History: 1821: Genealogical Data contained in the Statutes at Large, Commonwealth of PA ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Vi. P. Limric vi35@localnet.com ************************************************ LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA GENEALOGICAL DATA Copyright Vi P. Limric 1998 Source: The Statues at Large of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg PA, 1911 GOVERNOR JOSEPH HIESTER December 19, 1820 to December 16, 1823 The Hiester family were of Silesian origin, whose descendants spread through the countries bordering on the Rhine. Three brothers, DANIEL HIESTER, JOHN HIESTER, and JOSEPH HIESTER, emigrated to America in 1737, and settled at Goshenhoppen, then Philadelphia County, now Montgomery County. They then purchased several thousand acres in Bern township, now Berks county. John and Joseph settled there and on 18 Nov 1752, Governor Joseph Hiester was born, the son of John Hiester. In his youth he labored on his father's farm. He related that he was put to the plough so young that when it struck a stump or stone he was not strong enough to right it till it had run a considerable distance, and when caught in a root the rebound would sometimes throw his prostrate. His father often told him that he was induced to leave the old county because the peasantry were kept perpetually poor and dependent by the burdens and taxation imposed by the government and the nobility, with no prospects of improvement. Accounts reached them of prosperous settlements in the New World, gave them hope, and upon reaching the colonies sought in the wilds of Pennsylvania a habitation. During the winter, Governor Hiester, received the rudiments of an English and German education. In 1771, in his nineteenth year, he married ELIZABETH WHITMAN, daughter of ADAM WHITMAN, a highly respectable citizen of Reading, then a village. Shortly after the marriage he went into the mercantile business with his father-in-law. Representative of the Whig party, he was chosen a member of the State Conference which met in Philadelphia on 18 Jun 1776, which assumed the government of the Colony, called a convention to frame a new constitution, gave instructions for the guidance of its representatives in Congress, and authorized troops for the Continental army. He was then a captain of militia, and upon adjournment of the Conference hastened home to arouse the young men to join the national standard, which at that time was feebly supported. He convened about twenty-five or thirty men in Reading village and aroused thier sympathies to march to the assistance of Washington. He then pledged blankets and necessary funds for equipment plus offered forty dollars and the appointment of sergeant to the first man who subscribed to the articles of association to form a volunteer company to join the Commander-in-chief. MATTHIAS BABB, stepped forward, signed the articles and took the money. By evening twenty men had signed and were given smaller sums. At the end of ten days Captain Hiester had eighty men enrolled. Upon the arrival of the Command at Elizabethtown, New Jersey, General Washington had moved to Long Island. Many of the men did not wish to leave their home state. After a speech by Captain Hiester, begging them not to turn their backs on Washington and their country, the men, except for three men, marched to Long Island. His regiment joined the patriot army, and often came in conflict with the enemy, and many were wounded or killed. Finally the Captain and his surviving men were taken prisoner and were confined on board the notorious prison-ship, the Jersey, where they were subjected to every indignity which refined cruelty could invent. JONATHAN RUSSEL, one of the commissioners of the United States who concluded the treaty of Ghent, in an oration delivered in 4 Jul 1800, at Providence, Rhode Island, delineated the horrors of that imprisonment. From this prison-ship Captain Hiester was taken, and confined in New York, where the want of food, and general harsh treatment of the captives, was scarcely a remove better than on board the Jersey. He was attacked by a low fever, and became so feeble and emaciated that he was obliged, in passing up and stairs, to crawl on his hands and knees. After several months he was exchanged and set at liberty, whereupon he made his way to Reading, regained his strength, and returned to the army. He arrived in time to participate in the battle of Germantown, where he received a wound in the head, but not of a dangerous nature. He remained in the army till the end of the war and then returned to the bosom of his family. He was chosen a member of the convention assembled in Philadelphia in 1787, for the ratification of the Constitution of the United States, and in 1789 he was a member of the convention which framed the State Constitution of 1790. For several years he was a member of the Legislature. In 1799, after the removal of his Uncle Daniel Hiester, who represented the Berks district in Congress, to Maryland, he was elected a member of that body, for fourteen years. As governor his administration was charactized for promoting the growth and prosperity of the Commonwealth. At the expiration of his term of office he withdrew altogether from public employments. He died 10 Jun 1832, in his eightieth year, and was buried in the grounds of the German Reformed church at Reading. LAWS PASSED SESSION 1819/20 HARRISBURG, PA. WILLIAM FINDLAY. Governor JOSEPH LAWRENCE, Speaker of the House of Representatives WILLIAM MARKS JR., Speaker of the Senate. