the party of the second part, his brother-in- law in Ireland who was both "Linnen weaver" and Judge 5i The following letter is from Robert Frazer (XVI-2) the second son of John Frazer (XV-5) whose presence in Dublin on March 8 of the next year is mentioned in the succeeding letter. From family traditions it is learned that Robert Frazer was an active partner with his Father and elder brother Persifor in their commercial transactions, and that he was master of the brigantine Ranger in which he was lost at sea January or February 1763. The latter papers consist of a translation of the deposition of the Dutch Constable at Port Orange St Eustatius ; the depositions of John Harper and Matthias Lukens, Philadelphia Merchants who had for some time resided on the island of St Eustatius ; and two policies of Insurance on the vessel (one canceled in favor of the other). It would appear that these papers were prepared for the purpose of recovering the insurance of the "Ranger", and proving the death of Robert Frazer. It is the belief of the present writer that the vessel was never heard of after leav ing Port Orange. She probably parted company with her consorts and foundered at Sea. Kingston July 21/st 1758 D/r. Parents I Wrote to you by Cap/t. M'Pherson Who Sail'd a few Days after our Arrival I have not' heard a word from you Since I have been here Tho there Is a Ship and Brig Arrived f rora Philad/a. who Sail'd 2 Weeks after us I have nothing new to tell you but that I am in as good health as ever I was in my life thanks Be to the Almighty for it Tho there has not been all hands well Since we left Philad/a. I have Seen John Poultney (and has been several times on board with him on nights afterwork) who I beleive is in a very Good way he is now mate of a letter Marque Brig of 12 Guns bound to the Spanish Main and is to Sail in 2 or 3 Days he is well in health I have Got a letter from him to Jeny he Desires you would Do what lay in your Power as to the Prize money I Beleive we shal Sail in about 2 Weeks full of Rum Sugar and molasses My venture turns out but Poorly Soap is 55 S pr C Remember me to Peirce Sally and Nancy and to all Inquiring Freinds I am D/r Parents you Ever Ever Afectionate Son Robert Frazer Endorsed frorn Robert Frazer Kingston July 21/st 1758 52 The following is the second letter of Judge Crookshanks to his brother-in-law John Frazer since the execution of the deed in the former's favor fifteen months before. The first letter was not pre served. Annagola March the 19th, 1759 Dr. S,r, I recuied yours this Day Deated the 9th of January 1758 which always giues me pleasur, to hear of you and your, fami.ly, well- feare I also, Reed on from you Son Robert at the Same time how is now Landed safe in Dublin in or about the eight of march, I have this Day wrote to him, and tould him I had at that preasant an oppor tunity of writing to his father Dr Brother I now oune my Self under many obligations to you, but more in pertickallar for your care in sending me the Deed of glennicken and Cauen, I also, Return mrs, frazer thanks for hir willingness to Serue me I wish it euery may be in my power to serue hir, or hir Intrust, I am now in heast for feare of mising this unexpected opportunity, but shall endeauour to answer your Letter in full on the return of your son Robert I Reed the Deed and your Letter from Mr John Scoot which Mr Richard Scoot Deliuered to him safe, as to the goodness of the Deed I can not yet tell you, for I haue not as yet maid any proceedings in that aff eare, and the only reason is, there is still yet Since the Death of my father in Law a greate misunderstanding between my mother in law and me and John Greason, and (therefore untill we agree amongst Our Selves, it is vain to Commence a Sute (ag)ainst Smith, I shall in my next Let you Know part of thire proceedings (ag)ainst me, which will surprize you, I shall at this time only tell you, in the modest way of speaking that my mother in law and John Greason, outwitted me of 50 lb Str. which was my wifes fortune, for which reason my mother in law and Salle is not yet on Speaking terms, I now Hue on the Lands of annagola and has all my fathers Land which he resined to me, and is yet Liueing and my mother, my father is now 96 : years ould they haue a house Just beside mine, I have now foure Greason, outwited me of 50 lb Str. which was my wifes fortune, for cease of my father in law the Lands of Cleare was sould sum part of them which I bought, the other part I had by a contract of mariage, but there was a deed of morgas seet up against me by John Greason made to him by my father inlaw for 52 lb Str which I was than Obliged to pay for my oune right, I now enjoy all the Lands of Cleare, you see at a very high Expence, and notwithstanding that my mother in law was my greate Enimey I havel given hir Dureing hir owne Live Seven Eakers of the Land and the house at the Standing rent and I 53 also giue hir one cow with seueral, other nessareys, this I did on Salle, account, Jane armstrong and tow Children is liueing with her mother in Cleare, I have a Mault Kill going in Cleare and now has John Arm strong for my mault man, Jane Armstrong has three more children sum of them at treads, John Morrison Liues in the same please and is Doing very well. As for John Greason and his wife thy are well and in a very good way they haue six Children, as for Alexander Smith him and his family is all well, as for Robert his Son he liues in the County of Doune and is Extreamly well marred, as for my Sister Matte she always Liues with me frriee, and is Extreamly well, She is a friend home I greatly Esteem and regard and is Doing very well her husband is yet Liuing. I am tould that John Greason and Alexander Smith are both, writing to you with this opportunity which I beliue is one Mr Mathes and one Mr Lebourn, tho, 1 am unacquainted with them, but I believe John Greason and them are acquainted, I was tould that Mr Mathes Bought some white Cloath from John Greason, I hop you will giue my Compliments to all Enquiring friends, and I and my family Joynes with our Kind Respeacts, to you and yours, which all at preasent from your, Sincear and most Affectioned Brother William Crookshanks P. S. I wrote to you before this since I Reed the Deed > > Mr John frazer Marchand in Philadelppi — (torn) The following letters were written by Robert Frazer during the voyage from which he never returned Nov. 1 6. 1762 Cape henlopen Nov/r. 16/th: 1762 D/r. Father We are got this farr without meeting With any thing material we have got a fine Northerly Wind and have had Extriordinary Luck hitherto and hope it will Continue We seem to be all very sociable and hope it will Continue our Vessel sails very fast I think faster than ever I have sailed yet M/r. Bartholomew Is 54 well and sends his Compliments to you all Give my love to my mother Peirce Sally Nancy and Jack and my Compliments to all Inquireing Friends I am D/r. Father Remember me to Fargu Your loving Son M.Ilvaine and tell him Robert Frazer the Polacio went to Sea 6 Days ago The Sloop George Jenkins went in lost both her Anchors and Cables in the Bay and Intended to go to Bermudas to get others so we hope to be at our market before them. Addressed To M/r. John Frazer On Society hill Philadelphia S. Eusthis Janur.y 5/th. 1763 D/r. Pirce I have not Recivd a line from you Since I left you altho there was several Vessels Arr'vd at S. Kitts from Philad/a. The Bills of Exchange gives me a great Deal of Uneasiness bethe (?) I am afraid its being safe as to the Drawers we have Met with pretty good markets but I shall never chuse to come with Mr Bartholomew again for Reasons I shall tell you if ever I see you again we have bought a Brig here and have got in a load of salt and Intend for Carolina when ever we have a Certainty of a peace which we Expect every day my my Complimts to M/r. Mc- Mutrie and Family and all Inquiring friends I am D/r. Pierce your loving Brother Robert Frazer Addressed to M/r. Persifor Frazer Official certificate of the clearance of the "Ranger" Capt. Robert Frazer from St. Eustatius, Jan. 17. 1763: Translation O I the Subscriber Cornelius Lispier being the Sworn Constable of Fort Orange on the Island of St Eustatius do hereby declare to all persons whom it may concern to be true and ffact That the Brigan tyne called Raingor Commanded by Captain Robber Frecher Sailed from this Port for South Carolina 55 ,t ..... agreable to his own Declaration on the Seventeenth Day of Jan. 1763, having first paid the Customs and Duties at the aforesaid For Orange. St. Eustatius the first of October 1764. (Signed) Corn. Lispier (Seal) Constable. Translated from the Netherlandish original Philad/d. Octob/r. 30/th. 1764. Pr me L. Weiss City of Philadelphia Ss" Be it Remembered that on the Twelfth day of December in the year of Our Lord One thousand Seven hundred and Sixty four, Before me James Humphreys Esq/r. Notary and TabelHon Public of the Province of Pennsilvania, by lawful au thority duly admitted and Sworn, dwelling in the City of Philadel phia in the said Province; and One of His Majestys Justices of the Peace for the City and County of Philadelphia; personally appeared Lewis Weiss of the said City Gentleman, and being Sworn on the Holy Evangelists of almighty God did Depose, Tes tify, Declare and Say That the above writing is a Just and true Translation of an Original Certificate in the Hollands Language written, by him this deponent Translated into the English Lan guage, according to the best of his Skill Knowledge and ability, at the Request of Mess/rs. Benjamin Davis and Thomas Bartholo mew of the said City Merchants L Weiss In Testimony whereof I the said Notary have hereunto Set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office of Notary at Philadel phia aforesaid the Day month and year above written Ja/s Humphreys Not/ius Pub/cus 1764 [Seal] City of Philad/a. Ss" Be it Remembered That on the Twenty seventh day of February in the Year of Our Lord 1764, Before me James Humphreys Esq/r. Notary and TabelHon Public of the Province of 56 Pennsilvania, by lawful Authority duly admitted and Sworn, dwelling in the City of Philadelphia, in the said Province, and One of His Majesty's Justices, the Peace within the City and County of Philadelphia to keep, assigned; personally appeared John Harper and Mathias Lukens, both of the said City of Phila delphia Merchants, and being severally Sworn on the Holy Evan gelists of Almighty God did respectively depose Testifie declare and say, that is to say, The said John Harper deposeth and saith, That he resided on the Island of S/t. Eustatius from the first day of January in the Year of Our Lord One thousand seven hundred and Sixty three, and untill about y/e Eighteenth day of the same month Jany. ;That he well knew and was personally acquainted with Robert Frazier and Austin Bartholomew; who were both on the said Island, from the aforesaid first day of January and untill the Seventeenth or eighteenth day of the same month, the said Robert Frazier being master of a certain Brigantine Called the Ranger, and lying in the Harbour of S/t. Eustatius, and the s/d. Austin Bartholomew Supra Cargo on board the s/d. Brig/t.; That this deponent was frequently (almost every day) in Company with the s/d. Robert Frazier and Austin Bartholomew, during the Time of their stay on the said Island and frequently heard the s/d. Robert Frazier and Austin Bartholomew say, they bought the s/d. Brigantine in S/t. Eustatius aforesaid and had loaded her with Salt and other merchandise, and were going in and with the sd. Brigantine from thence, to Charlestown in South Carolina; that he this deponent Saw them prepare to sail in company with two armed Sloops, bound for Providence and that they did actually sail in and with the said Brigantine from S/t. Eustatius afs/d. on or about the Seventeenth or eigh teenth day of January afs/d. bound to the aforesaid Port of Charles town ; and lastly that the s/d. Brigantine had eight or ten carraige Guns (four Pounders as this deponent thinks) mounted ; Also Several Small Arms and other Warlike Stores on board. And the s/d. Mathias Lukens deposeth and saith That on or about the afs/d. Seventeenth day of Januery, he the s/d. Mathias Lukens being then on the said Island of S/t. Eustatius Saw the s/d. Robert Frazier and Austin Bartholomew Sail in and with the s/d. Brigantine, from the s/d. Island; that the s/d. Frazier and Bartholomew (some little time before the s/d. Brigantine Sailed from S/t. Eustatia as afs/d.) told this deponent they had eighteen hundred Bushells of Salt and about Thirty or forty Cases of Geneva on board the s/d. Brig/t., and that they were bound for Charlestown in South