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David Mertz
Peter Mertz
Peter Mertz, Jr.
Jonathan Martz
Simon Martz
Vandine Martz
Charles M. Martz
James V. Martz

Frederick Braun
Isaac Bubb
Adam Elliot


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ca. 1744
Peter Mertz, Jr. is born to Peter Mertz.
-Berks County Tax List, Longswamp Township, 1765
(Note: The birth date for Peter Mertz, Jr. is estimated based on his first appearance on the Longswamp tax roll in 1865. It is assumed that the age for taxation is 21 years and over. His Mom's name is unknown athough there is speculation by some researchers that her name was Johanetta Girardin (Sheridan), but no documentation has been presented. Oakey Mertz suggests that her name might be "Catharine" based on later Longswamp baptismal records.-rjm)


October 20, 1754 Sun

Susanna Braun is baptized in Windsor, Berks County; 2 days old, daughter of Jurg Conrad Braun and Maria Dorothea; sponsors Johann Jurg Schaller and Margartha Barbara.
-Daniel Schumacher's Baptismal Records
(Note: This Susanna Braun is probably not to be the wife of Peter Mertz, Jr. but the name and age are about right, so let's note it anyway. Peter's wife is believed to be Susanna Braun, daughter of Frederich Braun of Longswamp Township. -rjm)

During 1765

Peter March is taxed: £1.2.6 on a value of £15.
and
Peter March, £.15.0 tax
-Berks County Tax List, Longswamp Township, 1765
(Note: This is the eighth 18d tax. The second Peter March is probably Peter Mertz, Jr. This is his first appearance on the tax rolls. He's a man now.  -rjm)
and . . .
Peter Metz is taxed: £.1.0 on a value of £4.0.0
and
Peter Metz, £.9.0 tax
-Berks County Tax List, Longswamp Township, 1765
During 1766
Peter Mertz  is taxed : 4 shillings on a value of £16
and
Single Men:
Peter Mertz, £.9.0 tax
-Berks County Tax List, Longswamp Township, 1766
(Note: 3 pence per pound and 9 shillings per head. -rjm)
During 1767
Peter Mertz  is taxed : 4 shillings on a value of £16
Single Men:
Peter Mertz (Jr.?), tax 9 shillings
-Berks County Tax List, Longswamp Township, 1767
and . . .

Acres
Horses
Cattle
Sheep
Tax
Peter Mertz
225
4
5
3
14
Single





Peter Mertz



15 s.
-Berks County Proprietary and State Tax List, Longswamp Township, 1767, Pennsylvania Archives, Series 3, Volume 18
  During 1769
Peter Martz is taxed: £.2.6 on a value of £10
and
Peter Mertz, Jr., £..6 tax on £2
-Berks County Tax List, Longswamp Township, 1769
(Note: Peter Mertz, Jr., who was missing in last year's tax record, is now listed as married. Has he married Susanna Brown and is she the daughter of Frederick Brown? There are no marriage records in the Longswamp Church register. -rjm)


During 1775

GERMANS TO THE RESCUE. By looking over the names of the numerous men in Berks county who participated in the movement for independence, it will be found that they are almost entirely German. The population of the county was largely German and of German descent, and this preponderance of names over those of other nationalities was to be expected. The proportions were fully nine-tenths. They used the German language in their daily affairs, excepting the transfer of title to real estate which was required to be in the English language by provincial law. . . It can be stated that Berks county was then distinctively the most German county of the eleven counties in the Province. . . . They had a firm belief in local government and desired to carry it on successfully without unnecessary restrictions or burdens. Taxation without representation was to them a most unreasonable and unjust doctrine, and they were not disposed to tolerate its continued enforcement. Either they or their fathers had emigrated from Germany and settled in the county during the previous fifty years for the express purpose of enjoying civil rights, and of conducting their business, social and political affairs with as little foreign interference as possible; and finding that extra taxes were to be imposed without their consent for the benefit of the King of Great Britain, and not for their own improvement or convenience, they felt impelled to express a decided opposition to such a proceeding.

