Alexander Forsyth

Introduction

Come with me as I explore the past, when 250 years ago, the progenitor of the my family, its male line, an immigrant, washed up onto pristine American shores. That is figuratively of course, his origins are unknown and his method of transport remain undiscovered. When I began researching this man a quarter century ago, few facts were known and volumes of disinformation had already been written. Most of the mistaken claims were accumulated by persons much older then I and for them the Internet was a mystery yet untapped. Fortunately, I was an experienced sleuth coming onto the scene at the right time to set the records straight.

Then as now, the Internet provided a place for like minded researchers to come together in virtual harmony and share what they had learned from their travels. Many of whom spent countless hours and effort skipping between libraries, courthouses and State archives gathering their goods. Two of these were Jane Fitting and Edward Forsyth. Together they provided me with the bulk of the early information on the Forsyth family. Unfortunately, and unbeknownst to them, much of that information turned out to be incorrect. In the years since, the Internet has exploded with genealogical sources; Ancestry.com and Family Search have changed the game forever. Here now is my updated biography of the man known as Alexander Forsyth. In this somewhat long-winded account I discuss what is now known, still unknown and what information has been shown to be false. Many of the early accounts of his family were sprinkled with rumors, family legends and the like. I've left out much of this type of information as it was often disparaging and is impossible to verify. The information that can be verified is provided both as original images (when available) and textual transcriptions for easier reading and the sources are referenced throughout. A complete list of these references and online links are provided at the end of the article. I've set the stage, flipped on the the lights, and reviewed the script. Act 1 begins at the beginning. You can almost taste the salt air as he shakes sand from his britches and steps ashore. Come now, and join him on his marvelous journey.

Overview

The earliest known Forsyth ancestor of my family was Alexander Forsyth. His middle name, if he had one, is not known, although Mrs. James F. Hitselberger, the wife of his great-grandson, referred to him as Alexander Louis Forsyth in the Queries and Answers section of the January 1962 issue of the Maryland Genealogical Society Bulletin [1].

FORSYTH, HITZELBERGER, HITSELBERGER, HERRING. Alexander Louis FORSYTH, Sr.b.ca. 1756 Ireland, d.23 Apr. 1829, Baltimore, MD 1790 census Baltimore. Need data before 1790. HITZELBERGER, HITSELBERGER, data any place, any time, particularly Lancaster, Pa 17--1800. Baltimore, MD 1800 to connection with Lloyd H. HERRING, age 26 1850 Middletown, Frederick, Co., MD. /s/Mrs. James F. Hitselberger, Jr.

Her search for answers appears to have gone unnoticed because in the November 1969 issue [2] of the same publication, she provided a followed up. I do hope this time she received some answers.

FORSYTH, Alexander Louis, Sr. b ? 1756 Ireland d 23 April 1829, Balto., Md. w Rachel O'Neal. Will B alto Co-proved 18 May 1829 mentions ch Isaac; Mary H Hitzelberger (John); Rachel Goldsmith (Joseph); Jane Thompson (Josias); William; Alexander; Elijah; Eliza Rider (Arthur). Need all info. /s/ Mrs. james F. Hitselberger, Jr.

As far as I am aware, these are the only two documented references for a middle name for Alexander. Since Alexander's grandson (Mrs. Hitselberger's husband's uncle) was named Alexander Louis Hitselberger, it is possible that Mrs. Hitselberger added the same middle name to the grandfather, either inadvertently, or by assumption. It is also possible that she did this intentionally, knowing the grandson was named after the grandfather. Mrs. Hitselberger appears to be correct in all the other information she listed with the exception of his birth date, which she admits to not knowing, and his wife's maiden name of which both will be discussed in greater detail.

His obituary was printed on April 24, 1929 [3]:

Died yesterday morning the 23d instant, at his residence on Pennylvania Avenue, Mr. Alexander Forsyth, Sen. in the 83d year of his age.

If his listed age is correct, he was born between April 23, 1746 and April 22, 1747. According to Jane Fitting, someone at the Maryland Historical Society relayed to Mrs. Betty Forsyth (a descendant of his son Elijah) that "A. Forsyth is buried in Lot. 71 in the Glendy Cemetery" at the Second (Old Faith) Presbyterian Church. Apparently, the cemetery has since been razed and the tombstones destroyed.

Alexander Forsyth was married to Rachel Lindsay. According to her obituary, she died on May 2, 1840 [4].

On the 2d inst., Mrs. Rachel Forsyth, in the 90th year of her age.

If her age is to be believed, Rachel must have been born between May 2, 1750 and May 1, 1751. I assume she was buried alonside her husband.

The following sections will detail all of the records we have concerning Alexander and Rachel, but in brief, Alexander Forsyth married Rachel Lindsay possibly as early as 1766. Rachel probably immigrated to Philadelphia around 1768 with her father, David Lindsay, that being the year he first appears in Charlestown, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Alexander first appears there in 1769 as an inmate (married, boarder). David moved to Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania in 1771. Alexander disappears from the records that year, and does not appear in Carlisle until 1777. David Lindsay kept an inn in Carlisle from 1771 until his death in 1784 called "Sign of the Bull's Head" tavern (See The Sign of the Bull's Head Tavern, Carlisle, Pennsylvania). It is likely that Alexander worked there alongside him. In 1779, Alexander and Rachel left Carlisle for Heidelberg, York County, Pennsylvania where he took up proprietorship of the "Sign of the Horse" tavern (See The Sign of the Horse Tavern, Hanover, Pennsylvania), owned by Caspar Reinecker. He ran that tavern until about 1786. It was there on the night of October 26, 1783 that Thomas Jefferson stayed overnight, mentioning "Mr. Forsythe" in his diaries. In 1786, Alexander and Rachel moved to Baltimore, Maryland where they would remain the rest of their lives. Alexander ran several taverns there as did some of his children. His first tavern called Castle Inn opened in August of 1786. The following year he opened a tavern in Old Congress Hall (See The Old Congress Hall Tavern, Baltimore, Maryland), one of the early seats of the U. S. Capitol. Old Congress Hall was built and owned by Henry Fite, two of whose daughters married sons of Caspar Reinecker, which probably explains Alexander's move to Baltimore. It seems clear that Alexander continued proprietorship of other taverns in Baltimore for many more years, but, unfortunately, we do not know the names of these or their exact locations.

Origins

Alexander Forsyth's ancestry is unknown. The following (detailed) analysis is provided for those who may have heard an alternate theory. Otherwise you can skip ahead to the next section.

Jennie Forsyth Jeffries in her 1920 published account of the Forsyth family, "The History of the Forsyth Family [5]", links Alexander directly to the ancient Forsyth family of Chevalier Guirand de Forsyth who flourished in 1190. She fails, however, to list evidence that would support her claims. Prior to her, Frederic Forsyth de Fronsac published two shorter works: "A Genealogical Record: Forsyth of Nydie [6]" in 1888 and "Memorial of the Family of Forsyth de Fronsac [7]" in 1903. Neither of his works include Alexander. De Fronsac's books appear to provide the basis for much of the content of Jeffries' book, although Jeffries did not credit him. It is unclear if her work is independently derived, though this seems doubtful since all three books describe nearly identical relations for all but the most recent Forsyth's. These three books appear to be no more than fanciful accounts designed with the purpose of connecting all known and some mythical early Forsyth families. Further evidence of this can be found in 1978, when the Lord Lyon, King of Arms of Scotland, recognized Alistair Forsyth of Ethie as the chief of the Forsyth Clan. He was recognized because his family could be traced back fifteen generations, to 1607, further than any other Forsyth. His descent, being recognized by the Lyon Court in Edinburgh, means any other claimed descent from earlier Forsyth's is probably not valid. More recently, the Scottish Tourist Board published a brief history of the Forsyth Family as well, which contradicts many of these books' claims. I will not be discussing these books beyond how they relate directly to Alexander, as I think it can be sufficiently proved that their claims relating to him are invalid.

On page 34 [8] of her book, Jeffries makes the following claim:

It was at this time (1719) that James McGregor, who was a friend of the Forsyths, led a colony of Scots already in Ulster to America. They settled at what is now Londonderry, New Hampshire. These colonists, most of whom had sailed from Belfast and Carrickfergus, were refused land in the New England colonies because they were not English, it being the rule then that no Scot be permitted to settle in an English colony. However, they were allowed to settle on land to the north between the French and Indians on one side, and the English colonists on the other, presumably with the thought that they might be exterminated by the Indians. But McGregor, through the Forsyth and Denys families, made a secret agreement with the French that if the colony of Scots remained neutral in the war of reprisals going on between the French and English colonies, the Scots would not be disturbed. This agreement was carried out, and the French and Indian raids to the time of the fall of Quebec in 1759 passed safely through the Scotch settlement. Among these Forsyths was James of Failzerton, Vicomte de Fronsac and titular Baron of Dykes. He was a son of Margaret, Vicomtess de Fronsac, and Walter Forsyth. James married Margaret, daughter of Major Hugh Montgomerie. James was a captain on the seas under the flag of the king of France during William of Orange's Irish campaign, and a defender of the cause of the Stuarts against William of Orange. His son, Matthew, was born in 1699 in Scotland. He went first to Ireland, where he married Esther, daughter of Robert Graham, whose wife was Janet Hume of the Hume family of Scotland.

The second son of Captain James Forsyth and Margaret Montgomerie and brother of Matthew, was James who signed the Londonderry Roll in 1719. There were political troubles, and those who signed the Londonderry Roll were by this obligated to leave Ireland. James being an old man did not leave, but his son Alexander did. Alexander married Rachel O'Neal, a member of the house of O'Neal, Earls and Princes of Tyrone in Ireland. They came to the United States in the latter part of the eighteenth century and settled in Baltimore. His death occurred in 1828. Among his sons were, first, Isaac; second, Alexander; third, Elijah. There were also three daughters. Mary, the eldest, married ____ Thompson, the second ____ Ryder, the third ____ Goldsmith. Elijah, the third son, married the daughter of Bernhard Cell of Baltimore, both of whom died before middle age, the father by accidental drowning while hunting, and the mother of the first epidemic of cholera in the United States. They left a large family which was soon scattered among their relatives.

The Petition of Ulsterman (Londonderry Roll) was signed on March 26, 1718 by 319 Scotch-Irish Protestant heads of families from three parishes located near Londonderry, Ireland, who were seeking to come to America. Londonderry was the location of one of the Protestants' final sieges in Ireland in 1689 in defense of King William of Orange. They kept hold up in the city for 105 days preventing the Catholic King James II from gaining control. Thirty years later, these Protestants of Londonderry were still living in the midst of Roman Catholic oppression. It was this oppression that led Rev. William Boyd in April of 1718 to carry the petition to Governor Shute of Massachusetts Bay seeking permission to form a new colony. They were granted permission, so in August of that year, 120 of those families including Rev. James McGregor landed in Boston and setup the community of Londonderry, Massachusetts. The original petition still exists and the signature of "James Forsaith" [ 10 ] is clearly seen. Apparently, he was one of the almost 200 signers whose chose not to emigrate, as his name has not been found among those who came to America.

Besides the fact that Jeffries description of the entire affair seems erroneous, she also contradicts herself and her statements seem implausible for several reasons:

1. On page 34 [11] she claims it was Captain James Forsyth of Failzerton, the son of Walter Forsyth who accompanied Rev. James McGregor, however, on page 41 [12] she claims it was Captain James Forsyth of Failzerton's second son, James, who signed the roll and that it was his son Alexander that accompanied the expedition.
2. Captain James Forsyth of Failzerton, the father, must have been a Catholic, or he would have been fighting in support of William of Orange, and therefore could not have been one of the Protestant signers.
3. If Matthew was born in 1699, then his brother James must have been born no earlier than about 1701. If he was the same person as James Forsaith of Londonderry, the signer, then he would not yet have been of age to be considered as head of household, much less an old man.
4. We know that Alexander was not born until 1746/47, so he was not alive in 1718.
5. Captain James Forsyth of Failzerton, Viscount of Fronsac, and titular Baron of Dykes was a man of property and wealth. His eldest son Matthew succeeded to these titles. It stands to reason that his second son James would have also acquired a portion of his father's estate, but we do not find this to be the case as Alexander was not a man of property.
6. Frederic Forsyth de Fronsac was a direct descendant of Matthew, and therefore most likely to know these family connections, however, he lists only Thomas and Alexander as brothers of Matthew. He does not list James at all. James appears to be an addition by Jeffries alone.
7. It is not possible that Jeffries simply left off a generation, because if James Forsaith of Londonderry were to be considered a heretofore unknown son of Captain James Forsyth of Failzerton, he would have had to have been of age to sign the roll, and therefore would have been the oldest son, and as such would have succeeded to his father's titles and lands. We know of course that that honor went to Matthew.

It appears that Jeffries forced an unwarranted connection between James Forsaith of Londonderry, Ireland and Captain James Forsyth of Failzerton, Scotland. All we really know about James Forsaith of Londonderry is that he must have been a Protestant and as such signed the Petition of Ulsterman on March 26, 1718 in Londonderry, Ireland. Assuming he was of age to have been head of household, then he must have been born sometime before 1697. He therefore was probably not the father, but if anything, the grandfather of Alexander. We also know that Alexander eventually emigrated around 1767/8. James Forsaith of Londonderry would have been indeed an old man at that time. It is unclear if at that time, fifty years after the signing of the petition, political troubles would have been still rife causing Alexander's departure. Perhaps Alexander simply left of his own accord seeking better fortunes abroad. Until further evidence arises, it can be only considered speculation as to the ancestry of Alexander. Perhaps further searches into the public records in and around Londonderry, Ireland may lead to discoveries about James Forsaith of Londonderry, the signer, and his descendants.

There are several additional problems concerning Jeffries description of Alexander's family, foremost of which Alexander Forsyth did not marry Rachel O'Neal, at least if he did, she was not the father of most of his children. Jeffries claims that Alexander's wife, Rachel O'Neal, was a member of the House of O'Neal in Ireland. Firstly, the name is spelled incorrectly, as the Irish families spelled their name as O'Neill. A 1996 search by Jane Fitting using 'Catherine O'Neill's Historical Research Company' of North Ireland found no account of Rachel as a descendant of the royal O'Neill's. This research company keeps every titled pedigree of all spellings of O'Neill in Ireland's history. It has also been shown that the last ruling O'Neill of county Tyrone in Ireland did not have a daughter named Rachel. It has been assumed that they were married at Shane's Castle, as this was the seat of the O'Neill's, however, no record of this marriage has been found. The O'Neill's were known to be staunch Roman Catholics. Rachel, on the other hand was buried in a Presbyterian cemetery.

Court records have been found that prove Alexander Forsyth married Rachel Lindsay. It is possible she was a second wife, and if so, his eldest son Isaac could have been born to an earlier wife. However, I see no reason to believe Jeffries' claim that Alexander Forsyth married Rachel O'Neal. "A History of the Forsyth Family [13]" is riddled with mistakes, some obvious, others less so. Since Jeffries did not document her sources, I think the entire work must be withdrawn as having no genealogical value.

Jeffries was also mistaken in that it was not Mary Forsyth who married Josias Thompson, but her sister Jane. Also, neither Jane nor Mary were Alexander's and Rachel's first daughter, Rachel (Jr.) was. There are also a small army of children missing from her list, implying that whoever provided her with her information on this family was not intimately acquainted with them. Since Jeffries did not bother citing her sources, we have no way of knowing for sure where her information came from.

There is a more likely possibility for the origin of the name Rachel O'Neal. Arthur Ryder, who married Elizabeth Forsyth, the fourth daughter of Alexander and Rachel, on September 23, 1809 [14] as his second wife, had married first Rose O'Neal on October 7, 1802 [15]. It is possible that the first name of Alexander's wife and the maiden name of Arthur's first wife were conjoined by descendants years after the persons in question were dead.

The first known use of the name Rachel O'Neil occurred in 1923, when Thomas F. Hitselberger of Baltimore, Maryland, Alexander's grandson, answered a letter [16] from Avalena (Forsyth) Brown of Bullitt County, Kentucky. In the letter, he states:

Isaac parents were Alexander Forsyth & Rachel Forsyth nee O'Neil Marys parents were the same.

Included with the letter is his ancestor chart that Avalena had requested. The chart starts with

Alexander Forsythe married Rachel ___ (maiden name not known).

One interpretation of this is that in the body of the letter he was responding to questions Avalena had asked in her original letter to him where she had referred to Alexander's wife as "Rachel Forsyth nee O'Neil", but since his chart must have already existed, he simply made a copy of it verbatim. Which would indicate that he was not the originator of her surname. It probably does not make much difference if Thomas or Avalena was the first to use the name O'Neal/O'Neil; since the Jeffries book [17] was already published. It is also possible that the person who furnished Jeffries with the surname, also furnished Thomas or Avalena with the name as well.

Charlestown, Pennsylvania

The first record of Alexander Forsyth is his appearance in the tax lists [24] for Charlestown, Chester County, Pennsylvania in 1769 where he was listed as "Alexander Forsight". Charlestown is located near the border of Philadelphia County

Alexander Forsyth was probably an immigrant, and likely arrived in Philadelphia not long before his first appearance in 1769. In a letter dated April 14, 1889 [25], Paris, KY, from A. S. Forsyth to Miss Carrie Brown of Louisville, Kentucky, he writes:

The only knowledge we have of our direct family, is that my grandfather, Major Isaac Forsyth came to Paris, Ky in 1805, from Baltimore, Md. and always understood the family was originally from the North of Ireland.

It should be noted here that there is no evidence that the Isaac Forsyth being referred to here ever served in the military. According to Alexander's will [26], Isaac was their eldest son. A single census record [27] has his birth year before 1767. If true, he likely immigrated along with his parents.

Along with Alexander Forsyth, his father-in-law, David Lindsay, is also found in Charlestown in 1769. David is listed as a man of property, including horses, cows, sheep and slaves. He appears in the Charlestown tax records [28] for the years 1768 through 1771, but is not found there in the years 1765 through 1767, nor have I found him anywhere else, indicating that he may have immigrated about that time. All the images for the tax records have been reformatted to save space. The original sources include the original unedited images.

In 1768 [29], David Lindsay was taxed for 200 acres and buildings, 4 horses, 2 cattle and 2 slaves. In 1769 [30], he was also taxed for 200 acres and buildings, with 3 horses, 3 cows, 12 sheep and 1 slave. In 1770 [31], he was taxed again for his 200 acres (no image or additional information is available). In 1771 [32], he was taxed for the 200 acres and buildings, 1 horse, 1 cow and 1 slave.

In 1769 [33], "Alexander Forsight" was taxed as an inmate. In 1770 [34], Alexander Forsyth was again taxed as an inmate (no image is available).

In the article, "Rural Pennsylvania in 1800: A Portrait from the Septennial Census" [ 35 ], published in the magazine "Pennsylvania History, Vol. 49, No.1", [ 36 ] it states,

Inmates were persons who lived in the house of someone else, sometimes in exchange for payment. They were not family members of the house owner, nor were they guests or servants. ... In Pennsylvania the term "inmate" may have meant a married tenant.

Since Alexander Forsyth is not found in the 1768 tax list, it would appear that he had not yet reached the age of 21 years. This narrows his birth date further to between January 2, 1747 and April 22, 1747, and probably later than sooner, depending on when the tax lists were enumerated.

Carlisle, Pennsylvania

David Lindsay, moved to Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania in 1772. This is evidenced by the sale of a house in Carlisle by his grandson, another David Lindsay, to John Spotswood in 1809. In the land sale, it states that David Lindsay, Sr, bought the house in Carlisle on January 24, 1772 [37] at a sheriff's sale.

