Between the 18th and 20th September 1777 the British Army under General Howe encamped in Tredyffrin on its way to Philadelphia. The army looted a number of the farms in the area. In 1782 a list of reparation claims was created and is given below. A number of Quakers and Mennonites refused to make claims. The Chester County Archives provides an Introduction to the Claims records.

The values are quoted in Pennsylvania pounds which were severly depreciated by the end of the war, hence the apparently high valuations.

The reparation claims are signed by Captain Benjamin Bartholomew of East Whiteland, Justice of the Peace; Daniel & David Wilson, assessors. The original spelling of the reparation statements has been kept but capitalization has been standardized in order to improve readability.

Claims were filed for the following people and organizations: Baptist Meeting House, Jacob Baugh, Devault Beaver, John Brown, William Currie, Benjamin Davis, David Davis, Isaac David, Dr. John Davis, Samuel Davis, William Dewees, Nicholas Finderbander, Jacob Frick, Isaac Griffith, Adam Gruber, David Havard, John Havard, Samuel Havard, Mary Howell, Lydia Jones, Samuel Jones, Joseph Mitchell, Thomas Pennington, Abel Rees, Samuel Richards, John Rowland, Valentine Showalter, Thomas Waters, David Wilson, John Wilson Christian Workizer,

The links to the locations of the properties can be found on the 1777 Map of Tredyffrin. Commentary in colored font is by Mike Bertram.

Baptist Meeting House

An account of a sacrilige commited in the Baptist Meetinghouse! Tredyffrin in the County of Chester in the State of Pennsylvania by some of the Brittish army! under the command of Genl. Howe! in their march from the Head of the Elk to Philadelphia the 18th, 19th, or 20th days of September when sd. Meeting House was broke open & was stole from thence the SACRAMENTAL DISHES! viz

£.s.d
2 pewter dishes 0.15.0
2 pewter pints 0.8.0
1 diaper table cloth 0.12.0
1 bible of the English language 0.15.0
A change of raiment for the administration of Baptism! viz
2 linen shirts 0.16.0
2 pair of linen drawers 0.10.0
the lock of the chest the good were in 0.5.0
The Saxton's tools for burials!
1 grubing hoe 8s, 1 spade 7s 6d 0.15.6
They destroyed and burnt on the Parsonage farm viz!
195 pennell of fence equal to
810 rails at 4s / hundred 1.12.4
--------
Total 6.8.10

Chester to wit, the above damages sworn to before me by James Davis, elder of the Baptist Church. Given under my hand the 18th day of November 1782.

Benjamin Bartholomew

The reason for the desecration of the church is probably that the British were looking for the Pastor, David Jones. In 1775, the Rev. David Jones, a native of New Castle County, Delaware became pastor of the Baptist Church. He was a patriot, and militantly supported the popular cause. A year later he became an army chaplain under Generals Gates and St. Clair. He also participated in the Battles at Brandywine and Germantown. His pay was $20 a month, until he was promoted to Captain and paid $33.33 a month. He became Regimental Chaplain to Anthony Wayne at Valley Forge.

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Jacob Baugh

Took from Jacob Baugh to the amount of £250.

I do hereby certify that the above is a just account from the best information I have received.

David Wilson, assessor.

Jacob Baugh, was the first member of the family to live in Tredyffrin on the tract next to Bear Hill Road. He died in 1800.

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Devault Beaver

An estimate of damages sustained by the Brittish Generals & their adherents the many different articles to the amount of ... £125

Sustained by me Davailt Beaver

Nov. ye 15th 1782

Devault Beaver is said to have shot an American soldier who was milking one of his cows. Devault's father, John Beaver, died of 'camp fever' in 1777.

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John Brown

An account of damages done by the Brittish

£.s.d
150 Bushels of Wheat 56.5.0
40 Bushels of Rye 12.0.0
100 Bushels of Oats 18.15.0
4 Tun of first crop hay 20.0.0
1 Suit of cloths & surtout coat 12.0.0
3 pair of new shoes & 2 pair stocking 3.0.0
35 Yards of shirting linen 7.0.0
4 New blankets, 2 coverlids & cheets 24.0.0
6 Baggs 1 bolster 3 pillows 6.0.0
1 Pair of new buckskin breaches 3.0.0
1 Tammy Gown 2 check aprons 5.0.0
1 large iron pot & warming pan 5.0.0
1 Acre of buckwheat 1.10.0
½ Acre of Potatoes 10.0.0
15 Sheep 1 large hog 23.0.0
30 Turkeys and fowls unknown 15.0.0
8 Hives of bees 6.0.0
----------
Total 228.10.0

November 15th 1782 John Brown Tredyffrin

Chester to wit the above acct. proven before me given under my hand the 16th day of Nov. 1782

Benjamin Batholomew

John Brown lived in the house known as General Knox's Quarters. He did not purchase the property until 1783 but presumably he was living there in 1777.