The system of militia, which had been provided for by the Assembly was appreciated by them, and they co-operated sincerely in its establishment throughout the county. The effected an organization and responded to the call for troops in a willing and prompt manner. . . . The militia returns of the county for 1775 show the organization of seven battalions, and by July, 1775 there were at least forty companies ready to answer the call for practical military duty in actual warfare. Their zeal will be more fully appreciated when we understand that there was not a single post office in the county, and that the only means of dispatching communications was by express riders. . .
2nd Battalion - Northeastern Section; 1st Co. Longswamp: Charles Crouse, Captain; Philip Mertz, 1st Lieut.; Nicholas Mertz, 2nd Lieut.
-Berks County in the Revolution from 1774 to 1783, Morton L. Montgomery, Reading, 1894
(Note: Peter Mertz (Jr.? Dad's probably getting too old for this kind of thing.) and Frederick Brown are members of this company. See 1777. -rjm)
July 6, 1776 (Saturday)
Declaration Read in the County.-- In pursuance of the resolution of Congress, the State Board of Safety addressed a letter to the committee of Berks County on the 6th of July, 1776, enclosing a copy of the Declaration of Independence, and directing that it be read on Monday, July 8th, at 12 o'clock noon, at the place where the election of delegates was to be held. This was done by Henry Vanderslice, the sheriff of the county, on that day at the Court House on Penn Square the bell having been rung earnestly before hand, as elsewhere, to call the people together so that they should learn the comprehensive significance of that important and courageous public document in behalf of political freedom and representative government.
-Berks County in the Revolution from 1774 to 1783, Morton L. Montgomery, Reading, 1894
September 19, 1776 (Thursday)
Jonathan Mertz is born to Peter and Susanna Mertz 
-Parish Records, Longswamp Reformed Church, Longswamp Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania
October 20, 1776 (Sunday)
Jonathan Mertz  is baptised; Conrad and Elizabetha Drescher are sponsors.
-Parish Records, Longswamp Reformed Church, Longswamp Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania
During 1777
Peter Mertz is paid (?) £30.0.0 for service in Second Battalion, Capt. Crouse's Company, in 1777 and 1778.
Frederick Brown is paid (?) £26.0.0 and fined £0.7.6 for missing exercises in 1777 and 1778, Second Battalion, Capt. Crouse's Company.
Pay and Rations. - The pay and rations were the same as Continental troops. They were to commence two days before marching, and to be allowed at the rate of twenty miles a day till the men returned home.
Days of Drill. - Days of drill were set apart in the Spring and Fall for military exercise; in companies on the last Monday of April, and the first three Mondays of May; also on the last two Mondays of August, the last two Mondays of September and the third Monday of October; and in battalions, on the forth Mondays of May and October.
Fines. - Enrolled men who refused to parade were find 7sh. 6d. per diem; absent officers, 10sh.; non commissioned officers and privates, 5sh. On field days, the fine for non-attendance was 5, and for non-commissioned officers and privates, 15sh.
-Pennsylvania Archives, Series III, vol. 6
-Berks County in the Revolution from 1774 to 1783, Morton L. Montgomery, Reading, 1894
September 7, 1777 (Sunday)
Esther Mertz is born, daughter of Peter and Susanna Mertz 

November 23, 1777

Baptized, Johannes and Margaretha Mertz are sponsors.
-Parish Records, Longswamp Reformed Church, Longswamp Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania
During October, 1777
Some current prices in October, 1777, as fixed by the Commissary General:
Wheat, per bu........................ 8sh., 6d. Pork, per 100 lb...................... $7 and $8
Rye, " ................................. 8sh., 6d. Whisky, per gall.................... 8sh., 6d.
Indian Corn, per bu.............. 6sh., 6d. Hay, per ton, 1st crop,.......... £7, 10sh.
Beef, per 100 lb....................... $10 " " 2nd " ................. £6

Other Prices:
Salt, per bu.............................. £10 and £15. Potatoes, per bu.................... 16sh.
Cord Wood, per cord........... 65sh. Chickens, apiece..................... 10sh.
-Berks County in the Revolution from 1774 to 1783, Morton L. Montgomery, Reading, 1894
October 9, 1778 (Friday)
Anna Maria Mertz is born, daughter of Peter and Susanna Mertz 
December 6, 1778
Baptized, sponsors are Heinrich and Barbara Vogels
-Parish Records, Longswamp Reformed Church, Longswamp Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania
(Note: Anna Maria Mertz will marry John Douty. John and Margaretha Mertz were sponsors for a child of Henrich and Barbara Fogle, from which we might begin to infer a relationship between Barbara Vogles (Fogle) and Peter Mertz. Jonathan Mertz named a daughter Barbara. Conrad and Elizabeth Drescher are similarly linked to Peter Mertz. There are numerous Mertz families in Berks County right now, particularly in this church. Mertztown is located in Longswamp Township on land warranted to Nicholas Mertz twenty-five years ago. The Mertz Lutheran Church is in adjacent Rockland Township to the south, and there are several more Mertz families in Maxatawney Township adjoining to the west. -rjm)