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In General Assembly met and is hereby enacted by the Authority of the Same. 5. An act vesting in JANE SHAW, an escheated estate. That all the right, title, and claim of this commonwealth, to the personal estate of WILLIAM WALLACE, in the hands of administrators, with the interest due, is hereby released to Jane Shaw. 25 Jan 1820. 6. An act authorizing the guardians of the minor children of HENRY CROUSE, dec., to sell part of his real estate. That RUDOLP H HARLEY and ADAM FISHER, guardians of the minor children of Henry Crouse, late of West Nantmill twp., Chester county, dec. are hereby authorized to sell, most of the interest of the estate of the intestate, a certain undivided 1/4 part of a forge called Springton and tract of land, situate in West Nantmill twp. containing 310 acres, and to execute a deed to the purchaser. 25 Jan 1820. 12. An act for the relief of THOMAS SMILEY. Whereas, Thomas Smiley being a good citizen, strongly attached to this country, was on the 24 Jun 1801, employed by COLONEL ABRAHAM HORN, an agent of the government, to receive relinquishments from certain settlers on Towanda creek, Luzerne county, and in consequence he was attacked by a company of insurgents from other parts of the county, and was by them abused and compelled to leave the country for a considerable length of time, thus sustaining a heavy loss and great abuse on account of his attachment to the government, therefore, the state treasurer is hereby directed to pay to Thomas Smiley the sum of $250.00, immediately. 5 Feb 1820. 15. An act to enable co-partners in the firm of Murray, Fairman and company, engravers, of the city of Philadelphia, to dispose of certain books, maps, plates and prints by way of lottery. That ANDREW BAYARD, MATTHEW CAREY, SAMUEL MIFFLIN, CLEMENT C. BIDDLE, ANDREW PETITT, ADAM ECKFELT, ANDREW M. PREVOST, are hereby appointed commissioners to superintend the distribution of the property by lottery for promoting the sciences and useful arts. Two hundred prizes, each consisting of complete set of the American edition of Dr. Rees's new Cyclopaedia, value $328.00 etc. That all prizes not demanded within twelve months, shall be distributed to the Philadelphia Library, Athenaeum of Philadelphia, University of PA., Franklin College, Dickenson College, Jefferson College, the Western University of PA., Washington College, Allegheny College, Northumberland College. 9 Feb 1820. 19. An act to incorporate the Warfordsburg and Juniata turnpike road, in Bedford county. That ANDREW MANN, MOSES GORDON, ABRAHAM MARTIN, JAMES GRAHAM, URIA AKERS, JAMES PARSONS, GEORGE ENSLOW, GEORGE MORGAN and JAMES M. RUSSEL, of Bedford county, are hereby appointed commissioners to lay out a road from the state line in Bedford county, through Warfordsburg, to intersect the Chambersburg and Bedford turnpike road on the east side of Juniata. 17 Feb 1820. 21. An act for the relief of JANE GODFREY. That the state treasurer is hereby required to pay to Jane Godfrey, of Cumberland county, widow of WILLIAM E. GODFREY, a captain of artillery in the revolutionary war, the sum of sixty dollars immediately, and an annuity of sixty dollars to commence on 1 Jan 1820, to be paid half yearly during her widowhood, which shall be in lieu of a tract of donation land which her husband was entitled to. 17 Feb 1820. 25. An act authorizing MICHAEL NEWMAN and PETER WINEBRENNER, trustees of the German reformed congregation of the borough of Hanover, York county, to sell and convey a lot of ground. That Michael Newman and Peter Winebrenner, trustees, are hereby authorized to sell a lot of ground in York street, known as #83, for the benefit of the congregation, and to execute a deed of conveyance to the purchaser. 24 Feb 1820. 27. An act directing the recorder of deeds of Westmoreland county, to record a certain deed. That the recorder is hereby directed to record a deed of conveyance executed by WILLIAM ELLIOTT, and BARBARA ELLIOTT, his wife, for a tract of land in Westmoreland county, to JOHN HINDMAN, dated 27 Jul 1795, and acknowledge before JOHN JOHNSTON, a justice of the peace for the county of Allegheny. 24 Feb 1820. 28. A supplement to an act incorporating the Presbyterian Congregation of Salem, Derry twp., Westmoreland county. That the trustees shall be, HUGH CULBERTSON, URIAH MATSON, JOHN GALLAGHER, JAMES GUTHRIE and WILLIAM STERLING. 24 Feb 1820. 29. A supplement to an act appointing commissioners to lay a road from the town of Milford, Pike county, to the borough of Wilkesbarre, Luzerne county. That the laying out of the road by ISAAC A. CHAPMAN and JOHN BROADHEAD, is hereby confirmed. 24 Feb 1820. 30. An act to authorize JOHN AGNEW and others, guardians of their minor children to sell and convey real estate in Washington county. That it shall be lawful for JOHN AGNEW, JAMES AGNEW, SAMUEL AGNEW, ROBERT MARSHELL and ROBERT ANDERSON, the parents and natural guardians of their children, SAMUEL C. AGNEW, SAMUEL A. MARSHELL, SAMUEL AGNEW JR., SAMUEL M. AGNEW and SAMUEL A. ANDERSON, to sell all the estate and title of their minor children in the real estate in Washington county, devised to them by their grandfather, Samuel Agnew, and to execute conveyance of said real estate to the purchaser. 24 Feb 1820. 31. An act to incorporate the Luzerne and Wayne county turnpike road company. That BENJAMIN SLOCUM, PHILIP SWARTZ, COMER PHILIPS and JOHN COBB, of the county of Luzerne, SETH GOODRICH, AMOS POLLY, REUBEN PURDY, WILLIAM WOODBRIDGE, PETER PURDY, and SIMEON ANSLEY of Wayne county, are hereby appointed commissioners to lay out a road beginning near the house of Philip Swartz, in Providence twp., Luzerne county, to intersect the Milford and Owego turnpike road where it crosses the Wallen-Paupack creek, in Wayne county, passing through the townships of Blakely, Salem and Palmyra. 