In 1682, Pennsylvania’s Great Law declared that no taxes could be raised without approval from both the governor and the freemen of the province, and that no tax could last longer than one year. This principle was reaffirmed on June 1, 1693, when Governor Benjamin Fletcher approved it as part of the colony’s “Bill of Right.”
The background to this moment was political upheaval. In 1692, William Penn had been stripped of his government due to alleged mismanagement and absence from the colony. King William and Queen Mary transferred control of Pennsylvania to Governor Fletcher of New York, who arrived in Philadelphia on April 26, 1693. His main mission was to secure funds to defend New York’s frontier against French and Indian attacks.
Despite resistance, the Assembly eventually passed its first general tax law. On May 30, 1693, the bill was introduced, and by June 1 it had received final approval. The act imposed a tax of one penny per pound on the clear value of all real and personal estates, and six shillings per head on freemen not otherwise taxed. The tax applied for one year only, with exemptions for the Proprietor, his deputies, and the poor with estates worth less than thirty pounds.
The preamble framed the tax as a “free gift” to King William and Queen Mary, offered as a sign of loyalty. Half of the proceeds were designated for Governor Fletcher’s use. The act also established rules for assessors, collectors, and enforcement.
Implementation proved uneven. By May 1694, a review found widespread errors and favoritism in assessments, producing far less revenue than expected—about £500 in English money, compared to an assessed value of more than £61,000 across the province. At this time, Pennsylvania consisted of three counties—Philadelphia, Chester, and Bucks—along with the “Three Lower Counties” on the Delaware (New Castle, Kent, and Sussex), which later became the state of Delaware.
Note: These pages are presented in the same manner as listed in book.
For Granting One penny per pound to King William & Queen Mary &c Wee the Assessors under Written have Taxed and Assessed the Inhabitants the respective Sums following:
| Name | Real & Property Value | Pounds | Shillings | Pence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samuel Rowland | £100 | £__ | 8s. | 4d. |
| Peter Sherbone | __ | __ | __ | |
| Thomas January | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Thomas Bud | 400 | 1 | 12 | 4 |
| Joseph Kirl | 250 | 1 | __ | 10 |
| Abraham Carpenter | 350 | 1 | 9 | 2 |
| Andrew Derickson | 800 | 3 | 6 | 8 |
| John Fisher | 75 | __ | 6 | __ |
| Edward Shippy | 200 | __ | 16 | 8 |
| Patrick Robinson | 400 | 1 | 13 | 4 |
| John Cox | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| Henry Flower | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| Arthur Cook | 200 | 16 | 8 | |
| Thomas Harding | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| William Coleman | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Carried over | £13 | 11 | 8 | |
| Brought from other side | £13 | 11 | 8 | |
| Thomas Lacey | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Augustine the Trumpeter | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Francis Little | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Fran Jobson Lott & Land | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Richard Basnett | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| Richard Whitpains Building | 500 | 2 | 1 | 8 |
| Jasper Yates | 500 | 2 | 1 | 8 |
| Peregrine Stockdale | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Francis Jones & Company | 800 | 3 | 6 | 8 |
| John Songhurst | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Charles Goss | 800 | 3 | 6 | 8 |
| John Whitpain | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| James Claypoole | 50 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Edward Claypoole | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| John Claypoole | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Griffith Jones Front & Second Streets | 1000 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Thomas Parsons | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| Widow Dean | 30 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
| Abraham Hooper | 150 | 0 | 12 | 6 |
| John Felles | 70 | __ | 5 | 10 |
| Bentall & Harts Brewhouse | 500 | 2 | 1 | 8 |
| Thomas Griffith | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| James Filler | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Wm. Salshury | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| John Shippy | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Sum carried over | £36 | 09 | __ | |
| Brought from the other side | £36 | 09s. | __d. | |
| Joseph Pidgeon & Company | 1300 | 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Anthony Burgis | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Widow Delaval | 250 | 1 | __ | 10 |
| Thomas Morris | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| Samuel Cart | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| Samuel Carpenter | 1300 | 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Samuel Jennings | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| Widow Eckley | 200 | __ | 16 | 8 |
| Ben Waller | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| John Fleckny | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| John Philpott | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| John Crapp | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| Hermon Johnson | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Tho. Hooton & Mother | 400 | 1 | 13 | 4 |
| John Deplove | 200 | __ | 16 | 8 |
| Thomas Wharton | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Arthur Holdens | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Joshua Carpenter | 1000 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Samuel Holt | 70 | __ | 5 | 10 |
| James Wood | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Jeremiah Price | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Peter Goit | 300 | 1 | 5 | __ |
| Richard Kees | 800 | 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Sum carried over | 65 | 4 | 10 | |
| Brought from other side | £65 | 4s. | 10d. | |
| John Godfry | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Robert Eure | 600 | 2 | 10 | __ |
| John Debran | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Peter Basilon | 300 | 1 | 5 | |
| George Robinson | 120 | 0 | 0 | |
| John Murry | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| William Hern | 72 | __ | __ | __ |
| Widow Alen | 80 | __ | __ | 8 |
| John Heath Sadler | __ | __ | __ | __ |
