Alexander Forsyth

Overview

The earliest known Forsyth ancestor of my family was Alexander Forsyth. His middle name 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 Vol. 3, No. 1 [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.

In the November 1969 issue (Vol. 10, No. 4 [2]), she also wrote:

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 of 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 below.

His obituary printed in the Baltimore American newspaper [ 3 ] states:

Alexander Forsyth, Sr., for 40 years of Baltimore, died at his residence in Pennsylvania Avenue 23 April, 1829 in his 83rd year.

He must have therefore been born between April 23, 1746 and April 22, 1747. According to Jane Fitting, he was buried in Lot 71 of Glendy Cemetery, Second (Old Faith) Presbyterian Church, but the cemetery has since been razed and the tombstones destroyed.

Alexander Forsyth was married to Rachel Lindsay. According to her obituary printed in the Baltimore Sun [4] newspaper on May 5, 1840, she died:

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

Rachel must have therefore been born between May 2, 1750 and May 1, 1751.

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 in Ireland (so it is said). It is more likely though that they married in Charles Town, Chester County, Pennsylvania in 1768 or 1769. Rachel immigrated to Philadelphia around 1768 with her father, David Lindsay, being the year he first appears in Charles Town. Alexander first appears in the records there in 1769. 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. 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, 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 Alexander 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 opened in August of 1786 called Castle Inn. The following year he opened a tavern in Old Congress Hall, 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 making the two taverns in Heidelberg and Baltimore closely related. This probably explains to some degree 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.

Old Ireland, or was it Scotland?

Alexander Forsyth's ancestry is unknown. 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.

In her book Jeffries makes the following claim [8]:

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.

She also states [9]:

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" 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. Jeffries [10] claims it was Captain James Forsyth of Failzerton, the son of Walter Forsyth who accompanied Rev. James McGregor. She [11] also 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 has been found. The O'Neill's were known to be staunch Roman Catholics. Rachel, on the other hand is said to have been a devoted Presbyterian who despised all Catholics, and therefore was unlikely to have descended from the royal O'Neill's.

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" [12] 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 Mary Forsyth did not marry Josias Thompson, Jane did, and neither Jane nor Mary was Alexander 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. I suspect she obtained her information from living descendants of Elijah Forsyth who were not privy to their ancestry. Unfortunately, both Elijah and his wife died young, and their children were adopted, supposedly by Rachel, and left home when they became of age. Traditions state the children hated their grandmother and after reaching adulthood, left and never saw her again. If this is true, it is hard to imagine that they could have carried an accurate family lineage 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 Rider, who married on September 23, 1809 [13] as a second wife Elizabeth Forsyth, the fourth daughter of Alexander and Rachel, married first Rose O'Neal on October 7, 1802 [14]. 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 [15] 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 was requesting. 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 where she 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. 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 [16] was already published, they could have gotten the name from it or what is probably more likely, the person who furnished Jeffries with the name, 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 [23] 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 undoubtedly an immigrant, and probably arrived in Philadelphia not long before. In a letter dated April 14, 1889 [24], Paris, KY, A. S. Forsyth writing to Miss Carrie Brown in 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 [25], Isaac was their oldest son. A single census record [26] has his birth year before 1767 (i.e. 1766). If true, he likely immigrated along with his parents.

Along with Alexander in Charlestown in 1769 are found his father-in-law, David Lindsay, Alexander Lindsay (David's son) and James Spotswood who is undoubtedly the father of David's other son-in-law, William Spotswood. David Lindsay and James Spotswood are both listed as men of property, including horses, cows and sheep. They first appeared in Charlestown in 1768 and were both taxed [27] there again in 1770 [28] and 1771 [29]. David Lindsay was not found in the tax lists for Charlestown in 1765, 1766, or 1767, nor have I found him anywhere else indicating that he may have immigrated about that time.

In 1769 [30], Alexander Lindsay and Alexander Forsyth were listed as inmates. In 1770 [31], Alexander Lindsay is exempted from paying tax for being poor (Provincial Tax Minutes 1756-1778 [ 32 ]), and Alexander Forsyth is again listed as an inmate (Index to Chester County Tax Lists [ 33 ]). In the article, "Rural Pennsylvania in 1800: A Portrait from the Septennial Census" [ 34 ], published in the magazine "Pennsylvania History, Vol. 49, No.1", [ 35 ] 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.