This Indenture made the 21st day of April in the year of our Lord on thousand Eight hundred and nine Between David Lindsey of Tyrone Township Cumberland County and State of Pennsylvania farmer & of Mary his wife of the one part and John Spotswood of the Borough of Carlisle County and State aforesaid Tobacconist of the other part Whereas Ephraim Blaine Esquire late High Sheriff of Cumberland County by his deed poll duly Executed under his hand and seal and acknowledged in open court bearing date the twenty fourth day of January in the Year of our lord one thousand seven hundred & seventy two in virtue of several Writs of Fieri fracius and Venditioni Exponas agreeably to the acts of General assembly he did convey unto David Lindsey his heirs and assigns in fee &c a Certain log house and lot of Ground situate in the town of Carlisle numbered in the General plan of said Town "Four" Bounded in the north by high Street in the East by lot No 12 on the south by a twenty feet alley and on the west by Allen Street containing sixty feet in front and two hundred and forty feet in depth which said House and lot of ground was was [sic] Seized and taken in execution at the suit of William McClune and Sold as the property of Joseph Hunter to the said David Lindsey he being the highest and best bidder as by the said Sheriffs deed and proceedings of the Court will more fully and at large appear

And Whereas at the orphans Court held at carlisle for the County of Cumberland on the 20th day of October AD 1784 the seriff [sic] of said County was ordered to Summons an Inquest of the said county to go to the lands and tenements of the said David Lindsey the elder late of the Borough of Carlisle deceased in virtue of a petition prepared to the said Court by David Lindsey the younger party hereto the Grandson of the said David Lindsey deceased which Inquest and Sheriff did report to the Said Court that the said House and lot of Ground would not divide amongst the heirs and legal representations of the said deceased without Injury to or spoiling the whole and therefore values and appraised the same to the sum of two hundred and twenty six pounds fifteen shillings and on motion made to the said Court they confirmed the valuation and appraisement aforesaid and allowed him the said David Lindsey Junior the right of preemption he being the eldest son of Jacob Lindsay deceased who was the eldest son of said Intestate on giving Bond and Security for the payment of the valuation aforesaid to the heirs and legal representatives of the said David Lindsey deceased on the preformence whereof the said House and lot of Ground with the appurtenances was ordered and decreed by the said court to be the property of the said David Lindsey Junr in fee &c under such rents and conditions as the Said David Lindsay held the same in his lifetime at and Immediate[ly] before his decease as by the records of the said orphans Court will more fully and at large appear Now this Indenture witnesseth that the said David Lindsey and Mary his wife for and in consideration of the sum of one thousand Dollars lawfull money of the united States to them in hand paid on and before the execution of these pesents Hath Granted Bargained and sold released and confirmed and by these presents do Grant [B]argain Sell release and confirm unto the said John Spotswood his heirs and [as]signs the above mentioned and described house and lot of Ground Together [w]ith all and singular the buildings and improvememnts thereon erected Stand[i]ng or being the right memmbers priviledges hereditaments and premises with [?] appurtenances and all the right Title Interest property claim and dema[?] of him the said David Lindsey and Mary his wife to the same and [?] part and parcel thereof To have and to hold the said house and [l]ot of ground hereditaments and premises with the appurtenances unto him [t]he said John Spotswood his heirs and assigns and to his and their only [p]roper use benefit and behoof forever Subject to the quitrents due and to [be]come due to the late proprietaries if any for the same but free and clear [o]f all other Incumbrances or lawful claims whatever In Witness Whereof [t]he said Daivd Lindsey & Mary his wife hath hereunto set their hands and [s]eals the day and Year first above written

Sealed and delivered in presence of

David Lindsey {seal}
Mary Lindsey {seal}

Received the day of the date of the within Indenture from the within named John Spotswood one thousand Dollars in full of the consideration money within mentioned Witness my hand

David Lindsey

The house mentioned in the sale was the location of The Sign of the Bull's Head Tavern, which was established by David Lindsay, Sr.

The above sale highlights an issue when tracing the Lindsay family in Pennsylvania. David Lindsay, Sr. had a son named David and had at least one grandson named David as we've seen. It is often difficult when looking at later tax records and deeds to determine which of these is being referred to. For instance, we are not certain which of these David Lindsays was taxed in West Pennsboro Township in 1772 and 1773 or in Tyrone Township in 1778 (though this last one is probably David Sr).

The first occurrence of Alexander Forsyth in Carlisle, Cumberland, Pennsylvania is on October 23, 1777 [51], when the war council issued an order of delinquency against him. He was then serving under Capt. Andrew McKee of Carlisle, Cumberland, Pennsylvania as a private in the 2nd Battalion, 4th Company of the Inactive Duty Militia. There are no records that would indicate that he ever saw active duty.

Unfortunately, we have no records of Alexander Forsyth between his last appearance in Charlestown in 1770, and October 23, 1777 when he first appeared in Carlisle. This is primarily due to unavailability of these records. We do know that he is missing from the 1771 Charlestown tax list, so he may have left the area before his father-in-law did. It is possible he went to Carlisle first and David Lindsay followed him.

Alexander Forsyth is found in the original tax records [52] for Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania for the year 1778 only. His father-in-law, David Lindsay, is taxed there for the years 1779 through 1782. In addition there is an Isaac Forsyth who is taxed there in 1778 as well. No other record for this Isaac Forsyth exists. I can only speculate that he was a brother of Alexander who either died shortly after, or went away. There is another Isaac Forsyth in Philadelphia in 1778, but there are no known records that would link the two.

In 1778 [53], "Alexander Fursyth" was a renter, and was taxed for 4 horses, 2 cows and 3 sheep. Additionally, an "Isaace Fursythe" was also a renter and taxed for 1 cow only.

In 1779 [54], David Lindsay was taxed for keeping a tavern, 1 house and lot, 1 cow, and 1 slave. In 1780 [55], he was taxed for 1 lot, 1 slave and 1 plate. In 1781 [56], he was taxed for 1 lot, 1 slave, 1 horse and 3 tea spoons. In 1782 [57], David Lindsay, Senior was taxed for 1 lot, 1 slave, 1 horse, and 1 plate.

David Lindsay is also taxed [58] in Tyrone Township from 1778 through 1782. We know this is Alexander Forsyth's father-in-law, because in 1785 [59], the year after David Lindsay died, his heirs were taxed for his property in Tyrone Township. Apparently, he owned both a farm in the country and operated a tavern in town. There is also a David Lindsay, Jr. that is taxed in Tyrone Township for the same years, which is probably his son. It is presumably this David Lindsay who is listed as David Lindsay, Sr. in the 1786 tax records for Tyrone Township as the elder David Lindsay had died 2 years prior.

In 1778 [60], David Lindsay was taxed for 82 acres, 1 horse and 1 cow. It is unclear what 1 "Rent" means in this record. Presumably this is David Lindsay, Sr. In 1779 [61], David Lindsay, Senior was for 100 acres, 1 horse and 2 cows. In 1780 [62], 1781 [63], and 1782 [64] David Lindsay, Senior was taxed for 100 acres.

On January 14, 1780 [65], an obligatory bond was recorded in Cumberland county by David Lindsay of Carlisle (presumably the elder), to James McCabe of Tyrone for which he had borrowed money at the beginning of December, 1777.

Know all men by these Presents that I David Lindsay of the Town of Carlisle in the County of Cumberland and State of Pennsylvania I am holder am held and firmly bound unto James McCabe of Tyrone Township in Cumberland County aforesaid yoeman in the Just and full sum of two hundred Pounds Lawful Money of Pennsylvania to be paid to the said James McCabe his Certain Money Executors Administrators or Assigns, To which payment well and duly to be made and done Bind myself and Heirs Executors and Administrators firmly by these presents Sealed with my Seal and Dated this fourteenth Day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty and in the fourth year of the Independence of the United States of America.

The Condition of this obligation is such that Whereas the said James McCabe gave to the said David Lindsey a Bond or Penal Bill signed with the Hand of him the said James McCabe and Sealed with the Seal and also under the Hand and Seal of Owen McCabe Jointly and severally for the sum of two hundred Pounds securing the Payment of one hundred Pounds at the expiration of one month after the Date of the said Bond or Penal Bill bearing Date about the beginning of December in the year of our Lord one Thousand seven hundred and seventy seven. And Whereas the said David Lindsay hath hat [sic] the said Bond or Penal Bill and now acknowledgeth the receipt of the said one hundred Pounds with the Interest due upon the same in full he the said David Lindsey doth obligat[e] himself & his Heirs and assigns in the above Sum of two hundred Pounds to Indemnify him the said James McCabe his Heirs Executors and Administrators for the payment of the said Bond or Penal Bill and from all Suit or Suits of Law being brought against him the said James McCabe or his Heirs respecting the said Bond or Penal Bill, In Consequence whereof the above obligation shall be void otherwise be and Continue in full force and Virtue

[Se]aled and Delivered

David {D his mark} Lindsey {seal}

On October 9, 1780 [66] we find in the Register of Negro and Mulatto Slaves for Cumberland County, recorded for David Lindsay of Carlisle, a 35 year old female "Mulatto" slave (for life) named Moll.

Then on June 5, 1784 [67], we find that David Lindsay, Sr. (the Elder) had recently passed away. His heirs established an Articles of Agreement in which Alexander Forsyth of York County was to represent his wife, Rachel Forsyth nee Lindsay and his nephew, James Lindsay, who was still a minor. It is this document that establishes the marriage between Alexander Forsyth and Rachel Lindsay and gives us a clear indication where they went after leaving Carlisle, Pennsylvania between 1778 and 1779.

Articles of Agreement had made and Concluded and agreed upon this fifth day of June in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty four Between David Lindsay Eldest son Jacob Lindsay ?ates of the County of Cumberland in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania deceased who was [t]he Eldest Son of David Lindsay the Elder of the County and Common-wealth afore[sa]id for him-self and others the Co-Heirs with him of the first part and Catha[r]ine Spotwood Widow of the County of Cumberland and Common-wealth aforesaid [] Daughter of the said David Lindsay of the second part. and Alexander Lindsay another of the Sons of the said David Lindsay the Elder deceased of the third part and the said Alexander Lindsay an Attorney in fact for James Cummings and Jane his wife another of the Daughters of the said David Lind[s]ay the Elder deceased of the fouth part and David Lindsay another Son of the said David Lindsay the elder deceased of the fifth part and Alexan[d]er Forsyth of the County of York and Common-wealth aforesaid who intermar[r]ied with Rachel Lindsay another Daughter of the said David Lindsay the Elder [d]eceased of the sixth part. and lastly the said Alexander Forsythe for and in on Behalf of James Lindsay a Minor son of James Lindsay deceased another of the Sons of the said David Lindsay the Elder deceased of the seventh part -

Whereas the said David Lindsay the Elder lately died intestate fixed and Possessed of an Estate both real and Personal and the above parties being the heirs and representatives thereof they do by these Presents mutually Covenant and Agree for themselves their heirs Executors and Administrators and every of them and for they and their Heirs they represent, that they and each and every of them [s]hall and Do stand to and abide the appraisement heretofore made by the Consent [?] all the Parties above named and that the real Estate aforesaid be exposed to Sale [?] Auction or public Nondue? to the Highest bidder at or upon the eighteenth day of June ? Insuing? the date hereof and that Alexander Forsythe of York County shall Act as Trustee for all the parties by there Presents and shall Sign, Execute, Seal and Deliver, a Deed or Deeds for the same real Estate ins? fee simple to the Purchaser thereof in as full and ample a manner as if the above Bounden parties were personally Present Executing the same and that they nor Either of them nor their Heirs Executors or Administrators, nor the Heirs Executors or Administrators of those they represent shall have any Future Claim, Challenge or demand whatsoever in the real Estate aforesaid after the Intended Sale and executing the Deed aforesaid but shall acquiesse and be fully satisfied therewith and that they and each of them th[ose] within named parties for themselves and those they represent by Power of Attorney or otherwise shall each Choose a Proper person to liquidate and settle the personal estate of the said David Lindsay the Elder deceased, and that the amo[unt] of the Proceeds of the said Estate real and Personal shall be equally divided to [?] among the within named parties in share and share alike which divided they and each and every of them above or within named Parties allow to be as f[?] and determinate as if the same had been done by any Court of record what[so]ever and for the true and faithful performance of all and Every of the c[o]venants Articles and Agreements above and within written the said parties for themselves and those they represent have Bound themselves each to the Other in the Penal Sum of three hundred Pounds Current Money in Gold and [Sil]ver and is also Convenanted and agreed by and between the said Parties, for themselves and those they represent that any four Men or person[s] of those who are as aforesaid to be Appointed to Settle and Liquidate the A[cct] of the Estate Personal of the said David Lindsay the Elder deceased shall be allowed to be Sufficient and that, as fully as if Every person app[oint]ed by us as aforesaid had attended on the same, the Penalty aboveme[n]tioned to be recovered by those observant to the above and within Covena[nt] from those failing in the same as if the same was due and recoverable [.]

Common Bond In Witness Whereof the said Parties to these prep[?] have hereunto Interchangably Set their Hands and affixed their seals the Day and Year first within Written

Sealed and Delivered In the Presence of us

Wm Brown Saml Laird
David Lindsay {seal}
Catern Spotwood {seal}
Alexander Lindsay {seal}
Ditto for
James Cummings {seal}
David Lindsay {seal}
Alexdr Forsyth {seal}

Do for
James Lindsay {seal}

P.S. before Signing and Sealing the undernamed persons were chosen and agreed to by the Signers to settle and Liquidate the Accts od said Estate (Vizt) John Holmes, John Forbes, Lemuel Justine, John Faraday, John McKee, Alexander McKeehen and William Wallace

Cumberland County SS

Before me the Subscriber one of the Justices of the Common Pleas of Said County came David Lindsay Junr. Catharine Spotwood, Alexander Lindsay, Do for James Cummins, David [Lind]say Senr. Alexander Forsyth Do for James Lindsay and each of them acknowledged the Same to be their Act and Deed with Intent that it may [be e]ntered of Record as Such In Testimony Whereof I have [her]eunto Let my Hand and and affixed my Seal the 5th Day of June 1784.

In the 1785 tax list [68] for Tyrone Township, David Lindsay's heirs are shown still in possession of his farm being taxed for 250 acres.

On December 15, 1802 [69], David Lindsay's grandson finally sold his grandfather's farm in Tyrone Township to James Blair. The farm, which was 105 acres and 104 perches on Sherman's creek in Sherman's valley, was originally warranted to William Holt.

This Indenture made the fifteenth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and two Between David Lindsey of Tyrone township in the County of Cumberland and state of Pennsylvania of the one part and James Blair of York County in the State aforesaid of the other Part Witnesseth that the said David Lindsey for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred pounds lawfull money of Pennsylvania aforesaid to him in hand paid by the said James Blair the receipt whereof the said David Lindsey doth hereby acknowledge Hath granted bargained sold aliened and confirmed and by these doth bargain sell alien and confirm unto the said James Blair all that certain Plantation or tract of land situate in Tyrone township Cumberland County and state aforesaid Bounded as follows to wit Beginning at a corner White oak adjoining vacant land or Pine hills thence south forty six degrees west sixty perches to a white oak thence south sixty degrees west forty nine Perches to a white oak thence south forty four degrees west Eighty two perches to a white oak thence south sixteen degrees west fifty three and a half Perches to a white oak thence south ten degrees west one hundred & seven perches to a Black oak thence north twenty six degrees west one hundred and forty six perches to a white oak thence north foty seven degrees East two hundred and sixt and two perches to a black oak thence south sixty degrees East fifty and six perches to the Place of begining [sic] containing one Hundred and five acres and one hundred and four perches more or less with the allowance of six plent for Roads (A being the same tract of land which the Honorable the proprieaterus of the commonwealth by their Warrant dated the Eight day of June in the year of our lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty two granted to William Holt who by his Indenture for a valuable consideration did grant bargain and sell unto David Lindsey the Grandfather of the present grantor together with all and singular the buildings Improvements woods waters water courses rights priviledges hereditaments and appurtenances unto the said above described tract of land belonging or in any wise appertaining and Reversions Remainders rents and Issues thereof to have and to Hold the said plantation or tract of Land with the appurtenances unto the said James Blair his heirs and assigns and to the only proper use and behoof of him the said James Blair his heis and assigns forever and the said David Lindsey doth hereby convenant and grant for himself and his heirs the said tract of land here hereditaments and appurtenances hereby granted or intended to be granted as above described unto the said James Blair his heirs and assigns against him the said David Lindsey and his heirs and assigns all and Every other person or persons whomsoever lafully claiming the same or any part thereof subject allways to the claims of the propriaterces of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, shall and will warrant and forever defend by these presents. In Witness whereof the Parties to these presents have hereunto have set their hands and seals the day and year first above mentioned -

David Lindsey {seal}

Cumberland County SS

Before me George Stroop Esquire {seal} one of the Justices of the peace in and for the said County of Cumberland personally came David Lindsey the grantor in the above Indenture named and acknowledge the abov[e] Indenture to be his act and Deed and desired it might be Recorded as such according to Law In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the sixteenth day of February anno domini one thousand Eight hundred & four

On February 17, 1809 [70], David Lindsay Sr.'s son David Lindsay (now Sr.) of Tyrone Township, established a power of attorney for his son, William Lindsay, to represent him in court in an attempt to recover property he felt was due him from his father's estate, but that was then in the possession of David Lindsay, Jr., his nephew. A year later he revoked the power of attorney.

Know all men by the Presents that I David Lindsay of Tyrone Township in the County of Cumberland and State of Pennsylvania have made ordained and Constituted and by these presents do make ordain and constitute & in my place and stead put and depite my trusty Son William Lindsay of the Township of Tyrone aforesaid my true and lawfyl attorney for me and in my name and for my use to ask demand he? for recover and Receive all Such Sum & Sum of money debts goods wares dues accounts and other demands whatsoever which are or shall be due owing payable and belonging to me or detained from me by any manner of ways or means whatever Especially the share or dividend of my father David Lindsey late of the Borough of Carlisle in the County of Cumberland aforesaid deceased Estate now in the hand of David Lindsey Junior of the Township of Tyrone aforesaid or in whose hand S???? the same be found Giving and Granting unto my said? at to me by these presents my full and whole power Strength and authority in and about the premises to have use and take all Lawful ways & means in my name for the purposes of & upon receipt of any debts dues or Sums of money - acquitances or other Sufficient discharges for me and in my name to make Seal and deliver and Give? ? all and every other act or acts thing & things device & devices in the law whatsoever needful and necessary to be done in and about the premises for me & in my name to ? execute and perform as fully largly & amply to all intents and purposes as I myself might or could do if personally present and attorneys one or more under him for the purposes of to make and constitue and again at pleasure to make. Hereby notifying allowing an[d] and holding for firm and effectual all and whatsoever my Said attorney Shall lawfully do in and about the premises by virtue hereof In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand Seal this Seventeenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and nine -

Seal and delivered in presence of

John {his mark} Lindsay
Wilson McClune
David Lindsay {seal}

Cumberland County ? - Before me Wilson McClune one of the Junctices of the peace {seal} in and for the said County came the above named David Lindsey who did acknowledge the above & foregoing power of attorney to William Lindsey to be his act and Deed for the purposes therein mentioned. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the 17th day of February anno Domini 1809 - Wilson McClune

Entered 18th Feby 1809 - Compared by Geo Kline, Recorder

Sidenote:

I David Lindsey do hereby revoke disanull? and make void the within letter of attorney to William Lindsay In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand & Seal at this the 27th January AD 1810 - Done before Davd Lindsay snr {seal}

Heidelberg (Hanover), York County, Pennsylvania

Alexander, Rachel, and their young family left Carlisle in 1778 or 1779 and moved to the borough of Heidelberg in Hanover Township, York County, Pennsylvania. Hanover, originally called McAllister's Town after the primary warrantee Richard McAllister, was on the road between Carlisle and Baltimore, Maryland, and was an important stopover for weary travelers.

Alexander Forsyth is found in the tax records for Heidelberg, York County, Pennsylvania, for the years 1779 through 1783, and 1785 through 1786 [71]. The year 1784 and the years following 1786 are missing from the published material. The images have been reformatted to save space.

In 1779 [72], "Alexander Fersithe" was shown as having $141.18 in cash, 1 horse and 2 cows. He was taxed for a house and lot. In 1780 [73], "Alexander Fersits" was taxed as an innkeeper and having 1 horse. He is also shown as owning no houses, lots or slaves. His total valuation was set at $275. In 1781 [74], "Alexander Verseith" was shown owning a house valued at $350, 3 horses valued at $36, 3 cows valued at $9, 1 plate valued at $1 and an (unlisted) occupation valued at $27. His total valuation is shown a $423. In 1782 [75], Alexander Forsyth was shown owning 1 house and lot, 3 horses and 2 cows with a total value of $344. In 1783 [76], he was shown with 9 inhabitants, owning 1 house and lot and 2 slaves. In 1785 [77], he was shown owning 1 house and lot, 1 horse, 2 cows and 2 slaves with a total value of $261. In 1786 [78], he was shown owning 1 cow and 1 slave with a total value of £8.3.0. He no longer is shown as owning a house or land. This may be because this is the same year that he removed from York County, Pennsylvania to resume his innkeeping in Baltimore, Maryland.

Of the 9 children lists in the 1783 tax list, 7 are children. In Alexander's will [79], 9 total children are listed in what appears to be their probable order of birth. However, we know conclusively that the order of the youngest two children is reversed in the will, so we cannot be sure if any of the others were as well. We also know that the youngest two children were born after 1783 so were not counted in the tax list for that year. We stated earlier that a single census record [80] places Isaac's birth year before 1767. If true, Rachel would have been under 17 years old when he was born. The 1790 census [81] shows 8 children, of which only Isaac is over 16 years of age, therefore none of the other children were born before 1774. This could mean that between 1767 and 1774 Alexander and Rachel had other children who died young. Another possibility is that Isaac's mother was not Rachel Lindsay, but the mythical Rachel O'Neal, and who died shortly after he was born. This would make Rachel Lindsay, Alexander's second wife and account for the age gap between Isaac and the other children. A more reasonable possibility is that Alexander and Rachel were married about 1768/69, Issac was born about 1769/70 and the census record indicating that he was born earlier was simply mismarked, which is a not uncommon occurance on early census records when only age ranges were used and census enumerators had to be careful to mark the correct column on pages that often had not column headings. The exact birth years for most of Alexander and Rachel's children are not known. The first 7 children listed in the will, and those being counted here were Isaac, John, Rachel Jr., Jane, William, Alexander Jr., and Elijah. Assuming the order of birth in Alexander's will for these first 7 children is correct, the second son, John, who married in 1796 and was less than 16 years of age in the 1790 census [82], was likely born about 1774/5. According to the handwritten notes [83] of Rachel Tompkins, a great, great granddaughter of Rachel Jr., Rachel Jr., was born in 1779. It is difficult to place much credence in this claim as her notes are filled with errors, including Rachel Jr.'s husband's birthdate, which she claims was 1782, but we know from his U. S. Army enlistment record that he was 35 years old in July of 1813, so must have been born about 1778. The second daughter, Jane was married in November of 1795 [84], so was probably born about 1778. if so, and the birth order is correct, then Rachel Jr. was probably born about 1776. William was 60 years old at the time of his death in April of 1839 [85] putting his birth at around 1778/9. We also know that Alexander Jr. was 70 years old in the 1850 census and 79 years old in the 1860 census, putting his birth in 1780/81. The 1810 census [86] places Elijah's birth before 1784, so was probably born about 1783. The next child to be born to Alexander and Rachel was Mary Magdalene. She was born on November 17, 1785 [87] probably while still living in Heidelberg. Finally according to the 1850 [88] and 1860 [89] census records, long after moving to Baltimore, their last child, Elizabeth (Eliza), was born in 1790.