24 Feb 1820. 32. An act for the relief of PETER GORDON, an old soldier. That the state treasurer is hereby required to pay to Peter Gordon of the district of Southwark, Philadelphia county, forty dollars immediately, and an annuity of forty dollars during life, to be paid half yearly, to commence on 1 Jan 1820. 24 Feb 1820. 34. An act to annul the marriage of JOHN CULBERTSON and POLLY CULBERTSON his wife. That the marriage contract between John Culberton, now a lieutenant in the army of the United States, and Polly his wife, is hereby annulled and the parties released from all duties as fully as if they had never been joined in marriage, provided, nothing shall be construed as to render illegitimate and children born of the body of Polly during her coverture. 24 Feb 1820. 37. An act to vacate part of a road. That part of the road laid out by the act passed 23 Mar 1819, from Marietta, Lancaster county, to intersect Middletown and Harrisburgh turnpike road, near the house of JOHN NISSLY, in Dauphin county, as lies within Lancaster county, is hereby repealed. 24 Feb 1820. 42. An act to annul the marriage of JOHN MELISH and JANE MELISH his wife. That the marriage contract entered into between John Melish and Jane his wife, late JANE PATTINSON, both of the city of Philadelphia, is hereby annulled and the parties released from all duties as if they had never been joined in marriage. 6 Mar 1820. 43. An act for the relief of JOHN PYLER. Whereas, John Pyler, CHRISTIAN DITWEILER, SARAH LANTZ, widow of CHRISTIAN LANTZ, dec., CHRISTIAN KING and ABRAHAM KURTZ, executors of the testament and last will of JACOB LANTZ, late of Henderson twp., Huntingdon county, dec., DAVID LANTZ, ANNA LANTZ, Christian Ditweiler, as guardian of HENRY LANTZ, and LYDIA LANTZ, minor children of Henry Lantz, dec., SOLOMON KING, as guardian of MARIA LANTZ, and MAGDALENA LANTZ, minor children of JOHN LANTZ, dec., JOHN BLACK, intermarried with FANNY LANTZ, that Jacob Lantz died seized of a tract of land situate in Huntingdon county, who devised said tract to his three sons, Jacob, David and Christian, and directed the same be divided into two or three shares, and six men were to divide it from out of the society of Amisch, and if none of the heirs (or guardian, Chistrian was a minor) wished the land it was to be sold. Whereas, it was divided into two parts, one at a value of 21 dollars per acre, the other at 35 dollars per acre, and whereas, upon the refusal of Jacob Lantz, one of the devidees, Christian Ditweiler, guardian of Christian Lantz, minor son of the deceased, took part #1, whereby the minor became indebted to the other devisees, and whereas Christian Lantz died in his minority, leaving a widow, and a number of brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces, his heir at law, whereas Christian Ditweiler, guardian, for the purpose of pay the debts owing by the estate, sold said premises to JOHN PYLER, for the sum of $20.75 per acre, and whereas the sum of $2240.50 has been paid by John Pyler to the guardian, who has paid the same to the executors of Jacob Lantz, dec. and whereas it appears in consequence of the lunacy of Jacob Lantz, and the minority of the other, the heirs of Christian Lantz, dec. the sale should be confirmed, therefore, that the title, right and interest of John Pyler to the said tract of land shall be good and effectual in law as if it had been sold and confirmed under an order of the orphans court. 6 Mar 1820. 45. An act to annul the marriage of SAMUEL MOORHEAD and SARAH MOORHEAD, his wife. That the bonds of matrimony contracted between Samuel Moorhead, of Westmoreland county, and Sarah his wife, late SARAH SWAN, are hereby annulled and Samuel and Sarah are mutually and severally divorced from each other. 6 Mar 1820. 46. An act declaring Stony Creek a public highway. That Stoney Creek from its mouth up to PETER BERKEY's mills, in Somerset county, is hereby declared a public highway for the passage of rafts, boats and other water crafts. 6 Mar 1820. 52. An act to incorporate the Kensington district of the Northern Liberties. That the inhabitants of part of the Northern Liberties, Philadelphia county, beginning at the mouth of Colocksink creek, thence along the river Delaware to the south line of the land late ______ GIBSON's, thence to Gunner's Creek and across the same to the land late of ISAAC NORRIS, dec., and now of J.P. NORRIS, etc., are hereby constituted a body politic. 6 Mar 1820. 53. An act to incorporate the PA. and New Jersey communication company. That PIERCE BUTLER, ROBERT WALN, WILLIAM MEREDITH, ANDREW BAYARD, CHARLES PENROSE, EDWARD PENNINGTON, EDWARD SHARP, CALEB NEWBOLD, ISAAC MICKLE, SAMUEL L. HOWELL, SAMUEL HARRIS and HENRY CHEW, are hereby appointed commissioners to build a permanent bridge beginning at New street, near Camden, on the New Jersey shore, about 300 feet south of Wild's ferry, to the island in the river Delaware, opposite the city of Philadelphia. 6 Mar 1820. 57. A supplement to an act to re-annex part of Mifflin county to the county of Union, passed 16 Mar 1819. That if the commissioners of Mifflin county, shall not comply to run and mark a line of division, then the line run by PETER HAGENBERG, is hereby declared to be the boundary line between the counties of Mifflin and Union. 16 Mar 1820. 