| John Smith | __ | __ | __ | __ |
| Edmond Dutton | __ | __ | __ | __ |
| Anthony Morris | 800 | 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Thomas Short | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| John Test | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| Nicholas Collins | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| James Fox | 200 | __ | 16 | 8 |
| Cornelius Dire | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Christo. Lob | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| John Haukins | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| John Otte | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Edmond Ducastle | 800 | 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Sum carried over | 82 | 8 | 2 | |
| Brought over | £82 | 8s. | 2d. | |
| Alexander Berdsly | 200 | __ | 16 | 8 |
| William Alloway | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| William Pascal | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| John Patrick | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Ceser Geslein | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| James Delaplain | 72 | __ | 6 | __ |
| Nat Sikes | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| John Sands | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Humphry Murry | 500 | 2 | 1 | 8 |
| Samuel Griffith | 72 | __ | 6 | __ |
| Richard Perec | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Thomas Harris | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| John Harris | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Thomas Hartly | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Widow Culcup | 40 | __ | 3 | 4 |
| John Howard | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Thomas Marie | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| Nat Edgcome | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Richard Barnes | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Richard Cockett | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| William Bevan | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| John Holmes | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Sum Carried over | £__ | 91 | 7 | 4 |
| Brought over | __ | 91 | 7 | 4 |
| Samuel Buckly | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Daniel Beaks | 100 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Peter Charles | 800 | 3 | 6 | 8 |
| Philip James | 200 | __ | 16 | 8 |
| Widow Guest | 250 | 1 | __ | 10 |
| William Say | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Mary Hauge | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| John Colly | 72 | __ | 6 | __ |
| John Ward | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Jeremiah Collets | 200 | __ | 16 | 8 |
| Peter Debuke | 800 | 3 | 6 | 8 |
| John Nash | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| Abra Hardiman | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Causper Hoote | 120 | __ | 10 | __ |
| Christo Sibthorp | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| Samuel Nichols | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| John Heath | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Tho. Meekin | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Edward Shaw | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| John Roberts | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Carried over | £106 | __ | 2 | |
| Brought over | £000 | £106 | __s. | 2d. |
| John Jones | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| William Hunne | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| Philip Howell | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| John Smart | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Mathew Clements | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| William Salway | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| John White | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| William Hudson | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Nicholas Perce | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Francis Cook | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Samuel Richardson | 250 | 1 | __ | 10 |
| James Poltis | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Thomas Prichart | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| William Kelly | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| John Wait | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Robert Merrifeild | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Bernard Vigore | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| John Williams | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| William Wallker | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| Randal Spikra | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| William Brightwell | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| James Vaveere | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Carried over | £113 | 11 | __ | |
| Brought over | £113 | 11s. | __d. | |
| William Laycock | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Robert Wallis | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| John Prichart | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| William Davis | 40 | __ | 3 | 4 |
| Joseph Knight | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Josh Knight | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Thomas Roberts | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Jeremiah Osborn | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| George Paris | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Richard Jones | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Joseph Willcox | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| Abigal Willcox | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| William Wait | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Ben. Holt | 72 | __ | 6 | __ |
| Edward Douty | 120 | __ | 10 | __ |
| Widow Elfrith | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| William Carter | 200 | __ | 16 | 8 |
| John Mneooni | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| John Rodman | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| James Staufeild | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Carried over | £120 | 10 | __ | |
| Brought over | £120 | 10 | __ | |
| Jacob Coffin | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Richard Turner | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Robert Bono | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| John Austin | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Constant Gray | 40 | __ | 3 | 4 |