Alexander Forsyth is briefly mentioned in the Thomas Jefferson Encylcopedia [90] under the topic for Hanover, Pennsylvania. A footnote to the article states that the information contained therein was based on a May 1991 Monticello Research Report written by J. R. McGrew. In the article, it states that Alexander Forsyth was the innkeeper at the "Sign of the Horse" tavern on Frederick Street in Hanover (Heidelberg), York County, Pennsylvania, and that he rented the tavern from Capser Reinecker from 1779 to 1785. On the night of October 26, 1783, Alexander Forsyth welcomed Thomas Jefferson and his daughter Martha to the tavern where they had dinner and spent the night. The following is a transcript of the article.

Around the time of the American Revolution, the town of Hanover, Pennsylvania, was favorably situated at the crossing of two well-traveled roads, one from the port of Baltimore to points north and west and the other between Philadelphia and the Valley of Virginia.

Thomas Jefferson spent the night of May 12, 1776, at the Sign of the Horse on Frederick Street in "McAlister's Town," as Hanover was popularly known in its early days. He was on his way from Monticello to Philadelphia to attend the first meeting of the Continental Congress, where on June 10 he would begin to draft the Declaration of Independence. The Battle of Lexington had been fought a year earlier and the Quebec Campaign only months before. Volunteer militia companies in York County had been enthusiastically mustering for more than a year and would march to join the Flying Camp in just two months. From Jefferson's memorandum book, we know he arrived here in time to visit the local barber.

The proprietor of the inn is one of Hanover's forgotten innkeepers, Caspar Reinecker. This is somewhat surprising as Reinecker's was Hanover's leading inn from 1764 to 1792. Early in the morning of May 12, Jefferson paid "Rhenegher" 11 shillings, 6 pence for dinner and lodging. He ate breakfast at White's Tavern in York and spent the following night in Lancaster.[1]

Based on lists of Taxables, Ground Rents paid to Richard M'Calister, deeds to property transactions in Hanover and the granting of Tavern Licenses by the Court of Quarter Sessions of York County, we know that Caspar Reinecker opened his inn in 1764, probably on the present site of 34-36 Frederick Street (Lot 74). It was one of three inns that received licenses that second year of Hanover's existence. In 1771, he purchased the property next door (Lot 75), now the parking lot next to the Hanover Borough Building, and put up a new and larger building, the one at which Jefferson stayed. At the time of his death, he still owned both properties. The two original buildings used by Reinecker for his inn are long gone. Both the old and the 1771 buildings appear on the pre-Revolutionary Powder Horn Map that belonged to George Neas, with the newer inn as one of the three largest of the seven inns depicted.

On Jefferson's return from Philadelphia to Monticello, he again dined and spent the night of September 5 at Reinecker's inn.[2]

In 1779, Reinecker moved to Berwick (Abbottstown) for a period and rented the Sign of the Horse to Alexander Forsythe, who kept it through 1785.

It was on October 26, 1783, that Forsythe welcomed Jefferson for another stay at the inn. This time Jefferson was travelling with his daughter, Martha, and a servant by carriage to Philadelphia where he was to attend the meeting of Congress. On the morning of October 27, he paid the proprietor 29 shillings for dinner and lodging. On this trip the travelers appear to have driven right through York and to have reached Wrightsville for breakfast. Again, they arrived at Lancaster in time to spend the night at Rukart's Sign of the Bear.[3]

Caspar Reinecker returned to Hanover and resumed innkeeping from 1787 until his death in 1790. For two years his son, Conrad, held the tavern license and achieved his own fame for entertaining President George Washington for breakfast on July 2, 1791. There has been some disagreement on just where in Hanover Washington did stop, because unlike Jefferson, he did not identify the innkeeper. This is now resolved, first by the knowledge of dates and location of Reinecker's and other early Hanover inns and second by the story told by one whose role in the oral preservation of history is well established: the town barber.

Charles Wrede arrived in Hanover in the 1830s, well within old-timer's memories of Washington's visit, and was actively barbering long enough to be remembered and quoted in the Hanover Evening Herald on April 20, 1890. By the time Wrede was quoted, both the name of the inn and its proprietor had been forgotten. It was remembered that the inn was on Frederick Street and not at Paul Metzger's on the north-west corner of the Square (Lot 12). Only one other pre-1800 inn has been identified on Frederick Street, that of Peter Welsh (Lot 3) and it operated only from 1778 to 1782.

The closing of Reinecker's inn coincided with the opening in 1793 of Jacob Eichelberger's Tavern (Lot 10), later known as the Central Hotel, on the other side of Frederick Street. The Eichelbergers took over the role of the leading Hanover inn for the next half-century.

Casper Reinecker was granted tavern licenses in Heidelberg beginning in April 1764 [91] and continuing through April of 1778, except for the years 1776 and 1777. His tavern licenses resume in July 1787 and continue through July of 1789. After his death in 1790, his son, Conrad Reinecker is granted tavern licenses in Heidelberg July of 1790 and July of 1791. His brother, George Reinecker is granted tavern licenses there in 1791, and after what appears a short hiatus, 1796 through 1798. These final years were likely at a tavern different than the "Sign of the Horse".

Alexander Forsyth was among the individuals from Heidelberg, who were granted tavern licenses between the years 1779 and 1785 [92]. As can be seen in these court dockets, tavern licenses were sometimes granted in the regular July session, or in a later special session. This was true of Alexander as it was for some of the other innkeepers (not shown here). The images have been reformatted to save space.

Alexander Forsyth and Casper Reinicker, his boss, were required to come forward and give evidence against Robert Irwin in a Court case in 1780. This required him to put up a £500 bond [93]. Apparently Robert Irwin was charge with fraud because he stole 10 barrels of flour from the State [ 94 ].

The next record we find for Alexander Forsyth in Heidelberg is in a Requisition of Recruits (6th Class), dated January 30, 1781 [95], who were found to be delinquent. The transcript came from Jane Fitting, so I am not sure what the "above directions" or the "ditto" represent. There are no records that would indicate that he ever served in the militia.

Requisition of Recruits. Item 61. Endorsed: To Mikel Bare [Baer]. Entered. Notified the above Class which proved Delinquent. Signed: Philip Rothock, Jno. Semple, William Adams. Ja 30 1781.

Mr. Michael Bare

Sir

You are hereby required to Notify the following Persons, (being your sixth Class of Heidelberg Township) that they Immediately do comply with the above Directions - And on Failure - You are to Notify us the Commissioners above named, on or before the first day of March next without fail -

Here follows the Names of the sixth Class

...

[last] Item 30. Alexander Forsythe Do. [ditto] For a house"

As we've seen, Alexander Forsyth was the innkeeper at the "Sign of the Horse" tavern, owned by Caspar Reinecker, in Heidelberg Township, York County, Pennsylvania from 1779 through 1785. Alexander was last granted a tavern license in Heidelberg Township, York County, Pennsylvania in July of 1785. The license was good for one year. Also in 1785 [96], he was taxed in Heidelberg for a house & lot with a total valuation of £261. The house & lot in this case is in reference to the aforementioned tavern. The last references to him in Heidelberg was in 1786 when he was taxed with a total valuation of just over £8, and no longer had a house & lot. 1786 is also the year he first appears in Baltimore, Maryland.

Baltimore, Maryland

The first appearance of Alexander Forsyth in Baltimore, Maryland is on August 2, 1786 [97], when he ran a delightful advertisement as the new proprietor of Castle Inn on Gay Street.

TAVERN

The Subscriber begs Leave to inform the Public in general, and his Friends in particular, that he has taken that well-known TAVERN formerly kept by Mr. GEORGE McCANDLESS, in Gay-Street, Baltimore, four Doors from where the old Market-House stood, where he intends to entertain Travellers and Citizens in the most commodious Manner, and upon the most reasonable Terms; and he hopes, from his Knowledge of the Business, and his unremitted Endeavours to give general Satisfaction, that the Encouragement of a generous Public, as well as that of his particular Friends, will be kindly bestowed on their

Most obedient and very humble Servant,

ALEXANDER FORSYTH.

N. B. BOARDERS taken on Moderate Terms, and HORSES kept at LIVERY.

Baltimore, August 2, 1786.

The next citing we have of Alexander is February 5, 1787 [98], when he opened a second tavern in Baltimore at Congress Hall.

Congress-Hall.

The Subscriber respectfully informs his Friends and the Public in general, that he has taken, and has now opened, a TAVERN, for the Accommodation of Travellers and others, in the noted large convenient Building, at the Head of Market-Street, commonly called and known by the Name of CONGRESS-HALL, which Place having every necessary Convenience for the Entertainment of Gentlemen, and his House and Stables being large and roomy, and at this Time well furnished with Liquors, and Provender of the first Quality, with suitable Attendance, humbly solicits the Encouragement of his Friends and the Public, assuring them that every Exertion to please shall manifest his Gratitude for their Favours.-- The Public's obedient Servant,

ALEXANDER FORSYTH.
Baltimore-Town, Feb. 5, 1787.

Old Congress Hall, as it is more commonly referred to, was originally the home of Henry Fite, but in 1776, when the Second Continental Congress on hearing of a possible British invasion, fled Philadelphia, they relocated to Baltimore and rented the house. John Adams, described it as "the last house at the west end of Market Street, on the south side of the street; long chamber with two fireplaces, two large closets and two doors" [ 99 ]. Congress met there from December 20, 1776 until February 27, 1777 for which it paid a rent of £60. Thus Old Congress Hall served as the third, and as one of only thirteen capitols of the United States.

John Thomas Scharf gives another description of the meeting place [ 100 ].

At the date of the Revolution, Market Street, now Baltimore, offered to view a respectable thoroughfare, along which a double line of houses straggled as far as the southeast corner on Market, now Baltimore, and Liberty Streets, where Mr. Jacob Fite had built a house, sufficiently large to accommodate the Continental Congress, which held its sessions therein December, 1776. This house, being then the farthest west, and one of the largest in the town, was called, for a long time, Congress Hall.

This final description comes from Henry Fite's probate records [101]

A three-story and attic brick house, of about 92 feet front on Market Street, by about 50 or 55 feet depth on the side streets, with cellar under the whole; having 14 rooms, exclusive of kitchen, wash-house and other out-buildings, including a stable for 30 horses.

Subsequently, from 1815 to 1836, George Peabody of the Peabody Institute rented it for his dry goods store. In 1860 it was burned to the ground in The Great Fire.

Alexander Forsyth placed another interesting advertisement on June 6, 1788 [102] in which he charges the public a small fee to see a real live moose. In this ad, he is again found as the proprietor of Castle Inn. We can only assume from this that he was running two taverns simultaneously.

The CURIOUS are respectfully informed, there is just brought to Town, and to be seen at any hour, at Mr. ALEXANDER FORSYTH's, at Castle-Inn, in Gay-Street,

A WILD BEAST, Called
A MOOSE.

This curious and extraordinary animal is thought to be the greatest curios?? of any of the quadrupeds.--It is 17 hands high, well proportioned, of a grayish colour, and trots remarkably swift----Those Ladies and Gentlemen, who would wish to satisfy their curiosity, are requested to call before the 14th instant, as after that day it will not be seen in this place.

Price to grown persons, Nine-Pence each; children Four Pence; and a reasonable allowance to those who come in companies.

Baltimore, June 6, 1788."

In late December of 1789 [103], Alexander Forsyth placed another advertisement requesting that the owner of a stray mare that was delivered to his stables come and claim same. He only refers to his location as the "Subscriber's Stables", which would indicate that his location, and therefore he, was well enough known that he did not need to specify it. Many of the taverns and inns at that time had attached stables to serve their customers.

A small stray bay MARE.

Brought to the Subscriber's Stables, as a Stray, on the 24th Instant, a small bay MARE, with a black Mane and Tail, a Star and Snip, and one white Spot under the Saddle--Her Age is not known. The Owner is desired to come, prove Property, pay Charges, and take her away.

ALEXANDER FORSYTH.

Baltimore, December 29, 1789

On February 25, 1790 [104], Alexander Forsyth is found in the Federal census records for Baltimore Town (no boundaries are given). He was living with his wife (Rachel), and 1 son over 15 years of age (Isaac), 4 sons under 16 years of age (John, William, Alexander Jr. and Elijah), 3 daughters (Rachel, Jane and Mary) and 1 slave. Census takers usually gathered their data by going door to door. If no one answered they were supposed to go back, this often did not happen. The names found in the 1790 census were generally, therefore, in the order of their addresses. By comparing the names found in the 1790 census with those found in the 1796 Baltimore City directory [105], we can get a general sense as to where he was living in 1790. The best I can figure, is that he probably lived on North Howard Street south of Saratoga Street and probably at one of the addresses ranging between 40 and 70. The below image has been altered for clarity.

Alexander Forsyth was taxed [106] in Baltimore for tavern licenses in 1789 and 1792, and granted a tavern license in 1795. In 1791, his tavern license was insolvent. On March 23, 1792 [107] he got into a bit of trouble selling rum without a license.

The Petition of Alexander Forsyth of Baltimore County being laid before the Board stating that he had taken out licence as an Innkeeper for several years past, but had neglected to renew them at August term last, as he intended to leave this State, but the Winter Season setting in so severe he was prevented, and at January term last he [p. 47] was presented and fined by the Justices of Baltimore County Court of Oyer and Terminer and Goal delivery for selling one gill of Rum, Six hundred pounds of Tobacco and thirty shillings, that he has a large family of helpless Children, and from the severity of the Winter is rendered incapable of supporting them. A Certificate from the Clerk of the said Court of the fine, and a recommendation from three of the Justices of said Court accompanying the Petition, the Board in consideration of his poverty are of opinion that the said fine of Six hundred pounds of Tobacco and thirty shillings be remitted, and do accordingly order a remission of the same on the payment of all Costs arising thereon.

It is curious that he was considering leaving the state as he remained in Baltimore the rest of his life. His eldest son, Isaac, however, who married in Baltimore on December 22, 1792 [108], did return to Heidelberg, York County, Pennsylvania where he is found in 1793 [109], and remained there until he moved to Kentucky in the winter of 1805 [110].

Alexander is next seen on August 16, 1794 [111] when he leased land from John E. Howard for the annual rent of £28.2.6. It was filed the following day. and recorded on February 5, 1795. The leased property was undeveloped land and was located at the northeast corner of Howard St. and Mulberry St., and backed to Lerew Alley. The property on Howard St., was 150 feet wide, 167 feet deep. The property was originally part of a tract of land called Lun's Lot. Today, the corner of Howard and Mulberry is the location of the Downtown Cultural Arts Center and its address is 401 N. Howard St. Lerew Alley no longer exists. We know from recorded leases that he relet the upper portion of this property leaving him a 50 foot frontage on the corner on which he erected a two story structure and detached kitchen. It is possible that he converted this into a tavern as it is later known to have served as one, however he did still have 7 children living at home and there is evidence that he was the proprietor of another tavern one block north of where he lived. He possibly moved his family to this location and built a home so that he would be nearby that tavern.

             167'
H S       -------------  L A
o t       |           |  e l
w r  150' |           |  r l - Alexander Forsyth (104 N. Howard Street)
a e       |           |  e e
r e       |           |  w y
d t       -------------
           Mulberry
            Street

This Indenture made this sixteenth day of August Seventeen hundred and ninety four Between John Eager Howard of Baltimore County Gentleman of the one part and Alexander Forsyth of the same County Tavern keeper of the other part witnesseth that the said John Eager Howard for and in consideration of the payment of the rents and performance of the Covenants herein after mentioned on the part of the Said Alexander Forsythe and his assigns to be paid and performed hath demised granted Leased and to farm letten and by these presents Doth demise grant Lease and to farm let unto the said Alexander Forsythe his Executors administrators and assigns all that piece or parcel of ground lying in Baltimore County and near to Baltimore Town which is Contained within the following metes and bounds being part of a Tract of Land Called Luns Lot -

Beginning for the said piece or parcel of Ground on the East Side of Howard Street Continued and on the north side of a new street Called Mulberry Street and at the Entersection of said Streets and runing north binding on Howard Street Continued one hundred and fifty feet thence East one hundred and Sixty seven feet to Lerew Alley thence South binding on Said alley one hundred and fifty feet to Mulberry Street thence West binding on Said Street to the beginning Together with all Improvements thereon made Lanes alleys ways waters previliges Easements Emoluments and advantages to the Said piece or parcel of Ground belonging or in any wise appertaining To have and To Hold the Said piece or parcel of Ground and Premises with their and every of their appurtenances unto the said Alexander Forsyth his Executors administrators and assigns from the day next before the day of the date of these presents for and during and until the full end and Term of ninety nine Years from thence next ensuing fully to be Complete and ended Yielding and paying therefore to the Said John Eager Howard his heirs and assigns the yearly rent or sum of Twenty Eight pounds Two Shillings and Six pence in half Johannes at Three pounds each and mexican Dollars at Seven Shillings and Six pence each on the first day of September in each and every year during the Continuance of this present and if it shall happen that the said yearly rent or sum of Twenty Eight pounds two Shillings and Six pence shall be in arrear and unpaid by the Space of Sixty days next after the time on which the same is above reserved to be paid the same being first lawfully demanded that then it shall and may be lawful to and for the Said John Eager Howard his heirs or assigns into the Said demised premises or any part thereof in the name of the whole to reenter and the same to have again repossess occupy and enjoy as in his or their former Estate until all such arrearages of rent with legal interest therefore and all and every cost charge and Expence incurred by the Said John Eager Howard his heirs or assigns by reason of the nonpayment of the said rent shall be fully satisfied and paid or make distress therefore at his or their option and also if the yearly rent or sum of Twenty Eight pounds two Shillings and Six pence shall be in arrear and unpaid by the space of one whole year next after the time on which the same is above reserved to be paid the same being first lawfully demanded that then it shall and may be lawful to and for the Said John Eager Howard his heirs or assigns into the said demised premises or any part thereof in the name of the whole to reenter and the same to have again repossess occupy and Enjoy as in his or their former Estate and that then and in such case this Indenture and every clause matter and thing therein Contained shall from thenceforth be utterly void and of none effect and the Said Alexander Forsythe for himself his heirs Executors administrators and assigns doth Covenant and agree to and with the said John Eager Howard his heirs and assigns well and truly to pay the above reserved yearly rent or sum of Twenty Eight pounds two Shillings and Six pence at the time above limited for the payment of the same: and the Said John Eager Howard for himself his heirs and assigns doth hereby Covenant and agree to and with the said Alexander Forsyth and his assigns that he the Said Alexander Forsyth and his assigns on the payment of the rent and performance of the Covenants herein before mentioned are reserved on the part of the Said Alexander Forsyth and his assigns to be paid and performed shall and may peaceably and quietly have hold use occupy possess and enjoy the above demised Land and Premises for and during the aforesaid Term of Ninety nine years for which the same is above demised without the Lot Trouble or Interruption of him the Said John Eager Howard his heirs or assigns or any other person or persons claiming anything therein by from or under him them or any of them or by his or their prively or procuerment and also that the Said John Eager Howard his heirs and assigns at any time or times hereafter at the Cost and charge of him the Said Alexander Forsyth and his asssigns and on his or their payment or tendering in payment the sum of Twenty Eight pounds two Shillings and Six pence in like money as aforesaid as a fine therefore to the Said John Eager Howard his heirs and assigns make and Execute or cause to be made or Executred a new Lease of the above demised Land and premises for other ninety nine years to Commence and take Effect from and under the like Covenants Clauses and agreements as are herein before mentioned so that this present demise may be renewable and renewed forever In Witness whereof the parties hereto have set their hands and affixed their seals the day and year first above written.

J E Howard (seal),
Alexr Forsith (seal).

Signed Sealed and Delivered in presence of Jas. Calhoun. Ge. Salmon-- Baltimore County to wit on the Sixteenth day of August Seventeen hundred and ninety four Came before us the Subscribers two of the Justices of the peace in and for the County aforesaid the within named John Eager Howard and Alexander Forsythe who severally acknowledged the within Instrument of writing to be their respective act and Deed according to the true intent and meaning thereof acknowledged before.

In 1795 [112], Alexander Forsyth was granted a tavern license. It is not known which tavern this was for. This is the last reference associating Alexander Forsyth with inn keeping until 1822 [113] and 1827 [114] when he is listed in the city directories as a 'victualler', In 1804 [115], however, he was listed as a 'trader'.

In 1796 [116], the first city directory for Baltimore and Fells Point was published by Thomas and Walker. The names of the residents were listed alphabetically, no businesses were listed. Here we first see the address for the Howard St. lease, and Alexander's profession is listed as "inn keeper".