64. An act authorizing a partition of the real estate of GEORGE BRYAN ESQ., late of the city of Philadelphia, dec., and for other purposes. Whereas, George Bryan Esq., late of the city of Philadelphia, dec., died possessed of five tracts of unimproved land, situated when surveyed, in the county of Northumberland, now in the counties of Armstrong and M'Kean, and in consequence of the derangement in mind of one of the daughters, and the death in a state of insolvency of one of the sons, a partition of the land cannot be made, and whereas GEORGE BRYAN, of the borough of Harrisburg, one of the sons of George Bryan Esq., dec., has had the sole management and care of his sister, who is unhappily diseased for many years, and still continues the care of her, and has advanced his own monies for her support, therefore, that JACOB SPANGLER and THOMAS SMITH, of the borough of Harrisburg, Dauphin county, and ROBERT ORR JR., of the county of Armstrong, are hereby authorized to make partition and allot to each of the heirs their share. If the estate cannot be divided then the heirs shall hold the lands are assigned as tenants in common. That George Bryan, of the borough of Harrisburg, is hereby authorized to sell all the right and title of SARAH BRYAN, one of the daughters of the deceased, which shall be assigned to her by the partition, for the use of Sarah. 17 Mar 1820. 66. An act confirming the title of JACOB BARNCORD, of Franklin county, to a certain house and lot therein mentioned. That all the right, title and interest which PETER BARCORD, late of Franklin county, dec., may have in a certain house and lot in the borough of Greencastle, Franklin county, #122, is hereby vested in his son Jacob Barncord, as if the house and lot had been conveyed to his by his father. 22 Mar 1820. 67. An act authorizing WILLIAM SCOTT, of Mercer county, guardian of the minor children of BENJAMIN LODGE, dec., to convey lands. That William Scott, of Mercer county, guardian of the persons and estates of the minor children of Benjamin Lodge, dec., is hereby authorized to execute a good deed of conveyance, for the following tracts of land, situate on the waters of Shenango, Mercer county, surveyed and returned on warrants issued under the act of 3 Apr 1792 to the following, one in the name of AARON LEVI, one in the name of JOHN KAPP, one in the name of DANIEL WILLIAMS, one in the name of JOHN LEACOCK, one in the name of NATHAN FALKNER, and one in the name of DANIEL REAS, all patented to JAMES HAMILTON, since dec., (who is represented to have held the same only as the agent or trustee of Benjamin Lodge, also dec.) in pursurance of the actual settlement of sundry persons, with whom contracts had been made by James Hamilton, for the sale and settlement of the same to the settlers in the same manner as if James Hamilton would have been obliged to do. 22 Mar 1820. 69. An act to authorize HUGH MEANS to sell a tract of land belonging to the heirs of THOMAS WOODS, dec. That Hugh Means, of Mercer county, is hereby authorized to sell, grant, and convey all right and title of the heirs of Thomas Woods, late of Bedford county, dec., to a certain tract of land, situate on the waters of Chartier's run, in Westmoreland county, granted by the Commonwealth of Pa. to Thomas Woods, by patent, dated 13 Apr 1785, and to distribute the purchase money amongst his heirs. 22 Mar 1820. 75. An act to legalize and make valid the official proceedings of GEORGE BROWN, a justice of the peace of Adams county. That all the official acts and proceedings of George Brown, of the town of Berlin, a justice of the peace in the county of Adams, done and performed by him from 22 May 1815 until 30 Mar 1818, are hereby declared legal and valid, so far as they may have been illegal or invalid by his acting as an assistant assessor of the direct tax of the United States for that period, and shall be regarded as if he had not accepted and acted in the office of assistant assessor, in the county of Adams. 27 Mar 1820. 76. An act for the relief of CORNELIUS VANHORN, administrator of THOMAS VANHORN. That the state treasurer is hereby authorized to pay Cornelius Vanhorn, administrator, the sum of $1773.68 for the use of the heirs of the deceased, that being the principal and cost recovered from the commonwealth in the court of common pleas, of Luzerne county, in a suit in which the heirs were plaintiffs, and the commonwealth was defendant. 27 Mar 1820. 77. An act to incorporate the trustees of the Fire Association of Philadelphia. Whereas, the fire engine and hose companies of the city of Philadelphia and vicinity, The Washington, Amicable, Franklin, Delaware, Diligent, Relief, Neptune, Weccacoe, United-States, Federal and Union engine companies, to more effectually perform their duties have formed themselves into an association. That the present trustees, FREDERICK HOECKLY, BENJAMIN THAW, MICHAEL FOX, WILLIAM WAGNER, MORDECAI Y. BRYANT, DANIEL H. MILLER, JEREMIAH BOONE, JAMES HARPER JR., TOWNSEND SHARPLESS, JOHN D. SMITH, BENJAMIN MARTIN, WILLIAM ABBOTT and CALEB CARMALT, are hereby constituted a body corporate. 27 Mar 1820. 81. An act to incorporate the Wilsonsville turnpike road. That JASON TORRY, DANIEL KIMBLE, JONATHAN BRINK, JESSE REYNOLDS and JOSEPH AITKINSON of the county of Wayne, LEONARD LABARR and AMASA DANIELS, of Pike county, are hereby appointed commissioners to lay down a road from the direction board at the forks of the road, leading to Wilsonville and the narrows of Lackawaxen in Wayne county, to intersect the Milford and Owego turnpike road, near Wilsonville, Pike county. 27 Mar 1820. 