Carolina; and that the s/d. Brigantine sailed in Company with two sloops one of which was of no 57 force, Pratt Master ; the other a Letter of Marque mount ing fourteen Carraige Guns Joseph Thompson Commander and further that the s/d. Brig/t. was regularly cleared out as this deponent was informed. John Harper Matthias Lueken In Testimonium Veritatis Ja/s. Humphreys Not/ius Pub/cus 1764 Endorsed Depositions of John Harper and Matthias Lukens 27/th Feb/y. 1764 Policy of insurance on the vessel and cargo ot the sloop "Ranger." Whereas, We, Bartholomew and Frazer as well in our own Name, as for and in the Name and Names of all and every other Person or Persons, to whom the same doth, may, or shall appertain, in part or in all, doth make Assurance, and causeth ourselves and them, and every of them to be insured (lost or not lost) at and from Philad/a. to S/t. Eustatia upon all kinds of lawful Goods and Merchandizes, Loaden, or to be loaden aboard the good Sloop called the Ranger whereof is Master for this present Voyage Outerbridge or whosoever else shall go for Master in the said Sloop or by whatever other Name or Names the same Sloop or the Master thereof, is, or shall be named or called, Beginning the Adventure upon the said lawful Goods and Merchandizes, from and immediately following the Loading thereof on board the said Sloop at Philadelphia afore said, and so shall continue and endure, until the said Goods and Merchandizes shall be safely landed at S/t. Eustatia aforesaid. And it shall and may be lawful for the said Sloop in her Voyage, to proceed and sail to, touch and stay at any Ports or Places, if thereunto obliged by Stress of Weather, or other unavoidable 58 Accident, without Prejudice to this Insurance. Touching the Adventures and Perils, which we the Assurers are contented to bear, and do take upon us in this Voyage; they are, of the Seas, Men of War, Fires, Enemies, Pirates, Rovers, Thieves, Jettesons, Let ters of Mart and Counter Mart, Suprisals, Taking at Sea, Arrests, Re straints, and Detainments of all Kings, Princes or People, of what Nation, Condition, or Quality Soever, Barratry of the Master and Ma riners, and all other Perils, Losses and Misfortunes, that have or shall come to the Hurt, Detriment, or Damage of the said Goods or Merchandizes, or any part thereof. And in case of any Losses or Misfortunes, it shall be lawful to and for the Assured, their Factors, Servants and Assigns, to sue, labour and travel for, in and about the Defence, Safeguard and Recovery of the said Goods or Merchandize, or any Part thereof, without Prejudice to this Insurance, to the Charges whereof we the Assurers will con tribute, each one according to the Rate and Quanity of his Sum herein assured. And it is agreed by us the Assurers, that this Writing or Policy of Assurance, shall be of as much Force and Effect as the surest Writing or Policy of Assurance heretofore made in Lombard-Street, or elsewhere in LONDON. And so we the Assurers are contented and hereby promise and bind our selves, each one for his own Part, our Heirs, Executors and Goods to the Assured, their Executors, Administrators and Assigns, for the true Performance of the Premises, confessing ourselves paid the Consideration due unto us for the Assurance, by the said As sured, or their Assigns, at the Rate of Nine Pr Cent And in Case of Loss, the Assured is to abate Two Pounds per Cent, and such Loss to be paid in three Months after Proof thereof. And it is agreed that if any Dispute shall arise, relating to a Loss on this Policy, it shall be referred to two indifferent Persons, one to be Chosen by the Assured, the other by the Assurer or As surers, who shall have full Power to adjust the same ; but in Case they cannot agree, then two such Persons shall chuse a Third, and any two of them agreeing, shall be Obligatory to both parties. In Witness whereof, we the Assurers have subscribed our Names and Sums assured in Philadelphia, the Twelfth Day of November One Thousand, Seven Hundred, and fifty two N. B. Salt, Wheat, Indian Corn, Peas, Malt, and Dried Fish stow'd in Bulk, Tobacco in Casks, are warranted free from Aver age, unless General or the Ship be stranded. All other Goods free from Average, under Five Pounds per Cent, unless General, or the be stranded. The Assured shall allow the Office- keeper or Broker, Half per Cent for his Trouble in collecting any Loss that may happen on this Policy, paying the same in due Time, and registering it in the Office-Books. 59 L 200 Two hundred pounds Baynton and Wharton 100-one Hundred pounds 100 One Hundred pounds £ 100 One hundred pounds Daniel Clark £ 200 Two hun/d. pounds James and Drinker £ 100 One hundred Pounds Hen Harrison £ 100 One hundred pounds Conyngham and Nesbitt £ 100 One hundred pounds Sam/1. Mifflin £ 100 One Hundred pounds Charles Jones £ 100 One hundred Pounds Theo. and Rich/d Bache (In writing on the back) City of Philadelphia Ss ' ' The Thirtieth day of December in the Year of Our Lord One thousand seven hundred and sixty three Before me James Humphreys Esq/r. Notary and TabelHon Public of the Province of Pennsylvania, by lawful authority duly admitted and Sworn dwelling in the City of Philadelphia in the Province, and One of his Majesty's Justices the peace within the City and County of Philadelphia to keep Assignes ; personally appeared M/r. Walter Shee of the said City Insurance broker, and made Oath on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, That the within Instru ment in Writing or Policy of Insurance is a just true and Original Policy of Assurance, by him this, deponent and Sons his Co-part ners procured to be underwrote in their Insurance Office in the said City; for and upon account of the therein named Mess/rs. Bartholomew and Frazier Walter Shee In Testimony whereof I the said Notary, have hereunto set my Hand and affixed my Seal of Office at Philadel phia aforesaid the day and Year above written Ja/s Humphreys Not/ius Pub/cus 1763 Endorsed Policy Sloop Ranger Outerbridge Mr. from Philad/a. to S/t. Eustatia Bartholomew And Frazer £ 1200 Goods @ 9 pr C/t. £ 108 . . Policy 5 . . Reg/d. in Book G. fol 21 Walt/r Shee and Sons 60 £ 108 Policy of insurance on the furniture and equipment of a brig un named, but probably the "Ranger" WHereas We Benj/a: Davis, Austin and Tho/s Bartholomew and Rob/t Fraizer as well in our Name, as for and in the Name and Names of all and every other Person or Persons, to whom the same doth, may or shall appertain, in Part or in all doth make As surance and causeth ourselves and them and every of them to be Insured, lost or not lost, at and from St Eustatia To Charles Town South Carolina. upon the Body, Tackle, Apparel and other Furniture of the good Brig called the of the Burden of Tons or thereabouts, whereof is Master under GOD, for the pres ent Voyage Robert Fraizer or whosoever else shall go for Master in the said Ship, or by whatsoever other Name or Names said Ship, or the Master thereof, is, or shall be named or called, be ginning the Adventure upon the said Ship, Tackle, Apparel, etc. at and from St Eustatia aforesaid, and so shall continue and endure until the said Ship shall be safely arrived at South Carolina aforesaid, and untill she be moored Twenty and Four Hours in good Safety. And it shall and may be lawful for the said Ship in her Voyage to proceed and sail to, touch and stay at any Ports or Places, if thereunto obliged by Stress of Weather, or other un avoidable Accident, without Prejudice to this Insurance. The said Ship, Tackle, etc. for so much as it concerns the Assured by Agreement made between the Assured and the Assurers in this Policy, are and shall be valued at Eight Hundred Pounds without any further Account to be given by the Assured to the Assurers, or any of them for the same. Touching the Adventures and Perils, which we the Assurers are contented to bear, and do take upon us in this Voyage, they are, of the Seas, Men of War, Fires, Enemies, Pirates, Rovers, Theives, Jettisons, Letters of Mart, and Counter Mart, Surprisals, Taking at Sea, Arrests, Restraints and Detainments, of all Kings, Princes, or People of what Nation, Condi tion or Quality soever, Barratry of the Master and Mariners, and all other Perils, Losses and Misfortunes, that have or shall come to the Hurt, Detriment or Damage of the said Ship or Part thereof. And in case of any Loss or Misfortunes, it shall be lawful to and for the Assured their Factors, Servants, and Assigns, to sue, labour and travel for, in and about the Defence, Safeguard and. Re covery of the said Ship; or any Part thereof without Prejudice to this Insurance, to the Charges whereof we the Assurers will con tribute each one, according to the Rate and Quantity of his 61 Sum herein Insured. And it is agreed by us the Assurers, that this Writing or Policy of Insurance, shall be of as much Force and Effect, as the surest Writing or Policy of Assurance heretofore made in Lombard-Street, or elsewhere in LONDON. And, so we the Assurers are contented, and do hereby promise and bind ourselves each one for his own Part, our Heirs, Executors, and Goods, to the Assured, their Executors, Administrators and Assigns, for the true Performance of the Premisses, confessing our selves paid the Consideration due unto us for the Assurance, by the said Assured or their Assigns at and after the Rate of Nine Pounds per Cent, and in Case of Loss, the Assured to abate Two per Cent. In Witness whereof WE the Assurers have subscribed our Names and Sums Assured in Philadelphia the Twenty First Day of February One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty Three Memorandum. It is agreed by and between the Assured and As surers, that no Loss shall be paid on any Average under Five Pounds per Cent unless the said Average be General. And in Case of Loss the Assured shall allow the Office Keeper or Broker One half per Cent, for his Trouble in collecting and paying the same in due Time, and registring it in his office. It is further agreed that if any Dispute shall arise, relating to a Loss on this POLICY, it shall be referred to two indifferent Persons, one to be chosen by the Assured, the other by the As surer or Assurers, who shall have full Power to adjust the same; but in Case they cannot agree then such two Persons shall chuse a Third and any two of them agreeing, shall be Obligatory to both Parties. It is agreed also between Assured and Assurers, That in Case of Loss the Money shall be paid in three Months after Proof made of the same. (In writing) N.B. Whereas Austin Bartholomew wrote from St Eustatis to Tho/s Bartholomew in South Carolina to make the above Insur ance It is hereby agreed that if the above Insurance is made in Carolina, then this shall be void except one Half pr C/t. (In writing on the back) City of Philadelphia SS. The Thirtieth day of December in the year of Our Lord One thousand seven huidred and Sixty three Before James Humphreys Esq. Notary and TabelHon public of the Province of 62 Pennsilvania by lawful Authority duly admitted and sworn dwell ing in the City of Philadelphia in the said Province and One of His Majesty's Justices, the Peace within the City and County of Philadelphia to keep assigned Personally appeared William Brad ford of the said City Insurance Broker and made Oath on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God That the within Instrument in writing or Pollicy of Insurance is a Just true and Original Pollicy of assurance, by him this deponent and his Copartner John Kidd Procured to be Underwrote in their Insurance office in the said City; for and upon account of Mess/r. Benjamin Davis Austin and Thomas Bartholomew and Robert Fraizer therein named: That after the said Insurance was so made as aforesaid ; the Pre miums paid thereon (one half pr Cent excepted) were Returned to the said Benjamin Davis Austin and Thomas Bartholomew and Robert Fraizer and the said Pollicy Cancelled Proof being made of the said Insurance being Effected in South Carolina and that there was no other Insurance made in the said office by the /\ Ben jamin Davis Austin and Thomas Bartholomew and Robert Fraizer or Either of them upon the Body Tackle apparell and other Fur niture of the within mentioned Brigantine On the said Voyage ex cept the Insurance made as aforesaid and further saith not W/m. Bradford In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed my Seal of office of Notary at Philadelphia aforesaid the day and year above written Ja/s Humphreys Not/ius Pub/cus 1768 Endorsed Policy Brig/t. Robert Frazer w. from S/t Eaustatia to South Carolinea Benj/a Davis and Co. Vessel £800. 9 Pr C 72. Policy 5 * 72-5 regst/d. In Book B fo 61 for Thidd J. Bradford W/m Smith April 30/th 1763 policy Canceled and prem. returned the Insur ance being made in S/o Carolinea on £ 800. 