Accomack County, Virginia Court Order Abstracts, Volumes 24 and 25: 1769-1773

Almost four years are covered in the two original court order books included in this volume of abstracts: Volume 24 (28 February 1769 through 30 May 1770) and Volume 25 (26 June 1770 through 1 January 1773). These two volumes are treated as one in the index and in the introduction. Twenty different justices presided over more than 160 court sessions, with two or even three sessions sometimes occurring in one day. Some justices, like James Arbuckle and John Smith, attended court more than half the time. Others hardly appeared at all. The court dealt with colonists from all levels of society. The introduction provides background information and highlights the more interesting or unusual incidents found among the court orders issued during those years, including accounts of the court; assault; debtors, vagrants, money and taxes; bastardy and incontinent living; home life; felony theft; the grand jury; refreshments and accommodations; murder; slaves, servants and apprentices; and, taxation. "In wills and deeds the genealogist can learn about his ancestors' relatives and possessions; in court orders he can learn about his ancestors." This chronological collection of court orders reaches into the everyday lives of ordinary Virginians living on the Eastern Shore. A full name index adds to the value of this work, which is intended as a guide to the original court order books. Proper names appear as they were written in the original record.