90. An act for the relief of the heirs of EZEKIEL SANKY, an old soldier. Whereas, Ezekiel Sanky, a private of the third Pa. regiment in the revolutionary war, was entitled to a tract of donation land of 200 acres, which he did not draw in his lifetime, nor any person since his decease, and his heirs should be compensated, therefore, the state treasurer is hereby directed to pay to the heirs of Ezekiel Sanky, late of York county, dec., the sum of $300.00, in lieu of a tract of donation land to which he was entitled. 27 Mar 1820. 91. An act authorizing JAMES BARTON, to convey water into the town of Milford, Pike county. Whereas, the inhabitants of Milford labor under great inconveniences for want of a sufficient supply of water for their immediate use, and James Barton is the proprietor of a spring and streams of water, in the rear of the town, sufficiently elevated, and affording enough water for the accommodation of the inhabitants, therefore it shall be lawful for him to convey water into the town, along and through the streets and alleys, in logs or pipes, and to erect hydrants necessary. 27 Mar 1820. 96. An act to revive certain acts in relation to the Lock Navigation of the waters of Brandywine creek. That the act passed the 10 Apr 1793, and a supplement passed 21 Feb 1795, are hereby revived. The new commissioners are JOHN PIMM, ABRAHAM BAILEY, THOMAS A. PARKE, CHARLES LUKENS and CALEB BRINTON JR., of the county of Chester, and THOMAS LEA, JAMES CANBY, EDWARD GILPIN and VICTOR DUPONT, of New Castle, in the state of Delaware. 28 Mar 1820. 97. An act to incorporate the Connemaugh Bridge Company. That GEORGE MULHOLLAN JR., MOSES MURPHY, NATHANIEL DOTY, SAMUEL BARD and EDWARD HOWARD, are hereby appointed commissioners for erecting a bridge over the Connemaugh river, where the northern turnpike crosses the same. 28 Mar 1820. 98. An act supplementary to an act to raise by way of lottery a sum for the purchase of a burial ground for the Society of Universalists in the city of Philadelphia, and to pay a debt for building a house for public worship, and finishing the same. Whereas by an act passed 4 Feb 1808, ISREAL ISRAEL, ELISHA GORDON, THOMAS AMIES, JACOB THOMAS, THOMAS TOMPKINS, JOHN MURRAY, THOMAS KINGSTON and THOMAS F. GORDON, were appointed commissioners, and whereas John Murray is since deceased, and Elisha Gordon, has removed from the state, therefore the remaining commissioners are hereby authorized to carry into execution the act. 28 Mar 1820. 100. An act authorizing ELIZABETH HENDERSON, administratrix of WILLIAM HENDERSON, late of Montgomery county, deceased, to sell and convey real estate. That Elizabeth Henderson, is hereby authorized to sell and convey any of the tracts and other real estate, situate in the commonwealth. 28 Mar 1820. 101. An act altering an act granting an annuity to JOHN M'DOWEL. That the annuity which was granted to John M'Dowel, dated 22 Mar 1809, shall be paid half yearly to REUBEN BAILEY, of Fayette county, to be applied to the use and benefit of John M'Dowel, and so much of the act which required it be paid to ALEXANDER M'CLEAN, is hereby repealed. 28 Mar 1820 102. An act for the removal of obstructions to the navigation of the river Susquehanna, at the Conewago Falls. Whereas, JAMES HOPKINS, of the city of Lancaster, has, contrary to the existing laws of the commonwealth, recently erected a dam in the Susquehanna river, which has materially impeded and obstructed the navigation, therefore The sheriff of Lancaster county, is hereby authorized to employ hands and proceed to remove so much of the dam erected by James Hopkins at the head of the Conewago Falls, on the east side of the river Susquehanna, as will afford a free passage for all arks, boats, rafts and other craft descending the river, so as to leave 100 feet between it and Elliott's island. 28 Mar 1820. 104. An act to vest in the heirs of ELEANOR MOTT, late ELEANOR ALEXANDER, the right of the commonwealth to the estate of CHARLES ALEXANDER, of Philadelphia county, dec. That all the right and title which the commonwealth may have acquired by reason of escheat in the estate of Charles Alexander, who died without heirs or known kindred, and the same is hereby vested in GERSHOM MOTT and WILLIAM MOTT, the sons and only heirs of Eleanor Mott, late Eleanor Alexander, the widow of Charles Alexander, deceased. 28 Mar 1820. 106. An act to authorize JAMES HOPKINS, his heirs and assigns to create and continue a Slack Water Navigation in the river Connestoga. That it shall be lawful for James Hopkins, to create and continue a complete slack water navigation in the county of Lancaster, from its confluence with the Susquehanna to the Philadelphia and Lancaster turnpike road or to ABRAHAM HOSTETER's mill. 28 Mar 1820. 112. An act establishing certain Election Districts. That the electors of part of St Clair twp., in Allegheny county, who have heretofore held elections at the house of JAMES PATTERSON, shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by DOMINIC O'CONNER, in the town of Birmingham. That the electors of Deer twp., Allegheny county, shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by JOHN M'COOL. That the electors of Greenfield twp., Lyzerne county, shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by SAMUEL VAIL. That Mifflin twp., Dauphin county, shall be a separate election district, and shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by GEORGE BUFFINGTON. That the citizens of Upper Paxton twp., Dauphin county, shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by JONATHAN COLLIER, in the town of Millersburg. That German twp., Fayette county, shall be a separate election district, and the electors shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by FREDERICK STRUBLE, in