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Rev. William Currie

Novem.r 15th 1782 An acc.t of the Damages Sustained by the Subscriber from y.e Brittish army. Viz.

On the 19th day of Sept.r 1777 a Company of Soldiers from the Camp Came to my House and Robbed me of all my Cabbage Baccon Chess & Butter.a Bushel of fine Salt, & all my fine Sheets Table Linen fine Shirts head Dresses, Stockings, & Table Silver Spoons, to the Value of ... £20.00.0

There is the Strongest Presumption - Likewise that at the Same time they robbed me of £ 200 Continental Money in Sheets the money 3 for 1 is ..£66.13.4

And the day Following a forriaging party took from me two Waggon Loads of Oats one d.o of Wheat, besides Several Horse Loads of Both. A Good Cart & Geers all my Waggon & Plow Geers, Collors & Blind halters & Ropes 2 Mens Saddles, half worn & 3 Bridle all which I Judge to be worth ..£20.00.0

The truth of all Which I will be Qualified to But as to the Continental Money though there is the Strongest presumption as they certainly Carried off a File of Newspapers, upon which the Sheets had be Strung Some Days before Yet as it is possible the Some body might have taken them of the File before that day I do not find freedon to Swere to it.

William Currie

The Rev. William Currie lived in the house known as General Stirling's Quarters.

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Benjamin Davis

£ s. d.
1 Long plain 0.10.0
1 Fore plain 0.7.6
1 Jack plain 0.6.0
1 Smoothing plain 0.4.0
1 Bead & skew rabbit plain 0.7.6
1 Plow chain 0.10.0
1 Lathing hatchet 0.6.0
1 Handsaw 1.2.6
1 Pair of Saddlebags 0.7.6

Chester to wit the above acct. proven before me given under my hand the 19th day of Nov. 1782

Benjamin Batholomew

Benjamin Davis purchased 135 acres of land from his father, Isaac Davis, in 1774. The property had a western boundary of Mill Lane and is now part of Chesterbrook. Benjamin Davis died in November 1784.

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David Davis

An inventory of the goods and chattles of the subscriber which was plunded & forcibly taken from him by the Brittish Troops under the command of Sir General William Howe K.B. on the 18th of September 1777.

£. s. d.
1 Horse 10 years old 25.0.0
1 Horse 10 years old 25.0.0
1 Horse rising 4 years old 40.0.0
2 Mens saddles 8.0.0
2 Bridles blind hattors etc. 1.10.0
3½ dozen pewter spoons 1.7.6
1 Silk jacket 1.10.0
3 New shirts 2.0.0
1 Pair stockings 0.7.6
1 Pair new trousers 0.15.0
2 Horse whips 0.15.0
Total 106.5.0

Chester to wit the above acct. proven before me given under my hand the 18th day of Nov. 1782

Benjamin Batholomew

David Davis seems to be unrelated to other Davis/David family members in Tredyffrin. He died in 1794.

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Isaac Davis

An estimate the property of Isaac Davis esqr. deceased.

£. s. d.
1 Horse 5 years old 20.0.0
40 Dozen of wheat 25 bushels 7.10.0
1 Yearling colt 5.0.0
Total 32.10.0

Isaac Davis died in 1778.

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Dr. John Davis

An list of property taken from John Davis by the Brittish Army commanded by General Howe.