During 1779

Occupation
Acres
Horses
Cattle
Tax
Peter Mertz
300
4
6
1275
Peter Mertz, Jr.
weaver
-
-
2
16
Phillip Mertz
wheelwright
-
1
2
64
John Mertz
blacksmith
-
1
3
68
Peter Mertz
executor
50
-
-
355
Henry Mertz
-
-
-
9
Fred'k Brown
150
3
4
872
Single





David Mertz



15 sh.
Abr'm Mertz



10 sh.
-Berks County Register of Property, Longswamp Township, 1779, Pennsylvania Archives, Series 3, Volume 18, p.44
November 9, 1779 (Tuesday)
Daniel Mertz is born, son of Peter and Susanna Mertz 
and

December 17, 1779
Baptized, sponsors are Peter and Christina Klein
-Parish Records, Longswamp Reformed Church, Longswamp Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania
(Note: Notice that Peter and Susanna spaced their first 4 kids almost exactly 13 months apart, for whatever that's worth. Good work, Susanna. A tombstone erected in the twentieth century in the Longswamp cemetery identifies Christina Klein as "nee Martz". This may be an important link to our immigrant family which included Christianna Mertz. See 9/28/1733. -rjm)

During 1780

Occupation
Acres
Horses
Cattle
Tax
Peter Merz, Sr. [sic]
400
4
4
50.2.6
Peter Mertz, Jr.
weaver
-
-
2
4.0.0
Phil. Mertz
wheelwright
-
1
3
5.5.0
Peter Mertz
executor
50
4
4
2.7.6
Nich's Mertz

6
-
-
17.6
Henry Merz [sic]
cordwainer
-
-
1
2.10.0
David Merz
blacksmith
-
-
2
4.17.6
Fred'k Brown
200
3
4
30.17.6
Geo. Brown
weaver
50
-
-
6.15.0
Single





Abr'm Mertz



5.5.0
-Berks County Return and Assessment, Longswamp Township, 1780, Pennsylvania Archives, Series 3, Volume 18, p.375
During 1781

Occupation
Acres
Horses
Cattle
Tax
Peter Mertz
400
4
4
10.5.0
Peter Mertz, Jr.
weaver
-
-
2
15.0
John Mertz
blacksmith
-
2
4
1.2.6
Henry Merz [sic]
cordwainer
-
-
2
9.0
David Mertz
blacksmith
-
-
2
16.3
Philip Mertz
wheelwright
-
1
3
1.0.0
Frederick Brown
200
4
7
6.7.6
Geo. Brown
weaver
50
-
3
1.2.6
-Berks County Return and Assessment, Longswamp Township, 1781, Pennsylvania Archives, Series 3, Volume 18, p.500
During 1784

Occupation
Acres
Horses
Cattle
Sheep
Persons
Peter Mertz
weaver
-
-
2
4
6
John Mertz
blacksmith
-
1
3
4
4
Abraham Merz

400
4
4
6
1
David Merz
blacksmith
-
-
2
-
3
Philip Mertz
wheelwright
-
2
3
4
7
Fred'k Brown
200
2
3
5
7
-Berks County Return and Assessment, Longswamp Township, 1784, Pennsylvania Archives, Series 3, Volume 18, p.621
(Note: Did Abraham take over Peter Mertz, Sr.'s property? (cf. 1781 and 1785) -rjm)
During 1785
Peter Mertz, Sr.  is taxed: (no tax assessed)
Also listed:
Peter Mertz, Jr., 8.0
John Mertz, 12.6
Henry Mertz, 6.6
Nich's Mertz, 12.6
Fred'k Brown, 5.0.0
-Berks County Assessment of Taxes, Longswamp Township, 1785, Pennsylvania Archives, Series 3, Volume 18, p.760
(Note: All monetary units are presumed to be British. -rjm)
August 7, 1787 (Tuesday)
Will of Peter Mertz, Longswamp Township,   County is proved (no date recorded in Will Book). Estate to divide in equal shares except my son John Mertz's, Philip and Gertraut shall have £15 each before hand. Peter Mertz, Jr. and Nicholas Mertz, executors. Witness by Peter Braun, Christian Miller, and Peter Klein.
-Berks County Will Book A, page 143
-Abstract of Wills of Berks County, Pennsylvania, vol.1 1752-1798, Alfred Smith, 1898 in the Library of the Pennsylvania Historical Society
and . . .
Registers Office at Reading in Berks County, August 7th, 1787.
Letters Testamentary in common form under the seal of the said office on the will of Peter Mertz late of Longswamp Township in Berks County, yeoman deceased were granted to Peter Mertz, Jr. and Nicholas Mertz, executors therein named they being first duly sworn thereto according to law. Inventory to be exhibited on or before the 7th day of September next and an account when required the said will was on the same day duly proved by the oath of Christian Miller and Peter Klein, two of the subscribing witnesses to the said will.
-Berks County Register Book 3, page 77.
(Note: The Will Book entry is in German and the actual will has not (yet) been examined. Except for Johann Mertz, the relationships of those named in the will to the deceased are not clearly stated. We might cautiously assume that the executors are also sons of the deceased.