M'Clellandtown. That Springhill twp., Fayette county, shall be a separate election district, and the electors shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by ABSALOM MORRIS. That the citizens of the 12th election district, in Huntingdon county, shall hold their elections at the house of JACOB GOOSEHORN (now occupied by JAMES ORR) in Tell township. That part of Union county shall be a separate election district, beginning at the house of ROBERT BADGER, in West Buffaloe twp., along the Shamokin hills to the east end of JAMES MATHERS' lane, thence along the great road leading to New Berlin to Swisher run near JOHN KLAPP's saw-mill, thence to GEORGE MITCHELL's upper mill at Penn's creek, thence to JOHN BISHOP's, thence along the great road ot GEORGE OTT's, on the Long ridge, thence along the ridge to HENRY MOYER's, then to the Beaver twp. line, along the line to Jack's mountain, then to beginning, and the elections shall be held at the house now occupied by JOSEPH LECHNER, in the town of Centreville. That Addison twp., Somerset county, shall be a separate election district, and the electors shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by HENRY STULLER, in the town of Petersburg. That the electors of Mahoning twp., Mercer county, shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by HENRY ROBINSON. That part of French Creek twp., Venango county, lying east of the Allegheny river, is hereby erected into a separate election district, and the electors shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by JOSEPH CRAFFORD. That Hanover twp., Washington county, shall be a separate election district, and the electors shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by DAVID TUCKER. That Penn twp., Chester county, is hereby attached to the 11th district, and the electors shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by DR. ALLEN CUNNINGHAM, at New London crossroads. That East Caln and West Whiteland twps., Chester county, are hereby erected into a separate election district, and the electors shall hold their elections at the public house now occupied by JESSE EVANS, in the village of Downingtown, in East Caln twp. That Sugar Creek twp., Venango county, shall be a separate election district, and the electors shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by ALEXANDER BOWMAN. That the electors of the district of Plumb, Venango county, shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by DANIEL HERRING. That the electors of Bloomfield twp., Crawford county, shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by GILBERT A. GEROWS. That the electors of East Bethlehem twp., Washington county, shall hereafter hold their elections at the house now occupied by JACOB SPENCER, in Fredericktown. That the electors of Hanover twp., Northampton county, shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by SIMON BUTZ, in Bethlehem twp. That George twp., Fayette county, shall be erected into a separate election district, and the electors shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by DAVID MILLER. That the electors residing in Germantown twp., Philadelphia county, shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by ANDREW TROLLINGER. That the electors of Clearfield twp., Butler county, shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by PETER HENRY. That the electors of Southampton twp., Franklin county, shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by DANIEL WONDERLICKS. That part of Norwegian and Schuylkill twps., Schuylkill county, which belong to the Orwigsburg election district, is erected into a separate election district, and the electors shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by JACOB SHELLY, in Pottsville in Norwegian twp. That Rush twp., Northumberland county, is hereby erected into a separate election district, and the electors shall hold their election at the house now occupied by JOHN KOLKIT. That the electors of Shamokin twp., Northumberland county, shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by DANIEL STAMBACH. That the citizens of part of Pine-creek twp., west of HUGH WHITE's easterly line on the west branch of the Susquehanna river, Lycoming county, shall elect in the fourth district. That part of the electors of Wheatfield and Washington twps., Indiana county, shall have a separate election district, beginning at the Cherry tree on the Susquehanna river, down Twolick creek to Clark's road, to the forks where the road from GENERAL CAMPBELL's mill to ISAAC GREFETH's mill, etc. and the elections shall be held at the house of DAVID FULTON in Washington twp. That the twps. of Springfield and Troy, Bradford county, shall be a separate election district, and the electors shall hold their elections at the school house near SAMUEL CONANT's, in Troy twp. That Montour twp., Allegheny county, is hereby erected into a separate election district, and the electors shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by AARON ATON. That part of Sugar creek and Toby creek, Armstrong county, shall be a separate election district and the elections shall be held at the house now occupied by SAMUEL KELLY on the east side of the Allegheny river. That in case the house at which the electors of Bensalem twp,, Bucks county, have held their elections, shall not be rebuilt, they are to hold their elections at the house now occupied by BENJAMIN FLEMMING, until rebuilt. That Northmoreland twp., Luzerne county, shall be a separate election district, and the elections at the house now occupied by ORANGE FULLER. That part of Washington and Perry twps., Union county, beginning