It seem likely that Alexander Lindsay and Alexander Forsyth were both living in the house of David Lindsay and were married. Since neither are listed in the 1768 tax list as inmates or as single men, it would seem that they were not yet married and had not yet reached the age of 21 years. This narrows Alexander Forsyth's birth date to between January 2, 1747 and April 22, 1747, and probably later than sooner. His birthday had not been reached whenever the 1768 tax assessor came by or he would have been listed. This gives us a good indication that David Lindsay and Alexander Forsyth immigrated shortly before 1768 and Alexander married Rachel Lindsay between 1768 and 1769.

Following are sections taken from the original tax records for Charlestown, Chester, Pennsylvania for the years 1768, 1769 and 1771 (images for 1770 are not available, but transcripts can be found in the "Index to Chester County Tax Lists"). The images come from the "Tax & Exoneration Lists, 1762–1794. Series No. 4.61" as published by Ancestry.com in "Pennsylvania, Tax and Exoneration, 1768-1801" and have been reformatted to save space.

                                                                     £   S    D
David Lindsey 200 acres & Buildings @ £18                               16    2
                          4 Horses 2 Cattle Negroe Man & Woman          14
                                                                     1  10    3

                                                                     £   S    D
David Linsey 200 acres & Buildings @ 16 p ac                            14    4
                        1 Negro woman 3 Horses 3 Cattle 12 Sheep         8    4
                                                                     1   2    9

Inmates                                                                  S    D
Alexander Forsight                                                       2

                                                                    £   S    D
David Lindsey 200 ac & Buildings @ £16 p ac                            14    4
                        1 Negro Wench 1 Horse 1 Cow                     4    6
                                                                       18    9

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, deceased, bought the house in Carlisle on January 24, 1772 at a sheriff's sale.

Cumberland County Deed Volume 1, Book T, Pages 144-145:

Ind

David Lindsey & wife
to
John Spotswood

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

Jno Boden? Gro Loque
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 Lindsay's was taxed in West Pennsboro Township in 1772 and 1773 or in Tyrone Township in 1778 (though this one is probably David Sr.).

The first occurrence of Alexander Forsyth in Carlisle, Cumberland, Pennsylvania is on October 23, 1777, when the war council issued an order of delinquency against him (Fine Book of Lt. John Carothers). 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 must have left the area before his father-in-law did. It is possible he went to Carlisle first and David Lindsay followed him. If Alexander was living with David and helping him run the Sign of the Bull's Head Tavern, then he may not have had a reason to appear in any official records.

David Lindsay Sr. (tavern keeper) is taxed in Carlisle 1779 through 1782. He is also taxed in Tyrone Township over the same span of years. We know these are the same person, because in 1785, the year after David Lindsay, Sr. died, his heirs are 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, as we have already seen, had died 2 years before.

Following are sections taken from the original tax records for Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, for the years 1778 through 1782. Alexander and Isaac Forsyth are found there in 1778, and David Lindsay, Alexander's father-in-law, is found there from 1779 through 1782. The images come from the "Tax & Exoneration Lists, 1762–1794. Series No. 4.61" as published by Ancestry.com in "Pennsylvania, Tax and Exoneration, 1768-1801" and have been reformatted to save space.

                                                 Rent         Rate    Total
Fursyth Alexander                                  20      12
4 Horses 2 Cows 3 Sheep                                     3. 9.8  15. 9.8
Fursyth Isaac                                       6       3.12.0
1 Cow                                                       0. 6.8   3.18.8

                                                             Rates     Total
Lindsay David T keeper                                          25
House & Lot                                                    450
1 Cow                                                            9
1 Negro                                                        150     6 3 4

                                                              Rates     Total
Lindsay David                                                  2200
1 Mullattoe                                                    1600
Plate                                                            16      3810

                                                             Rates     Total
Lindsey David  Senr                                           2200
1 Mulato Women                                                1600
1 Horse                                                        400
3 Tea Spoons                                                    16      4246

                                                               Rates      Total
Lindsay David                                               150
1 Negroe                                                     40
1 Horse                                                       7.10
Plate                                                         0. 5.6   197.15.6

Following are sections taken from the original tax records for Tyrone Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, for the years 1778 through 1782. The images come from the "Tax & Exoneration Lists, 1762–1794. Series No. 4.61" as published by Ancestry.com in "Pennsylvania, Tax and Exoneration, 1768-1801" and have been reformatted to save space.