Forsyth, Alexander, Inn Keeper, 104, No. Howard st.

In the "History of Baltimore City and County [127]", 1881, page 513-517, John Scharf stated the following in the chapter on Inns, Taverns, and Hotels

In the first directory of Baltimore, published in 1796, which contains only 3240 names, there are, including two coffee-houses and one cook-shop, the names and sites of ninety-eight taverns and inns.

The directory of 1796 shows us that in that year the "Golden Horse," kept by W. Forsyth, was in existence

Firstly, the 1796 directory [128] does not list the names of any inns or taverns. Scharf must have gotten his information from some other source. Secondly, it does not mention the Golden Horse or W. Forsyth. As for W. Forsyth, the only Forsyth found in the actual 1796 directory is Alexander Forsyth, who was listed as an inn keeper. Alexander's son, William (the only one that begins with a 'W') would have only been about 16 years old. The earliest land record for the property that I could find is dated April 2, 1782 when Ruth Howard, the widow of Cornelius Howard gifted Lun's Lot to her son, John Eager Howard [ 129 ]. The next land record is dated December 5, 1801, when John Eager Howard leased the north west corner of Howard and Franklin as farmland to Frederick Sumwald and George Freener (or Fringer) for 15 years [ 130 ]. It is apparent from the lease that there was no tavern located on the premises at that time. Neither Sumwald of Freener are found in the city directory for 1803. In 1810 and 1812, Sumwald is listed as a superintendent of pumps at the corner of N. Liberty and Conowago Sts. By 1814, Sumwald is no longer found and someone else is the superintendent of pumps. Fifteen months after the lease ran out, on March 1, 1818, John Eager Howard gifted the corner lot and larger surrounding area to his son Benjamin Chew Howard with all existing structures [ 131 ], implying that a home or possibly a tavern had already been erected. No intervening lease has been found.

The first actual reference to the Golden Horse Tavern that I have been able to find on March 5, 1813 [132] when Patrick Carroll advertises

Planting Potatoes. The subscriber offers for Sale, at his Store in North-Howard street, directly opposite the Golden Horse Tavern, No. 125--

In 1813, William Forsyth would have been old enough to have been it proprietor. His father, grandfather and brother were all inn keepers so he probably had the opportunity, however I've never found any source that would confirm this, so it still unclear where Scharf got his misinformation. The first confirmed proprietor is Jacob Merkle found in the 1814, 1817, and 1822 Baltimore City Directories as

proprietor of the Golden Horse, tavern, NW corner of Howard and Franklin.

The Golden Horse was run by a long list of proprietors and along the way had its name changed to the Franklin House, the Delphey House, the Franklin House again, the Academy Hotel and the New Academy Hotel. It currently sits abandoned and suffered a devastating fire in September of 2014. It still stands and is designated one of Baltimore's historic buildings.

On February 7, 1797 [133], Alexander Forsyth sublet one third of his Howard Street lease to Caleb Hewitt for an annual rent of £9.7.6 and a leasing fee of 5 shillings. It was filed 10 days later, and recorded on March 21, 1797. Caleb Hewitt was town commissioner from October 14, 1796 to March 11, 1797. This period covers the time this lease was transferred. Mr. Hewitt is found in the Baltimore City directories as a tobacconist living at 226 Baltimore Street in 1796, 1799, 1800, 1803 and 1804. In 1802 he is listed at North Liberty Street. In 1801, George Peters is stated as living on this lot - no lease was found.

             167'
H S       -------------  L A
o t   50' |           |  e l - Caleb Hewitt
w r       -------------  r l
a e       |           |  e e
r e  100' |           |  w y - Alexander Forsyth (104 N. Howard Street)
d t       -------------
           Mulberry
            Street

This Indenture made the seventh day of February Seventeen hundred and ninety seven Between Alexander Forsyth of Baltimore County in the State of Maryland Tavern Keeper of the one part and Caleb Hewitt of the City of Baltimore State aforesaid Tobacconist of the other part Whereas John Eager Howard by his Indenture bearing date the sixteenth day of August seventeen hundred and ninety for did Demise grant least and to farm let unto the said Alexander Forsyth his Executors administrators and assigns all that piece or parcel of Ground lying in Baltimore County and near to Baltimore Town which is contained within the following metes and bounds being part of a Tract of Land called Luns Lot Beginning for the said piece or parcel of Ground on the east side of Howard Street Continued and on the north side of a new street called Mulberry Street and at the intersection of said streets and running north binding on Howard street continued one hundred and fifty feet thence east one Hundred and sixty seven feet to lerew alley thence south binding on said alley one hundred and fifty feet to Mulberry street thence west binding on said street to the Beginning To hold to the said Alexander Forsyth his executors, administrators and assigns from the Day next before the day of the date thereof for and during and until the full end and term of ninety nine years from thence next ensuing fully to be complete and ended Subject to the Payment of the rent and performance of the covenants on the days and times and in manner as therein mentioned which said least was duly Recorded among the Records of Baltimore County in Liber WG QQ folio 83 etc. reference thereto being had may and will more fully and at large appear Now this Indenture Witnesseth that the said Alexander Forsyth for and in consideration of the sum of five shilings Current money in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and also the yearly rent hereafter mentioned Doth bargain sell assign transfer and set over unto the said Caleb Hewitt his Executors administrators and assigns all the part of the said piece or parcel of Ground before described which is contained within the following metes and bounds courses and distances Viz: Beginning for the same on the east side of Howard Street continued and at the distance of one hundred feet north from the intersection of said street with Mulberry Street and running thence north binding on Howard Street continued Fifty feet thence east one hundred and sixty seven feet to lerew alley thence south binding on said alley Fifty feet thence west one hundred and sixty seven feet to the place of beginning Together with all improvements thereon made and all priviledges and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining To have and to hold the said piece or parcel of Ground herein before last Described and hereby intended to be conveyed unto the said Caleb Hewitt his Executors administrators and assigns from the day of the date of these presents for and during all the rest residue and remainder of the term of ninety nine years granted by the lease before recited now to come and unexpired with benefit of renewment from time to time forever as therein mentioned yeilding and paying therefore yearly and every year unto the said Alexander Forsyth his Executors administrators and assigns the yearly rent or sum of nine pounds seven shillings and six pence Current money of Maryland on the first day of September in each and every year the first payment thereof to begin and be made on the first day of September next ensuing the date of these presents And the said Caleb Hewitt for himself his Executors administrators and assigns doth covenant promise and agree that he will well and truly pay the said yearly rent of nine pounds seven shillings and six pence current money on the days and times and in manner before mentioned in Witness whereof the said parties have hereto set their hands and affixed their seals the day and year first above written.

Alexander Forsyth (seal)

Caleb Hewitt (seal)

Signed Sealed and Delivered in the presence of the words "With benefit of renewment from time to time for ever as therein mentioned" being first interlined between the twentieth and twenty first lines of the second side or Page.

Baltimore County SS. On the seventh day of February seventeen hundred and ninety seven personally appeared Alexander Forsyth and Caleb Hewitt parties to the aforegoing assignment of instrument of Writing before us two of the Justices of the Peace for the county aforesaid and acknowledged the same to be their respective act and Deed

On 9 July 1798 [ 134 ] the United States Congress passed legislation that created the first federal property tax levied on U. S. citizens

To provide for the valuation of lands and dwelling houses and the enumeration of slaves within the United States. The legislation, which divided each state into districts, established seven districts for Maryland. The assessors compiled a list of houses, land, and slaves as of 1 October 1798, which they then evaluated and assessed. A second act passed on 14 July 1798 provided a set formula for assessing the value of property. For example, for lots of two acres or less, with dwellings and out buildings valued between $100 and $500, the legislation set the assessment at a sum equal to .02 percent of the total value. The assessment rate increased proportionately as the value of a property owner's land and buildings increased, reaching a maximum of 1 percent for the most expensive properties. The act also set the assessment for each enslaved person at $.50. The initial legislation called for enumeration of the windows (with their measurements) in all buildings and measurements for the buildings themselves. Subsequent legislation repealed this requirement but, fortunately for future researchers, many of the surviving records include those measurements. The assessors compiled two types of lists. The general lists covered the entire county and contained less detail, while the particular lists covered each hundred (a colonial and early national county subdivision) with considerable detail. The Federal Direct Tax lists provide a resource of immense value for genealogists, historians, and other researchers. The tax lists can be used as a proxy for the census in areas of Maryland for which the 1800 United States Census has been lost.

Alexander Forsyth is found enumerated in the Federal Tax List for the year 1798 where he is shown in the Particular assessment [135] being taxed for a one-story wood frame kitchen that was 12 x 16 feet and 1/2 acre of land together valued at $256.67. He was also taxed for a two-story brick home that was 24 x 32 feet and 6750 square feet of land together valued at $2000. In the General assessment [136] he is shown living in Precinct 5 and although the size of his lots remain the same, the valuation is shown as $523.34 and $4000 repectfully. He is listed a second time in 1801 Balanced of Direct Tax Due and Uncollected [137]. The images have been reformatted to save space.

The second Baltimore City Directory [138] was published in 1799. The names were again listed alphabetically and Alexander Forsyth was enumerated on Howard St. No businesses appear to be listed.

Forsyth, Alexander, 104, Howard st.

In 1800 [139], the third Baltimore City Directory was published. The names were again listed alphabetically, but this time Alexander Forsyth was enumerated on Green St.

Forsyth, Alexander, Green st. (town)

On April 1, 1801 [140], Alexander Forsyth sublet his lease again, this time to Conrad Sherman who leased one half of the remaining 100 foot frontage for the annual rent of £9.7.6, which was exactly the same as what he charged Caleb Hewitt, but instead of a 5 shilling leasing fee, Conrad Sherman paid $2000. The assignment states that the plot to the north of Sherman's is occupied by George Peters. He must have been subletting the plot from Caleb Hewitt, because it wasn't until several months later [141] that Caleb Hewitt officially leased a portion of that plot to George Peters.

              167'
          -------------
          |           |
H S   50' |           |  L A  - Caleb Hewitt (George Peters)
o t       -------------  e l
w r       |           |  r l
a e   50' |           |  e e  - Conrad Sherman
r e       -------------  w y
d t       |           |
      50' |           |       - Alexander Forsyth (104 N. Howard Street)
          -------------
           Mulberry
            Street

This Indenture made this twenty first day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and one Between Alexander Forsyth of Baltimore County of the one part and Conrod Sherman of Yorks County in the state of Pennsylvania of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Alexander Forsyth for and in Consideration of the sum of Two thousand Dollars current money of the United States to him in hand paid by the said Conrod Sherman before the ensealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath granted bargained sold assigned Transferred and set over and by these presents Doth grant bargain sell assign Transfer and set over unto the said Conrod Sherman his executors administrators and assigns all that piece and parcel of ground lying in the City of Baltimore which is contained within the following metes and bounds to wit: Beginning for the same on the east side of Howard Street at the South west corner of a piece of ground heretofore sold by the Said Forsyth to Caleb Hewit and now in the Possession of George Peters being about one hundred Feet from the corner or Intersection of Howard and Mulberry Streets and running thence South binding on Howard Street fifty feet thence east one hundred and Sixty Seven feet to Lerews alley thence north binding on said alley fifty feet to the said Hewits Lot thence west binding thereon to the Beginning being part of the ground heretofore Demised and leased to the said Forsyth by John Eager Howard by Indenture bearing date the sixteenth day of August seventeen hundered and ninety four and recorded among the Land records of Baltimore County Court in Liber WG. no QQ folio 83 &c together with the priviledges and apputerances thereunto belonging and all the estate right title Interest term of Years to Come property claim and Demand whatsoever either at Law or in equity of him the said piece or parcel of ground and premises with the apputerances unto the said Conrod Sherman his executors administrators and assigns for and During all the rest residue and remainder of the Term of ninety nine years therein yet to come and unexpired with the Benefit of renewment for ever in as full Large ample and Beneficial manner to all intents and purposes whatsoever as he the said Alexander Forsyth might or could have held and enjoyed the same by any ways or means whatsoever Subject nevertheless to the payment of the yearly rent or sum of nine pounds seven shillings and sixpence in half Johannes at three pounds each and mexican Dollars at Seven Shillings and sixpence each to the said Alexander Forsyth or such other person or persons or shall be Lawfully authorized to receive the same on the first day of September In each and every Year and the said Alexander Forsyth for himself his heirs Executors and administrators doth hereby covenant and agree to an with the said Conrod Sherman his executors Administrators and assigns that he the said Alexander Forsyth hath not at any time heretofore made done suffered or committed any act matter or thing whatsoever whereby the said piece or parcel of ground and premises is shall or may be charged impeached or otherwise incumbered, and that he the said Conrod Sherman or his executors administrators and assigns on payment of the said Yearly rent shall and may peaceably and quietly have hold use occupy possess and enjoy the said piece or parcel of ground and premises without the let said trouble or Interuption of the said Alexander Forsyth or any other person or persons claiming by from or under him. In witness whereof the said Alexander Forsyth hath hereto set his hand and seal the day and year first above written - Alexander Forsyth {seal}

Signed Sealed and Delivered in the presence of Owen Dorsey John Moale

Received of Conrod Sherman the sum of Two thousand Dollars Current money being the consideration before mentioned

Alexander Forsyth
Baltimore County SS on the twenty first day of April 1801 Came Alexander Forsyth before the subscribers two Justices of the peace for said County and acknowledged the aforegoing instrument of writing to be his act and Deed according to the true intent and meaning thereof

On September 29, 1803 [142], Rev. John Tessier sublet Alexander Forsyth a lot on the corner of Morris Street and Turnpike Road for an annual rent of $106 and a leasing fee of 5 shillings. The lot had previously been refered to as Nagot's land and was in the Chatsworth Tract. Turnpike Road would go through several name changes, including Hookstown Road, Reisterstown Road and finally, Pennsylvania Avenue. It was also the main road leading south into Baltimore from Pennsylvania and was likely the road Alexander Forsyth travelled when he first entered the city. The corner lot he leased is located on a triangle known today as St. Mary's Park.

       Morris
       Street
T   -------------
u   |    120'   |
r R |           |
n o |           |
p a | 136'      | 144'
i d |           |
k   |           |
e   -------------
         120'

This Indenture made this twenty ninth day of September one thousand eight hundred and three between John Tessier of Baltimore County of the one part and Alexander Forsythe of the same county of the other part Witnesseth that the said John Tessier in consideration of the sum of five shillings to him paid by the said Alexander Forsythe and in consideration of the payments of the rents and performance of the covenants hereinafter mentioned on the part of the said Alexander Forsythe his Executors administrators and assigns to be paid and performed hath demised granted assigned transferred and set over and by the presents doth demise grant assign transfer and set over unto the said Alexander Forsythe his Executors administrators and assigns all that lot or parcel of ground distinguished on the plat of the said Nagat's land by the number eleven the same being part of a Tract of land called Chatsworth -

Beginning for the same at the corner or intersection of Morris Street and the Turnpike road and running thence binding on Morris Street one hundred and twenty feet thence Southerly paralel with the Turnpike Road one hundred and forty four feet thence westerly one hundred and twenty feet to the Turnpike road thence northerly binding on the Turnpike road one hundred and thity six feet to the beginning Together with all improvements thereon made lanes alleys ways waters privileges easments emotuments and advantages to the said lot of ground belonging or in any wise appertaining - To have and to hold the said Lot of ground and premises with their and any of their appurtenances unto the said Alexander Forsythe his Executors administrators and assigns for and during all of the rest residue and remainder of the term of years therein yet unexpired with the benefit of renewal forever Yielding and paying therefor to the said John Tessier his Executors administrators and assigns the yearly rent or sum of one hundred and six dollars money of the united States on the first day of April in each and every year during the continuance of this present assignment over and above all taxes and assignments whatsoever - And if it shall happen that the said yearly rent or sum of one hundred and six dollars shall be in arrear and unpaid by the space of sixty days next after the time on which the same is above reserved to be paid the same being first lawfully demanded; that then it shall and may be lawful to and for the said John Tessier his Executors administrators or assigns into the said demised premises or any part thereof in the name of the whole to reenter and the same to have again repossess occupy and enjoy as in his or their former estate untill all such arrearages of rent with legal interest there for and all and every cost charge and expence incurred by the said John Tessier his Executors administrators or assigns by reason of the nonpayment of the said rent shall be fully satisfied and paid; or make distress therefore at his or their option

And also if the yearly rent or sum of one hundred and six dollars shall be in arrear and unpaid by the space of one whole year next after the time on which the same is above reserved to be paid the same being first lawfully demanded that then it shall and may be lawful to and for the said John Tessier his Executors administrators or assigns into the said demised premises or any part thereof in the name of the whole to reenter and the same to have again reposses occupy and enjoy as in his or their former Estate and that their and in such case this Indenture and way clause matter and thing therein contained shall from thenceforth be utterly void and of none effect -

And the said Alexander Forsythe for himself his Executors administrators and assigns doth covenant and agree to and with the said John Tessier his Executors administrators and assigns will and truly to pay the above reserved yearly rent or sum of one hundred and six dollars at the time above limited for the payment of the same - and the said John Tessier for himself his Executors administrators and assigns doth hereby covenant and agree (to) to and with the said Alexander Forsythe his Executors administrators and assigns that he the said Alexander Forsythe his Executors administrators and assigns on the payment of the rents and performance of the covenants herein mentioned and reserved on the part of the said alexander Forsythe his Executors administrators and assigns to be paid and performed shall and may peaceably and quietly have hold use occupy possess and enjoy the above demised land and premises with their and every of their appurtenances for and during the residue of the term of years for which the same was originally demised without the let trouble or interruption of the said John Tessier his Executors administrators and assigns or any other person or persons claiming any thing herein by from or under him them or any of them or by his or their penalty or procurement -

In witness whereof the parties hereto have set their hands and seals the day and year first above written -

John Tessier {seal}
Alexander Forsythe {seal}

Signed Sealed and delivered in the presence of Owen Dorsey Wm Russell

Baltimore County SS On the twenty ninth day of September 1803 John Tessier and Alexander Forsythe came before the subscribers two Justices of the peace for said County and acknowledged the within instrument of writing to be his act and Deed according to the true intent and meaning thereof

The St. Mary's Spiritual Center & Historic Site website gives this brief history of St. Mary's Park.

In 1790, Bishop John Carroll invited the Society of St. Sulpice to come to the city of Baltimore and found the nation's first Roman Catholic Seminary. The invitation was accepted, and in 1791 Sulpician Father François Charles Nagot, S.S., led the first band of Sulpicians from France to America, founding St. Mary's Seminary. Fr. Nagot served as superior of the site until 1810. Fr. Nagot is buried in the Historic Seminary Chapel. ... The Sulpician Fathers gifted the majority of the seminary campus on Paca Street to the City of Baltimore for a public park. St. Mary's Park is now enjoyed as the centerpiece of the Seton Hill neighborhood. ... The former One Mile Tavern housed the seminary for the first 87 years of its history. A larger and grander building was dedicated in 1878.

The 1822 map of Baltimore (detail shown) is the first map the shows in detail the location of St. Mary's. In the detail image the seminary is located on the triangular wedge in the center. By 1822, Morris Street had been renamed to St. Mary's Street. Alexander Forsyth's lot was therefore located at the western most point of the grounds, though no buildings are shown on the map. The chapel is shown along with what were probably living quarters and several outbuildings. The chapel is probably therefore the original location of One Mile Tavern. This map also includes the North-East corner of Howard & Mulberry Streets (104 N. Howard St.) where Alexander Forsyth still leased a lot and the South-west corner of Howard & Franklin Streets where the Golden Horse Tavern was located. You can also see where Green Street dead ends at the very end of Pennsylvania Avenue, which runs alongside the western side of St. Mary's.

The 1836 map is identical to the 1822 map except that is says "College" across the face of St. Mary's Park.

In the 1804 map of Baltimore (not shown), the entire North West portion of the town North of Saratoga Street, lies beneath the map's legend, which lists 14 churches, church houses, and church yards; St. Mary's seminary is not among them. The earliest map of Baltimore that includes these Western Precincts is from 1792, one year after the seminary was established. In the detail shown, the triangular section where the St. Mary's stood is drawn in outline as part of the city plan. In the plan, Paca Street did not yet extend northward dividing the grounds in two. The location of the tavern can be seen. Franlkin Street and Mulberry Street did not yet exist at that time.

It is not until the 1851 map of Baltimore that we see the building on the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and St. Mary's Street, that Alexander Forsyth leased from the seminary. We can also see the buildings at the corners of Howard Street and Franklin, and Howard Street and Mulberry. Howard Street is the one shown with a rail line running up and down its length.

This detail from the 1869 bird's eye view of Baltimore shows St. Mary's alongwith Alexander Forsyth's row house located on the westernmost corner. This map was drawn 40 years after his death, so it is not known how accurate a picture it paints. Today the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and St. Mary's Street has an address of 595 St. Mary's Street and is a parking lot adjacent to what is now the Charles R. Uncles Senior Plaza, but in 1893 was St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Seminary.

Lastly, this map of Hookstown Road, referred to in the map as Hanover Turnpike, runs directly from the Pennsylvania border at the top of the map through Reisters Town and Hooks Town before coming to an end at St. Mary's.