| Doctor Hudson | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Robert Pound | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Thomas Achely | 40 | __ | 3 | 4 |
| Daniel Ridges House | 40 | __ | 3 | 4 |
| Thomas Truss | 200 | __ | 16 | 8 |
| Ralph Ward | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| Evan Jones | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| James Polter | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| Widow Welch | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Francis Rawlea | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| Robert Turner | 900 | 3 | 15 | __ |
| Anthony Sturgis | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Andrew Robinson | 600 | 2 | 10 | __ |
| John Farmer | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| Thomas Wait | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| John Stevens | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Carried over | £132 | 13 | 2 | |
| Brought over | £132 | 13s. | 2d. | |
| Thomas Peart | 120 | 0 | 10 | __ |
| James Chick | 40 | __ | 3 | 4 |
| James Thomas | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| Gabriel Willkeson | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| Ellis Jones | 30 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| Gilbert Wheler | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Lionel Britton | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| Benjamin Chambers | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Henry Johnson | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Richard Sutton | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Jonas Smith | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| John Furnis | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| John Palmers house &c | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| James Jacob | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Thomas Fittswater Jr. | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Robert Stacy | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Thomas Bristol | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| Thomas Langstone | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| William Southersby | 40 | __ | 3 | 4 |
| John Day | 200 | __ | 16 | 8 |
| Joshua Tittery | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| 140 | __ | 4 | ||
| Brought over | __ | £140 | __ | 4 |
| James West | 100 | 0 | 8 | 4 |
| Jacob Turner | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Henry Furnia | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| John Jennett | 120 | __ | 10 | __ |
| William Dilling | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| Richard Jenett | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| William Freeman | 30 | __ | 2 | 3 |
| Benjamin Whithead | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| Edward Farmer | 200 | __ | 16 | 8 |
| Nat Lamply | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Israel Hobs | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| James Cooper | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| John Otter | 400 | 1 | 13 | 4 |
| John Jones | 500 | 2 | 1 | 8 |
| Captain Billops house | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| John Griffith | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| German the Weaver | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Edward German | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Evan Griffith | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| William Hard | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| Joseph Taylor | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| 150 | 7 | 8 | ||
| Brought from other side | £150 | 7s. | 8d. | |
| William Sneed | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| Ralph Jackson | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| John Roads | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| George Harmer | 72 | __ | 6 | __ |
| Edward Smout | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| William Snoden | 40 | __ | 3 | 4 |
| Robert Tate | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Richard Whitfeild | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| William Lee | 200 | __ | 16 | 8 |
| John Griffith | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| John Redwood | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Philip Richards | 400 | 1 | 13 | 4 |
| Johanes Van Laure | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Berbadoa House | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Herbert Curry | 80 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Semercy Adams | 80 | __ | 06 | 8 |
| George Emlin | 150 | 0 | 12 | 6 |
| Abell Noble | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| James Shaddock | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| John Bolt | 120 | __ | 10 | __ |
| Anthony Taylor | 30 | __ | 2 | 3 |
| Carried over | £158 | 9 | 8 | |
| Brought over | £158 | 9s. | 8d. | |
| Hance Peters | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Thomas Willard | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Hanah Wood | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| John King | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Henry Stirk | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Thomas Hill | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Samuel Atkins | 250 | 1 | 0 | 10 |
| George Cock | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| John Landisb | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Mary Lash | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Charles Pickering | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Daniel Standish | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Andrew Griscome | 100 | __ | __ | 4 |
| John Busby | 40 | __ | 3 | 4 |
| John Goodson | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| Hugh Derbora | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| John Parsons | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| James Coat | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Henry Badcock | 250 | 1 | __ | 10 |
| James Gresham | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Carried over | £166 | 8 | 6 | |
| Brought over | £166 | 8 | 6 |
| Name | Real & Property Value | Pounds | Shillings | Pence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Sanders | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Emanuel Dawson | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Edward James | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Nehemiah Allen | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| John Bud | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Thomas Bradford | 200 | __ | 16 | 8 |