                                                         Rent     Rate    Total
Lindsey David                                               1   0.19.0
82 acres & a build @ 1 £ pa                                    1.19.0
1 Horse 1 Cow                                                   1. 0.0    9.4.0

                                                                Rates      Total
Lindsay David Senr                                                 35
1 Horse                                                            24
2 Cows                                                             18         77

                                                                 Rates   Total Cash
Lindsay David Senr                                                  500     500

                                                                 Rates   Total
Lindsay David Senr                                                 1000    1000

                                                                Rates     Total
Lindsay David Senr                                                  30        30
2 Cows                                                              18
4 Sheep                                                              1       177

On January 14, 1780, 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.

Cumberland County Deeds, Vol. 1, Book A, Page 147

[O]bligatory

[Bond] David
[Lindsay] to Jas.
[Mc]Cabe

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}
Before me William Lyon one of the Juctices of the Common [wealth] in and for Cumberland County and desired by the said David [L]indsey to be recorded as his act and Deed

William Lyon {Seal}
Recorded the 14th Day of January 1780 & Compared Wilm Lyon Recd

On October 9, 1780 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, 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.

Cumberland County Deeds, Volume 1, Book G, Pages 209-211

[Article]s of Agreement

[Betwe]en the Heirs of
[Davi]d Lindsay Senr. &
[Alexande]r Forsythe
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.

Recorded Augt 11th ammo Domini 1784 Comp.

Saml Laird
William Lyons

In the 1785 tax list for Tyrone Township, David Lindsay's heirs are shown still in possession of his farm. The image comes from the "Tax & Exoneration Lists, 1762–1794. Series No. 4.61" as published by Ancestry.com in "Pennsylvania, Tax and Exoneration, 1768-1801" and has been reformatted to save space.

                                                               Rates       Total
Lindsey David (Heirs)                                              75          75

On December 15, 1802, 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.

Cumberland County Deed Vol. 1, Book S, Pages 272-274

Deed

David Lindsey
to
James Blair

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 pais 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}
signed sealed & delivered in presence of us

James Greason Francis Kelly

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

George Stroop

Recorded May 13th 1808 Compad by Francis Gibson Recorder

On February 17, 1809, 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.

Cumberland County Deed Volume 1 Book T Pages 26-27

Power of Attorney

David Lindsay
to
William Lindsay

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}
Done 27th Jany 1810 before me George Kline, Junr

for George Kline, Recorder

Heidelberg (Hanover), 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.

The images below come from the "Tax & Exoneration Lists, 1762–1794. Series No. 4.61" as published by Ancestry.com in "Pennsylvania, Tax and Exoneration, 1768-1801" and has been reformatted to save space. The year 1784 and the years following 1786 are missing from the published material.

                                                            £ S D
Fersithe Alexander
 Lands                0
 House & Lots         -
 Mills                -
 Cash                 141.18
 Horses               1
 Cattle               2
 Servants             -
 Negroes              -
 Trades               for Prop[ert]y £15
                         & to a House & Lot £25            40 - -

                                                            £ S D
Fersits Alexr
 Trades                     Innkeeper
 Lands                      -
 Cleared                    -
 House & Lots               -
 Rond?                      -
 Mills                      -
 Other Than Size            -
 Horses                     1
 Cows                       -
 Sheep
 Negroes                    -
 Valuation                                                275
 Rate                                                       4  11  -

                                    Property  Val.  Tax
Verseith Alexander
 House                              350
 3 Horses                            36
 3 Cows                              9
 Plate                               1
 Occupation                         27        423    3 19 7

Forsythe Alexr
   Land                    -
   Horses                  3
   Cows                    2
   Sheep                   -
   Mills                   -
   Stills                  -
   Negroes                 -
   Houses & Lots           1
   Value                   344
   Tax                     6 9 -

Forsythe Alexr
   Land                     1 Do
   Horses                   1
   Outhouses                -
   Negroes                  2
   Mills                    -
   Inhabitants              9
   Negroes                  0

Forsythe Alexander         £  S  D
   houses & lots     1
   horses            1
   horrid cattle     2
   Servants          -
   Negroes           2
   Mills Stills      -
   Plate             -
   Chairs            -
   tannyard          -
   Valuation         261
   Pound Rate
   Tax                     1 10 0

Forsythe Alesander       £ S  D
   Lands            -
   Houses           -
   Lots             -
   Horses           -
   Cows             1
   Servants         -
   Negroes          1
   Carriages        -
   Plate            -
   Ground Tent      -
   Pound Rate       -
   Valuation             8 3  0
   [Tax]                 0 6 11