£. s. d.
1 Horse 35.0.0
1 Hog 2.0.0
1 Tea kettle 2.0.0
3 Smoothing irons 0.10.0
2 New ticking baggs 0.15.0
100lb of wheat flour 1.0.0
5lb of sugar 0.5.0
3lb of coffee 0.3.0
1 side of soft leather, 1 side of upper, 1 calf skin 5.0.0
1 Brass candlestick 0.7.6
2 Iron candlesticks 0.7.6
2 checkt aprons 0.16.0
3½ Yards of linen 0.12.0
2½ Yards of flanen 0.12.0
2 Womens cloaks 6.0.0
1 Table cloth 0.15.0
1 Ticking Wallet 0.7.6
1 Great Coat 6.0.0
3 blankets 5.5.0
10lb Swingled flax 0.10.0
2 Handkerchiefs 0.15.0
1 Beaver Hatt 1.10.0
2 Pewter plates 0.7.6
1 Jappaned mug 0.3.9
1 Silver watch 8.10.0
1 Silver hilted small sword 9.0.0
3 Pint flint & mapple bottles 0.18.0
3 Quart flint with mapple bottles 0.18.0
2 Half gallon bottles 0.5.0
3 Quail bottles 0.4.6
1 Dess? ointment pott 0.7.6
6 Spice vials 1.16.0
6oz. of Caloment 2.5.0
3oz. Spice 1.2.6
2oz. Jallap 0.7.6
4oz. Rhubarb 0.5.0
1lb Nitre 0.6.0
1lb Carolina pink root 1.2.6
1lb Manna 0.15.0
½lb Sena 0.15.0
½ pint Volatile spirits 1.2.6
4oz. Volatile tincture 0.15.0
4oz. Talid (Fetid) tincture 0.15.0
½ gallon of Thalic (Thebaic) tincture, jallap root ½lb 0.15.0
3 Dess? pill potts 0.18.0
½lb of Peruvian bark 0.15.0
½lb Salt of tarter 0.5.0
½ dozen of Knives & Forks 0.15.0
Total 113.8.6

Chester I do certify that Doctor John Davis of Tredyffrin was sworn to the above account as the law directs before me. Given under my hand. November 27th 1782 proven before me given under my hand the 18th day of Nov. 1782

William Evans

Dr. John Davis (1744 - 1816) was the son of James and Mary Davis. Where he learned his medical skills is not known, but by the time of the Revolutionary War he served as surgeon of a Pennsylvania musketry battalion, was captured at the battle of Long Island, and was held for a time on the British prison-ships at New York.

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Samuel Davis

Samuel Davis deceased lost in shop goods and destruction about his store to the amount of £600.

I do hereby certify that the above is a just account from the best information I have received.

David Wilson, assessor.

Samuel Davis died in 1778. Franklin Burns in his History of Berwyn and the Great Valley (unpublished, copy in the Society’s Archives) says that the Samuel Davis store was probably in Paoli.

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William Dewees

William Dewees was the iron master and part owner of the Valley Forges at the time of the Revolution. He did not submit a reparation claim in 1782 but instead submitted a claim to Congress in 1791. The substance of the 1791 petition is as follows.

SCHEDULE of property, with its valuations, destroyed by a detachment of the British Army on the 17th and 18th September 1777, the property of the petitioner, to wit:

£. s. d.
One dwelling house, two stories high, and four rooms on a Floor,
with kitchen, smoke house, stables etc.
House £1500 Out houses £4001900.0.0
One forge, with 4 fires, near the dwelling house 300.0.0
One coal house, near the lower forge, with 5000 bushels of coal 375.5.4
One saw mill 300.0.0
Houses for workmen, valued at 200.0.0
One coal house, upper forge, and 4000 bushels of coal 329.0.0
Total 3404.5.4
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Nicholas Finderbander

Damages sustained by Nicholas Finderbender by the Brittish Army commanded by General Howe in September 1777 Tredyffrin Township Chester County

To 1 cow £5

Chester to wit the above acct. proven before me given under my hand the 19th day of Nov. 1782

Benjamin Batholomew

It is not clear where Finderbander, aka Tinderbender (and other spellings), lived as he did not purchase land and does not appear in the tax returns.

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Jacob Frick

An account of the damage done to Jacob Frick by the Brittish army under the General Howe in their march through the Valley September 1777 about 25 bushels of wheat 40 bushels of potatoes 100 bushels of oats 6 acres of Indian corn 7 tuns of hay 16 sheep 6 hogs 2 spring calves 3000 rails the value of all not less than £120.

I do hereby certify the above account has been received from the owners.

Daniel Willson assessor

The Hessian, Count Dunop may have used Jacob Frick's house as his headquarters during the British Encampment.

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Isaac Griffith

An account of the damages done by the Brittish Troops under the command of General Howe in the year 1777 on their march from the head of the Elk to Philadelphia.