8 1/2 Pr C £ 68. office fees on £800. 2/6 Pr C 20/ regst/d In Book B f o 172 for Thidds Bradford W/m Smith 63 The following papers belonging to John Frazer (b. 1709) have been preserved A small book with a parchment cover much worn and torn, 6" x 4". It has a pen-printed title with crudely painted yellow lined upper and lower border. The right hand edge of this title and all the following leaves are torn so that the 3d and 4th figures of the century number are obliterated. It reads M IoHn Fraz— '(torn) This Vocal Musick Boo — (torn) Made; Decm/e the 18th 172 — (torn) It probably was made in Ireland in the seventeen twenties. It has 28 leaves. The first is a sort of dedicatory rhyme The next page 3, colored "The Gamut or scale of Music,, 5, "Some plain Songs", 6, and 7, Directions ; 9, rhymes 11, French tune; 13, London tune; 15, York tune; 17, Dundee tune; 19, Elgine tune; 21, Dublin tune; 23, Martyrs tune; 25, Abby's tune; 27, St. David's tune; 29, Newtown tune; 31, St. Mary's tune; 33, A propr tune ; 35, Rochell tune ; 37, Divine Glorian— (torn) ; 39, The tip pling Philos — (torn). This latter runs over 10 pp (5 leaves). The last in the book is 'Quaker's song' also ten pages (5 leaves) long, but very badly torn. An account book and numerous papers connected with the settle ment as sole surviving Executor of the estate of Richard Bayly dec'd. The following is on a loose sheet of paper : author unknown. My plough Sir if you please to know was made to Stand, not for to go Though Horses from it Chuse to Run Yet fools they Seldom Do It Shun Lett the first Run I Little Matter I make More proffit by the latter My Plough to Horse's I'le near Bind While fools and Ases are so Kind For those with pleasure lay their Scheam 64 For those Delight and Lay their Scheam To yoak themselves Into my team And I as Much them for to Drive Since by Such policy I thrive But when away they Seem to Start I have a Whip to Make them Smart Which Sometimes pips as Sharp as frost And oft Skin and Blood and Snot does Cost And then they Set their wit's to work To Break my Plough all at a Jerk And for a while they '1 Seem So Shy As if my plough they'd N'ear Come Nigh Yet Notwithstanding this be true And they Loose horse and Sadie too To Seek the Horses my plough '1 not Budge But Let the fool a foot to Trudge My plough's so Strong and grown so high And their witt so weak I it Defie for I've a Balsam of Such Sort they'l Soon Again to me resort T'.will Heal old Soers and New ones Make With Thank you Will, they do it take The Gel . . on Plough that Never Went have Match'd the fool that gaind Consent And Lay'd the Scheam by which Shee Stodd from whence Shee thought Shee Ever Shoud His Horse is Run and Left the plough And he por fool, a foot I Vow — A frosty Night Twas bad for Shoes and ten times worse for his poor toes first went the Shoes, and then the Skin The flesh left Bare that was within — What Chance have that with Ice and frost But Blood and Snot to pay the Cost But Notwithstanding that is true He's Safe at home and that Shall Doe He'l Make the plough go find the Horse And then Declare he's Clear of Loss for let the Skin and Blood thats gon Secure the Other from such wrong And then it Senters all for good And Makes an End Just where it stood the Plough may Stand and horses Run I thank you well for what you've Done 65 Unexecuted draft of a Will made by John Frazer the year before his death, and letter of administration of Benjamin Chew to Persifor Frazer as administrator of estate of John Frazer. In the Name of God Amen I John Frazer of the City of (torn) being Weak in Body, but Sound and Disposeing Mind and Mem ory Do Make and Publish this my Last Will and Testa ment, in manner and form following; That is to say First it is my Will and I do hereby Direct, that all my Debts and Funeral Charges, be first paid by my Executors here inafter named; I give and Devise to my beloved Son, Per sifor Frazer the sum of five Pounds lawful Money of Pennsylvania and nomore, I give and Devise to my beloved Son! Robert Frazer the sum of one hundred Pounds of like Money, but if the said Robert is now Dead or shall hereafter Die before me, then I give and Devise the said sum of one hundred Pounds to be equally Divided between my beloved Wife Mary Frazer and my Daugh ters Sarah Frazer and Ann Frazer share and share alike, I give and Devise to my said Wife Mary one equal third part, of all the rest residue and Remainder of all my Estate both Real and Personal of what kind or Nature soever to hold to her Heirs and Assigns for ever, I give and Devise to my said Wife the use and benefit of the other two third Parts of the rest residue and remainder of my said Estate, for the Maintainance and Education of my said two Daughters Sarah and Ann until they arrive at their respective Ages of twenty one, And I give and Devise to my said two Daughters the said two third parts of the rest residue and remain der of my Estate both Real and Personal to be equally Divided be tween them share and share alike to hold to them their Heirs and assigns forever, subject nevertheless to the use aforesaid, and to be paid to them at their respective ages of twenty one Years, but if it shall hereafter happen that either of my said Daughters shall be Married before they are at their Ages of twenty one Years, with the Consent of my said Wife, if she be then liveing, or of their Guardian herein after Named if she be Dead ; then my Will is that my said Daughter so married shall receive the share of my said Estate which is hereby Devised to her Immediately after her said Marriage, and in Case my said Wife shall happen to Die before my said Daughters be twenty one Years of age then I do hereby appoint my Friend M/r Abraham Usher of the said City Merchant to be the Guardian of my said Daughters Dureing their Minority And I do hereby Appoint my said Wife Mary Frazer and my said Son Persifor Frazer to be Executors of this my Last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me 66 heretofore made In Witness whereof I have herewith set my Hand and Seal this Day of (torn) one thousand seven hundred and sixty four. Signed Sealed and Published by the said Testator as his Last Will and Testament in presence of us who have hereunto Subscribed our names at his request and in his presence the Word (her) being first interlined in the fourteenth Line. Endorsed Project of Will of John Frazer 1764 (in writing) Benjamin Chew WILLIAM PLUMSTED, Esq; Register General for the Probate of Wills, and Granting Letters of Administration, in and for the Province of Pennsylvania To (^ writing) Persifor Frazer Eldest Son of John Frazer late of the City of Philadelphia Merchant deceased, Greeting. Whereas the said John Frazer lately died intestate (as 'tis said) having whilst h e lived, and at the Time of h is Death, divers Goods, Chatties, Rights, and Credits within the said Province, by Means whereof the full Disposition and power of Granting the Administration of all and singular the Goods, Chatties, Rights and Credits which were of the said John Frazer deceased within the said Province, and also the auditing the Accompts, Calculations and Reckonings of the said Administration, and a final dismission from the same ; to me is manifestly known to belong. I desiring that the Goods, Chatties, Rights and Credits, of the said Decedent may be well and truly administered, do hereby grant unto you the said Persifor Frazer (in whose Fidelity in this behalf I very much confide) full Power by the Tenor of these Presents, to Administer the Goods, Chatties, Rights and Credits, which were of the said Decedent within the said Province, and also to ask, collect, recover and receive, the Credits whatsoever of the said Decedent, which at the Time of h is Death were owing, or to him did any way belong, and to pay the Debts in which the said Decedent stood obliged, so for forth 67 as the said Goods, Chatties, Rights and Credits will extend ac cording to their rate and order of Law, especially of well and truly administering the Goods, Chatties, Rights and Credits of the said Decedent, and making a true and perfect inventory thereof, and exhibiting the same into the Register Generals Office at Philadel phia, at or before the Tenth day of October next and rendering a true and just Accompt, Calculation and Reckoning of the said Ad ministration, at or before the Eleventh Day of September Anno 1766 And also I do by these Presents ordain, constitute, and depute you the said Persifor Frazer Administrator of all and singular the Goods Chatties, Rights and Credits within the Limits aforesaid, saving harmless and forever indemnifying me and all Officers against all other Persons by reason of your Administration aforesaid, and saving to all others their Rights. IN TESTIMONY whereof I have hereunto set my Hand, and Seal of my Office at Philadelphia, the Tenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty five Benjamin Chew Reg/r. Gen/1. Endorsed Administration of the Estate late of John Frazer, dec/d. 10th Sept. 1765 The Accompt of Persifor Frazer Administrator of the Estate of John Frazer, deceased. Imprimis The said Accomptant Charges himself with all and singular the Goods Chattels and Credits of the said deceased as mentioned in an Inventory thereof re maining in the Register Generals Office at Philadel phia amounting to £819 , , 1 , , 11 Also with Money Reced: from Hugh Frazer for a Right to a seat in y/e Presbyterian Church 4 , , 10 , , £823,, 11 77 11 68 Item The said Accomptant prays Allowance for his Several payments and disbursements made out of the same as follows Viz/e Paid for Letters of Administration etc £ i , , i , , 9 paid Alex/r. Frazer for a Coffin 10 , , - , , - paid Ann Brown pr acc/t and Rec/t - , , 1 1 , , - paid William Henry 8 , , 15 , , - paid the Sexton 2 , , 7 , , paid Mary Barclay 1 , , 14 , , 8 paid Philip Flick 7 , , 1 , , 9 paid Henry and Bensted 15 , , 6 , , 3 paid Presty Blackstone 1 , , 13 , , 4 paid Nicholas Brooks 1 , , 3 , , - paid John Faries 2,, 12,, 2 paid James Alexander 43 , , 3 , , 6 1/2 paid William Rush .pr Order etc 22 , , 13 , , 6 paid John Mussur 1 , , 19 , , 6 paid Mary Carr 1 , , 4 , , 3 paid John Weir 23 , , - , , - paid Daniel M/c.Lonen 1 , , -,,- paid Furgus M/cIlvaine n , , 2 , , 2 paid Doctor Redman 1 , , 14 , , - paid Usher and Mitchell 20 , , 16 , , 6 paid John M/c.Calla 14 , , 4 , , 6 paid John Williams 2, ,11, ,6 paid William Crispin 2 , , 19 , , 4 paid Adm./rs of Joseph Bell 3,, 1 , , 6 paid Mary Jenkins - , , 15 > > - paid W/m. Rigden and Son 1 , , -,.- paid Margaret Allen 132 , , 16 , , o £336 . » 9 . » 4 i/2 By allowance for the Sum of £156 , , 13 , , 9 be ing the am/t. of Sundry outstanding debts Charged to this Accomptant in the Inventory as pr List 156 » > *3 » . 9 Paid at the Reg/r. Gen/1. Office for these ac- compts Copy etc , i,,io,, By an Allowance made the Accomptant for his time trouble and Expence in the Administration 20 , , - , , - Ballance on this Settlement to be disposed of as the Law directs 3°8 , > 18 , , 9 1/2 £823,, 11,, 11 69 The Foregoing Writing is a true Copy of the Acco/t. of the estate of John Frazer deceased taken from the original remaining in the Reg/r. Gen./ls Office at Philadelphia Given under the Seal of the said Office this 18/th day of January in the year 1774 Endorsed John Maxfield D :Reg/r. Copy of the Acco/t. of John Frazer's Estate. A List of Desperate Debts due to the Estate of John Frazer deceas'd Viz. W/m. Shields £37 William Wrath 1 Anne Campbell - David Wagoner Dan Winter 2 Bryan Connoly 9 Charles Quin Catharine Lawless 2 Rich/d. Scott 19 Moore the Hatter - John May 3 W/m. Talbert 1 Geo. Black M/rs. Coventan 1 M/r. Young the Sailor 1 Dillworth and Warner Nurse Gibbs Mrs. Jones 1 Daniel Fink 1 Ann Lees 2 Eliza Scott M/rs. Stevens 2 M/rs. Murphy - Hannah M/cGonnagan Nathan/1. Hood - Mr/s. Williams 1 Anne Hamilton 2 Mr/s. Dunnavon Sarah Wiley 1 70 1 > 10, , 2 ,, 8, , 1 1/2 ,,IO, > 3 ,, 5. , 6 ,, 5> , - ,, 5, , - ,, 3. , 9 ,,i3> , 1 1/2 ,, 3> , - , , 10, , 1 , , 1 , . 9 ,,17, , 1 > > - . . 7 > > - > , 6 ,, 6, , 11 ,, 9. . 3 ,,14, . 11 ,, 4. , 9 ,,17, , 1 ,, 3. , 4 ,, " , 1 ,,16, , 10 ,,18, , 6 , , 11 > . 5 ,, 4, , 2 ,, 3. . 5 ,,5, , 10 ,, 8, , 6 >> 10, , - Mr/s. Allen x Geo. M/cintire Stephen Hamilton i Mary Hayes . George Moore 4 List of Desperate Debts Continued Am/t. bro/t. Over. £69 .