The 1804 Baltimore city directory [143] was published by Warner & Hannah. The catalogue was listed by road, and presumably in address order. In it, Alexander Forsyth is listed as a trader and was living on Hookstown road next to the French seminary. The Rev. John Tessier is listed as the seminary's director. (Alexander is missing from the 1803 directory and I do not have access to the 1802 directory.)

Hooks-Town Road

Jocob Kuhns, store-keeper
George Weise, painter, &c.
Alexander Forsyth, trader
Morris Street
Madame Berquin, gentlewoman
Rev. Wm. Du Bourg, president of the French college
Rev. Peter Babade, \ professors in the French college
Rev. Bened. Flaget, |
Rev. M. Paquiet, /
Mr. De Chevigne, \ professors in mathematics in ditto
Mr. C. Shewartz, /
Rev. F. C. Nagot, superintendant of the French seminary
Rev. J. Tessier, director of the French seminary

On October 11, 1805 [144], Alexander Forsyth surrenders his lease on Turnpike Road back to the Rev. John Tessier. On the following day he re-leases a smaller portion at a reduced price.

This Indenture made this Eleventh day of October Eighteen hundred and five Between Alexander Forsythe of Baltimore County of the one part and John Tessier of the same County of the other part; Witnesseth that the said Alexander Forsythe in consideration of the sum of five shillings to him paid by the said John Tessier, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath granted sold assigned surrendered and yielded up and by the presents doth grant sell assign surrender, and yield up unto the said John Tessier his Executors administrators and assigns all and singular that piece or parcel of ground heretofire assigned & leased to the said Forsythe by the said John Tessier by Indenture bearing date the twenty ninth day of September Eighteen hundred and three, and recorded among the Land records of Baltimore County Court in Libre W.G. n'o 77, folio 564 &c. and all the Estate and term of years of him the said Forsythe therein or thereto To have and To hold the same to the said John Tessier his Executors administrators and assigns in as full & ample manner as he the said Forsythe might or could have held and enjoyed the same In witness whereof the parties hereto have set their hands and seals the day and year first above written -

Alexander Forsyth {seal}
John Tessier {seal}

Signed Sealed and Delivered in the Presence of Owen Dorsey Arch Dorsey

Baltimore County SS On the 11th day of October 1805 came Alexander Forsyth (and) and John Tessier before us, and acknowledged the aforegoing Instrument of writing to be their act & Deed

The next day on October 12, 1805 [145], Alexander Forsyth re-leases his slightly smaller lot on Turnpike Road back from the Rev. John Tessier. The new allotment stripped the rear 17 feet (opposite Turnpike Road) and was less expensive, $80 vs. $106, than the one he had surrendered the day before. The lease does not specify why the change was made, but it may have been to install an alley for access to interior of St. Mary's Park. It could also be that Tessier needed the land for his expanding Catholic Seminary.

       Morris
       Street
T   --------------------
u   |    103'   |  17' |
r R |           |      
n o |           |      
p a | 136'      | 
i d |           |      
k   |           |      |  
e   --------------------
          \         \
      Alexander   John
      Forsythe   Tessier

this Indenture made this Twelfth day of October one Thousand Eight Hundred and five between John Tessier of Baltimore County of the one part, and Alexander Forsythe of the same County of the other part, Witnesseth that the said John Tessier in consideration of the sum of five shillings to him paid by the said Alexander Forsythe and in consideration of the payment of the rents, and performance of the covenants, herin after mentioned, on the part of the said Alexander Forsythe his Executors administrators and assigns to be paid and performed hath demised granted assigned transferred and set over, and by the presents doth, demise, grant, assign, transfer and set over unto the said Alexander Forsythe his Executors administrators and assigns all that Lot or parcel of ground distinguished on the plat by the number Eleven the same being, part of a Tract of Land called Chatsworth, Beginning for the same at the corner or Intersection of Morris Street and the Turnpike road and running thence binding on Morris Street, One hundred and three feet thence Southerly paralel with the Turnpike road one hundred and thirty six feet to the line of George Weises Lot thence westerly one Hundred and three feet to the Turnpike road, thence northerly binding on the said Road one hundred and thirty six feet to the beginning. Together with all improvements thereon made, lanes, alleys, ways, waters, privileges, easments, emotuments and advantages to the said Lot of ground belonging or in any wise appertaining. To have and to hold the said Lot of ground and premises, with their and every their appurtenances unto the said Alexander Forsyth his executors administrators and assigns, for and during all of the rest, residue and remainder of the term of years, therein yit to come and unexpired by virtue of the original lease with the benefit of renewal forever, Yielding and paying therefor, to the said John Tessier his Executors, administrators and assigns, the yearly rent or sum of Eighty Dollars current money of the United States, on the first day of April in each and every year during, the continuance of this present assignment, clear of all taxes whatsoever, and if it shall happen that the said yealy rent or sum of Eighty dollars shall be in arrear and unpaid in the space of Sixty Days, next after the time on which the same is above reserved to be paid, the same being first lawfully demanded that then it shall and may be lawful to and for the said John Tessier his Executors administrators or assigns into the said demised premises or any part thereof in the name of the whole to reenter and the same to have again repossess occupy and enjoy as in his former Estate, until all such arrearages of (rent) rent, with legal interest therefor, and all and every cost, charge and expence incurred, by the said John Tessier his Executors, administrators or assigns, by reason of the non payment of the said rent, shall be fully satisfied and paid; or make distress therefor at his or their option -

And also if the yearly rent or sum of Eighty Dollars, shall be in arrear and unpaid by the space of one whole year, next after the time on which the same is above reserved to be paid, the same being first lawfully demanded, that then it shall and may be lawful, to and for the said John Tessier, his Executors, administrators or assigns into the said demised premises, or any part thereof in the name of the whole to reenter and the same to have again, reposses occupy and enjoy as in his or their former Estate, and that then and in such case, this Indenture and every clause matter and thing therein contained shall from thenceforth be utterly void and of none effect. And the said Alexander Forsythe for himself, Executors administrators and assigns doth covenant and agree to and with the said John Tessier his Executors, administrators and assigns, well and truly to pay the above reserved yearly rent or sum of Eighty Dollars, at the time above limited for the payment of the same and the said John Tessier for himself his Executors, administrators and assigns, doth hereby covenant and agree, to and with the said Alexander Forsythe his Executors administrators and assigns, that the said Alexander Forsythe his Executors administrators and assigns on the payment of the rent, and performance of the covenants herein mentioned and reserved on the part of the said Forsythe his Executors administrators, and assigns to be paid and performed shall and may peaceably and quietly have, hold, use, occupy, possess, and enjoy the above demised Land and premises, with their and every of their appurtenances, for and during the residue of the term of years for which the same was originally demised, without the let trouble or interruption of the said John Tessier, Executors administrators and assigns or any other person or persons claiming any thing therein, by, from, or under him them, or any of them, or by his or their privity or procurement

In Witness whereof the parties hereto, have set their Hands & Seals the day and year first above written -

John Tessier {seal}
Alexander Forsyth {seal}

Baltimore County Ss, On the 12th day of October 1805 came John Tessier and Alexander Forsythe before the subscribers two Justices of the peace for said County and Severally acknowledged the within Instrument of writing to be their act & Deed according to the true intent and meaning thereof

Alexander Forsyth is next found in the 1807 Baltimore City Directory [146] still living on Hookstown Road. His son, William, is also listed living with Jacob Forsyth on nearby Eutaw Street. William Forsyth had leased lot #19 of Lun's Lot on the east side of Eutaw Street on August 29, 1803 from Thomas Connor. [ 147 ].

Forsyth Alexander, sen. Hookstown road
Forsyth Jacob, Eutaw, north of Franklin street
Forsyth Wm. do. do. do.

It is not known who Jacob Forsyth was. He is not found in any of the census records. He and Alexander Forsyth's eldest son, Isaac, were indicted in York County, Pennsylvania in 1796 [148] for Assault and Battery. The following year [149] he married Sarah Cooper in Baltimore so was probably born about 1775. Jacob and Sarah had 2 known sons, Job who was born about 1799 [150], and Jacob J. Forsyth who was listed in the 1827 Balitomire City Directory [151], so was probably born about 1806. In 1807 [152], he was living with another one of Alexander's sons, William. He died prior to 1822 [153] when his wife is listed as a widow in the city directory. He was undoubtedly related to the Alexander Forsyth's family, but since his children are not listed in Alexander Forsyth's will, we must assume he was not a son. It would seem possible, though speculative, that he was a nephew and the son of the Isaac Forsyth who was living near Alexander Forsyth in 1778 [154].

On June 4, 1807 [155], Alexander Forsyth advertised his Howard Street property for sale.

For Sale,

The HOUSE and LOT No. 104, North Howard-street. The House is built of brick two-stories high with a kitchen The Lot fronts 50 feet on Howard and 167 feet on Mulberry street, and is an excellent stand for business. Apply to

ALEXANDER FORSYTH
Near St. Mary's College

The advertisement must have worked, because he sold the lot on June 19, 1807 [156] to Patrick Dinsmore and James Moore, grocers.

This Indenture made this Nineteen day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight Hundred and seven between Alexander Forsyth of Baltimore County of the one part and Patrick Dinsmore and James Moore of the same County of the other part Whereas John Eager Howard by Indenture bearing date the Sixteenth day of August Seventeen Hundred and Ninety four for the consideration therein mentioned did demise grant land lease unto the said Alexander Forsyth his Executors administrators and assigns all that piece or parcel of ground lying in Baltimore County and near to Baltimore Town which is contained within the following metes and bounds being part of a Tract of Land called Luns Lot Beginning for the said piece or parcel of ground on the East side of Howard Street Continued and on the north side of a new street called Mulberry Street and at the intersection of said streets and running north binding on Howard Street Continued one hundred and fifty feet thence east one hundred and sixty seven feet to Lerews Alley thence south binding on said Alley One Hundred and Fifty Feet to Mulberry Street thence West binding on said street to the beginning apputerances thereunto belonging subject to the payment of the yearly rent or sum of Twenty Eight pounds two shillings and six pence current money may as long as the said Indenture recorded among the Land records of Baltimore County Court in Liber WG N'o QQ folio 83 &c relation being thereunto had more fully appears Now this Indenture Witness [?] that the said Alexander Forsyth for and in consideration of the sum of six thousand seven Hundred Dollars money of the united States to him in hand paid by the said Patrick Dinsmore Dinsmore and James Moore at or before the sealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath granted bargained sold Assigned Transferred and set over and by these presents doth grant bargain Sell assign Transfer and set over unto the said Patrick Dinsmore and James Moore their Executors Administrators and Assigns all that part of the above described piece or parcel of ground which is contained within the following metes and bounds courses and distances to Wit beginning for the part hereby granted at the intersection of Howard Street Continued and Mulberry Street and running thence North binding on Howard Street Continued fifty feet thence East One Hundred and Sixty Seven feet to Lerws Alley thence South binding on said alley fifty feet to Mulberry Street and thence West binding on same street to the beginning Together with the Buildings privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging and all the Estate right title Interest term of years to come property claims and demand either at law or in equity of the said Alexander Forsyth therein or thereto To Have and To Hold the same and every parcel and thereof unto the said Patrick Dinsmore and James Moore their Executors Administrators and Assigns for and during all the rest residue and remainder of the term of years therein yet to come and unexpired by virtue of the original lease thereof with the benefit of renewment forever in as full large ample and beneficial manner to all intents and purposes whatsoever as the said Alexander Forsyth might or could have held and enjoyed the same by any ways or means whatsoever subject nevertheless to the payment of the yearly rent or sum of twenty five Dollars lawful money of the United States and performance of the covenants in the said recited Indenture contained And the said Alexander Forsyth for himself his Heirs Executors and Administrators doth Covenant and agree to and with the said Patrick Dinsmore and James Moore their Executors Administrators and Assigns that he the said Alexander Forsyth hath not at any time heretofore made done suffered or committed any act matter or thing whatsoever whereby the said ground hereby granted and premises is shall as may be charged impeached or otherwise incumbered and that they the said Patrick Dinsmore and James Moore their Executors Administrators and Assigns on payment of the yearly rent aforsaid shall and may at all time hereafter peacefully and quietly have hold use occupy possess and enjoy the said ground hereby granted and promises with the appurtenances without the let suit trouble or Interruption of the said Alexander Forsyth or any other person or persons claiming any thing therein In Witness whereof the said Alexander Forsyth hath hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year first above written

Alexander Forsyth {seal}

Received of Patrick Dinsmore and James Moore the sum of six Thousand Seven Hundred being the consideration before mentioned to be paid by them to me

Alexander Forsyth
State of Maryland

Baltimore County to wit Be it remembered that on the nineteenth day of June Eighteen Hundred and seven personally appeared before us the Subscribers two Justices of the peace for the said County Alexander Forsyth and Acknowledged the within Indenture or Instrument of writing to be his act and Deed according to the true intent and meaning thereof and the act of Assembley in such Case made and provided.

On May 14, 1804, Joseph Goldsmith, Alexander Forsyth's son-in-law, leased lot no. 2 of the Chatsworth tract on Turnpike Road from Solomon Etting [ 157 ]. Then on March 14, 1806, Goldsmith assigned the lease to Eli Hewitt [ 158 ]. On November 16, 1807 [159], Eli Hewitt assigned the lease to Alexander Forsyth. Hewitt was an investor and landowner and likely did not live on the property. This lease was for lot 2 of the Chatsworth Tract, whereas his previous lease was for lot 11. I have not located Montgomery Street on any of the early maps, so am not exactly sure where this lot was located, however it appears to have been in the same general area. Turnpike Road ran Northwesterly and and Southwesterly terminating at St. Mary's College.

                  M
T   ------------- o
u   |    200'   | n S
r R |           | t t
n o |           | g r
p a | 30'       | o e
i d |           | m e
k   |           | e t
e   ------------- r
         200'     y

This Indenture made this Sixteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seven between Eli Hewitt of Baltimore County in the State of Maryland of the one part and Alexander Forsyth of the same County of the other part Whereas Joseph Gouldsmith by Indenture bearing date the fourteenth day of March eighteen hundred and seven for the consideration therein mentioned did grant bargain sell assign and set over unto Eli Hewitt his executors administrators and assigns all that piece or parcel of ground distinguished on aplat [sic] of Solomon Etting's ground by the number two being part of Chatsworth BEGINNING for the same at the end of the first line of a lot number one and running and bounding on the turnpike road north westerly thirty feet then north easterly with Montgomery street two hundred feet thence south easterly thirty feet to the end of the second line of number one and thence bounding on said line to the place of BEGINNING with the apputenances thereunto belonging subject to the payment of the yearly rent or sum of thirty dollars as by the said Indenture recorded among the land records of Baltimore County Court in Liber WG No.86 folio 681 & Ca relation being thereunto had more fully appears Now this Indenture WITNESSETH that the said Eli Hewitt for an in consideration of the sum of five hundred dollars lawful money of the United States to him in hand paid by the said Alexander Forsyth at or before the sealing and delivery of the presents the receipt whereof is hereby Acknowledged hath granted bargained sold assigned transferred and set over and by these presents doth grant bargain sell assign transfer and set over unto the said _ executors administrators and assings all that the above described piece or parcel of ground and premises which were heretofore leased and demised by the said Solomon Etting to the said Joseph Gouldsmith for the tern of ninety nine years renewable forever subject to the yearly rent of thirty Dollars TOGETHER the buildings privileges and appurtenances thereto belonging and all the estate right title interest term of years yet to come property Claim and demand whatsoever both at law and in equity of the said Eli Hewitt in and to the same TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the same and every part and parcel thereof unto the said Alexander Forsyth his exeuctors administrators and assigns for and during the rest residue and remainder of the Term of years therein yet to come and unexpired by virtue of the original lease thereof with the benefit of renewal thereof from time to time forever in as full large and ample and beneficial manner to all intents and purposes whatsoever as the said Eli Hewitt might or could have held and enjoyed the same by any ways or means whatsoever subject nevertheless to the payment of the yearly rent or sum of thirty dollars in specie in two half yearly payment to Wit on the first day of May and November And the said Eli Hewitt for himself his heirs executors and administrators doth hereby Covenant promise and agree to and with the said Alexander Forsyth his exeuctors administrators and assigns that the said Eli Hewitt hath not at any time heretofore made done suffered or committed any Act matter of thing whatsoever whereby the said piece or parcel of ground and premises is shall or ay be charged impeached or otherwise incumbered and also that he the said Alexander Forsyth his exeuctors administrators and assigns on Payment of the yearly rent aforesaid shall and may at all times hereafter peacefully and quietly have hold use Occupy possess and enjoy the said piece or parcel of ground and premises with the appurtenances woth out the let suit trouble or interruption of the said Eli Hewitt or any person or persons claiming any thing therein by from or under him In Witness whereof the said Eli Hewitt hath hereunto set his hand and affixed his seal on the day and year first above written

Eli Hewitt SEAL

Received before the execution of the aforegoing indenture of Alexander Forsyth the sum of five hundred dollars being the consideration therein mentioned to be paid by him to me

Eli Hewitt

State of Maryland Baltimore County to wit Be it remembered that on the sixteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seven before us the subscribers two Justices of the peace for said County and personally appeared Eli Hewitt party to the within Indenture of assignment or instrument of writing and Acknowledged the same to be his act and deed for the use and purpose therein mentioned according to the true intent and meaning thereof and the Act of assembly in such case made and provided.

Alexander Forsyth is next found in the 1808 Baltimore City Directory [160] still living on Hookstown Road. His son, William, is still living with Jacob Forsyth on nearby Eutaw Street.

Forsyth Alexander, sen. Hookstown road
Forsyth Jacob, Eutaw, north of Franklin street
Forsyth Wm. do. do. do.

In the 1810 city directory [161], Alexander was living on Hookstown road, and was referred to as a gentlemen, which was a term reserved for well respected and elderly members of the community. He would have been about 64 years old at the time. William Forsyth owned his property on Eutaw Street until 1825 [162], when he sold it to his father. Along with Alexander, we find his son-in-law Josias Thompson listed as a surveyor and also living on Hookstown Road. Another son-in-law, John Hitzelberger, who married Alexander and Rachel's daughter Mary Magdelene about 1804, was living on nearby Morris St. as a carpenter.

Forsyth, Alex. gent, Hooks-town road.

On July 3, 1809 [163], Alexander Forsyth, Jr. married Hetty Zell at St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church in Baltimore. On April 5, 1810 [164], Elijah Forsyth married her sister, Mary Ann Zell in the same church. On September 23, 1809 [165], Elizabeth Forsyth married Arthur Ryder. All of Alexander and Rachel Forsyth's children were now married.

Alexander Forsyth is not found in the 1810 census [166]. Only the first five of the eleven total Western precincts were enumerated that year. He would have been living in Western precinct 11. In Western precinct 1, we do find, Alex Forsyth, Jr., Elijah Forsyth, Arthur Ryder (Elizabeth), and Josias Thompson (Jane). This would imply that Josias Thompson moved during that year. In Western Precint 3, we find Joseph Goldsmith (Rachel). As far as John Forsyth, there is no record of him in Baltimore after his marriage to Catherine Swyman in 1796 [167]. He may have gone back to Pennsylvania with his older brother Isaac, but no record of him is found there either. In his father's will [168], Alexander leaves his son John "if living, fifty Dollars, but should he be dead I give the same to his daughter Mary." In both 1818 [169] and 1820 [170], letters addressed to him were waiting for pickup in the Baltimore Post Office. In 1818 [171], there were also letters waiting for a "Toby Forsyth". It is not known who Toby is, and it is not certain that those addressed to John were for Alexander's son. Perhaps these were for unknown grandsons. In many cases we do not have a clear picture of his descendants.

On April 13, 1810 [172], Alexander Forsyth ran an advertisement in the newspaper offering the lot on Reistertown Road that he had purchased from Eli Hewitt for sale by auction at a public sale.

Sale by Auction.

On TUESDAY, 24th inst. at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, on the premises, without reserve at public sale,

A HOUSE AND LOT on the Reisters town Road, (opposite Mr. N. Strike's property, adjoining Mr. Demsey's and near St. Mary's College.) Said lot is 30 feet front and running back 200 feet.

ALEXANDER FORSYTH, Sen.

Shortly after on April 27, 1810 [173], Alexander Forsyth sold the property (reassigned the lease) to Francis Gilmyer.

This Indenture made this twenty seventh day of april eighteen hundred and ten Between Alexander Forsyth of Baltimore County of the one part and Francis Gilmyer of the same County of the other part Witnesseth that the said Alexander Forsyth for and in consideration of the sum of four hundred and Twenty dollars to him paid by the said Francis Gilmyer at or before the sealing and delivery of the presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged Hath granted, bargained sold, assigned, transferred and set over and by these presents doth grant bargain sell asign, transfer and set over unto the said Francis Gilmyer his Executors, administrators and assigns all that piece or parcel of ground distinguished on a plat of Solomon Ettings Ground by the number Two being part of the Chatsworth Beginning for the same at the end of the first line of Lot number One and running and bounding on the Turnpike road north westerly thirty feet, thence north easterly parallel with Montgomoery Street two hundred feet thence South easterly thirty feet to the end of the second line of lot number one and thence bounding on said line to the place of beginning being the same ground which was leased by Solomon Etting to Joseph Gouldsmith and by him assigned Eli Hewitt who assigned the same to said Alexander Forsyth by indenture of assignment bearing date the sixteenth day of November Eighteen hundred and seven and recorded in Liber W.G. No. 95 Folio 549 &c Together with the buildings appurtenances thereunto belonging and all the Estate right Title Interest Term of years to come property claim and demand of the said Alexander Forsyt therein or thereto To Have and To Hold the same unto the said Francis Gilmyer his Executors Administrators and assigns for and during all the rest residue and remainder of the Term of years Therein yet to come and unexpired with the benefit of renewment forever in as full large ample and beneficial manner to all intents and purposes whatsoever as the said Alexander Forsyth might or could have held and enjoyed the same by any ways or means whatsoever Subject nevertheless to the payment of the yearly rent of thirty dollars and performance of the Covenants in the said recited Indenture contained. In Witness whereof the said Alexander Forsythe hereto sets his hand and seal the day and year first above written--

Alexander Forsyth {seal}

Received of Francis Gilmyer the sum of four hundred and Twenty Dollars in consideration aforesaid.