£. s. d.
1 Colt 2 years old £10 1 mans saddle 11.10.0
1 Pair of saddle baggs 7/6; 2 hogs 30/- 1.17.6
6 Sheep 3.12.0
1 Bed tick tow linen 1.0.0
1 Pair of boots 0.15.0
2 Double callico short gowns 2.0.0
1 Pair stays 1.10.0
1 Callico frock 12/- and one of wool 18/- 1.10.0
1 Pair flatt irons 0.7.6
1 Two gallon tea kettle 2.10.0
1 Two quart sauspan copper 0.15.0
1 Frying pann 0.5.0
1 Large pewter dish 0.10.0
1 Large black tin candle box full 1.10.0
½ Bushel of course salt 0.15.0
1 Mahogney tea board 1.0.0
1 Walnut leather bottom chair - burnt & broke 5.0.0
1 Mahogney drawrs damaged; 1 drawer lost & 1 broke 0.15.0
1 Two quart China bowl 2.5.0
1 Quart China bowl 1.0.0
Tea can & potts, sugar bowl & glass 4.0.0
Earthenware lost 0.15.0
Carpenters tools lost 15.0.0
Total 60.2.0

Received no recompence for the above account. Tredyffrin Township Isaac Griffith

Chester County to wit the above sworn to the 18th day of Nov. 1782. Given under my hand.

Benjamin Batholomew

Isaac Griffith was landlord of Howell's Tavern in the 1780s. There are no deeds showing he owned land in Tredyffrin.

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Adam Gruber

Adam Gruber's account of damages.

£. s. d.
30 Bushels of wheat 11.5.0
1500 Rails 7.10.0
60 Dozen of oats 6.5.0
2 Tun of hay 6.0.0
60 Bushels of potatoes 7.0.0
20 Bushels of Indian Corn 4.0.0
60 Bundles of flax 5.0.0
50 Bundles of hemp 3.15.0
1 Pair of Quiters(?) 1.2.6
3 Sheep 2.5.0
1 Mare, 1 horse 50.0.0
1 Pair of new fetters 0.3.6
Total 104.6.0
Credit by cash received 22.10.0
Net total 81.16.0

The above is a true account of damages dome by the Brittish army commanded by General Howe September 1777

Chester to wit the above proven before me given under my hand the 18th day of Nov. 1782

Benjamin Batholomew

Adam Guider or Gruber purchased land in the township in 1770. He died in 1788.

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David Havard

Articles taken from David Havard September 1777 by the Brittish army commanded by General Howe & his adherents Tredyffrin Township Chester County

£.s.d
1 Horse & waggon 52.10.0
17 Sheep 2 hogs & sundry wearing apparel etc. 39.0.0
----------
Total 91.10.0

I do hereby certify that the above is a just account from the best information I have received.

David Wilson, assessor.

David Havard owned 300 acres in what is now Chesterbrook.

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John Havard junior

Inventory of the goods and other chattles taken from the subscriber in Tredyffrin Chester County Pennsylvania State by the Heshian & other of the Brittish army during their encampment upon the 18th, 19th, & 20th days of September 1777 under the command of General Howe.