| Thomas Masters | 300 | 1 | 5 | __ |
| Thomas Pascal | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| Richard Tucker | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Thomas Bowyer | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Ellis _____ | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Richard Wall | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Daniel Cook | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Walton Price | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| Walter Tomson | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Abell Tudor & Company | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| William Trent & Company | 500 | 2 | 1 | 8 |
| Samuel Stacy & Company | 500 | 2 | 1 | 8 |
| Thomas Hooton & Company | 500 | 2 | 1 | 8 |
| Thomas Bud & Company | 200 | __ | 16 | 8 |
| Carried over | £179 | 15 | 10 | |
| Brought over | £179 | 15s. | 10d. | |
| Samuel Perry | 300 | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| George Hethuott | 300 | 1 | 5 | __ |
| George Keith | 150 | __ | 12 | __ |
| John Collins | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| John Punyard | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Thomas Pepitt | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Thomas Cook | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Thomas Tudor | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| 184 | 8 | 4 | ||
| Brought over | £184 | 8 | 4 | |
| Thomas Rouse | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| James Jacobs | 45 | __ | 3 | 9 |
| James Harrison | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| John Lewden | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Joseph Yard | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| John Hart | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Young Morgan | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Gabriel Thomas | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Richard Orraes | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| John Bird | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| John White | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| John Day House | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| Isacc Warner | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Christo Sibthorp | 40 | __ | 3 | 4 |
| Richard Goves | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| John Lineam | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Anthony Weston | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Christo Sibthorp for Colyer | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| Joseph Walker | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| David Brintnall | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| William Forest | 120 | __ | 10 | __ |
| Henry Lakin | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| John Martin | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| John Kensy | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| Carried over | £189 | 10 | 1 | |
| Brought over | £189 | 10s. | 1d. | |
| Mary Hilyard Brick House | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Robert Burrows | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| David Powell | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| William Crues | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| Thomas Hobs | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| Samuel Meals | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Daniel Jones | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Rachell Jones | 40 | 3 | 4 | |
| John Harris | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| John Chandler | 40 | __ | 3 | 4 |
| Wm Hudson Bricklayer | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Robert Roe | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| William Trotter | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| John Beedle | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Richard Roberts | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| Pat Robinson | 400 | 1 | 13 | 4 |
| Wm Crues High Street | 30 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
| Humph. Murry Mulbery | 6 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Charles Butler | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Thomas Bristol | 40 | __ | 3 | 4 |
| Carried over | £195 | 17 | 3 | |
| Brought over | £195 | 17s. | 3d. | |
| Joshua Morris | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| William Bowling | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| William Southyshy Jr. | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| Griffith Owen | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Philip England | 4 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Michael Wallton | 100 | __ | 6 | __ |
| Reece Peters | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Evan Morris | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| William David | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| Stephen Fouke Jr. | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Thomas Andrews | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Thomas Miller Jr. | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| William Rakestraw | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Thomas Marie | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| £199 | 17 | 11 | ||
| Mounce Cox Northern Liberty | ||||
| Bought over | £199 | 17s. | 11d. | |
| Daniel Pegg | 250 | __ | 0 | 10 |
| Daniel Rugges | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Lawrence Evins | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Robert Stiles | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Neds Loycon | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| Joshua Carpenter | 130 | __ | 10 | 10 |
| Daniel Chruis | __ | __ | __ | __ |
| Philip Gunter | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| George Walker | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| Emanuall Walker his Son | __ | __ | 5 | __ |
| Andrew Robinson for J. Songerst House | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| John Goodson | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| John Palmer | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| William Palmer his Brother | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Andrew Davis by Vinyard | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| President More Estate | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| John Thomas | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Ginkin Lewis | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| John Mifflin | 100 | __ | 6 | 4 |