The 1783 tax list shows 9 inhabitants (i.e. 7 children). Slaves were counted separately. We find the names of 9 children and what appears to be their order of birth in Alexander's will. However, we do know that the order of the last two children is reversed in the will, so we cannot be sure if any of the others were as well. We stated earlier that a single census record places Isaac's birth year before 1767 (i.e. 1766); If true, Rachel would have been only 16 years old when she and Alexander were married. The 1790 census 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 several children who died young, or what I think is more likely, the single census record that gives us Isaac's age in 1810 is wrong and he was born closer to 1770, his parents then being married in 1769 the first year we have an indication of such. This would still likely include a single child dying young in 1772. Another possibility is that Isaac was indeed born before 1767, as the 1810 census claims, and his mother died shortly thereafter. The would make Rachel Lindsay, Alexander's second wife and account for the age gap between Isaac and John. This would also open up the possibility that the name of Alexander's first wife was indeed, Rachel O'Neal as has been claimed. It does, however, leave open the question as to why Rachel Lindsay has no recorded children until about 6 years after her marriage.

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 in the 1783 tax list were Isaac, John, Rachel Jr., Jane, William, Alexander Jr., and Elijah. Assuming the order of birth 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, was likely born about 1774/5. According to the handwritten notes 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 her 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, so was probably born about 1777/8. This would then push Rachel Jr.'s birth back to about 1776. William was 60 years old at the time of his death in 1839 putting his birth at around 1778/9. We also know that Alexander Jr. was 70 years old in the 1850 census, putting his birth in 1779/80. The 1810 census places Elijah's birth before 1784, so was born between 1780 and 1783. The next child to be born to Alexander and Rachel was Mary Magdalene. She was born on November 17, 1785 probably while still living in Heidelberg. Finally in 1790, long after moving to Baltimore, their last child Elizabeth (Eliza) was born.

From the tax records we see that Alexander Forsyth was an innkeeper, that his valuation increased from 1779 to 1781 and then decreased thereafter, slowly at first, and then in 1786 it fell to drastic levels. As we will soon see, it is in this year that he removed from York County, Pennsylvania to resume his innkeeping in Baltimore, Maryland. The 1786 tax valuation no longer includes a house and lot, so it would appear this valuation included only that property he had left behind. It does not, appear to reflect abject poverty as some might presume.

Alexander Forsyth is briefly mentioned in the Thomas Jefferson Encylcopedia 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.

It has long been recognized that around the time of the Revolution, 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 April 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 the 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 memo 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 April 13, 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.

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), no[w] 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 5th at Reinecker's inn.

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 travellers 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.

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.

In the indices for the "York County Clerk of Courts Quarter Session Dockets (1749-1877)", we find Casper Reinecker being granted tavern licenses in Heidelberg beginning in April 1764 and continuing through April of 1778. 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 that the “Sign of the Horse”.

We also find Alexander Forsyth listed in the "York County Clerk of Courts Quarter Session Dockets (1749-1877)". He was among the individuals from Heidelberg, who were granted tavern licenses between the years 1779 and 1785. The images below were ordered directed from the York County Archives website and have been reformatted to save space.

Heidelberg

78 Francis Hines
79 Alexander Forsyth80 Philip Meyer
81 Peter Winebrenner

The Petition of the following persons praying the Recommendations of this Court To the Supreme Executive Council for their License to keep publick Houses of Entertainment at their Respective Habitations within this County were read and allowed Vizt –

Heidelberg

58 Charles Gelwix
59 Henry Welsh
60 Arthur Chambers
61 Philip Meyer
62 Peter Winebrenner
63 Alexr Forsyth64 Peter Welsh
65 Francis Hines

Farther Recommendations at a Court of special & private Sess held the 29th day of August 1781

91 Alexander Forsyth of Hanover Town

Heidelberg

98 Charles Gelwix
99 Francis Hines
100 Peter Welsh
101 Philip Meyer
102 Peter Winebrenner
103 Alexander Forsyth104 Daniel Barnitz
105 Andrew Etzler
106 John Biddel
107 Henry Welsh
108 Valentine Weissang

Praying the Recommendations of this Court To the Supreme [Executive Council for their License to keep publick Houses] of Entertainment at their Respective Habitations within this [County were read and allowed Vizt --]

Heidelberg

83 Charles Gelwicks
84 Philip Meyer
85 Paul Metzger
86 Andrew Etzler
87 Henry Welsh
88 Francis Hines
89 Daniel Barnitz
90 Alexr Forsyth91 Valentine Weissang

[The Petition of the following persons praying the Recommendations of] this Court To the Supreme Executive Council for their License to keep [publick Houses of Entertainment at their Respective Habitations] within this County were Read and allowed Vizt.