John Havard

£.s.d
£700 Congress & old paper assembly money 233.6.8
Silver money 8.18.9
1 Silver tablespoon 6 silver teaspoons 2.2.6
3 Pair of fine sheets 6.6.0
6 Pair country linen 9.12.0
1 Pair of blankets 2.0.0
1 Counterpin 1.2.6
1 dozen pillow cases 3 tablecloths 6 towls 5.0.0
1 Tablecloth 6 towls flowered damask 2.0.0
7½ yards of good country linen 1.2.6
15 Yards of flanen 2.12.6
4½ Yards of callico 0.18.0
4 Silk handkerchiefs 1.10.0
6 Fine shirts country linen 7.10.0
6 Fine shirts country linen 7.10.0
1 Neck cloth 4 stocks 0.15.0
1 Silver clasp 0.4.6
1 Silk cape 0.5.0
1 Coat & jacket good cloth leather breeches 7.10.0
15 Buckskins 13.0.0
1 Good beaver hat 3.10.0
1 Coal jacket & breeches 7.0.0
1 Camblets jacket & breeches 3.0.0
1 Cloth jacket the linen taken 0.5.0
1 Linen jacket & breeches 1.0.0
1 Pair cotton trousers thread stocking 1.15.0
2 Half silk gowns 4.15.0
2 worsted gowns 3.10.0
2 Callico gowns 2.5.0
1 Striped linen gown 3.0.0
1 Silk hood 0.10.0
2 Good cloth cloaks 2.0.0
1 Safe guard 0.15.0
6 lawn & fine linen aprons 3.0.0
3 Checked aprons 0.15.0
12 Lawn & cambrick handkerchiefs 3.10.0
12 Capes Lawn & cambrick 2.0.0
1 Silk bonnet 0.18.0
2 Frocks 4 fine shirts 1.4.0
8 Capes & sundrys 0.12.0
1 Rug 0.6.0
Silver buckle & thimble 1.2.6
3 Pair locket buttons 0.7.6
1 Silk hoad 0.10.0
12 Strings of beads 0.2.0
4 Drinking glasses 2 tumblers 0.8.0
12 Delf plates 2 decanters 0.18.0
1 Case of vials 0.17.6
10 Knives & 9 forks 0.13.0
6 Pewter spoons 0.2.0
1 Brass kettle 1 frying pann 1.0.0
Upper & sole leather & 1 pair of shoes 5.15.0
1 Silver headed whip 1.0.0
1 Crock & 9lb of butter 4.15.0
6 lb of cheese 8.0.0
Flour of 11 bushels wheat & rye 4.2.6
400 dozen of sheaves of wheat 7.5.0
70 dozen of rye 8.0.0
80 dozen of oats 6.0.0
10 Tun of hay 25.0.0
150 Rye battons 2.10.6
1 Horse 20.0.0
1 Cow & bull 11.0.0
6 Sheep & 2 swine 7.10.0
1 Pitching ax 0.7.6
3 Bridles 1.2.6
2 Blind halters & plowlines 1.2.6
2 Pair rope traces reins & sundrey 0.15.0
500 Rails 2.0.0
4 Geese 1 turky 1.2.6
100 Dunghill fowls 5.0.0
60 Heads of cabage 1.0.0
4 Hives of bees with honey 2.12.0
½ Acre of pomkins & potatoes 25.0.0
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Total 574.11.3

Chester County the above affirmed before me given under my hand the 18th day of Nov. 1782

Benjamin Batholomew

John Havard lived in Duportail's Quarters. He died in 1797.

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Samuel Havard

Inventory of the goods and other chattles the property of the subscriber Samuel Havard & his family which was forcibly taken from him on the 18th, 19th & 20th days of September 1777 by Sir William Howes army K.B. during his encampment Tredyffrin Township Chester County in the State of Pennsylvania.

Samuel Havard

£.s.d
? Continental dollars at 3 to 1 hard 59.12.6
1 Negro slave 100.0.0
1 Horse rising 5 years old 45.0.0
1 mare 12 years old 18.0.0
12lb of cheese 6.0.0
10lb of butter 5.5.0
10lb of bacon 5.0.0
9 yards of cloth 4.15.0
14½ yards of Irish hollon 3.12.6
9 Large sheep 13.10.0
1 Velvet jacket & breeches 5.0.0
4 other jackets and breeches 11.5.0
4 Pair of trawsers 1.15.0
7 Shirts gaelic hollon 20.10.0
6 shirts of nine hundred linen 6.12.0
10 Pairs of shoes 5.0.0
12 Pairs of Stockings 6.10.0
Part of 2 suits of bed curtains 3.0.0
Part of 2 window curtains 1.10.0
1 Pair of gloves 0.7.6
1 Silk cape 0.15.0
8 Fine sheets 20.0.0
11 Sheets of 9 & 10 hundred linen 15.0.0
1 Wallet 0.4.6
3 Baggs 2.5.0
2 Tablecloths 2.0.0
10 Yards hemp linen 2.10.0
10 Yards of 12 hundred linen 4.10.0
5 Yards of hollon 3.10.0
13 Shirts fine linen 26.0.0
2 Bolster cases 1.10.0
1 Pillow and 20 cases of fine linen 20.15.0
1 Diaper cloths bagg 0.18.0
2½ Yards of diaper 1.0.0
4 Hand towels & 6 napkins 3.0.0
1 New stays 5.0.0
3 Bridles & a part of the harness of a riding chair 2.15.0
3 Blind halters 1.10.0
¼ Acre of turnips 7.10.0
150 Head of cabbage 7.10.0
3 Bushels of potatoes 0.12.0
10 Bushells of Indian corn 3.0.0
1 Bushell of onions 1.0.0
20 Dozen of oats sheaves 3.0.0
Meal bread chandlers sope lard etc. 12.0.0
1 Tin cattle 0.10.0
3 Gallons rum 1.2.6
3 Ropes 0.17.6
6 Gallons of rum 3.0.0
3 Gallons on matheg alum 0.15.0
6lb of Sugar 3.0.0
6lb of Tea 3.0.0
3 Cannisters 0.7.6
4 Earthenware Potts & earthenware jugs & 17 glass bottles 2.18.0
Other crockeryware 1.14.0
1 Fine ivory comb & 1 horn comb 0.7.6
1 Ax 1 hammer 0.10.0
2lb Coffee & 2lb Chocolate(?) 0.14.0
1 Fine nedle book nedles & thread & silk 1.15.0
74 Dunghill fowls 3.14.0
6 Yards of Duroy 3.0.0
4 Check aprons 3.0.0
16 Handkerchiefs 6.0.0
6 cambric & 6 muslin neckcloths & stocks 1.15.0
70 Rails burnt or destroyed 2.8.0
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Total 540.5.0