£69 Jonathan James Aaron James Michael Brazil - Mary Clifton - Cathrine Morton James Dawson Rose Mahony 9 James Smith 2 Alex/r. Kennedy 1 Abigail M/cCim 2 Eliz/a. Scott 2 Mary Newell 1 John Woodside Deborah Wright James Forrister 2 Owen Sullivan 1 John Erskine M/rs. Macky - James Chalmers 4 Nicholas Fitzsimons 3 Patrick Dunnavon 1 Geo. Linmire 1 Tho/s. Grahams 2 Josiah Mitchel Mr/s. Lovegrove 1 Geo. Young 1 M/rs. Garrick John Gordon 1 Peter Goff 5 W/m. Henderson (new Providence) 3 W/m. Massey 1 Delaney the Constable 1713 3 1516 33 4 4 3 5 111115 10, 5 1 6: 1912 6 14. 8, 19 3 1 5 10 17 9. 17 6 12; 4, 46 11 1/2 11 10 8 5 6 11 6 2 3 84 1/2 9946 69 6 6 9 9 1 11 1-/2 6 9 8 8 3 £124,, 16,, o 7i Mary Penhoysel Culton y/e Seaman 24/3 10/6 M/rs. Dyer Jn/o. White (ropemaker David Fitzgerald 5/1° 9/2 27/10 From the account of the administration of Persifor Frazer it would seem that there were other Frazers (Hugh and Alexander), here and that John Frazer owned a seat in the Presbyterian Church and was probably himself a Presbyterian. The following are seven generations (XIV to XX) of the direct line. Only one son in each of these generations married and had issue. 72 I owe to the kindness of my cousin Mr. Joseph S. Harris the permis sion to publish the following tables and notes on the individuals therein mentioned. Part of the data is taken from an unpublished manuscript of his on "the Frazer family", and part from his published volume on "the Harris Ancestry" (Phila. 1898). Generation XIV. In dex No. Name Date of Birth Date of Marriage Name of Spouse Date of Death Residence and Remarks 1 Persifor Frazer about 1667 about 1700 Margaret Clayton or Carlton about 1740 Tonyhannigin, County Monaghan, Ireland- Generation XV. The children of Persifor Frazer XIV-i and Margaret Carlton. • Elizabeth Frazer about 1701 about 1718 Alexander Smith After 1766 Clanickny, County Monaghan, Ireland. 2 Persifor about 1703 bet. 1737 and I75S 3 Rebecca about 1705 unmarri'd ? 4 a daughter about 1707 ? — Speer ? Chester, now Delaware Co., Pa. 5 John Aug. 8 June 16 1735 Mary Smith Sep. 7 1765 Newtown, Del. Co., Pa. 6 7 Margaret Sarah 1709 about 1711 about 1712 about 1729 about I73S John Geiger John Price ? ? County Monaghan, Ireland. Later in America (?) County Monaghan, Ireland. 73 Smith Family Generation XIV. In dex No. Name Date of Birth Date of Marriage Name of Spouse Date of Death Residence and Remarks i Robert Smith Sept. 5, 1678 ? Mary Douglass 1756 near Glasslough, County Monaghan, Ireland. Robert Smith's oldest sister married John Wattson whose grand- nephew (grandson of his brother William Wattson) brought over a letter dated June 1755 to John Frazer in Philadelphia. Generation XV. The children of Robert Smith and Mary Douglass AndrewJane Elizabeth Eleanor (called also Ellen) Mary Margaret Sarah (called also Salle) Martha ? Not Married ? ? ? ? ? ? Feb. 10 1713 June 16 1735 ? ? ? ? ? ? John Armstrong John Greacen John Morison John Frazer Alen Cooke William Crookshanks afterwards Judge Andrew Wilson ? 1767 after 1784 1783 July 5 1764 County Monaghan, Ireland. County Monaghan, Ireland. Had one son Andrew Clanickney, Tynan. Had one son Robert. Co., Monaghan, Ireland- Had issue. Pennsylvania. Had Issue. See elsewhere. Had no issue. County Monaghan, Ireland- Had one son William Co., Monaghan, Ireland. Had no issue. 74 Generation XVI. The children of John Frazer XV-5 and Mary Smith XV-5. In dex No. Name Date of Birth Date of Marriage Name of Spouse Date of Death Residence and Remarks 1 2 3 4 S 6 789 10 Persifor RobertJohnJohn (2d) Mary ElizabethThomasSarah Mary Anne Aug. 9 1736 July 21 1738 Oct. 9 1740 July 31 i74» Oct. 4 1744 July 9 1747 Sep. 23 1748 Oct. 18 1750 May 30 1753 Sep. ,4 1755 Oct. 2 1766 about 1772 about 1790 about Oct. 1776 Mary Worrall Taylor I Jacob Vernon II Samuel Hewes Joshua Vernon Apr. 24 1792 1763 Aug. 30 1 741 Sep. 7 1742 July 1746 Oct. 9 1747 Dec. 12 1749 June 17 1825Oct. 8 1754 Aug. 18 1825 Pennsylvania ii uu Aston township, Ches ter, now Del., Co. Pa- 75 "Persifor Frazer (XV-2) — Speaks in his letter* to his brother John, written in 1737, as if he, Persifor, were the head of the family. He was evidently the oldest son. He must have died after 1755 as Robt Smith mentions (probably) him and his sister Matty in a letter of this date." "Rebecca Frazer (XV-3) is spoken of as living in Ireland in 1737 — apparently unmarried. The correspondence does not again allude to her." "XV-4 Of this daughter we only know that her married name was Speer, that she and her husband probably emigrated to America with her brother John, and that they were living there in 1737." "John Frazer (XV-5) The Frazers were neighbors and on terms of affectionate intimacy with the family of Robert Smith in Ireland, into which John Frazer married, and the correspondence shows in the let ters of Margaret H. Smith, written in 1737, and of Robert Smith, written in 1755, that the affection continued to exist; but the tradition in the family is that the match between John Frazer and Mary Smith did not have the approval of the latter's parents. The objection may have been founded on their reluctance to allow their eldest daughter to go on a perilous journey into a new country, for the marriage was made in view of immediate departure of the bride and groom to America, which took place on the 28th of June, 1735, only 12 days after the wedding. Their voyage to America was of about the usual length, and they reached Philadelphia on the 28th of September. Their first home was at Newtown, now Delaware County, Pennsylvania, to which place the family letters which were written from Ireland in 1737 were directed. The address of the letter which Persifor, John's father, [and Persifor his brotherf] wrote to John Frazer at that date was: "Newtown, New township" The township was laid out about 1685 with a "townstead" in or as near as convenient to the centre. The lots in this townstead or village were distributed to the purchasers of land in the township in proportion to the number of acres bought by each settler. "Newtown Square" still remains the most important settlement in the township, to testify to this early ar rangement. There was a similar settlement, also called "Newtown", in Bucks County. "In the settlement of Chester and Delaware Counties, the hilly *There is some doubt of the existence of this letter. Its origin may have been an old abbreviated copy of the letter of Persifor (XIV-i) to his son John (p. 19). It is of the same date, bears the same address, mentions the same facts in the same order, and nothing else. P. F. tSee foot note above. 76 country was largely taken up by Welshmen, and this was the case with Newtown township, but what it was which attracted John Frazer there is not known." "The English settlers, who were mostly Quakers, occupied the country to the southward, and there was no great love between them and the Presbyterians, to which faith the families of John Frazer and his wife adhered." "Whether his early career in Pennsylvania was that of a merchant is not known, though it is not unlikely. He removed to Philadelphia, where his brother-in-law, William Crookshanks, addresses a letter to him in 1759. In the address of this letter he calls him "Marchand". He lived at one time on the north side of Arch street below Fourth street, and at another time on "Society Hill," at the mouth of Dock Creek. He was a shipping merchant, trading chiefly to the West In dies, and is said to have owned the vessels which carried his ventures." "There was a John Frazer licensed to trade with the Indians about August, 1748, and again September 4, 1753. As the name was not a common one, it is probable that the licenses were given to the person whose history is under consideration." "He revisited Ireland at least twice after his emigration, once probably in the latter part of 1737, and once not far from 1752. He seems to have been a man of kindly nature. All of the letters written by various members of his family, and of his wife's family, speak of him in terms of affection, and they entrust to him the care of their interests in America." "An unexecuted copy of John Frazer's will dated, Philadelphia, 1764, leaves to his son Persifor £5, he having apparently already re ceived his portion of his father's estate; to his son Robert £100, "but if Robert isnow dead, or shall die before me,"£ioo is to be equally divided between his wife Mary, and his daughters Sarah and Ann. All of his children except these four had died in infancy. He gives his wife one third of his estate absolutely, the other two thirds to be used so far as necessary for the maintenance and education of Sarah and Ann, and the residue to be theirs absolutely. His friend, Abraham Usher, mer chant of Philadelphia, to be their guardian; his wife, and his son Persifor to be his executors." "He and his wife both died in Philadelphia." "Of Margaret Frazer (XV-6) we know little, except that she mar ried a man named (probably John) Geiger ; that her husband was dead before June, 1737, leaving children (1) Jack, who was then in Glaslough, Ireland, probably with relatives, and (2) Mally or Margaret, who was with her grandfather, Persifor Frazer. There were two younger chil dren whose names are not known, who had then lately died. The 77 family was apparently broken up temporarily by a severe attack of smallpox, which prostrated Margaret, and from which she recovered slowly. She may have gone to America after this time, as we know that there were two sisters of John Frazer living in America in 1766, of whom Mrs. Speer was probably one, and Mrs. Geiger the other." "Of Sarah Frazer (XV-7) we know only that she married John Price, and that she had a young daughter in 1737. Sarah Frazer was living in Pennsylvania September 1768." "We know but little of Robert Frazer (XVI-7). William Crook shanks notes that he visited Ireland in 1759, landing in Dublin March 8 of that year, expecting soon to return to America. He had probably already adopted the mercantile life as his profession, and was on a trad ing voyage. He was probably interested with his father in shipping ventures and perhaps in ships. He was lost at sea in the latter part of the year 1763, or the early part of 1764 — the earliest records giving 1764 as the date. His father in the draft of his will mentioned above considers that Robert is probably dead. This will must have been written in the first half of 1764, as it speaks of John Frazer's wife who died July 7, 1764, as likely to survive him, so that she was not then even seriously sick." "News travelled slowly in those days, and Robert Frazer would not have been given up for lost for some months after he was last heard from." "His estate seems to be approaching a settlement when Benjamin Davis promises, December 18, 1764, to pay Persifor Frazer, Robert's brother, £90 18s. Pennsylvania currency, being for Davis' part of the Brigantine Ranger, and her cargo due to the estate of Robert Frazer. July 6, 1766, his father and brother being then both dead, Persifor Frazer (XVI-i) makes settlement with the Executors of Thomas Bar tholomew, relating to money recovered by the said Persifor Frazer in Carolina on a policy of insurance ; Thomas Bartholomew having ship ped, in company with the Frazers, a quantity of beer to Carolina. From all of which we may infer that Robert Frazer was lost on the brig Ranger of which he was supercargo, and that Bartholomew and Robert Frazer, and perhaps his father, were interested in the venture." "We have in this family a noticeable record of early deaths, six of the ten children of John and Mary Frazer dying in infancy. Their early deaths may point to feeble health on the part of their mother, and may have caused in her the depression that habitually sought relief in prayer as narrated by her daughter Sarah (XVI-8). There was a vein of religious melancholy in several of her descendants." 