From here on out, Peter Mertz, Jr. becomes simply Peter Mertz or Peter Mertz, Sr.  -rjm)

During 1790
Peter Mertz Household:
Free White Persons - Males - Under 16: 3 [Jonathan, Daniel, Peter]
Free White Persons - Males - 16 and over: 1 [Peter]
Free White Persons - Females:    5 [Susannah, Esther, Anna Maria, 2 others?]

-Census, Northumberland County, 1790
(Note: This is the first decennial federal census. No individual members of a household will be identified by name until 1850. This is the only Peter Martz in Northumberland County. The only other Peter Mertz in the state appears in the Franklin County Census and warranted 50 acres of land there on 8/25/1791 (Pennsylvania Archives, Series 3, Volume 25, p. 31). -rjm)
During 1792
Peter Martz is taxed: real estate tax $4.09
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Chillisquaque Township, 1792
(Note: Peter Martz is the only Martz in Chillisquaque Township. -rjm)
September 22, 1792 (Saturday)
A "fiery ball" appears in the heavens to the west of Northumberland.
-The Sunbury and Northumberland Gazette, October 9, 1793 (Reported in History of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Herbert C. Bell, 1891, p. 273)
(Note: Just a little supernatural overtone. -rjm)
During 1796
Peter Martz is taxed: real estate tax $4.09
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Chillisquaque Township, 1796
(Note: Peter Martz is still the only Martz in Chillisquaque Township. -rjm)
During 1799
Peter Martz is taxed: farmer, 200 acres, rates 1, a cabin, value $800; 2 horses, 4 cows, value $50; equalized value (real 2¼ times real, personal 1½ times): real $1800, personal $75; taxes: real $2.70, personal $.11
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Chillisquaque Township, 1799
(Note: Peter Martz is the only Martz in Chillisquaque Township. This entry is from the Triennial Return of Assessment. The yearly tax collection book entry for 1799 is crossed out with the note "gone to Hewitts". -rjm)
January 21, 1799 (Monday)
Mary Martz marries John Douty, son of Henry Baldi Douty. Mary (probably Anna Maria) is is the daughter of Peter and Susanna Martz. Henry Baldi Douty, her father-in-law, was a Huguenot refugee who came from France with his father and brother, Nicholas. They located at an early date in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Henry Baldi Douty, "who was an accomplished scholar and schoolmaster, was one of the first residents of Milton, Pa. He suddenly disappeared in 1790, and was supposed to have been murdered". Susan Douty, daughter of Mary Martz and John Douty, was born 10/29/1799 and married John Vandling.
-Genealogical and Biographical Annals of Northumberland County, J.L. Floyd, 1911 (also quoting "Memorials of the Huguenots in America" by Stapleton, p. 97)
(Note: A newish tombstone for John and Mary Douty stands in an old cemetery along Route 45 in Montour County. It has the following inscription:
John Douty Mary Douty
Mar. 30, 1777 Oct. 9, 1778
Sept. 4, 1848 Nov. 13, 1845
Matt. 5:18 Rev. 14:13
Infant Grandson 1849
& Son John, 1815 - 1847
Nearby are two other very old stones. One is almost illegible and is apparently the original for son John, and the other is for Robert Alexander, son of H.F. and A. Douty who died 8/17/1849. No stones have been found for Mary's father, Peter Martz, or her brother, Jonathan Martz. -rjm)
August 30, 1799 (Friday)
Peter Mertz  pleads Debt Sans Breve - by his attorney David Smith, Esquire, who appears and confesses judgement of debt to Robert Irwin (for the use of Jared Irwin) for the sum of £77.1.6 debt besides costs of suit by virtue of a warrant of attorney.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket No. 203, August Term 1799
November 28, 1799 (Thursday)
Edward Caldwell, John Cooke, and Edward Bouye claim that fifty bushels of rye, valued at $37.50, are being unjustly detained by Peter Mertz and Henry Kline. The Sheriff of Northumberland County is commanded by the Court of Common Pleas to cause the rye to be replevied from the barn of Peter Mertz of Chillisquaque Township. Only 6 bushels are found.