Alexander Forsyth
Baltimore County Ss on the 27th day of April 1810 before the Subscribers two Justices of the peace for the said County personally appeared Alexander Forsyth party to the aforegoing deed, and acknowledged the same to be his act and deed for the purposes therein mentioned.

Alexander Forsyth is not listed in the 1812 city directory [174]. This is undoubtedly an omission. William Forsyth is shown as a drover on North Eutaw Street, and Jacob Forsyth is shown as a trader on close by Biddle Street. Neither Alexander Forsyth, Jr. or Elijah Forsyth are listed. Josias Thompson is also not found nor do we find any other records for him thereafter. He apparently died, because in the directory two years later [175] his wife is listed. John Hitselberger, house carpenter, was living on Pearl Street in the Western Precincts. Arthur Ryder, brass founder, was living closer to town at 144 Baltimore St. Joseph Goldsmith is also missing.

On May 29, 1813 [176], Alexander Forsyth ran an advertisement offering a reward for a runaway slave.

Ranaway from the subscriber on Friday April 23, 1813, a Negro Boy named

NACE PEACH,

about 14 or 15 years of age, stout and well made, rather bow legg'd, a pleasing countenance when spoken to, a free delivery of speech, and ready witted, he has a large scar or lump on his right hip, occasioned by the tare of a nail or hook, and an another scar on the same leg, just below the knee. Had on when he went away, a tow Linen Shirt and Trowsers, a dark coloured Cotton Kersey Jacket, with sleves, an old wool hat. The above reward will be given if taken out of this State, or thirty dollars if taken thirty milles from this city, or twenty dollars if taken in this city, and brought home or lodged in jail so that I get him again. He was raised in Prince George's county- I purchased him from Robert McGill.

ALEXANDER FORSYTH.

Living near St. Mary's College

In the 1814 city directory [177], Alexander, once again, appears living on Hookstown road. He is the only Forsyth listed in the directory for that year. Joseph Goldsmith was once again missing, however, he did enlist for one year in the U. S. Army on July 14, 1813, so this might explain why he was missing from both the 1814, and possibly the 1812 directory. John Hitselberger, then a grocer was living on Hookstown Road as well. Mrs. Jane Thompson (Josias) is shown living at Mulberry and North Eutaw Streets. Arthur Ryder is missing.

Forsyth, Alexander, Hookstown road W P

On January 17, 1814 [178], Alexander Forsyth ran another advertisement in the newspaper offering a reward for his runaway slave. The advertisement lists a different runaway date than the one he published six months earlier, so he must have recovered him only to have him run away again.

Fifty Dollars Reward.

Ran away from the subscriber, on Thursday 6th inst a Negro Boy named NACE PEACH, about 15 years of age,stout made, rather bow legged, pleasing countenance, and ready witted; has a large scar and lumps on the right hip, by the tear of a nail, a scare on the same leg, below the knee, from a burn. Had on when he went away, a new tow linen shirt, blue trowsers much worn, a cotton kersey jacket, patched with gray cloth, shows newly soled.--The said boy is well known in the city, as a milk carrier. The above reward will be given, if taken out of this state, or 30 dollars if taken 35 miles from the city--if taken in the city 15 dollars.

ALEXANDER FORSYTH, Senr

Near St. Mary's College

No Forsyth's were found in the Baltimore city directory for 1816, nor was Joseph Goldsmith, Arthur Ryder or Jane Thompson. John Hitselberger was once again shown as a grocer, but living on North Gay Street. The 1817 city directory [179] includes all of the Forsyth men except Alexander Forsyth, Jr. The name of Hookstown Road had been changed to Reistertown Road.

Forsyth William, N. Eutaw near Ross
Forsyth Elijah, butcher, Sarah-Ann alley near Pine
Forsyth Jacob, trader, Biddle street
Forsyth Alexander, senr. Reistertown road

In the 1819 city directory [180] we see for the first time all of the Forsyth men listed. Reistertown Road had been changed to Pennsylvania Avenue. William and Elijah are both listed as victuallers, which would imply they were in the tavern keeping business, perhaps taking over for their father who would have been about 72 years old. Alexander Forsyth Jr., was the proprietor of the Indian King Tavern and Eastern Shore Hotel located at 2 Water Street at the head of Cheapside Street near the city wharves (See The Indian King Tavern and Cheapside Hotel).

Forsyth, William, victualler, N. Eutaw near Ross
[Forsyth] Alexander, sen. Pennsylvania av. N. of Franklin
[Forsyth] Elijah, victualler, Cedar st.
[Forsyth] Jacob, dealer, Biddle st. near Pennsylvania av.
[Forsyth] Alexander, propietor of the Indian King tavern and eastern shore hotel, 2 Water st.

Alexander Forsyth and John Hitzelberger are found in the 1820 census [181] in Ward 6. William Forsyth was found in Ward 11 [182], and Alexander Forsyth, Jr. and Rachel Goldsmith are found in Ward 12 [183]. Elijah Forsyth is missing from the census as are Arthur Ryder and Jane Thompson. Jane Thompson was deceased in 1828, so she may have already died by 1820.

In 1820, Alexander Forsyth is listed as the head of household, which includes himself over 44 years old, 4 males between 26 and 44 years, 2 meales between 26 and 44 years, one free black female between 14 and 25 years and 1 male slave between 14 and 25 years, which I assume is Nace Peach, mentioned earlier. It is not clear where Alexander's 60 year old wife, Rachel, is since she is not enumerated in his household. It is not known who the other 6 people living in his household are since none of them seem to have children. These may have been boarders at his inn.

In the 1822 city directory [184], Alexander Forsyth is listed still working as a victualler (inn keeper) and living on Pennsylvania Avenue. His sons, William, Alexander Jr. and Elijah are also shown as are two new persons, Alexander Forsyth, a blacksmith (probably a son of William or Jacob), and Sarah Forsyth, the widow of Jacob Forsyth. Alexander Forsyth, Jr., is specifically called out as staying with his father. The same year [185], Alex Forsyth, Jr. was declared an "insolvent debtor" and his property, including the Indian King Tavern and Hotel, were seized and sold at auction. The Cheapside Hotel was auctioned off the previous year.

Foresyth, Alexander, blacksmith, Paca, E side N of Franklin
Foresyth, William, victualler, Eutaw, E side S of Ross
Foresyth, Alexander, Senr. victualler, Pen. ave NE side SE of Morris st.
Foresyth, Sarah, widow, tailoress, Biddle N side W of Ross
Foresyth, Alexander, Junr. at A. Foresyth, Senr's. Pen. ave. NE side SE of Morris
Foresyth, Elijah, victualler, Center alley, N side W of Ross st

On June 1, 1825 [186], Alexander Forsyth ran an advertisement in the newspaper offering an additional lot on Pennsylvania Avenue for sale or lease.

       Morris
       Street
    ------------- T
    |    70'    | e
P   |           | n A  
e A |           |   l   
n v | 136'      | F l
n e |           | o e
    |           | o y
    ------------- t

For Sale or Lease,

The Lot whereon the subscriber resides, binding on Pennsylvania avenue one hundred and thirty six feet, running on Morris street seventy feet to a ten foot alley. This lot is direct in front of St. Mary College. For particulars apply to the owner living on said lot.

Alexander Forsythe, Sen.

Then on June 21, 1825 [187], Alexander Forsyth took over his son William's lease on the North Eutaw Street property. The assignment does not specify why, but perhaps he was planning on moving to the North Eutaw Street property because as we saw him earlier that month trying to sell his home. He was still in possession of both properties at the time of his death. John Glenn, Esq. appended a note in 1837 as part of the Alexander's probate.

William Forsyth Asst to Alexander Forsyth
John Glenn Esq
David Stewart Esq

ad'rs of gr[?]
15 Nov. 1837.

This Indenture made this twenty first day of June in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty five between William Forsyth of the City and County of Baltimore in the State of Maryland of the one part and Alexander Forsyth senior of the same place father of the said William of the other part Whereas by Indenture dated on or about the twenty ninth day of August in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and three and made between Thomas Connor of Baltimore County aforesaid of the one part and the above named William Forsyth of the other part reciting that John Caroll by Indenture bearing date the ninth day of August eighteen hundred and two for the consideration therein mentioned did devise and lease unto the said Thomas Connor his executors administrators and assigns All that lot number nineteen part of a tract of land situate in Baltimore County called Luns Lot Beginning for said lot number nineteen on the East side of Eutaw street extended northerly two hundred and fifty two feet from a twenty feet alley and running northerly bounding on Eutaw street twenty five feet thence Easterly parallel with said alley eighty four and one half feet to the Easter most extent of said Carolls ground thence southerly bounding thereon twenty five feet to lot number eighteen and thence binding on said lot to the beginning with the appurtenances thereunto belonging subject to the payment of the yearly rent of twenty five dollars current money as by the said Indenture recorded among the land records of Baltimore County Court Liber WG No 74 folio 247 &c relation being thereunto had more fully appeared it is witnessed that the said Thomas Connor for the consideration therein expressed did grant bargain sell assign transfer and set over unto the said William Forsyth his executors administrators and assigns all and singular the said described lot of ground and premises Together with the buildings privileges & apputenances thereunto belonging and all the estate right title Interest term of years then to come properly claim and demand either at law or equity of the said Thomas Connor therein or thereto To hold the same and every part and parcel thereof unto the said William Forsyth his executors administrators and assigns for and during all the rest residue and remainder of the term of years therein then to come and unexpired by virtue of the original lease thereof with the benefit of renewal forever in as full large ample and beneficial manner to all intents and purposes whatsoever as the said Thomas Connor might or could have held and enjoyed the same by any ways or means whatsoever subject nevertheless to the payment of the yearly rent or sum of twenty five dollars and performance of the covenants in the said recited Indenture contained as by reference to the said in part recited Indenture of Assignment recorded among the land records of Baltimore County aforesaid in Liber WG No 79 folio 415 &c may more fully and at large appear now this Indenture witnesseth that for and in consideration of the sum of three hundred and fifty dollars lawful money of the United states to the party hereto of the first part paid by the party of the second part to these presents at or before the sealing and delivery hereof the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged the said William Forsyth hath bargained and sold assigned transferred and set over and by these presents doth bargain and sell assign transfer and set over unto the said Alexander Forsyth senior his executors administrators and assigns all the piece or parcel of ground which is herein before described by metes and bounds the same being now comprehended within the Limits of the City of Baltimore aforesaid as lately extended and enlarged together with all the Improvements thereupon and apputenances thereto belonging or appertaing To have and to hold the said described lot or parcel of ground and premises with the apputenances unto the said Alexander Forsyth senior his executors administrators and assigns to the proper use and behoof of the said Alexander Forsyth senior his executors administrators and assigns henceforth for all the rest and residue of the term originally granted aforesaid and yet to come and unexpired therein with the benefit of renewal of said term from time to time forever subject nevertheless to the payment of the above mentioned yearly rent of twenty five dollars to whosoever shall or may from time to time legally authorised to receive the same In witness whereof the said William Forsyth hath hereunto subscribed his name and affixed his seal on the day and year first above written

William Forsyth {seal}

Received on the day of the date of the aforegoing Indenture from Alexander Forsyth Senior the party of the second part thereto the sum of three hundred and fifty dollars lawful money in the full of the consideration within expressed to be paid by him to me

William Forsyth

State of Maryland City of Baltimore Ss Be it remembered and it is hereby Certified that on this twenty first day of June in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty five before the subscribers two Justices of the peace of the State of Maryland in and for the City of Baltimore aforesaid personally appears William Forsyth the party to the first part to the foregoing Indenture of Assignment or Instrument of writing and doth acknowledge the same to be his act and deed

On April 11, 1826 [188], Alexander Forsyth ran another advertisement announcing the sale of the same Pennsylvania Avenue property he attempted to sell 10 months prior [189].

For Sale or Lease--The Lot where on the subscriber lives, binding on Pennsylvania Avenue one hundred and thirty-six feet, running on Morrison street seventy feet to a ten feet alley. This lot is directly in front of St. Mary's College. Apply to the owner, living on said lot.

ALEXANDER FORSYTH, Senr.

The property did not sell and in the 1827 city directory [190] we still find Alexander Forsyth, a victualler, living on Pennsylvania Avenue. Also living on Penn. Ave. is Jacob J. Forsyth, undoubtedly a son of the deceased Jacob Forsyth. William Forsyth is now shown as cow merchant. There is also an Andrew Forsyth, but he is probably unrelated and the first instance we find of another Forsyth family arriving in Baltimore after 1786. The directory also shows us that John Hitselberger was still a grocer, and living at 62 N. Gay St. Arthur Ryder is still a brass founder and living at the northeast corner of Lancaster and Market Streets. Elijah and Alexander Forsyth, Jr. are not listed, nor is Rachel Goldsmith.

Forsyth Alex, blacksmith, N Paca, E side, N of Franklin
Forsyth Jacob J. baker, Pennsylvania avenue
Forsyth Andrew, shop keeper, 61, South Frederick st.
Forsyth Alex. victualler, Penn, avenue, S of Cove st
Forsyth mrs. Sarah, seamstress, W Biddle, E of Penn. av.

On December 20, 1828 [191], Alexander Forsyth wrote his will. His will was proved on May 18, 1829. At the time he wrote his will, he had no idea whether his son, John, was still living, but knew John had a child, Mary. Josias and Jane (Forsyth) Thompson were also both deceased, he having left money to their children.

In the name of God! Amen. I Alexander Forsyth of the City of Baltimore, and State of Maryland, being sick and weak in body, but of Sound disposing mind memory and understanding, do make and publish this my last will and testament, in manner following that is to say, I give to my beloved wife Rachel Forsyth, her executors, administrators and assigns, all my servants and slaves, and household and Kitchen furniture. I also give to my said wife her executors, administrators, and assigns, the one third part of the residue of my estate, to do with the same as she pleases. --

Item. I order and direct that the whole of my property shall be sold and disposed of by my Executrix and Executors or the survivors or survivor of them, within three years after my decease, at public sale; and after taking out of the proceeds of sale my wifes thirds the residue I dispose of as follows: I give to my son Isaac Forsyth, the sum of one hundred dollars, I give to my son John, if living, fifty dollars, but should he be dead I give the same to his daughter Mary; I give to my daughter Rachel Goldsmith one hundred dollars, to be applied to her own separate use and benefit, at such times, and in such times, and in such manner and proportion my Executrix, and Executors may think fit. To Josias Thompson's children by my daughter Jane, I leave fifty dollars. To my son William, I leave three hundred dollars to be retained by, and paid over to him by my Executrix, at such times, and in such manner and proportion as she may think fit: To my son Alexander Forsyth I leave one hundred dollars, to be retained and paid to him by my Executrix and Executors, or the survivors or survivor of them, at such periods, and in such manner and proportion as they may think fit: To my son Elijah I leave one hundred dollars to be retained and paid to him by my Executrix and Executor or the survivors or survivor of them at such times and in such manner and proportion as they may think fit: To my daughter Eliza Rider, I leave five hundred dollars to be paid and applied to her own separate use and benefit, without being subject to the control, or liable for payment of the debts of her husband, at such periods, and in such manner and proportion as my Executrix and Executors, or the survivors or survivor of them shall think fit: To my daughter Mary Hitzelberger I leave five hundred dollars: and as to the residue of the said proceeds, and of my Estate generally, I give and devise the same to my said wife Rachel, her heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, to do with the same to my said wife.

Lastly, I hereby nominate and appoint my wife Rachel and son William Forsyth, and my son in law John Hitzelberger Executrix and Executors of this my will.--hereby revoking all other wills by me made, and authorizing them, or the survivors or survivor of them to execute and make all requisite and necessary conveyances, deeds and assignments incident and necessary to the settlement of my estate. In testimony whereof, I have hereto set my hand and seal, this twentieth day of December Eighteen hundred and twenty eight.

signed, sealed, published and declared by Alexander Forsyth, the testator, to be his last will and testament in the presence of us who in his presence, at his request and in the presence of each other, have hereto subscribed our names as witnesses-

John Royer
R. B. Simpson
Fielder Israel
Alexander Forsythe Senr [seal]

Baltimore County SS:

On the 18th day of May 1829 came John Royer and Fielder Israel, two of the subscribing witnesses to the aforegoing last will and testament of Alexander Forsyth Senr late of said county deceased and made oath on the holy evangely of Almighty God that they did see the testator sign and seal this will that they heard him publish pronounce and declare the same to be his last will and testament that at the time of his so doing he was to the best of their apprehensions of sound and disposing mind memory and understanding and that they together with Rezin B. Simpson the other subscribing witness thereto subscribed their names as witnesses to this will in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other. Sworn in the open Court.

On April 23, 1829 [192], Alexander Forsyth died.

Died yesterday morning the 23d instant, at his residence on Pennylvania Avenue, Mr. Alexander Forsyth, Sen. in the 83d year of his age, for more than forty years a respectable resident of this city. Of him, can be said with justice, that he was an honest man; he combined the qualities of an affectionate husband and parent, and a sincere friend - few men can say with him, that he left not an enemy. His funeral will take place this evening at 4 o'clock, from his late residence, to which his friends and acquaintances are requested to attend without further invitation.

On December 19, 1829 [193], Alexander Forsyth's executors renounced their role in administering his estate. Rachel gave her mark. This allowed the court to appoint John Glenn and David Stewart to act as executors in their place.

Renunciation of Rachel Forsyth, William Forsyth, and John Hitselberger

The undersigned appointed Executors in the last will and testament of Alexander Forsyth late of Baltimore County deceased, do hereby refuse to act as Executors of said will and do therefore renounce all our right to Letters Testamentary upon said deceaseds Estate, and all right, title and claim that may, or could have had by virtue of said appointment. In testimony whereof we hereunto subscribe our names this 19th day of December 1829

Rachel Forsyth X her mark
Witness Alex Yearly
William Forsyth
John Hitselberger
Witness as regards John Hitselberger
Wm. P. Stewart

On December 26, 1829 [194], John Glenn and David Stewart were appointed by the Orphan's Court as executors of Alexander Forsyth's estate.

On Application of John Glenn and David Stewart Administrators with the will annexed of Alexander Forsyth Senior deceased, It is ordered by the Orphans Court of Baltimore County, That the said Administrators with the will annexed, give the notice required by law for the Creditors to exhibit their claims against the Estate of the said deceased, by causing the advertisement thereof, to be inserted once a week for four weeks in two of the daily newspapers published in the City of Baltimore.

Also on December 26, 1829 [195], John Glenn and David Stewart accepted their role as executors of Alexander Forsyth's estate.

Know all men by these presents, That we, John Glenn, David Stewart, Helena Stewart, and Elias Glenn all of Baltimore County are held and firmly bound unto the State of Maryland in the full and just sum of Fifteen Thousand dollars to be paid to the State of Maryland. To which payment well and truly to be made and done. We bind ourselves and every of us, our and every of our Heirs, Executors and Administrators, in the whole and for the whole, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals, dated this 26th day of December in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and twenty Nine, The Condition of the above Obligation is such, That if the above bounden John Glenn and David Stewart shall well and truly perform the office of Administrators with the Will annexed of Alexander Forsyth Senior, late of Baltimore County, deceased, according to law and shall in all respects discharge the duties of them required by law as Administrators with the Will annexed aforesaid without any injury or damage to any person interested in the faithful performance of the said office then the above obligation shall be void, it is otherwise to be in full force and virtue in law.

On 18291229 [196], John Glenn and David Stewart posted a declaration in the newspaper notifying the public that all those holding debts for Alexander Forsyth had six months to bring them forward.

This is to give notice that, The subscribers of Baltimore City, have obtained from the Orphans' Court of Baltimore County, in Maryland, Letters of administration with the will annexed, on the personal Estate of Alexander Forsyth, senr, late of said City deceased:--All persons having claims against the said deceased, are hereby warned to exihibit the same with the vouchers thereof, to either of the undersigned at or before, the first day of July next, they may otherwise by law be excluded from all benefit of said estate. Given under our hands, this twenty-nineth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Twenty-nine.

John Glenn
David Stewart

On January 12, 1830 [197], Alexander Forsyth's estate was inventoried.

A true and perfect Inventory of all and singular the goods chattels and personal estate of Alexander Forsythe Sen'r late of Baltimore County deceased appraised by us the Subscribers each of us having been first legally authorised and duly sworn as will be seen by the annexed warrant
One lot of Ground with the improvements of an old double frame house and out buildings, fronting on the Pennsylvania Avenue 136 feet and extending back 103 feet, subject to an annual Ground rent of $80.