78 "The name of Thomas Frazer (XVI-7) is that of the 12th Lord Lovat, who, it is believed, was the father of Persifor Frazer (XIV- 1)." "The first husband of Sarah Frazer (XVI-8), (Jacob Vernon,) and the husband of Anne Frazer (XVI- 10), (Joshua Vernon), were brothers. Their parents were Jacob Vernon (XV-?) of Thornbury Township, who died there in 1748, and Elizabeth (Hickman) Cheyney, who were married about 1730. Their grand-parents were Jacob Vernon (XIV-?), who died in 1740, and Ann Yearsley, who were married in 1701 ; and their great-grand-parents were Randal Vernon (XIII- ? ) of Sandyway Cheshire, England, born 1640, died 1725, and Sarah , who died February 18, 1719." "Randal Vernon settled in Nether Providence township, where he was an influential Friend, and was entrusted with the "public business" of his denomination. He was a member of Assembly in 1687." "Sarah Frazer (XVI-8) lived within a short distance of her brother Persifor, and it was to her house that Mrs. Persifor Frazer sent her children for safety when the British raided her house in September, 1777. Sarah's husband, Jacob Vernon, died about 1788, and she married about 1790, Samuel Hewes (XVI-?)who was a son of Samuel Hewes (XV-?) and Mary (or Ann) Dare, and a grandson of Moses Hewes (XIV- ?) and Sarah Watson." "In 1793 Samuel Hewes (XVI- ?) was granted a license to keep the "Seven Stars" tavern in Aston township, Delaware County, which license was renewed from time to time till his death in 1820. His widow Sarah continued to keep the "Seven Stars" till 1824." "The "Seven Stars" was located at Village Green, and was famous as the headquarters of Lord Cornwallis the Commander of the British forces which lay in that vicinity some days after the battle of Bran- wine. The tavern dates back to 1762, and it was a well known house for a hundred years after that time." "Samuel Hewes who was born June 20, 1762, was his wife's junior by several years. He died in 1820." "Anne Frazer (XVI- 10) lived with her brother Persifor, to whom she was devotedly attached, till her marriage. We have a note of her and her husband as about to remove to Dilworthstown, a few miles west of Persifor's home in 1778, and we know that some years later they re moved to Redstone, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, about 30 miles south of Pittsburg, and near the Monongahela River. Ann was, as her correspondence shows, a person of much sprightliness and warm affections. Her husband, Joshua Vernon died March 1798." 79 "Phebe Vernon, a sister of Jacob and Joshua, married John Harper; and this relationship doubtless promoted the companionship which we know to have existed between Persifor Frazer (XVI- 1) and Major John Harper, as he came to be known during the Revolution." Joseph S. Harris. Generation XVII. The children of Persifor Frazer (XVI-i) and Mary Worrall Taylor (XVI-i). Date Date Name Date of of of of Name Birth Marriage Spouse Death Residence and Remarks I Sarah Jan. n 1769 never married Mar. 3 1841 2 Robert Aug. May 3 Mary Ball Jan. Mary B. died— 30 1798 b. Apl. 23, 1778 20 June 21, 1800 1771 Oct. 15 1803 Feb. 11 1818 Elizab Fries b. June 16, 1778 Alice Yarnall b. Aug. 28, 1778 1821 Eliz. F. died— June 19, 1815 Alice Y. died— March 23, 1830 3 Mary Anne Feb. Oct. 16 Jonth Feb. 17 1794 Smith 19 1774 1845 4 Persifor Feb. 26 1776 never married Sept. 1798 5 Martha May 22 1778 <• 1. July 20 1778 6 Mary Jan. Feb. 27 May 14 1800 Jos. Smith 23 1780 1862 7 John Dec. 27 1781 never married Aug. 3 1783 8 Martha Oct. 14 1783 Oct. 15 1818 Wm Morris Jan. 27 1867 9 Elizabeth May »7 1786 May 13 1788 10 Elizabeth Dec. 17 1788 Jan. 9 1812 H'y. Myers Apr. 25 1857 80 "Sarah Frazer (XVII-i) had the family appreciation of humor, and many odd stories are told of her. She was lame, having dislocated her hip, though at what age is not known, probably after reaching matur ity. She was plain spoken and somewhat eccentric. In her later years she was asked by a person who knew her slightly if she was not the mother of some person who was named. She replied with empha sis, and, perhaps, not without regret — "I am not the mother of any living thing; I am nothing but a nasty old maid." "She became in middle life a convert to the Methodist faith, and identified herself very thoroughly with that body which had at that time but little social position. She lived with her mother at Thorn- bury till about 1825, when her mother went to live at the house of her daughter, (Mrs. Joseph Smith) in East Whiteland. She was an in mate for a short time of the family of her sister Martha (Mrs. William Morris), but accepted a little later an invitation to make her home in Philadelphia with her sister Mary Ann (Mrs. Jonathan Smith). This was a Presbyterian household, and as inter-denominational charity was quite undeveloped in those days, she found that she had rather live with those who were of the same household of faith with herself than with her kindred who had views not in sympathy with hers. She re turned to West Chester and took up her abode with an English family named Hodson who lived on Gay street. She spent the rest of her life with them, and died at their house." "Robert Frazer (XVII-2) was born in Middletown township. He received an unusually expensive education and started to practice law in possession of a law library imported from England at a cost of £100, being admitted at Chester to practice at the Chester County bar July 30, 1792. He lived in Chester County till about 1807, when he re moved to Philadelphia, where he remained till after the death of his second wife, who died in 1814, when he again removed to Chester County to a farm at the intersection of the road from West Chester to Philadelphia with the road running south from Paoli to Media and Chester, about where the West Chester road crosses Crum Creek, about 10 miles from Chester, probably about where Edgmont P. O. now is. It was here that he died. "The family tradition says in regard to him, that he was the leading member of the bar of Chester County, a most beautiful and winning speaker, but terrible in denunciation. He had a melodious voice. He was the idol of the place, and was held by his friends to be the equal of Sargent and Binney." 81 "He drew, in 1820, the petition to the Legislature for the removal of the County Seat of Delaware County from Chester. He was Deputy Attorney General from May 1793 to February 1800, and from February to November 1816." "His Philadelphia home, where Persifor (XVIII-4) in 1809, and John (XVIII-5) in 1812, were born, was on the south west corner of Chestnut and Third streets." "His first wife, Mary Ball, was a daughter of Jos. and Sarah Ball, born April 23, 1778. She died without issue May 3, 1798." "His second wife, Elizabeth Fries, daughter of John and Ann Fries, Quakers of Arch street, Philadelphia, was born June 16, 1778, and died in childbirth, June 19, 1815. She was the mother of all his children, except the youngest." His third wife, Alice Yarnall, born August 28, 1778, died March 23, 1830, was a daughter of Joseph and Sarah Pennell, Quakers of Chester County. Her grandfather was Joseph Pennell, born August 3, 1706. Her great-grandparents were Joseph Pennell, of Edgmont, Delaware County, born December 12, 1674, and Alice Garrett, of Darby, and her great-great-grandparents were Robert Pennell, of Middletown, and "Alice Pennell married, first, Eli Yarnall, a son of Dr. Peter Yar nall, of Concord township, who was born 1754, died 1798." "Mary Anne Frazer (XVII-3) has left no history that I know of, except that she was especially beloved by her namesake, my mother. The record of her husband's life will be found in the Smith genealogy." "Persifor Frazer (XVII-4). His father proposed that he should be a fuller, there being opportunities doubtless at some of the mills on Chester Creek to learn that business. It was, however, distasteful to the son who thought that he preferred a mercantile life. He made a voyage to Lisbon at the age of 17, the year after his father's death. The return voyage was a long one, 104 days from Lisbon to Philadel phia. They ran out of provisions, were forced to live on short allow ances, and had to draw largely on the ship's store of figs, raisins and Lisbon wine. They had divided their last biscuit when they were re lieved by a passing vessel." "On their next voyage which was to have taken them to a French port they were taken by an English vessel, and the whole crew, except the Captain, Frazer, who, perhaps, was supercargo, and the steward 82 were put in irons. They, however, overpowered the prize crew and regained possession of the vessel. They again shaped their course for their port but ran into a fog. When it lifted they found themselves in the middle of an English fleet. They were captured, and Frazer was sent to Halifax, Nova Scotia. He was released through the exertions of the American Consul, Phineas Bond. This ended his seafaring life. He was appointed to a position in the first United States bank, of which he became Cashier. In the summer of 1798, the yellow fever raged in Philadelphia. The President of the Bank died, and it was decided to remove the institution to Germantown. In making this removal in the hot humid weather of September, Frazer exerted him self greatly, with the result that he sickened and died of yellow fever after five days' illness on the 29th of September, 1798, within a week after the bank's removal. Such was the confusion at the time, and so restricted the intercourse that he was dead and buried before his mother knew that he was sick, and it was with considerable difficulty that she discovered the place of his burial." "Mary Frazer (XVII-6) was a woman of vigorous mind and body. Like her elder sister, Mary Anne, she was of the severe type of piety, common among Presbyterians at the beginning of the last century, and so was less popular among her young relatives than if she had been more genial, but her children always spoke in warm praise of her, and she was doubtless an estimable woman. Her daughter Rhoda says that her mother and her aunt Martha (XVII-8) had very fine voices, and in their later life often sang for hours from an old music book in Mary's possession, Mary's voice being a sweet soprano, and Martha's a rich contralto. If Mary had a fine voice she did not transmit it to any of her children who were all deficient in musical ability." ("For an account of her husband, see Smith (Jonathan-Joseph) record.") "She was a woman who had had claims to beauty in early life. She was of medium height (say 5 feet 3 inches), and of rather spare figure, though not abnormally thin." "Martha Frazer (XVII-8) married at the age of thirty-five (later than usual in those days) William Morris, who was a small farmer living near West Chester. When her mother's estate was settled, she took her share in the inheritance, and bought a farm in Bethel town ship, not far from Marcus Hook, where she lived until she was quite 83 advanced in years, after which she made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Samuel Arthur." "She followed the faith of her husband who was a Methodist, and though she was in but moderate circumstances, she was of such sunny temper, and so great a sense of the humorous that she was an universal favorite in the family. Her husband who was born in May, 1787, died about 1873. He was not a person of much culture, but he was an hon est and upright, if not an enterprising man." "Elizabeth Frazer (XVII-9) met an early death when two years old by drowning in a well six feet deep near her father's house, about sunset. Her father who was at Sharpless' mill when he heard of the accident hastened home, and the exertion of the walk joined to his re gret that his neglect to secure the top of the well should have caused the death of the baby to whom he was tenderly attached, brought on or aggravated a heart trouble from which he never wholly recovered." "Elizabeth Frazer (XVII-10). It is not known why General and Mrs. Frazer should have been so attached to the name Elizabeth as to give the name to two of their children. Mrs. Frazer's grandfather's second wife was named Elizabeth, as was her brother Isaac's wife, but neither of them were favorites in the family. It is probable, however, that it was the last mentioned person for whom these children were named. The second Elizabeth was always called Eliza in the family." "Henry Myers, whom Elizabeth married, was at that time a pros perous farmer of Concord township, Delaware County. He was of a family originally French Huguenots, living near the Swiss border. The original name was Mai, Maiere, or Maieres, which was changed to Myers after the emigration to America. The grandfather of Henry Myers was named Henri, an officer in the Swiss army. His oldest son John, also a Swiss farmer, was captured and sent to Holland prior to 1770, but was afterwards ransomed, and sent to America, set tling in Chester County. He married one of the Mendenhalls of that locality, and his eldest son, born January 1, 1789, was the Henry Myers who married Elizabeth Frazer. He was the prothonotary, recorder of deeds, register of wills and clerk of the court of Delaware County from January 17, 1824, to December 30, 1832." "December 27, 1833, ne was commissioned one of the associate judges of Delaware County, and while discharging the duties of that office was elected, in 1836, State Senator for the district comprising Delaware, Chester and Lancaster Counties, in which capacity he served for four years. He was appointed on the Committee to receive Lafayette December 27, 1833. Unfortunately, the temptations of Harrisburg were too great for his strength, and his career was not a prosperous one thereafter. He lost the confidence of his fellow citizens, who no longer elected him to office, dissipated his property, 