Chester County to wit. The above list of damages affirmed to before me given under my hand the 16th day of Nov. 1782

Benjamin Batholomew

Samuel Havard lived with his unmarried sisters Ann and Sarah in Lafayette's Quarters.

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Mary Howell

£ s. d.
1 Hogshead of whisky 24.15.0
1 Hogshead of rum 74.1.0
20 Gallons of ginn 10.0.0
1 Bay mare 40.0.0
1 Gray horse 30.0.0
1 Black horse 20.0.0
16 Head horned cattle & milch cows & 7 young cattle 84.0.0
36 Sheep £27 14 swime £26 53.0.0
300 Bushels of wheat @ 7/6 112.10.0
60 Bushels of rye @ 6/- 18.0.0
60 Bushels of buckwheat @ 4/- 12.0.0
100 Bushels of Indian corn 30.0.0
100 Bushels of potatoes 18.15.0
10 Tun of hay 50.0.0
1 Waggon and gears 40.0.0
In cash taken 14.0.0
Butter cheese & kitchen furniture 15.0.0
6000 Rails of fence 50.0.0
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Total 696.1.0

November 16th 1782

Chester to wit the above acct. sworn to before me given under my hand the 18th day of Nov. 1782

Benjamin Batholomew

Mary Howel owned the Howellville Inn on the Swedesford Road.

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Lydia Jones

Lydia Jones lost by the Brittish army about 5000 rails £7.10.0.

I do hereby certify the above account has been received from the owners.

Daniel Willson assessor

Lydia was the widow of John Jones who died in 1755.

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Samuel Jones

An account of the loss that Samuel Jones of Tredyffrin in the County of Chester & state of Pennsylvania sustained by the Brittish and destroyed by them when General Howe's Headquarters was at my house the 18th, 19th, and 20th days of September 1777 on their march from the head of Elk to Philadelphia.

£ s. d.
100 Bushels of wheat @ 6/- each 35.15.0
30 Bushels of rye @ 4/6 6.15.0
100 Bushels of oats @ 2/6 12.10.0
4 Bushels of Indian corn @ 4/- 8.0.0
20 Bushels of buckwheat @ 2/6 2.10.0
30 Bushels of potatoes @ 2/6 3.15.0
A Quantity of flax destoyed by the army 3.0.0
10 Tuns of hay @ 70/- 35.0.0
1 Milch cow & heiffer 7.0.0
17 Sheep @ 15/- 12.15.0
4 Large hogs @ 50/- 10.0.0
4 large shoats @ 20/- 4.0.0
1 New great coat 2.5.0
4 New baggs 1.10.0
1 Bolster of feathers 1.0.0
1 Broad ax &: hand saw 1.0.0
1 Pitching ax 0.7.6
6000 Rails burnt & destroyed by them @ 70/- per thousand 21.0.0
1 Iron kettle 0.8.0
2 Dung forks 0.7.0
1 Fine shirt 1 pair drawers 1.5.0
1 Horse & 2 mares 0.7.6
1 Rugg 1.15.0
Poultry 1.0.0
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Total 222.17.6
Credit by cash received 51.15.0
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Net Total 171.2.6

November 16th 1782

Chester to wit the above acct. sworn to before me given under my hand the 18th day of Nov. 1782

Benjamin Batholomew

Samuel Jones' house was General Howe's headquarters during the British encampment.