Heidelberg

77 Peter Winebrenner
78 Francis Hines
79 Philip Meyer
80 Henry Welsh
81 Paul Metzgar
82 Daniel Barnitz
83 Alexr Forsyth84 John Spitler
85 Wendell Keller
86 Francis Gilmeyer
87 Valentine Wysong
88 Andrew Etzler

[The Petition of the following persons praying the Re]commendations of this Court, To the Supreme Executive Council for [their License to keep publick Houses of Entertainment at their Re]spective Habitations, within this County, Were read and allowed. Vizt.

Heidelberg

86 Daniel Barnitz
87 Philip Meyer
88 Henry Welsh
89 Paul Metzgar
90 Frederick Albright
91 Francis Hines
92 Valentine Weissang
93 Alexander Forsythe94 Andrew Etzler

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 "York County Clerk of Courts Quarter Session Dockets (1749-1877)" contain additional records for Alexander Forsyth in respect to his recognizance.

Recognizances taken in open Court before the Justices for appearances at the next Sessions –

Christian Bechtel Tenet in £500 }   Conditioned for the appear-
Henry Beideman in –-------- 500 }   ances, Respectively at the
Henry Bowman   in --------- 500 }   next Sessions, to give Evidence
Casper Reinicker in –------ 500 }   in Behalf of the State against
John Creat –----- in –----- 500 }   Robert Irwin --
Nicholas Gelwix  in –------ 500 }
Alexander Forsyth in ------ 500 }

Robert Irwin Tenet in £10.000 } Conditioned for the appearance
Alexander M Carter in   £5.000 } of the said Robert at this Sessions
                                To answer a Bell of Indictment.
Christian Bechtel Tenet in £500 }   Conditioned for the appear-
Henry Beideman in –-------- 500 }   ances, Respectively at this
Henry Bowman   in --------- 500 }   Sessions, to give Evidence in
Casper Reinicker in –------ 500 }   Behalf of the State against
John Creat –----- in –----- 500 }   Robert Irwin --
Nicholas Gelwix  in –------ 500 }
Alexander Forsyth in ------ 500 }

The next record we find for Alexander Forsyth in Heidelberg is in a Requisition of Recruits (6th Class), dated January 30, 1781, 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. He 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, 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. He also appears in the Pennsylvania Septennial Census in 1786 in York County. 1786 is also the year he first appears in Baltimore, Maryland.

Baltimore, Maryland, Part I

The first appearance of Alexander Forsyth in Baltimore, Maryland is on August 2, 1786, when he ran a delightful advertisement in the “Maryland Journal Newspaper”

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 siting we have of Alexander is February 5, 1787, 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.

Alexander Forsyth placed another interesting advertisement in the “Maryland Journal Newspaper” on June 6, 1788 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, Alexander Forsyth placed another advertisement in the “Maryland Journal Newspaper” 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, 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 (Jane, Rachel, 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, 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.

According to “Some Early Residents of Baltimore, 1785-1795” by Richard J. Cox, as published in the "National Genealogical Society Quarterly, Volume 67", page 205, Alexander Forsyth was taxed in Baltimore for tavern licenses in 1789 and 1792, and granted a tavern license in 1795. In 1791, his tavern license was insolvent. That same year he got into a bit of trouble selling rum without a license. From the “Journal and Correspondence of the Council of Maryland, 1789-1793”, (Maryland State Archives) edited by Richard Walsh, 1972, page 257 we see

In Council March 23d. 1792

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.

James Brice
H. Ridgely
J. H. Stone
John Davidson

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, did return to Heidelberg, York County, Pennsylvania where he is found in the Pennsylvania Septennial Census of 1793, and remained there until he moved to Kentucky in the winter of 1805/6.

Alexander is next seen on August 16, 1794 when he leased land from John E. Howard for the annual rent of 28.2.6 pounds. It was filed the following day. and recorded on February 5, 1795. (Maryland State Archives, Deed Book QQ, page 83-86). 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

John E. Howard to Alexander Forsyth Lease

Maryland Ss. 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.