April, 1800

Rule to quash is overruled

August, 1800

Rule to declare.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket No. 27, January Term 1800
(Note: Peter's son, Jonathan, is a distiller and has probably already turned the other 44 bushels of rye into whiskey. The final outcome is not stated -rjm)
During 1800
Peter Marts household:
1 male [Peter], 45 or over [born before 1756]
1 female [Susannah], 26 to 44 [born 1756 to 1774]
1 male [Daniel], 16 to 25 [born 1774 to 1784]
1 male [Peter, Jr.?], 10 to 15 [born 1785 to 1790]
2 females  , 10 to 15 [born 1785 to 1790]
1 male, under 10
2 females, under 10
-Census, Northumberland County, 1800
(Note: The 2 females 10 to 15, who did not appear in 1790 census, might be daughters Esther (23) and Anna Maria (22). . . then again maybe not. -rjm)
During 1802
Peter Martz, farmer, is taxed on 550 acres, stone house old barn, owner Thomas Duncan, warranties and remarks Thomas Hewitt, rates 4, 3 horses, 2 cows.
Values: real $3300, personal $121.
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Chillisquaque Township, 1802
(Note: Thomas Hewitt represented Mahoning Township on the Northumberland County Committee of Safety. His land lay along Hewitt's Run. Hewitt,was among the signers of the call to Rev. John Bryson to the Chillisquaque Presbyterian Church in 1790.
-The History of the Chillisquaque Church, Rev. William Gardner Finney, 1926)
November 26, 1802 (Friday)
Peter Mertz and Robert Finney are summoned to answer a plea of William Hunter to pay 28 pounds owed to him.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket and File No. 58, January Term 1803
(Note: "Robert Finney, commonly called "Robin", came from Ireland with Robert Curry, a boon companion. . . . Among the earliest recorded deeds from the Penns was 329½ acres southwest of Mooresburg, assigned to the Presbyterians, which in 1806 was purchased by Finney, earning the money by use of the flail, and there he lived until his death in 1839, when nearly one hundred years old. He lived alone awhile, as he never married, but was gallant, genial and popular, as he used to afford pleasure to young ladies by taking them to drive in his carriage, there being only two others of the kind at that time, which were owned by William and by Daniel Montgomery of Danville. He built a two-story spring-house, where he lived awhile."
-The History of the Chillisquaque Church, Rev. William Gardner Finney, 1926.
See 1/28/1803, for continuation. -rjm)
During 1803
Peter Martz is taxed on 550 acres, 3 horses, 2 cows.
Taxes: real $6.59, personal $.32
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Chillisquaque Township, 1803
(Note: Also Daniel Martz. -rjm)
January 13, 1803 (Thursday)
To the constable of Point Township. Summon Jonathan Martz to appear before me on Thursday next the 20th day Inst at 2 o'clock in the afternoon of that day to answer Peter Jones a plea of demand above forty shillings & not exceeding twenty pounds. Given under my Hand and Seal, this thirteenth Day of January Anno Dom. 1803 Sam'l Maus.

January 20, 1803 (Thursday)

Jonathan Martz appears before Sam'l Maus to answer Peter Jones, and requests a postponement until 1/24/1803. A subpoena is issued for Peter Martz to appear as a witness for Jonathan.

January 24, 1803 (Monday)

Jonathan and Peter Martz appear before Sam'l Maus and Jonathan confesses the debt of $49.86½ owed for a horse sold to him by Peter Jones. Judgement is made against Jonathan for the debt and $.83 in costs. Peter Martz posts special bail by entering into recognizance that Jonathan "should deliver his body" to the County Sheriff within nine months to pay the debt and costs.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket and File No. 87, November Term 1803
January 28, 1803 (Friday)
Peter Martz and/or Robert Finney appear and confess judgement of £28.0.0 owed to William Hunter, with stay of execution to August Term.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket and File No. 58, January Term 1803
-Northumberland County Execution Docket No. 17, November Term, 1803
(Note: Apparently Peter still doesn't pay up on time as the Sheriff is commanded (capias ad satisfaciendum) to take him into custody until he pays or secures discharge as an insolvent debtor! -rjm)
November 5, 1803 (Saturday)
Peter Martz appears before Sam'l Maus and confesses judgment for Jonathan Martz's debt to Peter Jones plus interest and costs.