| Abell Robinson | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Carried over | £207 | 5 | 5 | |
| Brought over | £207 | 5s. | 5d. | |
| Robert Stacy & Son | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Ellis Jones Governer Mill | 72 | __ | 6 | __ |
| Robert Turner | 200 | __ | 16 | 8 |
| Samuel Carpenter | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| Widow Bowyer | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Evan Oliver | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Peter Dale | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Robeson & Sanders Mill | 350 | 1 | 9 | 2 |
| Joseph Brown | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Luke Townsend | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Francis Cranton | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Cornelius Ellis | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| James Morris | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Jacob Dubra | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| Robert Pulman | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Joseph Jones | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Paul Johnson | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Clement Pudiughorn | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Daniel Howell | 70 | __ | 5 | 10 |
| John Crosby | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Sum Carried over | £ | £214 | 9 | 9 |
| Brought over | £214 | 9s. | 9d. | |
| Widow Smith | 150 | __ | 12 | __ |
| Edward Jerman charged in Town | __ | __ | 0 | __ |
| Timothy Carter | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Thomas Cartor | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Richard Dawson | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Miles Money | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Thomas Cotton | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Thomas Williams | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Michael Nellson | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| Thomas Fairman | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Gunner Rambo | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| John Tank | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| Andrew & Hance Nellson | 200 | __ | 16 | 8 |
| Griffith Jones | 350 | 1 | 9 | 2 |
| Richard Tomlinson | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| John a Dutchman | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Wm Preston | 130 | __ | 10 | 10 |
| Monnce Cox | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Wm Sallway | 250 | 1 | __ | 10 |
| Edward Roberts | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Erick Cock | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Carried over | £224 | 6 | 3 | |
| Oxford Township Jno. Worrell | ||||
| Brought over | £224 | 6s. | 3d. | |
| John Tissick | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Jacob Hall | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Erick Mullickcr | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| William Taylor | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| Ericks 2 Sons | __ | __ | 12 | __ |
| Ann Salter | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| Richard Whitfeild | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Widow Keen | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Erick her Son | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Hermon Enock | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| William Busby | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| John Fletcher | 120 | __ | 10 | __ |
| Atwell Willmoreton | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Joseph Paul | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| John Harper | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| John & Charles his Sons | __ | __ | 12 | __ |
| Halls Journy Man | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Georg Burson | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| John Wells | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Carried over | __ | £230 | 5 | 7 |
| Brought over | £230 | 5s. | 7d. | |
| Daniel Street | 71 | __ | 6 | __ |
| John Bunce | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Henry Waddy | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| Daniel Hall | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Yeomans Uingham | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Thomas Graves | 72 | __ | 6 | __ |
| Thomas Parsons 1\3 Mill | 40 | __ | 3 | 4 |
| Samuel Carpenter 2/3 | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| Robert Addams | 200 | __ | 16 | 8 |
| John Worrell | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Richard Seary | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Carried over | £234 | 9 | 9 | |
| Cheltenham Jos Phips | ||||
| Brought over | £234 | 9s. | 9d. | |
| Humphry Waterman | 200 | __ | 16 | 8 |
| Edmond Megvaugh | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Samuel Voss | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| Thomas Terwood | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| Philip Hill | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| John Ironmonger | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Humphry Murry | 60 | __ | 5 | 0 |
| Samuel Carl | 200 | __ | 16 | 8 |
| John Roberts | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| John Barnes | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| Thomas Canbey | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Wm. Routlidg | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Joseph Phips Sr. | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| Joseph Phips Jr. | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Richard Hall | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Tobias Leach & | 200 | __ | 16 | 8 |
| 3 Poles | __ | __ | 18 | __ |
| Georg Shoomaker | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| Tho. Whitton & Jonas Potts | __ | __ | 12 | __ |
| Edward Eaton | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| John Russell | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| Carried over | £242 | 16 | 1 | |
| Bristol Township Rich, Townsend | ||||
| Brought over | £242 | 16s. | 1d. | |
| Samuel Richardson | 300 | __ | 5 | __ |