84 and on February 23, 1855, he was frozen to death on the public road near Cobb's Creek, where he was found the next day." "The family home at that time was in Upper Darby township, Dela ware County, a short distance west of Cobb's Creek. It had been in Concord township in their earlier life." Generation XVIII. The children of Robert Frazer XVII-3 By his first wife Mary BaU he had no children. By his second wife Elizabeth Fries he had : Name Date of Birth Date of Marriage Name of Spouse Date of Death Residence and Remarks I John Persifor Dec. 20 1804 neve.r married Mch. J4 180$ 2 Jacob Taylor Apl. 8 1806 K << Apl. 10 1806 3 Anne Fries July 7 1807 Dec. 28 1825 Dr. Jno. Rhea Barton Nov. 13 1837 Philadelphia 4 Persifor June 19 1809 never married Apl. 11 1880 Died in Rome, Italy 5 John Fries July 8 1812 Sept. 1 1838 Charlotte (Jeffers) Cave Oct. 12 1872 6 Mary Worrall Jan. 15 1814 never married June 11 1814 By his third wife Alice (Pennell) YarnaU he had : Joseph Dec. May 26 Jane May Pennell 29 1846 Biddle 4 Afterwards 1818 Wood 1878 nmed Robert Philadelphia 85 "Anne Fries Frazer (XVIII-3). Her husband, John Rhea Barton, was, perhaps, the most distinguished surgeon of his day in Philadel phia. After the death of his first wife he married Susan Rotch, born Susan Ridgway, daughter of Jacob Ridgway, a wealthy merchant of Philadelphia, and the widow of Mr. Thomas Rotch of New Bedford, Mass. "Persifor Frazer (XVIII-4) was educated for the legal profession, but when he had finished his studies, traces of pulmonary weakness induced him to spend a considerable time abroad. After his return home he found that persons with whom he had commenced life had progressed so far that should he then begin the practice of law he would no longer be in the same class with them, and as he had a com petence, he decided that he would not embark in business. He spent much of his life abroad, though he considered it to be the duty of a loyal American to be in his own country during the Civil War. But on the whole, he found a large society of congenial people with interests similar to his own on the continent of Europe, so that he returned there from time to time, and he was in Rome, Italy, when he died from an attack of Roman fever." "He was a man of literary tastes, well read in history and belles-letters. He! had kindly impulses, and a strong family affection, and he did many things to make easier the lot of those of his relatives who were less fortunate than himself." "He gave a good deal of attention to the question of the Frazer ancestry, and his researches in France, Ireland and Scotland throw a good deal of light on the question." "John Fries Frazer (XVIII-5) was graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with the highest honors in the class of 1830. He afterwards took complete courses of study in medicine and law, and was admitted to the Bar of Philadelphia in 1833, after passing a brilliant examination. He was prevented by absence from Philadelphia from passing an equally brilliant examination in medicine. As he had a taste for scientific pursuits, he entered the service of the First Geo logical Survey of Pennsylvania, in which he was an assistant from 1836 to 1838 under Henry D. Rogers, State Geologist. Upon the organization of the Central High School of Philadelphia, as the capstone of the structure of public school education, by his life long friend, Alexander Dallas Bache, John Frazer was appointed Pro fessor of Natural Philosophy in that Institution, which position he held from October, 1842 to April, 1844. In 1844 he was appointed to the chair of Natural Philosophy and 86 Chemistry in the University of Pennsylvania and continued to dis charge the duties of that position during the rest of his life. He received from the University of Lewisburg the degree of Ph. D. in 1854, that of LL. D. from Harvard College in 1857, was the Vice-Provast of the University of Pennsylvania from 1855 to 1868, a Vice-President of the American Philosophical Society from 1855 to 1858, a life member of the Academy of Natural Science, one of the in corporators of the National Academy of Science, of which he contin ued a member throughout his life, and Editor of the Journal of the Franklin Institute from 1850 to 1866. "He had, to an exceptional degree, the family gift of wit and humor. He! was the intimate associate of many of the leading scien tific men of his day. He was very much respected and admired by those who came under his influence as a teacher, and was one of the strongest men who have held a professional chair in the University of Pennsylvania." "He died suddenly of a heart attack at the University on the eve of the opening of the first course in its present position in West Phila- phia, the day after the faculty took possession of the new buildings. His wife, Charlotte, was a daughter of Thomas and Sarah Hollins- head Cave, of Philadelphia, born September 12, 181 5, died at Lenox, Massachusetts, August 19, 1881. Her father was a merchant of Phila delphia, and Apothecary General during the War of 1812; and her mother was a daughter of Major John Hollinshead, of New Jersey, an officer of the line of the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War, and an original member of the Society of the Cincinnati.* "Joseph, Pennell Frazer (XVIII-7) was also educated as a lawyer, and was admitted to practice at the Bar of Delaware County February 24, 1845. His inheritance was left in the hands of Henry Myers, hus band of his aunt Elizabeth Frazer (XVII-io), who failed to account for it satisfactorily, so that his fortune proved less than that of his half- brothers and sister. His name was changed at his father's death, and was Robert Frazer after that time. He was deputy Attorney General of Pennsylvania in 1845, being appointed in February of that year. He was the second President of the Camden and Atlantic Railroad, and was afterward President of the Wilmington and Reading Railroad. He died of apoplexy May 4, 1878." "His wife, a daughter of Samuel and Fanny CollinsWood, was born February 14, 1820, and died August 29, 1879. Joseph S. Harris. ?From whom the author of this book inherits membership in that Society. 87 Generation XIX. The children of John Fries Frazer (XVIII-5) and Charlotte (Jeffers) Cave (XVIII-i). Name Date of Birth Date of Marriage Name of Spouse Date of Death Residence and Remarks I Anne July 24 1839 May 10 1882 Rev. Thos. K. Conrad Dr. Conrad was born Jan. 19, 1836, and died May 28, 1893. 2 Sarah Feb. 17 1841 May 30 1861 Richard Lewis Ash hurst 3 Persifor July 24 1844 Sept. 2 1871 Isabella Nevins Whelen Generation XX. The children of Persifor Frazer (XIX-3) and Isabella Nevins Whelen (XIX-2). I Charlotte Sept. 14 1872 2 Persifor July 3 1874 April 12 1898 Mary Newbold Welsh 3 Laurence Feb. 11 1878 June 29 1881 Died at Buffalo Ridge Springs, Va. 4 John Feb. 5 1882 Born 202 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France. 88 APPENDIX. Notes and researches relative to the early history of the descendants of Persifor Frazer (XIV-i), with correspondence, etc. Copy of a rough pencil sketch of a search in the County Monaghan by Persifor Frazer (XVIII-4, born 1809) for traces of the former resi dence there of his great-great grandfather of the same name. July 5. 1846. I left the Dublin railway at 9 A.M. — took the Belfast mail from Drogheda to Newry and thence by car to Armagh where I arrived about 2 1/2 P.M. The next day hearing that a Mr. Nathaniel Greacen aged about 80 years lived in Armagh and kept a stationery shop — I called to see him under the supposition that he was the N. G. mentioned in Robert Greacen's letter to Persifor Frazer. He turned out to be another but had known Robert G. and his brothers who are all dead — Of well of them — informed me that the suit with Rev d M'Curdy was not a hope of nonsense but had not succeeded nevertheless for want of attention — he informed me that Mrs. Mary Wilson wife of George Wilson and a niece of R. Graecen of whom he speaks in (one) of his letters as the daughter of his sister Mary, was still living near Glasslough. Drove over to Glasslough — Stopt by chance at the house of a Mr. M'Curdy who was a son of the Rev McCurdy former Presbyterian clergyman of Glasslough with whom Robert Greacen had the lawsuit — he informed me that his mother was a Cruikshank and directed me to Mrs Wilson's — Called on Wm. Walker the Parish clerk who stated that there was no Parish register as far back as 1740 — did not recol lect any tombstone with the name of Frazer in the church yard. Went with the sexton to the church yard and hunted in vain for a tomb stone — the sexton pointed out to me the townland of Tonynyhamigin (sic) — where P. Frazer had lived — it is across the lough towards Middleton. Clanickney is beyond that again — most of Clanickney is now occupied by Wilson the son of George and Mary W. — it appears to have, come into the hands of the Greacens after the death of Robt. Smith and to have remained since in their family — The town clerk informed me of a Mr and Mrs Dunlap who had lived at Tonyhamigin until within a few years. There is now no house on the 89 townland — it belongs to the estate of the Leslies and was probably held by P. Frazer on a lease — I then called at Mr Wolf's the Vicar — he was not at home, but a young girl showed me the parish records — They went back no further that 1792. — no one so far could give me any record of the Frazers, nor appeared to have ever heard of them. I then drove out to Mullaban (?) about 1 1/2 miles from Glasslough the residence of Mrs. Wilson — it is a small farm house of stone but of the most ordinary construction and appearance. — No one was at home but herself and she was bed ridden. — She recollected having heard the marriage of her Grandmother's sister with John Frazer spoken of — said it was without the knowledge or consent of the family and distressed them very much — Mrs. Frazer was the the eldest of the sisters and was much looked up to by the others — her own [grand (?)] mother Mrs Greacen was the young est. — There was a brother named Andrew who was killed by accident at the burning of the mansion house at Clanickney — he left no issue — Alexander Smith who had the house at C. — was a cousin and not a brother — he* left two daughters Elizabeth and Margaretta — does not know what became of them — The children of Robert Smith were Mary Frazer, Elis/th Greacen, Mar tha Wilson, Ellen Morrison (went to America), Jane Armstrong, Sally Cruikshank, Margaretta who went to Dublin but could not say whether she married or not. From Mrs Wilson's I drove to Donagh church yard about 1/2 a mile off and searched it in company with some men who appeared familiar with the tombs but in vain. — None of them recollected having seen the name of Frazer (I found the tomb of the Greacens in Glasslough church yard). Many of the tombs were very ancient and going back to the 17th Century — in the oldest the letters were cut in relief. There were a great many old graves with unlettered headstones. — From Donagh I went to Emyvale to see an old couple Mr and Mrs Dunlap who had lived in Tonnyha . . . gan — neither of them recollected anything about P. Frazer except that Mrs D. — said that there was a hill that was known as Pers' brae — She recollected John Frazer marrying a Miss Smith but said positively at first that she was a sister of Alexander Smith and not a daughter of Robt. Smith, but when I told her what Mrs. Wilson had said she acknowledged that Mrs W. — was more likely to be correct, and she herself might be mistaken. Mr and Mrs. D — are about 90 years of age as I was informed — She said that her grandfather the Rev'd Mr Kennedy had purchased the holding of the Tonnyhamigin property from, a Mr Flack before she was born. Mr F. had gone to America — I then returned towards Armagh stopping at the Rev'd Mr Smith's 90 the presbytenan clergyman of Glasslough but likely to be superseded or actually suspended — he could give me no information and said there was no presbyterian records of that date — I went thence to Caledon church yard but had no success in my search and then returned to Armagh the same evening. Copy of correspondence of Persifor Frazer (XVIII-4, b. 1800) with Wm. N. Frazer Esq. SS.C. 41 Albany St. Edinburgh Dear Sir Balmoral hotel Princes St Aug. 1 2th, 1879 Although quite unknown to you, I take the liberty of address ing you with the purpose of asking some information that I think you can give me, on a subject in which I am interested — I am induced to do so from having seen your name in a back number of 'Notes and Queries' mentioned as one likely to possess the information I desire. Were I not entirely stranger in Great Britain I should have sought a line of introduction to you but with the exception of my banker in London and a few casual acquaintances met on the continent I know no one in the Kingdom and am a loss to whom to apply. I have come to Scotland principally to search for some trace of the origin of my Great-Great-Grand father, Persifor Frazer, who went from Scotland to Ireland, A.D. 1690 and settled in County Monaghan Ireland, where it is supposed he died and was buried — His only son John emigrated to America A.D. 1735 and settled at Philadelphia where his descendants still reside — The only letter we have of Persifor Frazer addressed to his son proves him to have been a man of educa tion, and tradition says that he was a cousin of Lord Lovat.