Jas. Calhoun. Geo Salmon

Received to be recorded the 5th day of February 1795 same day recorded and Examined

P Wm. Gibson Clk

In 1795, 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 and 1827 when he is listed in the city directories as a 'victualler', In 1804, however, he was listed as a 'trader'.

In 1796, 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.

On December 20, 1796, Josias Thompson, a carpenter, bought the lot on Howard street adjacent to and just north of Alexander Forsyth's. The year prior, on November 19, 1795, Josias Thompson and Alexander Forsyth's daughter, Jane Forsyth, obtained a marriage license and married soon after. Thompson sold off his lot in 3 parts. On March 9, 1799 he sold the rear section on Lerew Alley to a shopkeeper (Maryland State Archives, Deed Book 59, page 427), then on November 22, 1799 he sold a 3 foot wide walkway between Howard Street and the shopkeepers property (Maryland State Archives, Deed Book 60, page 294), undoubtedly to provide easy access to the shop from the main thoroughfare, and finally on March 13, 1801 he sold the remaining section fronting on Howard Street (Maryland State Archives, Deed Book 65, page 590). His wife Jane relinquished her right of dower for all three deeds, and his brother-in-law Joseph Goldsmith, the husband of one of Alexander Forsyth's other daughters, Rachel Forsyth, witnessed the last of the deeds as did Hillary Thompson who was probably a brother.

In the "History of Baltimore City and County", 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.

He then goes on to say

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

Firstly, the 1796 directory 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 Apr 2, 1782 when Ruth Howard, the widow of Cornelius Howard gifted Lun's Lot to her son, John Eager Howard (Maryland State Archives, Deed Book H, page 270-273). 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 (Maryland State Archives, Deed Book 70, page 376-378). 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 (Maryland State Archives, Deed Book 143, page 275-277), 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 is in the Baltimore Patriot magazine dated March 5, 1813 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--

A quantity of early Plating Potatoes, received from on board the Mary Ann, of Rhode Island.

This would indicate that the Golden Horse Tavern was established during Sumwald and Freeners lease, perhaps as early as 1802. They could have bought the lot with the express purpose of erecting a tavern and hiring someone else to operate it.

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, 1816, 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, Alexander Forsyth sublet one third of his Howard Street lease to Caleb Hewitt for an annual rent of 9.7.6 pounds and a leasing fee of 5 shillings. It was filed 10 days later, and recorded on March 21, 1797 (Maryland State Archives, Deed Book ZZ, page 119-121). 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

Alexander Forsyth to Caleb Hewitt asst.

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.

John Brevitt
John McKeen

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

- Acknowledged before John Moals.

Received to be recorded the 21st day of March 1797, same Day recorded and Examined.

Jas. Calhoun
Wm. Gibson, Clk"

The second Baltimore City Directory was published in 1799 by John Mullin. 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.

Baltimore, Maryland, Part II

In 1800, the third Baltimore City Directory was published by Warner & Hanna. The names were again listed alphabetically, but this time Alexander Forsyth was enumerated on Green St.

Forsyth, Alexander, Green st. (town)

Alexander is missing from the 1800 Federal census. This was because none of the Western Precincts were enumerated that year.

On April 1, 1801, Alexander Forsyth sublet his lease again, this time to Conrad Sherman who leased one half of the remaining 100 foot frontage (Maryland State Archives, Deed Book 69, page 128-130) for the annual rent of 9.7.6 pounds, which was exactly the same as what he charged Caleb Hewitt, but instead of a 5 shilling leasing fee, Conrad Sherman paid 2000 dollars. 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 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

Alexander Forsyth Assignment to Conrod Sherman

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
Witness Owen Dorsey

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 " - " Acknowledged Before

Owen Dorsey
John Moale

received to be recorded the 8th day of October 1801 same day recorded & examined

P Wm. Gibson Clk

On September 9, 1803, Rev. John Tessier sublet Alexander Forsyth a lot on the corner of Morris Street and Turnpike Road (Maryland State Archives, Deed Book 77, page 564-566) for an annual rent of 106 dollars 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'

John Tessier Assignment to Alexander Forsythe
Maryland SS. 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 -

Acknowledged before

Owen Dorsey
Wm Russell

Received to be recorded the 29th day of September 1803 same day recorded And Examined

P Wm. Gibson Clk

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 below) 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 below, 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 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 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, Alexander Forsyth surrenders his lease on Turnpike Road back to the Rev. John Tessier (Maryland State Archives, Deed Book 86, page 643-644). On the following day he releases a smaller portion at a reduced price.