at the mouth of Middle creek, to SIMON SNYDER's paper mill, along the old hill road to small field belonging to JOHN GERMAN SR., thence to JOHN LONG's house, thence to Grub church in Perry twp., thence to the house of WIANDT NEWMAN at Mohontongo creek, to the Susquehanna river, to beginning, shall be a separate election district, and the electors shall hold their elections at the house of PHILIP HAROLD, in Washington twp. That the electors of Decatur twp. Mifflin county, shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by STEPHEN HINDS. That Burlington twp., Bradford county, shall compose a separate election district, and the electors shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by JAMES LONG. That the electors of New Sewickly twp., Beaver county, shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by PHILIP GRIMM SR. That the electors of West Bethlehem, Washington county, shall hold their elections at the house of STEPHEN HILL, in Hillsborough. That the electors residing in Versailles twp., Allegheny county, shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by THOMAS NEEL. That Patton twp., Centre county, shall be a separate election district, and the electors shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by ISAAC HICKS. That the elections in the district composed of Gibson and Jackson, in Susquehanna county, shall be held at the house of JOSEPH WASHBURN ESQ., in Gibson twp. That the elections of Venango twp., Crawford county, shall be held at the house of JAMES SKELTON. That Pocono twp., Northampton county, shall be a separate election district, and the electors shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by CHRISTIAN SINGER. That the electors of Potter twp., Centre county, shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by WALTER LONGVILLE, in Earlysburg. That Half Moon twp., Centre county, shall be separate election district and hold their elections at the house now occupied by JOSEPH B. SHUGERT. That the electors within Hamilton twp., Northampton county, shall hold their elections at the house now occupied by JAMES SHAFER. 28 Mar 1820. 114. An act providing for the payment of taxes on the lands of PETER BAYNTON. That the Auditor General is hereby required to draw a warrant for the amount of taxes due on the lands of Peter Baynton, situate in the counties of Huntingdon, Centre and Venango, until the lien of the state is liquidated, and to redeem any lands that may have been sold for taxes, and to refund taxes which may have been paid by individuals on lands with interest. 28 Mar 1820. 120. An act appointing commissioners to mark the division line between the counties of Centre and Union. That JACOB KREIDER, of Centre county, JAMES DALE of Union county, and JOHN HANNA, of the county of Lycoming, be appointed commissioners. 28 Mar 1820. 121. An act authorizing sundry persons to sell and convey estates. That JOSEPH TREGO and JOSHUA WEAVER, executors of the last will and testament of WILLIAM TREGO, are hereby authorized to sell a lot of ground situate in Honeybrook twp., Chester county, and convey the same by deed, to the purchaser. That the trust estate vested in SAMUEL EVANS, by a deed executed to him by EVAN RICE EVANS, who was administrator of the estate of JANE EVANS, dec., for a tract of land situate in London-Britain twp., Chester county, containing 224 acres and 130 perches, in trust for the use of ELIZABETH E. WILKIN, then a minor, and the same is hereby declared to be executed to the cestui que trust of Elizabeth E. Wilkin, and the title held in trust is hereby declared to be vested in Elizabeth E. Wilkin. That the administrators of GEORGE STROOP, dec., JACOB STROOP and JOHN SHUMAN, are hereby authorized to execute a deed, for four lots of ground in the town of Landisburg, Perry county, #1, 2, 23, and 24, with their tenements and appurtenances, to the administrators of JOHN HIPPLE, in trust for the use the heirs, as soon as the administrators of John Hipple shall have paid to Jacob Stroop and John Shuman the balance of the purchase money. That ELIJAH DIX, late guardian on the minor children of BENJAMIN DIX, dec., is hereby authorized to sell all right and title to a certain tract of land situate in Mount Pleasant twp., Wayne county, bounded by lands of ICHABUD STARK, THOMAS MEREDITH and others, containing 100 acres, and make and execute a deed to the purchaser. That WILLIAM REYNOLDS, of Franklin county, guardian of CATHARINE REYNOLDS, is hereby authorized to make and execute a deed to SAMUEL WEAVER, for seven acres in Southampton twp., situate alone the line between Samuel Weaver and the heirs of JAMES REYNOLDS, in exchange, provided, Samuel Weaver, previous to making the deed, shall grant and convey to PETER HENDRICKS in common right with the heirs of James Reynolds, dec., forever the right of way through the lands now owned by Samuel Weaver, agreeably to the provisions of an article of agreement made between James Reynolds in his lifetime and Peter Hendricks. That GEORGE YOUNGMAN and JOHN DREISBACH, administrators of the estate of ELIAS YOUNGMAN, late of the town of Mifflinburg, Union county, dec., and they are hereby authorized to execute deeds of conveyance to those persons who by parol contract purchased the interest and estate of the deceased in certain lots situtate in the town of Mifflinsburg, also one lot of ground in Rotestown, adjoining the town of Mifflinsburg. That MARY HANNA, administratrix of JOHN A. HANNA, dec., and ANDREW S. DEARMOND, administrator of RICHARD DEARMOND, dec., who was administrator of RICHARD DEARMOND, dec., are hereby authorized to sell and