November 23, 1803 (Wednesday)

Sam'l Maus issues order for execution to William Dole, Constable of Chillisquaque Township for, the collection of debt, interest and costs from Peter Martz at the request of Peter Jones.
Original debt $49.86½
Interest (9 months and 30 days) 2.51
Justice fees 1.13
Constables .86
$54.36½
Meanwhile, James Smith tenders in £18.0.0 bond for Jonathan Martz's appeal to the Court of Common Pleas.

November 30, 1803 (Wednesday)

Sam'l Maus produces a transcript of the proceedings before him concerning Peter Jones vs. Jonathan Martz.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket and File No. 87, November Term 1803
(Note: See 4/28/1804 for continuation. -rjm)
During 1804
Peter Martz is taxed on 350 450 acres, 3 horses, 2 cows.
Taxes: real $5.19, personal $.32, occupation $.09
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Chillisquaque Township, 1804
(Note: Apparently Jonathan and Daniel have moved since their entries are crossed out. -rjm)
During 1805
Peter Martz, farmer, is taxed: on 450 acres, square log house, owner Daniel Montgomery, rates 4, 3 horses, 1 cow, value: real $2700, personal $60.
Taxes: real $5.40, personal $.21, occupation $.09
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Chillisquaque Township, 1805
(Note: Also Daniel Martz, single, labourer, occupation tax $.25. General Daniel Montgomery bought land in 1782 and laid out the town of Danville in 1792. -rjm)
April 22, 1805 (Monday)
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to the Sheriff Coroner of Northumberland County, Greeting. If Peter Mertz make you secure of prosecuting his claim with effect against Thomas Duncan by sureties and safe pledges, then We command you, that justly and without delay, you cause to be replevied to the said Peter thirty acres of rye & ten acres of wheat in the ground be the same more or less of the value of four hundred dollars lawful money of the United States which Thomas Duncan took and unjustly detains, as 'tis said, and cause the same to be justly brought to the said Peter Mertz so that we may hear from thence no more complaint for want of justice, and that you put by sureties and pledges the said Thomas Duncan so that he be and appear before our justices at Sunbury at our county court of common pleas there to be held for said county on the fourth Monday of August next, to answer said Peter of a plea whereof he took goods and chattels aforesaid, the property of said Peter and the same unjustly detains against sureties as safe pledges &c. as it is said, &c. and have you then there this writ, and how you execute it.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket and File No. 63, August Term 1805
(Note: Try reading that last sentence in just one breath. Mrs. Holmwood could have taught the Justices at the Northumberland County Court of Common Pleas a thing or two about subject and verb agreement and also run-on sentences and how they cause confusion and tend to make things obscure like she taught me in eleventh grade but now she's retired and living in Florida. See 11/26/1805. -rjm)
July 13, 1805 (Saturday)
Peter Mertz , Michael Godshall and James Smith, "agree by their writing obligatory to be bound" to Joseph Lorentz, coroner of Northumberland County, or his assignee in the sum of $800 to be paid when they should be required.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket and File No. 27, April Term 1806
August 16, 1805 (Friday)
Peter Martz is summoned to appear before Samuel Maus, Esq, J.P. on Saturday the 24th day of this inst. at 2 o'clock in the afternoon to answer a plea of Paul Gemberlin a plea not exceeding one hundred dollars.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket and File No. 10, August Term, 1806.
August 24, 1805 (Saturday)
Summons returned by Jacob Dewitt, deputy constable of Chillisquaque, served on Peter Martz on the 19th August (service proven). Judgement by default that defendant, Jonathan Martz, pay plaintiff, Paul Gemberlin, debt as of back account being a balance due for teaching school, cutting bulls, and curing a horse of the botts, amounting to $23.42 with costs of suit, viz Justices fees 37, Deputy Constable DeWitt 55.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket and File No. 10, August Term, 1806.
(Hint: bott = botfly. Look it up. -rjm)
August 26, 1805 (Monday)