                                                      $4200 --
Negroes,- Nancy aged 25 years     200-  }
          Louisa aged 18 years    200-  }               600 --
          Harriott aged 15 years  200-  }
1 Walnut table $1.50, Bed, bedstead & beding 10 $        11 50
1 Stove and pipe                                          8 --
Rag Carpeting                                             2 --
Lot of Kitchen furniture                                 10 --
2 Old pine tables                                         1 --
                                                        _______
                                                       $4832 50
Milk trough                         1 --
Old Chest of drawers                3 --
1 Brindle Cow                      12 --
Buffaloe Bull                      20 --
1 Large Coop                        2 --
2 Tubs                                50                  38 50
                                                  _____________
                                                Dollars 4871 00

We the Subscribers do certify that the aforegoing is a just and true Inventory and valuation of all and singular the the goods, chattels and personal Estate of Alexander Forsythe Senior deceased, so far as the same has come to our sight and knowledge and as appraised by us, according to the best of our skill and judgment. In Testimony whereof we hereunto set our hands and seals this twelfth day of January 1830

On March 31, 1830 [198], The Orphan's Court ordered the executors to sell Alexander Forsyth's Pennsylvania Ave. property at public sale as he directed in his will.

On Application of John Glenn and David Stewart Administrators with the Will annexed of Alexander Forsyth deceased, It is ordered by the Orphans Court of Baltimore County, That the said Administrators with the will annexed, sell by public sale, they having first given a reasonable public notice thereof, and also of the time, place, manner, and terms of sale, All the leasehold interest, estate, right, title, property, claim and demand, of the said deceased, of, in, to, or out of, a certain Lot of ground and the improvements thereon, situate on the Pennsylvania Avenue in the City of Baltimore, and contained in the Inventory of property returned by the said Administrators with the will annexed to this Court, as being personal Estate belonging to the said deceased. And that the terms of the said sale shall be as follows, viz't, One fourth Cash and the other three fourths on a credit of Six, Nine and twelve months, with interest from the day of sale. And that where Credit is given Bond with good security shall be taken. And it is further ordered, That the said Administrators with the will annexed return a full and particular account of the sales of said property and of their proceedings relative to such sale, immediately thereafter to this Court.

On November 15, 1830 [199], The administrators of Alexander Forsyth's estate put an announcement in the newspaper for the sale of his Pennsylvania Ave property by auction.

By Virtue of an order passed by the Orphan's Court of Baltimore County, the undersigned administrators, with the will annexed, of Alexander Forsyth, Senior, late of Baltimore city, deceased, will offer at public auction, at the Exchange, at one o'clock P. M. on Thursday, the 25th day of November, all that Valuable Lot of Ground, beginning for the same at the corner or intersection of St. Mary's (fomerly Morris) street and Pennsylvania avenue, and running thence binding on St. Mary's street 103 feet, thence southerly parallel with Pennsylvania avenue, 136 feet, to the line of George Weise's lot, thence westerly 103 feet to Pennsylvania avenue, thence northerly binding on said avenue 136 feet to the beginning.

The Ground has been divided into six lots, one of which fronts twenty one feet on the Avenue, and the other five front twenty three each; all them having the same depth of one hundred and three feet. the lot of 21 feet front, which is the corner lot, is subject to an annual ground rent of fifteen dollars, and each of the other five lots is subject to a ground rent of thirteen dollars.--The terms of sale are one fourth cash, and the other three fourths on a credit of six, nine and twelve months, with interest from the day of sale, for which bonds with approved security will be required.

On this lot of ground are Two Frame Dwellings, with other frame out buildings The situation of this lot, on Pennsylvania Avenue, directly opposite to Pearl and George Streets, is so advantageous, as to render it worthy of attention.

For a plat of the property and for particulars, as regards to title, which is deemed unexceptionable reference may be had to either of the subscribers,

John Glenn
David Stewart
No. 20 St. Paul's st.

The administrators of Alexander Forsyth's estate held an auction, as stated, on November 25, 1830 to sell Alexander Forsyth's Pennsylvania Avenue property, but the offer they received was below the appraisal value of $4200, so they posted a second advertisement for a peremptory sale on November 28, 1830 [200]

Peremptory Sale.

By virtue of an order passed by the Orphans' Court of Baltimore County, the undersigned administrators, with the will annexed, of Alexander Forsyth, Senior, late of Baltimore city, deceased, will offer at public auction, one the premises, at 4 o'clock P. M. on Thursday, the 31st day of March, all that valuable lot of ground, beginning for the same at the corner or intersection of St. Mary (formerly Norris) street and Pennsylvania avenue, and running thence binding on St. Marys street 103 feet, thence southerly parallel with Pennsylvania avenue, 136 feet to the line of Geoege Weise's lot, thense westerly 103 feet to Pennsylvania avenue, thence northerly binding on said avenue 136 feet to the beginning.

This Ground has been divided into six lots, one of which fronts twenty one feet on the Avenue, and the other five front twenty three feet each; all the lots having the same depth of one hundred and three feet--The lot of 21 feet front, which is the corner lot, is subject to an annual ground rent of fifteen dollars, and each of the other five lots is subject to a ground rent of thirteen dollars.--The terms of sale are one fourth cash, and the other three fourths on a credit of six, nine and twelve months, with interest from the day of sale, for which bonds with approved security will be required.

On this lot of ground are two frame dwellings, with other frame out buildings.

The situation of this lot, on Pennsylvania Avenue, directly opposite to Pearl and George street, is so advantageous, as to render it worthy of attention.

For a plat of the property and for particulars, as regards the title, which is deemed unexceptionable reference may be had to either of the subscribers.

John Glenn.
David Stewart.
No. 20 St. Paul's st.

On April 5, 1831 [201], the administrators of Alexander Forsyth's estate informed the Orphan's Court they sold at a peremptory sale on March 31, 1831 the Pennsylvania Avenue property to Alexander Forsyth's wife, Rachel, for $3,476.

To the Honourable the Judges of the Orphans Court of Baltimore County, The Report of the undersigned Administrators with the Will annexed of Alexander Forsythe late of Baltimore City. ... deceased respectfully sheweth, that in pursuance of an order of this Honourable Court they exposed at public Sale, at the Exchange, on the 25th day of November 1830 in the City of Baltimore after giving due and reasonable notice of the time, place, and terms of sale, the household estate in said order mentioned being the lot of ground and the improvements thereon, in Pennsylvania Avenue and particularly described in the Inventory, and that the price offered for the first lot being part of the aforesaid lot offered at said sale was so far beneath its value in the opinion of your administrators, that they deemed it their duty to postpone the sale. The expences of said sale were $14. as will appear by the bill thereof in the possission of the under signed. Your administrators further report that they gave due and reasonable notice of a peremptory sale of said property to take place on the thirty first day of March when Mrs. Rachel Forsythe became the purchuser thereof at and for the price of Three thousand four hundred and seventy six dollars. The expences incurred by the last sale were $23.50 All which is respectfully submitted to this Honourable Court for their approval and allowance.
John Glenn
David Stewart

City of Baltimore Sct. On this 5th day of April before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for the City aforesaid personally appeared John Glenn and David Stewart, Administrators with the Will annexed of Alexander Forsythe late of Baltimore City deceased, and made Oath on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God that the matters and things set forth and stated in the foregoing report are true to the best of their knowledge and belief.

Since the price paid was about $700 less than the appraised value, it is likely that she was also the bidder at the public auction the previous week, but was denied purchase at that time. Apparently, however, Rachel Forsyth failed to meet the requirements of the sale (whatever those were beyond the sale price), so the Pennsylvania property was once again put up for sale on March 16, 1832 [202] a year and a half later.

PEREMPTORY SALE.

In consequence of the purchaser of the property hereinafter described not having complied with the terms of sale, it will be again offered at public auction, at her risk.

By virture of an order passed by the Orphans' Court of Baltimore county, the undersigned administrators, with the will annexed of Alexander Forsyth, Senior, late of said Baltimore city, deceased, will offer at public auction, on the premises, at 4 o'clock P.M. on SATURDAY, 24th day of March, all that VALUABLE LOT OF GROUND, beginning for the same at the corner or intersection of St. Mary (formerly Norris) street and Pennsylvania avenue, and running thence binding on St. Mary's street 103 feet, thence southerly parallel with Pennsylvania avenue, 136 feet, to the line of George Wise's lot, thence westerly 103 feet to Pennsylvania avenue, thence northerly binding on said avenue 136 feet to the beginnings.

The Ground has been divided into six lots, one of which fronts 21 feet on the Avenue, and the other five 23 feet each; and all the lots having the same depth of 103 feet. The lot of 21 feet front, which is the corner lot, is subject to an annual ground rent of 15 dollars, and each of the other five lots is subject to a ground rent of 13 dollars. The terms of the sale are cash or within 10 days after date of sale.

On this lot of ground are 2 frame DWELLINGS, with other frame out buildings. The situation of this lot, on Pennsylvania Avenue, directly opposite to Pearl and George streets, is so advantageous, as to render it worthy of attention.

For a plat of the property and for particulars, as as regards the title, which is deemed unexceptionable, reference may be had to either of the subscribers.

JOHN GLENN,
DAVID STEWART,
No. 20 St. Paul's street.

Alexander Forsyth's Pennsylvania Avenue property did not sell at the above auction because, on April 4, 1832 [203], we find Rachel Forsyth living on the property attempting to sell the property on her own.

FOR SALE.

ALL THAT VALUABLE LOT of GROUND, beginning for the same at the corner or intersection of St. Mary (formerly Norris) street and Pennsylvania Avenue, and running thence binding on St. Mary's street 103 feet, thence southerly parallel with Pennsylvania Avenue 136 feet, to the line of George Wise's lot, thence westerly 103 feet to Pennsylvania Avenue, thence northerly binding on said Avenue 136 feet to the beginning.

The ground has been divided into six lots, one of which fronts 21 feet on the Avenue, and the other five 23 feet each; and all the lots having the same depth of 103 feet. The lot of 21 feet front, which is the corner lot, is subject to an annual ground rent of 15 dollars and each of the other five lots is subject to a ground rent of 13 dollars.

On this LOT OF GROUND are two Frame DWELLINGS, with other frame out buildings. The situation of this Lot, on Pennsylvania Avenue, directly opposite to Pearl and George streets, is so advantageous, as to render it worthy of attention. For a plat of the property and for particulars, as as regards the title, which is deemed unexceptionable--apply to.

RACHEL FORSYTHon the premises.

This sale was also unsuccessful, because in the 1833 Baltimore City Directory [204] we find Rachel still living there

Forsythe mrs Rachel, Penn. av near Pearl st

The terms of Alexander Forsth's will [205] could not met without the sale of this property, so their grandson Alexander L. Hitselberger filed a suit and received judgement a requiring the sheriff to sell the property, which he attempted to do on August 11, 1834. The Sheriff's sale was advertized on July 31, 1834 [206]. When the property did not sell, they set an additional Sheriff's Sale for August 25, 1834 [207]. The dimensions of the property in the sheriff's sale were smaller than the previous sales and auctions and no buildings were mentioned, so perhaps this sale excludes the home and lot where Rachel Forsyth was living.

SHERIFF'S SALE.--By virtue of a writ of fierifacias, issued out of Baltimore County Court, at the suit of Alexander L. Hitzelberger use of John Berryman against the goods and chattles, lands and tenements of the Adminstrators with the will annexed of Alexander Forsyth, to me directed, I have seized and taken in execution, all the estate, right, title interest, property, claim and demand at law in equity of the said administrators with the will annexed of Alexander Forsyth, in and to part of a lot of ground fronting on Pennsylvania Avenue commencing at the corner of said avanue and St. Mary's street fronting on said avenue eighty feet and running back about 110 feet more or less to an alley.

And I hereby give notice, That on Monday the 11th day of August next at 10 o'clock, in the forenoon, on the premises, I will offer for sale the said premises, so seized and taken in execution, by Public Auction to the highest bidder, for cash.

HENRY S. SANDERSON
Sheriff of Baltimore County.

When the Sheriff's sale failed to find a buyer, Alexander Yearly an agent for Rachel Forsyth tried to sell the entire property again on November 10, 1834 [208] by way of auction.

Building Lots.--On Monday, Nov. 10th at half past 3 o'clock, on the premises, we will sell that valuable piece of Ground belonging to the estate of the late Alexander Forsyth, binding on Pennsylvania Avenue (nearly opposite to St. Mary's College) 136 feet, and running easterly 103 feet to the College line, reserving a ten feet alley along said College line for the use of said ground. The property will be sold in convenient Lots to suit purchasers; the whole being subject to a ground rent of $80.

Terms of sale 1/4 cash; 1/4 in 3 months; 1/4 in 6 mos., and 1/4 in 9 months, with interest from the day of sale. The title is indisputable.

Alexander Yearly,
Agent for Mrs. Forsythe,
Attendance by Grundy & Co. Auct'rs.

This sale was also unsuccessful, because in the 1835 Baltimore City Directory [209] we find Rachel still living there

Forsyth Rachel, Penn av s of St Mary st

On April 23, 1836 [210], John Glenn and David Stewart, executors of Alexander Forsyth's estate, file a petition against Rachel Forsyth to sell the lot in Baltimore County.

John Glenn and David Stewart vs. Rachel Forsyth. BA. Petition to sell lot in BC. Recorded (Chancery Record) 155, p. 403.

As time moved ever on, Rachel Forsyth in failing health made out her will on August 23, 1836 [211]. As she was not the legal owner of the Pennsylvania Avenue property, it is not listed.

Be it known that I, Rachel Forsyth, of the city of Baltimore in the State of Maryland, Widow, being sick and weak in body, but of a sound, disposing mind, memory and understanding, do make and publish this as my Last Will and Testament in manner following: that is to say. -

I order and direct all my just debts and funeral expenses to be paid and satisfied.

I hereby liberate, manumit and release from bondage and slavery. at the expiration of three years after my decease, my negro woman named Nancy, with any issue she now has and may hereafter have.

I give and devise to my friend Alexander Yearley his Heirs, Executors, and Administrators, my said negro woman Nancy and her issue for the said period of three years after my decease, also all my household and kitchen furniture, and likewise the one half part of all the residue and remainder of my estate (after payment out of said residue of all my debts and funeral expenses) and also all my wearing apparel and Cows and Poultry. In trust and confidence nevertheless for the sole and separate use and benefit of my daughter Elizabeth Rider, so that she be permitted and suffered to hold and enjoy the same, and to sell, dispose of, and convey the whole, or any part thereof, by deed or contract, or devise the same by Will and Testament in such manner as she may deem proper, and as fully and effectually as if she were a feme[?] sole, without being subject to the control, power, or disposal of her present or any future husband, or liable or bound for the payment of his debts or the fulfilment of his contracts or engagements, and in the event of the decease of my said daughter without having made disposition thereof in manner aforesaid, then, as to such part or so much therefore as many remain In trust for the children the said Elizabeth now has, and the child or children she may hereafter have, their Heirs, Executors, Administrators, and assigns absolutely, to be equally divided between them share and share alike. - and in the event of the decrease of any of said children under age and without issue, the part or share of him her or them so dying shall descend to the survivors or survivor of them.

Lastly, I nominate and appoint my said friend Alexander Yearly to be Executor of this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills by me made, and declaring this to be my only one.

In testimony whereof I have hereto subscribed my name and affixed my seal this twenty third day of August 1836.

Rachel Forsyth X her mark {seal}

Signed, sealed, published and declared by Rachel Forsyth, the Testatrix, to be her last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in her presence, at her request, and in the presence of each other, have hereto subscribed our names as witnesses. (the words and Cows and Poultry being first interlined on the first page)

Morgan Coleman
John Hollingsworth
Fielder Israel

Baltimore County Ss On the 10'th day of June 1840, came Fielder Israel, one of the subscribing witnesses to the aforegoing last Will and Testament of Rachel Forsyth late of said County deceased, and made Oath on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God that he did see the Testatrix sign and seal the Will, that he heard her publish, pronounce and declare the same to be her last Will and Testament, that at the time of her so doing she was to the best of his apprehension of sound and disposing mind and memory, and understanding and that he together with Morgan Coleman and John Hollingsworth the other two subscribing witnesses thereto, subscribed their names as witnesses to the Will in her presence at her request and in the presence of each other.

In the 1837 Baltimore City Directory [212] we find Rachel still living at the Pennsylvania property.

Forsythe Rachel, Penn av opposite George st

On November 16, 1837 [213], Alexander Forsyth's executors filed an additional inventory with the Court to include his property on Eutaw Street that was not included in the previous inventory. Why it was not included previously is not known.

A true and perfect additional Inventory of all and singular the goods chattels and personal Estate of Alexander Forsyth Sen'r late of Baltimore County deceased, appraised by the subscribers Elisha Randall and Wm P. Stewart jointly we having been first legally authorized and having taken the Oath prescribed by law as will be seen by the warrant to appraise and certificate thereon hereto annexed.

All the said Alexander Forsyth'?s Sen'rs -- leasehold Estate, right, title, property, claim and demand of in to or out of a certain lot of ground number nineteen situate on the East side of Eutaw Street extended Northwardly two hundred and fifty two feet from a twenty fee alley, and running Northwardly bounding on Eutaw Street twenty five feet, thence Eastwardly parallel with said Alley Eighty four and one half feet to the Eastermost extent of Carroll's ground thence Southerly bounding -- thereon twenty five feet to lot Number eighteen and thence binding on said lot to the place of beginning with all -- the improvements thereon being an old one story frame house the whole to the ground rent of 25 per annum, valued at $500.

We the Subscribers do certify that the aforegoing is a true and just Inventory and valuation of all and singular the goods chattels and personal Estate of the said Alex. Forsyth deceased so far as the same have come to our sight and knowledge and as valued and appraised by us in Dollars and cents according to the best of our skill and judgment.

In Testimony of all of which we hereunto subscribe our names and affix our seals this 16'th day of November 1837.

Elisha Randall {seal}
Wm P. Stewart {seal} Appraisers

Baltimore County Ss; On the 19'th day of November 1837 came John Glenn and David Stewart Administrators de bonis non of Alexander Forsyth Sen'r deceased & made Oath on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God that the aforegoing is a true and perfect additional Inventory of all and Singular the goods and chattels of the said deceased which have come to -- their hands, knowledge or possession since the rendition of the former Inventory that what has since or shall hereafter come to their hands, knowledge or possession they will return in a further Inventory thereof, that they know of no concealment nor suspect any to be, that if they should hereafter discover any concealment or suspect any to be they will make the Register of Wills for Baltimore County acquainted therewith that the same may be enquired into according to Law.

On November 18, 1837 [214], the Orphan's Court ordered Alexander Forsyth's executors to sell the Eutaw Street property at a public sale.

On Application of John Glenn and David Stewart Administrators with the will annexed of Alexander Forsyth Sen'r deceased, It is ordered by the Orphans Court of Baltimore County, that the said Administrators with the will annexed, sell by public sale, they having first given a reasonable public notice thereof, and also of the time, place, manner, and terms of sale, All the leasehold interest, estate, right, title, property, claim and demand, of the said deceased, of, in, to, or out of, a certain Lot of ground and the improvements thereon, situate on the East side of Eutaw street, in the City of Baltimore, and contained in the additional Inventory of property returned by the said Administrators with the will annexed, to this Court as being personal estate belonging to the said deceased. And that the terms of the said sale shall be Cash. And it is further ordered, that the said Administrators with the will annexed return a full and particular account of the sales of said property and of their proceedings relative to such sale, immediately thereafter to this Court.

On December 1, 1837 [215], the Orphan's Court modified the above order to allow a private sale of the Eutaw Street property instead of a public sale.

On Application by the Petition of John Glenn and David Stewart Administrators with the will annexed of Alexander Forsyth Senior deceased, It is ordered by the Orphans Court of Baltimore County, that the said Administrators with the will annexed, be and they are hereby authorized and empowered, to sell by private sale, for the most money which they can obtain for the same, and provided also, that it is not sold for a less sum than Four hundred and fifty Dollars, All the Leasehold interest, estate, right, title, property, claim and demand, of the said deceased, of, in, to, or out of, a certain lot of ground and the improvements thereon, situate on the East side of Eutaw street, in the City of Baltimore, and contained in the Additional Inventory of property returned by the said Administrators with the will annexed, to this Court, as being personal estate belonging to the said deceased. And that the terms of the said sale shall be Cash. And it is further ordered, that the said Administrators with the will annexed, return a full and particular account of the sales of said property and of their proceedings relative to such sale, immediately thereafter to this Court. And it is further ordered by the Court that the order passed by this Court on the Twentieth day of November last directing said property to be sold at public sale be and the same is hereby rescinded.

On March 31, 1838 [216], Alexander Forsyth's executors filed with the Court their 1st Administrative Account. The transcript was provided by Edward Forsyth of the Clan Forsyth society of the USA.