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Joseph Mitchell

Advertisement from the Pennsylvania Gazette, August 25, 1778 and September 1, 1778

THIRTY DOLLARS REWARD. WENT with the British army, when they left the Valley in September last, a Negro man named CATO. I found him in the possession of Lieutenant Nesbit of the 17th regiment, took him to Philadelphia, where not being able to get a master, he ran away in the evening and went to the British army again; it is said he left Philadelphia before the army did. He is about 23 years of age, was bought of Mr. McCall about three months before, is a handy fellow about a house, and a good waiter, but sometimes saucy, and is knock-kneed: he can play on the violin and fife. Whoever takes up and secures said Negro so that his master may have him again, shall have Twenty Dollars, but if brought to the Work house of Philadelphia, shall have the above reward and all reasonable charges, paid by the subscriber, living in the Great Valley in Chester county, who has a Plantation and Ferry to let, whereon Henry Lott now lives, three miles above Coryell, to be entered on the fifth of April next. None need apply but such who are able and willing to keep a good house and take proper care of the whole.JOSEPH MITCHELL.

Joseph Mitchell was the first owner (and probably builder) of Chesterbrook Mill. His taxes were reduced in 1778 as he had been plundered by the British but no reparation claim exists. No slaves are listed in his tax returns. He is in the tax returns until 1789 when his property was sold by the sheriff.

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Thomas Pennington

Took from Thomas Pennington to the amount of £50.

I do hereby certify that the above is a just account from the best information I have received.

David Wilson, assessor.

Thomas Pennington owned a tract in Paoli.

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Abel Rees

An account of property taken from Abel Rees @ Lord Cornwallis Quarters Tredyffrin Township Chester County on Thursday 18th of September 1777 for the use of his majestys troops.

£ s. d.
500 Dozen of wheat in the sheaf 75.0.0
15 Tun of hay £45 3500 rails £17.10/- 62.10.0
100 Bushels of oats @ 2/6 12.10.0
100 Dozen of rye £7 1 new waggon 4 pairs of gears £20 27.0.0
1 Horse 1 mare £25 3 cows £15 40.0.0
25 Sheep £18 15/- 8 large hogs £24 42.15.0
7 shoats 5.5.0
6 Acres of Indian corn 14.8.0
5 Acres of buckwheat 8.15.0
14 Acres of potatoes 2.0.0
100 Head of cabbage 4.0.0
22 Turkeys 4.8.0
50 Fowl 2.0.0
13 Bushels of barley 2.12.0
20 Dozen of oats 2.10.0
3 Baggs 0.15.0
1 Half barrel iron bound 0.7.6
To pulling down 2 ends of my barn 1.0.0
To cutting down 16 apple trees 2.0.0
To cutting a plough to pieces 0.7.6
1½ Acre of flax £3 4 acres of hemp 50/- 5.10.0
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Total 303.3.0

Chester to wit. The above sworn to before me given under my hand the 12th day of Nov. 1777

Benjamin Batholomew

The date of swearing must be a mistake. For information on Abel Rees and his house, Lord Cornwallis' Headquarters see Tory Hollow.

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Samuel Richards

Damage done Samuel Richards deceased by the Brittish army. 15 Bushels of wheat 5 dozen of oats 1 tun of hay 5000 rails £160.8.0.

I do hereby certify the above account has been received from the owners.

Daniel Willson assessor

Samuel Richards owned a tract of land with a northern boundary of Swedesford Road and an eastern boundary of Valley Forge Road (aka Baptist Road). The Hessian, General Knyphausen, used Richard's house as his headquarters during the British encampment.

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John Rowland

John Rowlands account of loss sustained by the Brittish army under the command of General Howe.

£ s. d.
1 Mare £40 1 mare £25 1 mare £15 80.0.0
1 Saddle & bridle 2.0.0
2 Yearling calves @ 30/- 3.0.0
2 Pair chains 2 collars 1.10.0
Nankeen jacket & breeches 1.10.0
9 Pair trousers at 5/- 2.5.0
5 Shirts @ 7/6 1.17.6
1 Collar & linen jacket 0.15.0
200lb Flour 2.0.0
1 Pair of shoes & buckles 1.0.0
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Total 95.17.6

This is a true account as near as I can recollect. John Rowland

I do hereby certify the above account has been received from the owners.

Daniel Willson assessor

John Rowland was the owner of the Great Valley Mill.