* — Although he is supposed to have gone to Ireland with the army of William III there are amongst his papers two letters one signed 'the King' and ad dressed to Lord Kelso or Kindhedyf (I am not sure of the name), and another apparently written by his ... that must imply a previous connection with the cause of the Stuarts. These with the rather odd ?Mrs. Martha Morris recollects having heard John Watson a Scotchman who was a soldier in her father's regiment say that he heard that Persifor Frazer who went to Ireland was of the Frazers of Frazerdale, and thinks that he said that he was a cousin of Simon Lord Lovat. (Slip tacked on to above paper of notes.). tSee ante p. 11 et seq. 91 name Persifor which I have never met with out of our own family and which possibly was assumed ("Per se fortis") lead me to think that he might be identical with the Frazer who killed the, piper and who after wards took refuge in Wales. It is not improbable that he changed his first name, the spelling of his family name and perhaps also his politics The questions I am desirous to have answered are as follows i. Was it Alexander the eldest son of Thomas of Beaufort who killed the piper ? If not, who was it ? 2. When was the man killed? If after the year 1690 my theory falls to the ground — an article in 'Notes and Queries' Oct. 2. 1858 says that it occurred "sometime before 1692". 3. Is it known if Alexander Frazer, (or the refugee if he was another) married? if so whomi? My ancestor's wife was Margery Calton or Carlton, but whether he married in Scotland or Ire land is unknown. His only son John was born A.D. 1709 — this implies a later marriage. 4. Have you in your genealogical researches or elsewhere met with the name "Persifor" ? Allow me to add that I am pursuing the inquiry relative to my ancestors simply for my own satisfaction and with no designs whatever on the Lovat title or estates. There is I am informed a Mr Fraser from America who claims to be a descendant of Alexander Frazer the son of Thos. of Beaufort and who intends claiming the title of Lovat when he can make his prepara tions, but I do not know him and have no connection with him. I have now but to apologize for the liberty I have taken in writing to you. I am aware that I have no claim, whatever on your time or at tention, and had I known any other way of getting the information I want, I should not have presumed to have troubled you. If you can answer any or all of the questions above given and, will kindly do so you will lay md under a great obligation and I offer you my very warm thanks in advance whether you can or not. Accept my sincere apologies for my indiscretion in addressing you. Very respectfully your obedient Servant Persifor Frazer* of Philadelphia, U. States of America *Born 1809 92 Tornaveen Aberdeenshire 17th Aug. 1879 Dear Sir Your note of the 12th inst. has been forwarded to me here where I am having some shooting. This will account for the delay in replying to it. If I can be of any use to you in your investigations it would give me much pleasure and as I hope to be in Edinburgh in the course of a few days I shall do myself the pleasure of calling for you. It is generally understood that the Fraser who slew the piper fled to Wales, and a namesake of ours has been engaged for many years in try ing to trace his descent from the place in question. I am almost cer tain I have some notes on the subject which I may be able to lay my hands upon on my return to town. I rather think the Event took place subsequent to 1690. I never met with the name of "Persifor." A son by a 2nd marriage of my Great Grandfather (Francis Fraser of Findrack) emigrated to America, now nearly a century ago. Daniel was his name and I believe he married and had children, but we have now lost all trace of the family. In the hope of seeing you soon Believe me Yours truly Persifor Frazer Esq. Wm. N. Fraser Unsigned rough draft of letter to Wm. N. Fraser, Edinburgh From Persifor Frazer (XVIII-4, b. 1809) Liverpool, Aug. 20th, '79 Dear Sir Your favor of the 17th inst. came to hand this morning. I left Edinburgh on Sunday last, to accompany my sister in law and niece who have come here to embark for home New York. Not having heard from you at that date, I thought it probable that you were from home and dispaired of hearing from you — I thank you very much for your kind note and regret having left Edinburgh without seeing you — renounced The weather has been and is so comfortable that I have postponed for the present renounced further my intended visit to the north of Scotland. On your return to Edinburgh would you be able to ascertain, even approxi mately the date of the killing of the piper, you will confer a great favor on me by informing me of it — My address up to Monday 25th inst. 93 will be care of Baring brothers and Co. London E. C. after that care of Drexel Harjes and Cie. Paris, France. Frazers in America of whom I know anything are uncommon. — One in S. Carolina was a prominent agent of the Confederate gov ernment in the late rebellion — another of New Jersey, who claimed the title of Lovat some forty years since, I think is a descendant of the Master of Lovat, the son of Simon Lord Lovat, though an article in N. and Q ; says as a descendant of John the brother of Simon he has since died — The Princess Murat now living in Paris is his daughter — There is, as I am informed another Mr Fraser from the U. States now in England who is preparing to claim the Lovat title as a descendant of Alex. Fraser — But I am not acquainted with him — There is also a Mr. James Fraser a merchant in Cincinnati — I met him many years since at Newport a sea-bathing place in Rhode Island — we were so much alike that his intimate friends frequently mistook me for him and mine mistook him for me — On comparing notes we could trace no connexion through the ancestors of both were Scotchmen — He may possibly be a descendant of the Daniel Frazer you mentioned though I do not recollect that he mentioned that name in speaking of his ances tors — also know a Mr. Wm. Wm. Fraser of Halifax Nova Scotia whom I met in California in 1848 or 9 — I think that the name occurs not unfrequently in Canada but I have not known any then who held it. — A Mr. Homer Dixon of Boston who married many years since the daughter of the Chief Justice of Canada and resided afterwards at To ronto, told me that he was descended through his mother from the chevalier John Frazer the brother of Simon. I think that he had a portrait of him that had come down in his family I have not seen him for many years and do not know whether he is still alive. Unsigned rough draft of letter to Wm. N. Frazer by Persifor Frazer (b. 1809) (XVIII-4). Paris, Sept. 9th, 1879. Dear Sir I wrote you on the 21st, ulto. from Liverpool in reply to your favor from Tornaveen, and asked you to kindly send me a line to London or Paris and inform me, if you could do so, of the date of the slaying of the piper by Alexn. Fraser that occurred between 1689 and 1692 I have not heard from you, I suppose either that my letter has miscarried or that you have not found time to comply with my re quest — If you will do so, at your convenience, you will greatly oblige me — I writing hurriedly in the public room of the hotel at Liverpool. I neglected to enclose a foreign postage stamp, which I 94 should have done, I now enclose three stamps and beg you to Pardon my forgetfulness — In the summer of '78 I was at Tours with some leisure time on my hands, and employed it in looking up 'La Frezeliere, the estate of Rene Frezel the father of Simon Frezel, who came to England with William Of Normandy and who is supposed to be the ancestors of theFrasers of Scotland — with perseverance and some good luck I succeeded in finding it — It was not in Touraine as is stated in the "British Peerages" but in the adjoining province of Anjou. These provinces no longer exist except in name — should you ever take a run across the channel and feel any curiosity to visit the place — you will find it in the Department of Mayenne, seven kilometres (4 1/2 Eng. miles) to the Northward of Chateau-Goutier — a town of some import ance and about a mile to the Eastward of the village of Loigne of course it is no longer, a Seigneurie, as they were all abolished at the French revolution, — but a farm, still retaining its name of la Fre zeliere — The Chateau no longer exists but some portion of the office and the kitchen have been incorporated in the farm buildings notably a stout stone round tower with a winding staircase inside — The Maire of Loigne who showed me over the place, seems to know more about it than any one else, he lived there in his youth his father being the ten ant of the property. — You doubtless; know the name of the French Branch of the family, les Marquis de la Frezeliere from Frezel became Frezeau as that of the Scotch branch became Fraser — .Excuse me for — Tornaveen Aberdeenshire 15th Sept. 1879. Dear Sir Your most interesting letter of the 9th inst. has been for warded to me here I am now able to inform you that the date of slay ing the piper by Alexander Fraser was in 1689. This appears from a Judicial investigation with the circumstances which took place before the Sheriff at Inverness when an illigitimate Brother of his was exam ined as a witness. The information your letter gives is certainly most interesting and the next time I visit France I shall if possible take a run to "Loigne" — in order to see the Chateau la Frezeliere — It would be possible I pre sume by writing to the "Maire of Loigne" to obtain a photograph of what remains of a building of so much interest to our name. An account of the Frasers particularly of the family of Philorth now represented by Lord Saltoun, who is unquestionably the head of the 95 Frasers in Scotland was recently printed for private circulation. His Lordship has presented copies to the principal Libraries in Scotland and I think it not unlikely that he may have sent a copy to what was called when I was last in Paris — the "Imperial Library" — I was much disappointed at not seeing you when in Edinburgh — as mentioned in a former note, which I hope you received, I called for you at the Hotel but found you had left — Should you visit Scotland again I hope to be more fortunate and if I can discover anything which may assist you in your investigations connected with Alexander Fraser I shall not fail to communicate with you. Believe me Yours very truly w Wm. N. Fraser Persifor Fraser Esq. Two years after the death of my Uncle, Persifor Frazer (1809 XVIII-4), I went to Dublin for the purpose of getting some light on the early family history. One George A. Thompson a public searcher was first employed to examine the records of the Register's Office for any information which it might contain, but the search was fruitless. Mr. Solicitor I. C. Doran was then retained to make similar investi gations which had also been without result up to the time when I met Sir Bernard Burke, Ulster King at Arms, at Dublin Cas tle, who very kindly undertook to use his, exceptional facilities and ex perience to the desired end, and Mr. Doran's services were dispensed with.