Peter Martz appears before Samuel Maus, Esq., J.P. and requests that judgement might be opened, that he had a defence against the same. All matters in variance between the said parties at the request of the defendant (Peter) are hereby refered to Jacob Markley, George Summers, and Jacob Welker named by the said defendant, who are to meet at the house of Peter Lenard in Northumberland town at 9 of the clock on Monday 2nd day of September next in the forenoon and after being duly qualified are to proceed expartie and return their award to Samuel Maus.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket and File No. 10, August Term, 1806.
September 2, 1805 (Monday)
Samuel Maus, Esq, J.P. has issued notice for referees; notice for referees returned served by Jacob DeWitt, Deputy Constable of Chillisquaque Township. The said referees sworn, also John Douty, a witness on the part of the defendant, Peter Martz, and Peter Lenard a witness on the part of the plaintiff, Paul Gemberlin. The referees . . . award that defendant pay plaintiff debt of £8.4.0 whereupon judgement that defendant pay plaintiff the said debt ammount to $21.87 with costs of suit viz.
$21.87
Justices fees 135 cents
Const. DeWitt 85
Witness Lenard 25
Referees 150 395 3.95
$25.82
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket and File No. 10, August Term, 1806.
(Note: See 4/8/1806. -rjm)
November 26, 1805 (Tuesday)
At Peter Mertz's  complaint (see 4/22/1805), Joseph Lorentz, coroner, has replevied 30 acres of rye and ten acres of wheat, valued at $400, from Thomas Duncan. HOWEVER, Thomas Duncan "avows for one hundred thirty five pounds, one shilling and two pence halfpenny rent in arrears upon a plantation and tract of land called the wolf scalp on Hewetts gap demised by the said Thomas Duncan to the said Peter Mertz, part of the above, to wit thirty-five pounds, one shilling and two pence halfpenny due with interest from the first day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and four and the residue, to wit, one hundred pounds due the first day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and five." Judgement for the avowant for £142.1.4 with interest from this date by consent.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket and File No. 63, August Term 1805
(Note: Oh, oh - It looks like Peter hasn't been paying his rent. See tax record 1802. -rjm)
During 1806
Jonathan Martz has 1 cow, and is taxed: personal $.03, occupation $.09
Peter Martz has 3 horses, 1 cow and is taxed: personal $.21, occupation $.06
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Augusta Township, 1806
(Note: Daniel Martz, single, occupation tax $.25. -rjm)
January 26, 1806 (Sunday)
Peter Mertz , Michael Gottschall, and James Smith, late of Northumberland County, yeomen, are summoned to appear on the 4/28/1806 to answer a plea of Thomas Duncan assignee of Joseph Lorentz, coroner of the county, that they render unto him the sum of $800 which they owe and unjustly detain. (See 7/23/1805)
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket and File No. 27, April Term 1806
April 8, 1806 (Tuesday)
Samuel Maus, Esq. J.P., issues execution for debt and costs against Peter Martz. $25.82
with 7 months, 26 days interest $ .85½
Execution .20
$1.05½
amount carried over $26.87½
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket and File No. 10, August Term, 1806.
April 28, 1806 (Monday)
Peter Mertz  presumably appears with Michael Gottschall and James Smith to answer Thomas Duncan in $800 debt. (See 1/26/1806)
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket and File No. 27, April Term 1806
and . . .
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to the Constable of Point Township in said County Greeting: -
Whereas Paul Gemberlin obtained judgement before Samuel Maus one of our Justices of the Peace for said County, against Peter Martz, for a debt of twenty one dollars and eighty seven cents with eighty five and a half cents interest and four dollars and fifteen cents costs, We therefore hereby command you, that you levy the said debts and costs, and your costs of executing this execution of the Defendants Goods and Chattels, and make sale thereof according to law, returning over plus, if any be, to the defendant. And for want of sufficient distress, you are hereby commanded to take the body of the said defendant into custody, and him carry and convey to the common jail of the county. And the keeper of said jail is hereby required to receive the defendant by you so taken in execution, and him safely keep until the said sum so recovered with costs be fully paid, or until he be thence delivered by due course of law. And how you shall have executed this precept return to our said Justice on the 18th day of May next, together with this precept.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket and File No. 10, August Term, 1806.