| Thomas Godfry | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| John Moon Deceased Estate | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| John Moon Jr. | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| Joseph Willcox | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Georg Willcox | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| William James | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| Thomas Shute | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Edward Lane | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Samuel Bennett | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| Thomas Rutter | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| Israel Morris | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Jacob Evans | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| John Coster | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Joseph Godfry | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Thomas Bridg | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Carried over | £247 | 19 | 5 | |
| German Town Peter Knerless | ||||
| Brought over | £247 | 19s. | 5d. | |
| Derick Up de Grave | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Thomas Rutter | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Hermon Up de Grave | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| Abraham Up de Grave | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| William Streipers | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| Paul Woolf | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Daniel Pastorius | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Johannis Pettinger | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Hermon Op De Trap | __ | __ | __ | __ |
| John Van de Woestyne | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Anthony Loof | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Mathias Jackson | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Peter Shoomaker | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Hance Peter Up stead | 100 | __ | __ | 4 |
| Peter Shoomaker | 80 | __ | __ | 8 |
| £260 | 9 | 5 | ||
| Plimouth Township Nat Christophers | ||||
| James Fox | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| William Reynolds | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Carried over | £260 | 19 | 7 | |
| Bybery Daniel Walton | ||||
| Brought over | £260 | 19s. | 7d. | |
| Richard Collitt | 45 | __ | 3 | 9 |
| John Turner | 42 | __ | 3 | 6 |
| Thomas Cross | 31 | __ | 2 | 10 |
| Nat Walton | 31 | __ | 2 | 11 |
| Thomas Grome | 70 | __ | 5 | 2 |
| Samuel Ellis | 35 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Henry English | 50 | __ | 4 | 6 |
| Giles Knight | 30 | __ | 2 | __ |
| William Hibbs | 30 | __ | 2 | 2 |
| Thomas Bingley | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| William Waiton | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| Thomas Walton | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| John Carver | 34 | __ | 2 | 10 |
| William Carver | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| Michael Butcher | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| John Williamson | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| John Hiburne | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Daniel Walton | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Carried over | £261 | 6 | 10 | |
| Upper Precinct Nich Scull | ||||
| Brought over | £264 | 6s. | 10d. | |
| Nicholas Scull | ||||
| Richard Sanders | ||||
| Robert Whitton | ||||
| William Harmer | ||||
| John Fisher | ||||
| £265 | 18 | 8 | ||
| Dublin George Eaton | ||||
| Joseph Fisher | 350 | __ | 9 | 2 |
| Allen Foster | 63 | __ | 5 | 3 |
| Silas Crispin | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Jonathan Levesly | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Richard Worrill | 37 | __ | 3 | 1 |
| Edmond Wells | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| Joseph Aehton | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| John Sibly | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| Erick Nellson | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Neels Neelson | 64 | __ | 5 | 4 |
| Carried over | £270 | 9 | 0 | |
| Brought over | £270 | 9s. | __d. | |
| Peter Rambo | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Lace Bore | 124 | __ | 10 | 4 |
| William Cuntlitt | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| George Northorp | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Benja. Puneild | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| Joseph Write | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Edward Williams | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| William Wells | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Thomas Clark | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| John Ayrcs | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Henry Wells | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Peter Taylor | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Robert Pri small | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Samuel Jones | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| George Eaton | 45 | __ | 3 | 9 |
| William Black | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| George Buson | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Carried over | £2275 | 4 | 7 | |
| Passiunck Wiccaco Moymensing Peter Cock | ||||
| Brought over | £275 | 4s. | 7d. | |
| Peter Rambo | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Lace Cox | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| Andrew Bankson | 200 | __ | 13 | 8 |
| John Stilly | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Causper Causten | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Mathias Holston | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Richard Roads | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| Peter Dalbo | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| Henry Jones | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Swan Swanson | 250 | 1 | __ | 10 |
| Wolla Swanson | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Andrew Swanson | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Andrew Wheler | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| John Hendrick | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Thomas Waite | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| Alexander Crookshank | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Peter Cox | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| Peter Cox Jr. | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| Bank Bankson | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| Robert Wilkins | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Carried over | £282 | 9 | 11 | |