The first account of John Glenn and David Steward Administrators with the Will annexed of 
Alexander Forsyth, Senr late of Baltimore County deceased. These accounts charge themselves 
with an Inventory of the deceased's personal estate returned on the 6th day of March 1830 
and amounting to                                                                    4871.--
And with an additonal Inventory of the personal estate of the deceased
returned the 19" day of November 1837, amounting to                                  500.--
                                                                                   $5371.--
And they crave an allowance for the following Payments and Disbursements 
Cash paid Isaac McKim for gound rent, per account proved and passed .... 
      and receipt appears-                                                           566.65
Ditto paid Richard W. Hall of account proved and passed and receipt appears           44.00
Ditto paid Dr. Solomon Birckhead, of account proved and passed and receipt appears    10.--
Ditto paid same per note proved and passed and receipt appears                       124.85
Ditto paid Edward C. Moore of account proved and passed and receipt appears           24.35
Ditto paid Fielder Isreal of account proved and passed and receipt appears-            3.00
Ditto paid William Forsyth per note proved and passed and receipt appears            549.68
Ditto paid Rezin B. Simpson per note proved and passed and receipt appears-          156.50
Ditto paid Francis I. Dallam for City Taxes, per account and receipt appears.-        89.41
Ditto paid Henry Green Sheriff for fees, per account and receipt appears-             11.22
Ditto paid the Editors of the American, Chronicle , Patriot, Republican, 
      and Gazette for advertising per accounts and receipts appear                    24.00
Ditto paid Thomas Gamble for making the grave, per account and receipt appears.-       5.00
Ditto paid Alexander L. Hitzelberger, per Judgment and receipt appears               300.--
Ditto paid John Benyman, Assignee of Alexander L. Hitzelberger, of 
      Judgment and receipt appears.-                                                 650.38
Ditto paid Registers fees at sundry times                                             11.15
Ditto paid Whitely & Bevan, auctioneers per account and receipt appears               10.00
Ditto paid for advertising, per accounts and receipts appear.-                        12.50
Ditto paid Isaac Forsyth on account of a legacy bequeathed to him 
      by the deceased, per receipt appears.-                                          20.00
Ditto paid A.J. Elder & J. J. Chanche, Executors of James Whitfield per account 
      proved and passed and receipt appears-                                          94.20
Ditto paid Louis R. Deloul per account proved and receipt appears                     80.70
Ditto paid the appraisers per accounts and receipts appear.-                           8.50
Ditto paid John J. Gross auctioneer-                                                   5.--
Ditto allowed these accountants for professional services rendered the Estate 
      in the case of the suit of A. L. Hitzelberger against the estate in Baltimore 
      County Court and the case of the estate against Forsyth in Chancery            100.--
Ditto allowed these accountant being the difference between the sales and 
      appraisment of so much of the personal estate as had been sold, per 
      accounts of sales appears.                                                     774.--
Ditto paid Registers fees and for copies                                               9.85
These accountants Commission of $ 4597:-- at 10 per cent                             459.70
             Payments and Disbursements                                      $4144.70
             Balance due the Estate                                                 1226.36
                     Estate accounted for                                    $5371.--

On May 2, 1840 [217], Rachel Forsyth died.

DIED On the 2d inst., Mrs. Rachel Forsyth, in the 90th year of her age.

On December 19, 1840 [218], Rachel Forsyth's daughter and daughter-in-law declined to act as administrators of her estate and requested the Court to appoint a new administrator.

Be it known that we Eliza Rider, formerly Eliza Forsythe and daughter of Alexander Forsythe and Rachael Forsythe deceased, and Lydia Forsythe, widow of William Forsythe, son of the before named Alexander and Rachael Forsythe and legatees under the Will of Rachael Forsythe, late of Baltimore County deceased, do hereby refuse to administer upon the estate of the said deceased and do therefore renounce all our right, title, and claim to the administration thereof desiring at the same time that letters may be granted to Henry F. Friese.

In testimony whereof, we hereunto subscribe our names this nineteenth day of December 1840.

On January 15, 1841 [219], Alexander Forsyth's executors filed with the Court their 2nd Administrative Account. Apparently Rachel Forsyth was still living at the time of the disbursement listed. The transcript was provided by Edward Forsyth of the Clan Forsyth society of the USA.

The second account of John Glenn and David Stewart Administrators with the will annexed of Alexander Forsyth Senr. deceased. These accounts charge themselves with the balance due on their account settled the 31 March 1838 amounting to.

And they crave an allowance for the following payments and Disbursements.
Alilowed these accounts for the appraisement of the following property compelled to Rachel Forsyth the widow of the deceased and delivere over to her proof of delivery appears Viz.

    Negro Nancy                     $ 200
    Negro Louisa                    $ 200
    Negro Harriett                  $ 200
    Household Kitchen furniture     $  30.00

Cash paid Rachel Forsyth the widow of the deceased 
on account of her proportion of the residue of the 
estate per receipt appears            232-
Ditto paid Registers fees               2-
Payments and Disbursements            873-
Balance due the estate                353.36
Estate accounted for                $1226.36

Baltimore County Ss. on the 15th day of January 1841 cam e John Glenn and David Stewart Administrators with the Will annexed as aforesaid and made oath on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God that the aforegoing account is just and true as stated and that they have paid or secured the payment of every sum or sums for which they crave an allownance which after examination is passed by order of the Court.

On January 30, 1841 [220], another of Rachel Forsyth's executors declined to act as an administrator of her estate and requested the Court to appoint a new administrator.

Be it known that I Alexander Yearly, appointed Executor in the last Will and Testament of Rachel Forsyth later of Baltimore County deceased, do hereby refuse to act as Executor of said Will, and do therefore renounce all my right to letters testamentary upon said deceased's estate, and all right, title and claim that I may or could have had by virtue of said appointment. In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name this thirtyeth day of January, 1841.

Prior to November 29, 1841, the Court, as requested by her executors, assigned a new administrator to Rachel Forsyth's estate, because on that date [221] the new executor was ordered by the Orphan's Court to give all creditors notice of her pending estate settlement.

On Application of Henry F. Friese Administrator with the Will annexed of Rachel Forsyth deceased, It is ordered by the Orphan's Court of Baltimore County, that the said Administrator with the Will annexed give the notice required by law for the Creditors to exhibit their claims against the estate of the deceased by causing the advertisement thereof to be inserted once a week for four weeks in two of the daily newspapers published in the City of Baltimore.

On November 30, 1841 [222], the new executors filed an administrative bond binding themselves to the Court.

Know all men by these Presents That we Henry F. Friese, William P. Preston and Henry Stump all of Baltimore County, are held and firmly bound unto the State of Maryland, in the full and just sum of One thousand Dollars to be paid to the State of Maryland aforesaid: To which payment, well and truly to be made and done, We bind ourselves, and every of us, our and every of our Heirs, Executors and Administrators, in the whole, and for the whole, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals: dated this thirtieth day of November in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and forty one,

The condition of the above obligation is such, That if the above bounden Henry F. Friese shall well and truly perform the office of Administrator with the Will annexed of Rachel Forsyth late of Baltimore County deceased, according to law, and shall in all respects discharge the duties of him required by law as Administrator with the Will annexed aforesaid without any injury or damage to any person interested in the faithful performance of the said office, then the above obligation shall be void, it is otherwise to be in full force and virtue in law.

Henry F. Friese {seal}
Wm P. Preston {seal}
Hy. Stump {seal}
Signed, Sealed and delivered in the presence of D'd M. Perine
Approved by the Orphan's Court for Baltimore County on the 30 day of November 1841. Same day filed and recorded and examined.

On December 10, 1841 [223], Rachel Forsyth's executors returned an inventory of her estate to the Court. Due to her advanced age at the time of her death, she may have distributed her previous disbursements and any monies she had to her children, because the inventory was slight. This is the final recor we have for Rachel (Lindsay) Forsyth, the progenitor's wife.

A true and perfect Inventory of all and singular the goods, chattels and personal estate of Rachel Forsyth late of Baltimore County deceased, appraised by the subscribers Elisha Randall and Philip R. I. Friese jointly, we having been first legally authorized, and having taken the Oath prescribed by law as will be seen by the warrant to appraise, and Certificate thereon hereto annexed.

One cherry dining table $3: - one walnut chest of drawers $4:                     7 -
One looking glass old frame $2:50 - one small bureau $2:50                        5 -
One bed, bedding and bedstead                                                    10 -
One smal stove with a broken dore $2: on old mahogany table $1:                   3 -
Ten old dilapidated chairs $1: old hollow ware about 100 lb: $1:                  2 -
Six smal kegs and two washing tubs $2: two milk cans and two churns 75c           2 75
A lot of stone earthenware and bottles $1: two old tables pine & walnut 50c       1 50
                                                                               _______
                                                                               $ 31 25

We the subscribers do certify that the aforegoing is a true and just Inventory and valuation of all and singular the goods chattels and personal estate of the said Rachel Forsyth deceased so far as the same has come to our sight and knowledge; and as valued and appraised by us in dollars and cents according to the best of our skill and judgment.

In testimony of all of which we hereunto subscribe our names and affix our seals. Baltimore this tenth day of December eighteen hundred and forty one.

Elisha Randall {seal}
Philip R. I. Friese {seal} appraisers

Baltimore County Ss. On the 11th[?] day of December 1841, came Henry F. Friese Administrator with the Will annexed of Rachel Forsyth deceased and made Oath on the Holy Evangely of Almighty God that the aforegoing is a true and perfect Inventory of all and singular the goods and chattels of the said deceased, that have come to his hands knowledge or possession at the time of making thereof, that what has since or shall hereafter come to their hands, knowledge or possession he will return in an additional Inventory, that he knows of no concealment, nor suspects any to be, that if he should hereafter discover any concealment or suspect any to be, that he will make the Register of Wills for Baltimore County acquainted therewith that the same may be enquired into according to Law.

In the September 1848 [224] Term of the Chancery Court, Henry Friese, the administrator of Rachel Forsyth's will had filed a suit against John Glenn and David Stewart, the administrator's of Alexander Forsyth's will 5 years earlier on November, 25, 1843 where he had requested relief from the Court for an overpayment by the estate. The Court denied relief and the case was not appealed.

HENRY F. FRIEZE,
ADMR. C. T. A. OF
RACHAEL FORSYTHvs.
GLENN AND STEWART.

SEPTEMBER TERM, 1848.

[STATUTE Of FRAUDS—PART PERFORMANCE—CHANCERY PRACTICE.]

G. & S. having been appointed trustees to sell certain property, in a cause in which they, as administrators of A. F., were complainants, and one R. F. was defendant, sold the same to the said R. F. By the Auditor's report in that case, which was confirmed by the Chancellor, the sum of $1208.76 was assigned to said R. F. Upon a bill filed by the administrator of R. F., against the said trustees, to enforce the payment of this sum, it appearing that R. F. having failed to comply with the terms of sale, afterwards sold the property to one H. S., with an agreement, that the purchase money should be applied to the payment of incumbrances and other debts due by R. F., and that these debts, to which the money was applied by the trustees, exceeded the sum awarded to her by the Auditor, it was HELD—

That if the statute of frauds would, under any circumstance, apply to such an agreement, the acts of part performance by the trustees, would clearly take it out of its operation, and that it is, therefore, clear, the plaintiff can have no relief upon his bill. That the regular and proper course of proceeding, was by a petition in the first cause to enforce the order of the Chancellor ratifying the report of the Auditor, and not by filing an independent bill. That as this bill was for the payment of a specific sum of money, and not for an account generally, though the plaintiff can have no decree, the defendants cannot have one for their overpayment.

[The bill was filed on the 25th of November, 1843, by the complainant, Henry F. Frieze, and after alleging his appointment as administrator of Rachael Forsyth, states and charges that John Glenn and David Stewart, the defendants, as administrators c. t. a. of Alexander Forsyth, heretofore filed their bill against the said Rachael, charging her with a failure to comply with the terms of sale made by them as administrators as aforesaid, and praying for a decree for the sale of the property of which the said Rachael had become the purchaser, for the payment of the purchase money due by her. That a decree was accordingly passed, appointing the said Glenn and Stewart trustees, to make the said sale, and the said Rachael again become the purchaser of the property. That the Auditor, by his report in that case, of the 9th of March, 1837, assigned the sum of $1,208.76 to the said Rachael, and that this report was confirmed on the 10th of March, 1837. The bill then charges that this sum was due and owing by the said trustees to the said Rachael at the time of her death, that they have refused to pay the same, and prays that they may be decreed to pay the same.

The answer of Glenn and Stewart, filed on the 8th of January, 1844, admits the appointment of the complainant as administrator of the said Rachael, the appointment of the defendants as trustees, the purchase of the property by the said Rachael, and the report of the Auditor, as alleged in the bill. It then charges that the defendants called upon said Rachael to comply with the terms of sale, when she declared herself wholly unable so to do. That in the early part of September, 1837,
the said Rachael, by one Alexander Yearly, her agent, sold the said property to Mrs. Helena Stewart, the latter agreeing to pay for a clear and unincumbered title the sum of $3,000, subject to a ground rent of $80 per annum. That on the 16th of September, 1837, the defendants, by the order and direction of said Rachael, testified by her becoming a party to the deed, conveyed the said property to the said Helena Stewart. That at the time of the sale to said Helena there were various liens for taxes and ground rent existing upon said premises, which it was agreed should be discharged out of so much of the purchase money as might be coming to said Rachael out of the proceeds of sale. That the sum so due the said Rachael was applied, in accordance with this agreement, to the discharge of said liens and incumbrances on said premises. A copy of these liens, and the payment thereof, is filed with the answer, which the defendants aver is a just and true account of the payments made by them under the agreement aforesaid, the vouchers of which have long since been shown to the complainant, and they are ready to produce the same whenever required.

A commission was issued to take testimony which was returned and filed on the 6th of January, 1846, containing evidence fully sustaining the allegations of the answer. The cause being submitted, the Chancellor on the 26th of April, 1847, passed the following order:

"This case has been submitted upon the bill, answer and proofs, and an agreement, in writing, on the part of the complainant's solicitor. Before a decree can be passed, it is necessary that a report should be made by the Auditor, and the chancellor thinks that it would be premature to pronounce any opinion upon the merits until the report is made.

"It is, therefore, ordered, this 26th day of April, in the year 1847, that this case be, and the same is, hereby referred to the Auditor, with directions to state an account between the plaintiff and defendants, from the pleadings and proofs now in the cause, and such other proof as may be laid before him, and the parties are hereby authorized to take depositions before any justice of the peace, on giving three days notice, as usual, provided the said depositions are taken and filed in the chancery office, on or before the 31st day of May next."

The Auditor filed his report on the 28th of September, 1847, and on the 13th of November, 1848, at the final hearing of the cause, the following opinion was delivered :]

THE CHANCELLOR:

This case having been submitted on the part of the complainant, and the solicitors of the parties having presented their views, in writing, the proceedings have been read and considered by the Chancellor.

It appears, that upon a bill filed by the defendants, as administrators, with the will annexed, of Alexander Forsyth, against Rachael Forsyth, certain property was decreed to be sold, and the complainants in that case, being appointed trustees to make the sale, sold the same, and that Rachael Forsyth represented by the complainant in this case, became the purchaser. That by the report of the Auditor in the first case, there appeared to be due the said Rachael, the sum of $1,208.76, which report was ratified by the Chancellor's order, passed on the 10th of March, 1837, and this bill is filed to enforce the payment of the sum.

The answer of the defendants in this case, and the evidence, shows that Rachael Forsyth did not comply with the terms of sale, and that the property was subsequently sold by her, through an agent, to Mrs. Helena Stewart, with an agreement that the purchase money should be applied to the payment of incumbrances and other debts due by the said Rachael Forsyth, and that these incumbrances and debts exceed by $233.40, the sum which had been awarded her in the case first mentioned, so that, in point of fact, she has been overpaid that sum. It is objected, to be sure, that this agreement being by parol, is void under the statute of frauds, but even if the statute would, under any circumstances, apply to such an agreement (which is not admitted) the acts of part performance by the defendants in the the case, would clearly take it out of its operation. It would be making the statute an instrument of fraud, to allow it to defeat an agreement which has been performed to the extent to which this has been.

It is, therefore, clear, that the plaintiff in this case can have no relief against these defendants, even if he has adopted the mode in which, if the merits were with him, he could be entitled. I am by no means sure, however, that he has adopted the proper proceeding. The money which was awarded to Mrs. Forsyth resulted from proceedings in the case of Glenn and Stewart, (the present defendants) against her. The audit referred to, and upon which this complainant now seeks to recover, was made in that case, and I am strongly inclined to think, that instead of filling an independent bill, the regular and proper course was by petition in that case. I can see no reason why a new suit should be brought, when it was certainly in the power of the court, in a way much more summary, and much less expensive, to enforce the order in the first case, unless sufficient grounds against it could be shown.

But, although the plaintiff in this case can have no decree, the defendants cannot have one for their over payment. The bill was not filed for an account, but for a specific sum of money, nor was the order passed by this court on the 26th of April, 1847, in the nature of a decree to account, which would make both parties actors. The object of that order was to ascertain by a report from the Auditor, whether the defendants had paid or extinguished this particular claim, and not that the parties should account with each other. The bill, therefore, in this case will be dismissed with costs.

PHILIP C. FRIEZE and HENRY F. FRIEZE for Complainant.
JOHN GLENN and DAVID STEWART for Defendants.

[No appeal was taken in this case.]

Finally, some 14 years after their last accounting, Alexander Forsyth's executors filed with the Court their 3rd and final Administrative Account on May 14, 1855 [225]. The transcript was provided by Edward Forsyth of the Clan Forsyth society of the USA.

The third Account of John Glenn and David Stewart, Administrators with the will annexed of Alexander Forsyth, Senior, Deceased.
These accountants charge themselves with the balance due on their last account settled the 15th day of January 1841 and amounting to $353.36

And they crave an allowance for the following Payments and Disbursements

Cash paid the Editors of the American and Patriot for advertising Property
      for Sale, per accounts and receipts appear                             20.75 
Ditto paid Louis Gassaway, Reg. Cur. Can. for Defendant's Costs in case
      of Henry Friese, Admr. W.A.W. Rachel Forsyth against these Accountants
      in Chancery, per account and receipt appears.                          32.10 
Ditto paid Cornelius McLean, Auditor in Chancery, for fees due him, per
      account and receipt appears.                                            9.33 
Ditto paid R. W. Gill, Esq. for professional services rendered in the above
      case, per receipt appears.                                             20.--
Ditto annexed these Accountants, for this sum, being amount adjudged as
      due them in case of Henry F. Friese, Administrator of Rachel Forsyth
      deceased as per Auditors Report appears.                              233.40
Ditto paid Henry F. Friese, Adm. C.T.A. of Rachel Forsyth, deceased, per
      reseipt appears                                                        15.--
Ditto paid David Stewart Esq. for professional services rendered the Estate
      of the Deceased, per Receipt appears.                                  25.00
Ditto paid Registers fees and for Copy of this Account                        2.13
                                                                              ----
    Payments and Disbursements                                      $357.71
    Estate Accounted for                                                    353.36
                                                                            ------
    Estate Overpaid                                                         $ 4.35

Baltimore City, Ss. On this 14th day of May 1855 came David Stewart, surviving Administrator with the Will annexed of Alexander Forsyth, Senior, deceased, and made Oath of the Holy Evangely of Almighty God, that the aforegoing account is just and true as stated, and that he had paid or secured the payment of every sum or sums for which he craves an allowance, which after examiniation is passed by order of the Orphans Court.

Conclusion

No additional records for Alexander or Rachel Forsyth have come to light. Time has erased much of their past endeavors. Hopefully, these few gleanings provide a glimpse into an early immigrant family, their successes and failures, their desires and needs. Their journey continues through the deeds of their 9 children. Isaac Forsyth, their eldest son and the father of Oliver Forsyth moved back to Heildelberg, York County, Pennsylvania, but returned to Baltimore to get married to Frances Brown in 1792. They had 4 children, Bethilda, Augustus, Oliver and Denmark. Unfortunately, Fanny died in 1803. Shortly thereafter Isaac married Ann Letton. They had a daughter in 1804 and in the winter of 1805 moved to Paris, Bourbon County, Kentucky, where they had 7 more children. There is no record of Isaac's passing, but he was paid out of his father's estate, so was living in 1828/29, but is not mentioned alongside his 2nd wife in his daughter's will of 1829, or anywhere else thereafter. Oliver Forsyth was born in 1795/96, probably in Heidelberg and moved with his parents to Bourbon County, Kentucky in 1805, married Margaret Layson in 1818 and had 6 children there. The last record we have for him is in the estate records for his father-in-law in 1832. In 1834 the family moved to Houston Township in Adams County, Illinois onto his wife's uncle's unimproved land. It is "said" Oliver died on the journey near St. Louis. His eldest son, a twin, Alpha Forsyth was born in Kentucky in 1819 and came to Illinois in 1834 where he became a large land owner and successful farmer. He married Lucinda Ann Witt in 1844 and they had 6 children. The eldest William Henry Forsyth was born in 1844, and died in 1871 of tuberculosis, but not before having 3 children with his wife Martha Lurinda McFarland whom he married in 1865. The youngest of these is my great grandfather William Marion Forsyth who was born also in 1871 just two months before his father died. William (Jr.) married Margaret Scully in 1892. They also had three children. William Henry Forsyth(e) was born in 1893. His father was killed in a train explosion when William (III) was 11 years old. Thankfully, my grandfather had a long life. He married Minnie Elizabeth Humphrey in 1917 and they had 6 children. The eldest of these is my father William David Forsythe. As more children and grandchildren ensue, the descendants of Alexander and Rachel Forsyth continue to increase exponentially as their journey continues on.