* Sir Bernard's researches were also fruitless, as the following letters will show. Letter from Sir Bernard Burke to Persifor Frazer (XIX-3, b. 1844) Dublin Castle 14 Aug. 1882. My dear Sir, As I apprehended your ancestor Persifor Frazer has left no genealogical trace in this Country as far as I can see. A minute search through the local Wills, not only those of the Diocese of Clogher, but also of Armagh, has produced no results. I am quite *If any one doubt the statement that these investigations were being car ried on in Ireland, one item in the bill which the learned Solicitor rendered for his valuable services would dispel that doubt : it was "For reading documents some of which were illegible — 8 s.") 96 sure that it would be quite useless to investigate further in this Coun try. The pencil notes enclosed contain the various Wills that have been Consulted. I return the papers you left with me, and express my regret that I have been of so little service. Yours very truly J. Bernard Burke* Ulster Dublin Castle 21 August, 1882 My dear Sir, There is no charge whatever for the genealogical enquiry I made for you. It afforded me pleasure to make it and it caused me regret that my researches were unavailing Yours very truly J. Bernard Burke Tornaveen Aberdeenshire 31st July 82 Dear Sir, I, am this morning in receipt of yours of 28th inst. — and regret extremely to hear of your Uncle's death as from the terms of his letter I had formed a high opinion of his intelligence and the good feel ing he showed in the interest he took in the name he bore. I expect to be in Edin. towards the end of this week but only for a day — or two — when I return to this to remain until the nth prox/o. when I start for shooting quarters to remain for a week or so — If you come North, after that date, I shall be delighted to see you here either going to or returning from Inverness — This place is only about an hour from Aberdeen to our nearest station. "Torphius" Deeside Rwy. is at no distance from this. In case I sho/d. be in Edin. at the time you are there, I hope you will drop me a note before you arrive as I would certainly like to see you and introduce you to one or two friends who might be able to as sist you in your investigations — I have not as yet met with the name of "Persifor", but I hope it will yet be found — The first settlement of the Fraser family — after quitting Peeble- * Author of Burke's Peerage etc. 97 shire — was in this part of the Country — not in Invernessshire as is popularly supposed — They got enormous estates in Kincardineshire and this county from Robert the Bruce and King David ist and nth — 1 refer particularly to the thanedoms of Cowie and Dueris (?) — and other Lands — in this and the adjoining County of Kincardine — The family came into possession of the Lovat Estates in Invernessshire by marriage at a subsequent date. All this however I daresay you are aware of — Believe me Dear Sir Yours very truly W. N. Fraser Persifor Fraser Esq. 41 Albany St. Friday Dear Sir I shall be glad to see you here say at 12 o'clock. Unfortunately I am obliged to leave again for the North tomorrow morning. Ys truly Wn. N. Fraser Persifor Fraser Esq. Letters from Lord Saltoun to Persifor Frazer (XIX-3, b. 1844) Philorth September 5th 1882 Fraserburgh. Sir I have the honor to acknowledge your letter of the 3rd, and, if I had received it when it was in my power to comply with your request, it would have given be much gratification to present a copy of the "The Frasers of Philorth" to The Philadelphia Library; but I regret to be obliged to say, that it is entirely out of my power to do so ; for there were only one hundred and fifty copies printed, and I assure you that I have given away one hundred and forty nine of them, and have only one copy in my possession, or in any way at my disposal. 98 I am extremely sorry that I am thus absolutely unable to do what you ask, but, if you wish to consult the book during your stay in Lon don, I may mention that there is a Copy in the Reading-room of the British Museum, and another at the Heralds College. I have the honor to be Sir Your obedient servant Saltoun To Professor Persifor Frazer Philorth Sept. 13th 1882 Fraserburgh. Dear Sir I have to thank you for your kind note, received last night, which deepens my regret at being unable to do what you requested. I shall be most happy to receive a copy of your Theses, when it is convenient for you to send me one, and, as we had a little ceremony at Fraserburgh, yesterday in the interest of Education, I have taken the liberty of sending you "The Aberdeen Journal", containing an account of the proceedings, which you may like to see. I remain faithfully your's Saltoun To Professor Persifor Frazer (Accompanied by a newspaper in wrapper containing the account spoken of) The late Lord Saltoun was one of the highest authorities in Great Britain on Heraldry and as head of the Frasers in Scotland, and author of a very scholarly "History of the Frasers of Philorth," the best au thority on all matters concerning the Fraser clan. I sent him a book-mark with a coat of arms and crest which have been in the family's possession during its residence in America. The following letter refers to this : Philorth Sept. 25th 1882 Fraserburgh. . My dear Sir I have to thank you for your letter, and for the copy of the Theses. The subject of which they treat, Geology, is a very interest- 99 ing one, and, though I cannot pretend to be well up in it, I have no doubt I shall receive both instruction, and pleasure, when I have the time to devote to their perusal. I must also gratefully acknowledge the kind and complimentary expression of your opinion of the few words I address to the scholars, and others, at the opening of our public schools, the other day. I am a little surprised at your saying that the Ostrich's head, (with out the horse shoe,) appears in one of the plates of my "History of the Frasers of Philorth" ; for the only plates, in which it appears, are the frontispiece of Vol I, and the Coat of Arms, opposite page 192 of the same Vol ; and in both these the horse shoe is present. Our crest is not an Ostrich's head, but the whole bird in Heraldic language, "proper", with a horse shoe in its back, and, at page 121 of Vol I, I suggest a probable explanation of -the reason of its adoption by Sir Alexander Fraser, in 1375, when he obtained Old Buchan lands. The coat of Arms, of which you enclose an engraving, is a curious one. The Arms are those of Fraser, common to all the branches of the family, except some, who bear five rosettes or cinquefoils, placed sattirewise, the incorrectness of which bearings I have exposed, pages 89-91 of Vol I, and in my preface.* But the crest is evidently a part of that of our family, differenced by the two wings, and that is quite ex plicable. But then, the motto is that of the Lovat branch of the race. In Heraldry, although the arms must remain the same, or can only be differenced according to certain rules and regulations; the crest, and motto, are not essential parts of the Insignia, and may be changed at pleasure; and I think this explains how the first adopter of these Arms took his crest from the one, his motto from the other, of the two principal families of the name which he was Heraldically quite entitled to do if it pleased him to compliment those families in that manner. I remain Your's very truly Saltoun To Professor Persifor Frazer *To "The Frazers of Philorth." IOO The following note was elicited from a friend in Ireland by a Roman Catholic priest whom I met on the steamer from Queenstown to New York, and who promised to make inquiries for some trace of Persifor Frazer's residence at or near Glasslough in the early part of the 1 8th Century. Ballibay Co. Monaghan. April 14. 83 My dear Father Martin I received your most welcome letter in due time, and felt truly happy on reading that you and F McKenna were well, and suc ceeding so well in your most arduous and unpleasant mission. I enclose with this letter the family record of your esteemed friend Mr Frazer, but; I am sorry, that I have not succeeded in finding the sought for information. I called on Mr. McCulloch who is, as you are aware, a J. P. and agent to Sir John Leslie, owner of Glasslough and all the lands about it, and who, I thought, would be the most likely man to institute a suc cessful search. He requested the Rector to examine all the parish records, but he could find no trace. I also asked Mr McCulloch to search the estate rent rolls for the same purpose ; here also there was no trace. Mr. McCulloch tells me that the Leslie family in those days were Jacobites, and fought in James' army against Wm. Ill, and that it was not probable that any of William's adherents would find favor with the Leslie family. I need not tell you there is a great change in the family politics since those days. I am sorry to tell you our poor country is in great distress at pres ent. * * * I am glad to tell you the Bishop and priests are in good health. With kindest regards to F/r McKenna and yourself I remain yours ever Sincerely L. I. O'Neill Rev. Mr Martin to Persifor Frazer*. Letter of Wm. N. Fraser to Persifor Frazer*. (enclosing cutting from a newspaper) 41 Albany Street Edinburgh. 4th Feby. 1886 My dear Sir. Professor James Geikie was so good as to let me know that he had heard from you and that you were surprized that I had not written to you on the subject of the Lovat Peerage Case — I can as- *Born 1844. 101 sure you the Post office is at fault, not me, — for I not only wrote but sent you a paper containing the judgment of the House of Lords and I am therefore much disappointed to learn that the paper never reach ed you. I shall try and get a copy of the judgment but it may be diffi cult to do so now — However John Fraser the Claimant had no case at all — It was a complete break down — Nothing was proved as to what became of Alex/r. Fraser after he slew the piper — at any rate it was proved to demonstration, or something near to it, that Fraser the "miner" could not have been Lovat's brother as he would have been receiving daily wages as a common labourer at a time when he had reached the goodly age of 104 years. I rather think he must have been 84 or 85 years of age (but I write from memory), when John Fraser's ancestors was born — It is a pity the poor man should have thrown away his money in such a venture. I think I mentioned to you that John Fraser used to call for me on the subject, years ago, when I told him that his case appeared to me to be hopeless. It is a pity his legal advisers did not give him the same advice — after the decision of the case, he published an address to his friends about In verness, to say that he would still persevere. I fancy however that we shall hear nothing farther about it. Sir William Fraser Bar/t. of Ledclune made himself rather conspicuous in this affair. He got leave from Lovat to inspect the Vault of the Lovat family at Kirkhill, and strange to say removed the plates from the different coffins — and left them I think with some shop keeper in Inverness. However on this coming to Lord Lovats notice, the plates were again restored — I have never heard what was Sir Wm's. motive in acting in such a way, but I fancy he did so in the interest of John Fraser the Claimant — I find I have a cutting which I took from the Aberdeen Journal about the coffin plates and I now enclose it in this you may depend on it that as soon as I can lay hands on the Report of this case I shall at once send it to you. Believe me Yours very truly Wm. N. Fraser P.S. Lord Saltoun died in London the day before yesterday. He represented the most ancient branch of the Fraser family 102 Copy of a letter from Mr. B. Homer Dixon Consul General for the Netherlands in Toronto, to Mr. Archibald Mackensie Dean of Guild. Inverness, Scotland, and sent by the latter to me. Toronto. Dec. 1885. My dear Sir I have just read with much interest your account of the Lovat case. Some years ago — 30 or 40 — I had a friend Persifor Frazer of Philadelphia, who always claimed a cousinship with me as being de scended from Alexander son of Thomas, who went to Wales although my impression is that my old friend said he went to the north of Ireland, though it may have been North Wales. But of this I am not certain, he always said that Alexander eldest son of Thomas of Beaufort, was his ancestor. He was a perfect gentle man, moving in the best society in Philadelphia, but he hated the Sas senach! I do not think any of my American friends were, like him for this was before the war, when the ill feeling of the old Revolutionary war was dying out. He has been dead for some years but he had a married brother, a Professor, who may be yet alive. He had also an Uncle Persifor Fraser Smith, a General in the U. S. army. And talk ing of the Frasers reminds me that my father used to tell me a story of his great grandfather John Fraser Master of Lovat — that he once dis armed a recruiting sergeant and twelve men for which he was (?) arrested and imprisoned (I think in Inverness) but his brother Simon Lord Lovat Lord of Regality, went to see him (or sent to him) in prison, and advised him not to acknowledge the name of John, but to call himself Simon, and when he appeared before the Court as Simon Frazer — Lord Lovat (or his deputy) cast the Indictment and dismissed him. did you ever hear the story? * * * B. Homer Dixon. 103 YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 3 9002 08854 4375 ¦ ,:'. ¦¦•¦'.