April 30, 1806 (Wednesday)

Execution of debt and costs against Peter Martz (re Paul Gemberlin vs. Peter Martz) served by Joseph Hains, Constable, by reading to his wife [Susannah Martz]. Total: $26.87 plus mileage and service, $.48.

May 16, 1806 (Friday)

Court of Common Pleas orders certified transcript (Certiorari) of Paul Gamberlin vs. Peter Mertz from Samuel Maus, Esq, J.P.

May 19, 1806 (Monday)

Peter Mertz  tenders in to Court of Common Pleas, $60 re Paul Gemberlin vs. Peter Mertz, presumably bond for Peter to appeal judgement of Samuel Maus, Esq., J.P.

May 22, 1806 (Thursday)

Recorded by Samuel Maus, Esq, J.P., re Paul Gemberlin vs. Peter Mertz:
Amount brought over $26.87½
Execution of debt and costs
returned by Hains, Constable service .48
Certiorari transcript .33

August 18, 1806 (Monday)

Samuel Maus, Esq., J.P. issues transcript of Paul Gemberlin vs. Peter Mertz to Court of Common Pleas.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket and File No. 10, August Term, 1806.
(Note: From 9/2/1805, Paul Gemberlin vs. Peter Mertz. See 11/20/1806. -rjm)
August 20, 1806 (Wednesday)
Judgement entered in favor of Thomas Duncan and against Peter Mertz  for $800.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket and File No. 27, April Term 1806
(Note: See 8/30/1807 for execution of fi fa. to collect the $800. The original suit also named Michael Gottschall and James Smith as co-defendants. -rjm)
November 20, 1806 (Thursday)
Court of Common Pleas confirms proceedings in Paul Gemberlin vs. Peter Mertz.
-Northumberland County Appearance Docket and File No. 10, August Term, 1806.
(Note: Peter loses another one. -rjm)
During 1807  
Peter Martz has 2 horses, 2 cows, and is taxed: personal $.18, occupation $.06
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Chillisquaque Township, 1807
August 30, 1807 (Monday)
Fi Fa is executed on judgement in favor of Thomas Duncan and against Peter Mertz  for $800.
Debt $800.00 Real debt £142.14. In from 29 August 1906 levied on personal
Atty 5.00 property and sold to the amount of £106.9.0.
clk 2.81 Exit fi fa 30 Aug. 1807
Shff 3.55
-Northumberland County Execution Docket, April Term 1807, No. 46
During 1809
Jonathan Martz is a distiller, has 2 cows and is taxed: personal $.06, occupation $.25
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Augusta Township, 1809
and . . .
Peter Martz (Marts) occupies 110 36 acres, has 2 horses, 2 cows, and is taxed: real $2.10 $.51, personal $.18, occupation $.10
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Chillisquaque Township, 1809
(Note: Daniel Martz, 36 acres, 2 horses, 1 cow, taxes: real $1.82, personal $.15, occupation $.10. -rjm)
During 1810
Peter Martz (Marts) household:
1 male [Peter], 45 or over [born before 1766]
1 female, 45 or over [born before 1766]
1 male [Peter Jr.?], 16 to 25 [born 1785 to 1794]
2 females, 16 to 25 [born 1785 to 1794]
1 male, 10 to 15 [born 1795 to 1800]
Peter Martz occupies 36 acres, has 2 1 horse, 2 1 cow, and is taxed: real $.51, personal $.18 $.09, occupation $.10
-Census, Chillisquaque Township, Northumberland County, 1810
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Chillisquaque Township, 1810
(Note: Also listed as taxed are Daniel Martz and Peter Merts. -rjm)
During 1811
Peter Martz Sr., weaver, occupies a cabin on 36 acres valued at $432(?), owned by S. M'clintock and adjoining Jno. Gummmery(?), is taxed: real $.52, personal $.03, occupation $.10
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Chillisquaque, 1811
(Note: Also listed are Daniel Martz, and Peter Martz, Jr. -rjm)
During 1812
Peter Martz Sr.,weaver occupies 36 1 acre, has 1 cow, and is taxed: real $.52 $.02, personal $.03, occupation $.10
-Northumberland County Tax Book, Chillisquaque Township, 1813
(Note: Also Daniel Martz, laborer, and Peter Martz, Jr, single. -rjm)
May 10, 1813 (Monday)
Estate of Peter Martz is appraised, including 2 weaver looms, weaver spools, 2 spinning wheels, 1 pair of smoothing irons, augers, chisels and a machine to make rakes.

May 22, 1813 (Saturday)

Jonathan Martz is present at the vendue of Peter Martz, Sr., late of Chillisquaque.

December 16, 1814 (Friday)

Account of the estate of Peter Martz, Sr. filed by Peter Martz Jr.
-Northumberland County Will Book and File 110, August Term 1816
(Note: Settlement of the estate is being handled by Peter Martz, Jr. He is presumed to be the Peter Martz who will establish the Sunbury Gazetteer, be elected State Representative and commissioned Associate County Judge.  Jonathan buys from the estate: two augers, $1.12; one dresser, $3.70; and several other things I can't make out. Also present is Susannah Martz, believed to be Susannah Brown, widow of Peter Martz, Sr. John Douty was paid for funeral expenses; he is mentioned in Floyd (p. 729) as the husband of Susan Martz, daughter of Peter and Susanna (Brown) Martz. -rjm)















Acknowledgments


Notes



References




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