convey a purpart or share of a tract of land situate on Lake Erie, at the mouth of Walnut creek, in Erie county, for such interest and estate therein that John A. Hanna and Richard Dearmond in their lifetime held. That RHINEHART BAUSMAN, of Allegheny county, is hereby authorized with the consent of his guardian to grant, bargain and sell all his right and title to a piece of land situate in St. Clair twp., in Allegheny county, purchased by him from PETER H. PATTERSON and ELIZABETH PATTERSON his wife, containing 41 3/4 acres, and 26 perches, and to execute and deliver a deed with a special or general warrantee. That DANIAL BACON and WILLIAM D. BACON, guardians of the minor children of ALVAN BACON, late of Jackson twp., Tioga county, dec., are hereby authorized to sell a tract situate in Jackson twp., containing 55 acres and to make a sufficient deed to the purchaser. That the title of GEORGE DAWS to a tract of land situate in Mount Pleasant, Wayne county, containing 75 acres, bounded by lands of JOHN DOUGLAS, and others, is hereby confirmed, so far as may be deficient on account of the conveyance of HENRY BEAR and his wife being aliens at the time of their conveyance of the tract of land to George Daws. 28 Mar 1820. 122. An act for the relief of sundry soldiers and widows of soldiers of the revolutionary war. That the state treasurer is hereby authorized to pay to DANIEL GRIDLEY of Luzerne county, JACOB RUDOLPH of Butler county, JACOB MUMMY of Northampton county, JACOB GEIGER of Lebanon county, JOHN ADAMS and STEPHEN CARTER of Northumberland county, HENRY WAGGONER of Cumberland county, HENRY LUTZ and DAVID MARSH of Northampton county, the sum of forty dollars each immediately, and an annuity of forty dollars each to commence on 1 Jan 1820, and to be paid half yearly during life. That the state treasurer is hereby authorized to pay to SAMUEL JOHNSTON of Cumberland county, the sum of $300.00 immediately, in lieu of a tract of donation land to which he was entitled for services rendered in the revolutionary war. That the state treasurer is hereby authorized to pay to JOHN BRANNON of Westmoreland county, $300.00 immediately, in lieu of a tract of donation land to which he was entitled for services rendered in the revolutionary war. That the state treasurer is hereby authorized to pay to MARGARET CAPPLE of Bucks county, widow and relict of CHARLES CAPPLE, a soldier of the revolutionary war, NANCY FELTY of Philadelphia county, widow and relict of HENRY FELTY, a soldier of the revolutionary war, MARGARET REIM of Union county, widow and relict of NICHOLAS REIM, a soldier of the revolutionary war, ANN KANE of Washington county, widow and relict of CHARLES KANE, a soldier of the revolutionary war, MARY MONTZ of Northumberland county, widow and relict of NICHOLAS MONTZ, a soldier of the revolutionary war, the sum of forty dollars each immediately, as a gratuity. 28 Mar 1820. 123. An act to mark the line between Luzerne and Lycoming counties. That ISAAC A. CHAPMAN of Luzerne county, and JACOB ANTES of Lycoming county, are hereby appointed commissioners. 28 Mar 1820. 125. An act incorporating the boroughs, and for other purposes. That the town of Greersburg, Beaver county, is hereby erected into a borough, bounded, beginning at a post on THOMAS SPROTT's land, thence by the land of CALVIN AUSTIN, thence to an out lot belonging to GEORGE DONNEHUE, to place of beginning. That DAVID TOWNSEND, EVAN PUGH, BENJAMIN TOWNSEND, JOHN PUGH, ABEL W. TOWNSEND, JAMES TAYLOR, MATHIAS EVANS and JOHN WALKER, are hereby declared to be a body politic and corporate, by the name of The Beaver Falls Water Company. That David Townsend, Evan Paugh and James Taylor are hereby appointed trustees. 28 Mar 1820. 126. An act declaring Sandy Lick creek a public highway. That Sandy Lick creek, from its mouth up to HENRY NULFF JR.'s saw mill, in the county of Jefferson, is hereby declared a public highway. 28 Mar 1820. 129. An act for the relief of JOHN M'CLUNCY. That the Auditor General, is hereby authorized to settle and adjust the accounts of John M'Cluney, of Washington county, for the expense of a guard employed by him to assist in conveying NATHANIEL PECK to the penitentiary. 28 Mar 1820. 131. An act authorizing the laying out and reviewing state roads. That ALEXANDER M'CALMONT of the county of Venango, and JAMES STEWART and HUGH WILSON of the county of Warren, are hereby appointed commissioners, to lay out a road beginning at the town of Warren, in Warren county, running to the town of Franklin. That BENJAMIN STOKELEY and WILLIAM CARROLL of Mercer county, and JAMES MARTIN (son of JOHN MARTIN) of the county of Venango, are hereby appointed commissioners to lay out a state road from the town of Franklin in Venango county, to Mercer in Mercer county. That ARNOLD HUNTER, TIMOTHY S. COATS and CHARLES BLANCHARD, are hereby appointed commissioners to lay out a state road beginning at the point where the road leading from Newtown in New York state crosses the state line on Seeley's creek in Bradford county, thence to Lawrenceville, thence up the Cowanesque river through the counties of Tioga and Potter, to intersect at the state line the road leading from Olian point to King's settlement in the county of M'Kean. That the court of Armstrong county are hereby directed to appoint six persons, one a surveyor, to review that part of the state road from the town Indiana in Indiana county, to the town of Kittanning in Armstrong county, which lies between the house of ROBERT STURGEON and RICHARD GREHAM, both in the county of Armstrong. 28 Mar 1820. S.D. INGHAM, Secretary, Harrisburg Pa. 13 May 1820.