Alexander Forsythe Surrender to John Tessier

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 -

Received to be recorded the 14th day of October 1805 same day recorded and examined

P Wm. Gibson Clk

On October 12, 1805, Alexander Forsyth leases his lot on Turnpike Road back from the Rev. John Tessier (Maryland State Archives, Deed Book 86, page 644-645). The lot had about one quarter less frontage and was less expensive, $80 vs. $106, than the one he had surrendered the day before.

       Morris
       Street
T   -------------
u   |    120'   |
r R |           |
n o |           |
p a | 103'      | 103'
i d |           |
k   |           |
e   -------------
         120'

John Tessier assignment to Alexander Forsyth
Maryland Ss. 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}
Signed Sealed and delivered in the presence of Owen Dorsey Arch Dorsey

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 -

Owen Dorsey
Archibald Dorsey

Received to be recorded the 14th day of October 1805 same day Recorded and examined

P Wm. Gibson Clk

Baltimore, Maryland, Part III

Alexander Forsyth is next found in the 1807 Baltimore City Directory 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. (Maryland State Archives, Deed Book 79, page 415)

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 for Assault and Battery (York County Clerk of Courts Quarter Session Dockets (1749-1877), page 130). The following year he married Sarah Cooper in Baltimore so was probably born about 1775. They had 2 known sons, Job who was born about 1799, and Jacob who was born about 1806. In 1807, he was living with another one of Alexander's sons, William. He died prior to 1822 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.

On June 4 and June 11, 1807, Alexander Forsyth ran an clipping in the Federal Gazette newspaper advertising 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 trents 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

This advertisement would imply that he ran a business out of his property, though not necessarily a tavern and stables as I would think he might have specified that.

The advertisement must have worked, because he sold the lot on on June 19, 1807 to Patrick Dinsmore and James More, grocers (Maryland State Archives, Deed Book 94, page 120-122).

Alexander Forsyth Assignment to Patrick Dinsmore and James Moore

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}
Signed Sealed and delivered in the presence of

F. Dougherly Owen Dorsey

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. Acknowledged before and certified by

Theophilus F Dougherty
Owen Dorsey

Received to be recorded the 20th day of June 1807 same day recorded and examined

P Wm. Gibson

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 (Maryland State Archives, Deed Book 79, page 601). Then on March 14, 1806, Goldsmith assigned the lease to Eli Hewitt (Maryland State Archives, Deed Book 86, page 681). On November 16, 1807, Eli Hewitt assigned the lease to Alexander Forsyth (Maryland State Archives, Deed Book 95, page 549-551). Hewitt was an investor and landowner and likely did not live on the property. It is possible that Alexander ran a tavern or some other business on this site.

Eli Hewitt assignment To Alexander Forsyth
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

Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of Theophilus Dougherty; Owen Dorsey

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........

Witness Theophilus F. Dougherty

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. In Testimony whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names.....

Theophilus F. Dougherty; Owen Dorsey.

Received to be recorded the 17th day of November 1807 same day recorded and Examined

P Wm Gibson Clk.

Alexander Forsyth is next found in the 1808 Baltimore City Directory 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, Alexander was still 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 1826, when he sold it to his father, so it is not clear why William and Jacob were found in the directory. 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, Alexander Forsyth, Jr. married Hetty Zell at St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church in Baltimore. On April 5, 1810, Elijah Forsyth married her sister, Mary Ann Zell in the same church. On September 23, 1809, Elizabeth Jane Forsyth married Arthur Ryder. All of Alexander and Rachel Forsyth's children were now married.

Alexander Forsyth is not found in the 1810 census. 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. 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, 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 and 1820, letters addressed to him were waiting for pickup in the Baltimore Post Office. In 1818, 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 most cases we do not have a clear picture of his descendants.

On April 13th, 19th, 21st, 23rd and 24th of 1810, Alexander Forsyth ran an ad in the Federal Gazette offering his lot on Reistertown Road for sale by auction at a public sale. The is the property that he bought from Eli Hewitt and had been previously owned by his son-in-law, Joseph Goldsmith.

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.

april 23

Shortly after on April 27, 1810, Alexander Forsyth sold the property (reassigned the lease) to Francis Gilmyer (Maryland State Archives, Deed Book 107, page 316-317).

Alexander Forsyth Assignment 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}
Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of Owen Dorsey

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

Alexander Forsyth
Witness Owen Dorsey --

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.