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Valentine Showalter

Taken from Valentine Showalter to the amount of £250 in sundry articles.

I do hereby certify that the above is a just account from the best information I have received.

David Wilson, assessor.

Valentine Showalter owned a property between Christian Workizer and Abel Rees.

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Thomas Waters

An account of sundry articles taken and destroyed by the Brittish army under the command of General Howe when their headquaters was at Samuel Jones about the 18th of September 1777.

£ s. d.
£55 in gold and silver 55.0.0
1 Silver watch & chain 12.0.0
5 Silver tablespoons 5.0.0
1 Gold ring 1.10.0
£140 of paper money 3 to 1 46.13.4
Orphans money 25.8.4
2 Waggon load of oats in sheaf 4.0.0
1 new saddle 3.0.0
1 New pair of buckskin breeches 2 shirts 2.10.0
1 Servant 13 months to serve 14.0.0
2 Casks of super fine flour 3.0.0
2 Locks brooke 0.7.0
All the cabbage in my garden. Many fowls 0.15.0
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Total 173.3.8

Chester to wit. The above sworn to before me given under my hand the 18th November 1782

Benjamin Batholomew

Thomas Waters owned a number of plantations in Tredyffrin as can be seen from his 1794 will. Their size is unclear as two were inherited and he rented them out. Waters was the father-in-law of William Dewees.

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David Wilson

An estimate of damages done by the Brittish army under the command of General Howe & his adherents on their march through the Great Valley Tredyffrin Township Chester County between the 17th & 20th of September 1777. David Willson

£ s. d.
2 Cattle 7.10.0
20lb Hemp 7.10.0
1 Great coat 3.10.0
2 set of gears & singletrees as new 1.13.9
1 Mans saddle partly new 3.10.0
5 Sheep 3.0.0
10 Bushels of Indian corn 2.0.0
1 Cooper ax & hand saw 0.19.0
10lb of flour 0.17.0
A quantity of beef & bacon 1.7.0
1 Coverlid blanket & sheet 3.0.0
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Total 34.16.9

Chester to wit. The above sworn before me given under my hand the 19th November 1782

Benjamin Batholomew

For details of the Wilson property see: The "Original" Wilson Home. David Wilson was one of the incorporators of the Great Valley Presbyterian Church in 1788.

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John Wilson

Articles taken from & damage done to John Willson done by the Brittish army commanded by General Howe and their adherents between the 17th & 20th of September 1777.

£ s. d.
100 dozen of wheat in the sheaf 18.0.0
2 Tun of hay 6.0.0
50 Dozen of oats 6.5.0
3 Cattle 15.0.0
10 Sheep 7.10.0
25 Bushel of buckwheat 3.2.6
½ Acre of potatoes 3.0.0
Cart saddle collar & reins 2.5.0
3 Pair of cart chains 2.5.0
1 Body coat 3.0.0
Indian corn destroyed by cattle 2.0.0
900 Rails in fence 4.10.0
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Total 72.17.6

Chester to wit. The above sworn to before me given under my hand the 19th November 1782

Benjamin Batholomew

John Wilson sold 112 acres of his tract to his son, David Wilson, in 1779, and the remainder to Frederick Hausman in 1785.

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Christian Workizer

Christian Workhisor lost by the Brittish.

£ s. d.
50 Bushels of rye 10.0.0
20 Bushels of buckwheat 2.10.0
8 Bushels of Indian corn 16.0.0
40 Bushels of potatoes 6.0.0
3 Tun of hay 9.0.0
30 Bushels of oats 4.10.0
80 Bushels of wheat 24.0.0
10 Sheep 6.0.0
6 Swine 10.0.0
50 Fowls 2.0.0
2500 Chestnut rails 25.0.0
Horse geers and Duch collar 0.7.6
1 Timber chain 1.5.0
1 Pair breast chains 0.5.0
1 Pair of plough treases & back? 0.12.0
1 Dung fork 0.3.0
1 Tea kettle 1.2.6
1 Blind halter 0.4.0
30 Apple trees & peach trees cut down 7.10.0
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Total 72.17.6

Chester to wit. The above sworn to before me given under my hand the 18th November 1782

Benjamin Batholomew

Colonel Christian Workizer had served in the British Army and repeatedly refused to turn out for the militia (see The Invasion of Tredyffrin). He owned tracts of land near Howellville and in Strafford. Presumably it was the Howellville tract that was plundered by the British Army.