Received to be recorded the 28th day of April 1810 same day recorded & Examined

P Wm. Gibson Clk

Alexander Forsyth is not listed in the 1812 city directory. 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 another record of him. He apparently died, because in the directory two years later 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 missing.

On May 29, 1813, Alexander Forsyth ran an ad in the Baltimore Patriot, Vol. 1, Issue, 127, page 3, 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, 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, Alexander Forsyth ran another advertisement in the newspaper offering a reward for his runaway slave (American and Commercial Daily Advertiser, January 17, 1814, page 3). 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 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 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 in Ward 6. William Forsyth was found in Ward 11, and Alexander Forsyth, Jr. and Rachel Goldsmith are found in Ward 12. 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.

Head of Family:             Alexr Forsyth
Free White Male 26-44:      4
Free White Male >44:        1 [Alexander]
Free White Female 26-44:    2
Free Colored Females 14-25: 1
Slaves Males 14-25:         1 [Nace Peach]
Total:                      9

It is not clear where Alexander's wife, Rachel, is since she is not enumerated in his household. It is not known who might have been the 6 people living in his household since none of them seem to have children. These may have been boarders.

In the 1822 city directory, 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, Alex Forsyth, Jr. was declared an "insolvent debtor" and his property, including the Indian King Tavern and Hotel, were seized and sold at auction.

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 21, 1825, Alexander Forsyth took over his son William's lease on the North Eutaw Street property (Maryland State Archives, Deed Book 178, Page 666-668). The assignment does not specify why. He was still in possession of the property at the time of his death. John Glenn, Esq. appended a note in 1837 as part of the estate.

William Forsyth Asst to Alexander ForsythJohn 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}
signed sealed and delivered in the presence of

Beale Spumer
A W Thompson

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
Witness B Spumer
A W Thompson

Sate 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 In testimony whereof we here unto subscribe our names on the day and year aforesaid

Wm Clemm
Anthony Mittenberges

Received to be recorded the 20th day of December 1825 same day recorded and Exam'd per

Wm. Gibson Clk

Perhaps Alexander Forsyth planned on moving to the North Eutaw Street property that he acquired from his son, because on April 11, 1826, he ran an ad in the Baltimore Gazette and Daily Advertiser newspaper announcing the sale of his Pennsylvania Avenue lease.

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 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 Rider 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, Alexander Forsyth wrote his will (Maryland, Register of Wills Books, Baltimore City Wills, 1827-1832, Vol 13, page 211-212). 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 he had a child, Mary. Josias and Jane (Forsyth) Thompson were also both deceased, he having left money to their children.

Alexander ForsythA Senr
Last Will & Testament

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.

Teste: D. M. Perine Register of Wills for Baltimore County --

(See Renunciation folio 329)

Baltimore, Maryland, Part IV

On April 23, 1829, Alexander Forsyth died. His obituary was published in the Baltimore American newspaper.

Alexander Forsyth, Sr., for 40 years of Baltimore, died at his residence in Pennsylvania Avenue 23 April, 1829 in his 83rd year

He was still living at his Pennsylvania Avenue property not having sold it.

On December 19, 1829, Alexander Forsyth's executors renounced their role. Rachel gave her mark. This allowed the court to appoint John Glenn and David Stewart to act as executors in their place (Baltimore City Wills, 1827-1832, Vol. 13, page 329-330).

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

Received to be recorded the 21st day of December 1829.

Same day recorded and examined.

T: D. M. Perine Register of Wills for Baltimore County

On December 26, 1829, John Glenn and David Stewart were appointed by the Orphan's Court as executors of Alexander Forsyth's estate (Baltimore City Orphan's Court Proceedings, 1829-1832, Vol. 15, page 16-17 ).

December Term 1829

Saturday the 26th December

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, John Glenn and David Stewart accepted their role as executors of Alexander Forsyth's estate (Baltimore City Administration Bonds, 1827-1831, Vol. 13, page 242).

Alexander Forsyth Sen'rs
Administration Bond

Maryland SS 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.

John Glenn {seal}David Stewart {seal}Helena Stewart {seal}Elias Glenn {seal}
Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of

D'd M. Perine,
as to John Glenn, David Stewart
& Helena Stewart, Elisha Randall
as to Elias Glenn

On December 29, 1829, John Glenn and David Stewart posted a declaration in the Baltimore Patriot 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

More to come ...

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