| Brought over | £282 | 9s. | 11d. | |
| Peter Homan | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Gerrett Morten | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| John Swanson | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Gunner Swanson | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Ditlo Casten | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| John Cock | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Andrew Bankson Jr. | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Beyond Schoolkill Tho. Pascall Jr. | ||||
| William Smith | 250 | 1 | __ | 10 |
| Paul Sanders | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| John Gardner | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Jonathan Duckctt | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Thomas Duckett | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| John Roads | 120 | __ | 10 | __ |
| William Powell | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| John Albore | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Carried over | £288 | 4 | 7 | |
| Brought over | £288 | 4s. | 7d. | |
| William Wilkins | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| James Keight | 40 | __ | 3 | 4 |
| William Warner | 120 | __ | 10 | __ |
| John Warner | 40 | __ | 3 | 4 |
| John Boles | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| George Scottson | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| John Scooton | 120 | __ | 10 | __ |
| William Bedward | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Thomas Pascail | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| George Willcox | 170 | __ | 14 | 2 |
| £292 | 2 | 1 | ||
| The Welch Tract Edw. Reece | ||||
| Hugh Roberts | 200 | __ | 16 | 8 |
| James Thomas | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| John Roberts | 10 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Rowland Richards | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Hugh Jones | 40 | __ | 3 | 4 |
| Cadwallader Morgan | 50 | __ | 4 | 2 |
| Robert David | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| Carried over | £294 | 10 | 5 | |
| Brought over | £294 | 10s. | 5d. | |
| Abell Thomas | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Robert John | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Edward Rice | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| John Roberts | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Daniel Thomas | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Joshua Owen | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Charles Hues | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Philip Price | 40 | __ | 3 | 4 |
| Isaac Price | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Fran Howell | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| Robert Owen | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| Richard Cureton | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| David Price | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| David Haverd | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Evan Henry | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Morgan David | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Thomas Jones | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Robert Lloyd | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| David Thomas | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Edward Williams | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Carried over | £299 | 7 | 3 | |
| Brought over | £299 | 7s. | 3d. | |
| Edward Griffith | 40 | __ | 3 | 4 |
| John Hugh | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Thomas Davis | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Rice Thomas | 40 | __ | 3 | 4 |
| Edward Jones | 40 | __ | 3 | 4 |
| John Uumphrys | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| Edward Jones of Merrion | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| Rice Jones | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| Griffith Jones | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| Katherine Thomas | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Her two Sons | __ | __ | 12 | __ |
| Richard Wallter | 30 | __ | 2 | 6 |
| David Hughs | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| William Probert | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Evan Harris | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Carried over | £303 | 3 | 11 | |
| Brought over | £303 | 3s. | 11d. | |
| Neels Jones | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| Mounce Jones | 40 | __ | 3 | 4 |
| Andrew Jones | 40 | __ | 3 | 4 |
| Peter Yoakam | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Robert Longshore | 200 | __ | 16 | 8 |
| Andrew Longoker (possible error) | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| Eusta Eustason | 80 | __ | 6 | 8 |
| Widow Eustason | 100 | __ | 8 | 4 |
| Two Sons of Age | __ | __ | 12 | __ |
| Jonas Nellson | 200 | __ | 16 | 8 |
| James Hunt | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| Andrew Swanson Boon | 350 | 1 | 9 | 2 |
| Three Sons of Age | __ | __ | 18 | __ |
| Widow Cock | 150 | __ | 12 | 6 |
| Two Men | __ | __ | 12 | __ |
| John Ellett | 60 | __ | 5 | __ |
| Otto Earnest Cock | 200 | __ | 16 | 8 |
| Two Sons of Age | __ | __ | 12 | __ |
| John Hart | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Oliver Roberts | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Daniel Macgar | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Richard Bennett | __ | __ | 6 | __ |
| Total | £__ | £314 | 12 | 9 |
Witness our hands at Philadelphia the 26th day of September 1693.
Assemblymen
Samuel Carpenter
Samuel Richardson
James Fox
John White
Assistance
Wm Salway
Joseph Willcox
John Jones
This is a true Copy drawn from the Original Rate for this County of Philadelphia
John Claypoole Collectr
Note: The original Tax list is in the possession of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. The spelling of names, though decidedly phonetic, can scarcely be said to be worse than that which has been found in some tax books of later years.
Introduction to First Tax List for Philadelphia County, 1693
In the 59th Chapter of “The Great Law,” passed at Upland in 1682, it had been provided that no money or goods should be raised upon or paid by any of the people of the province by way of a public tax, but by a law for that purpose made by the Governor and freemen thereof, and that no tax at any time should continue any longer than the space of one whole year. This law was substantially re-enacted, and approved by the Governor, Benjamin Fletcher, June 1st, 1693, and forms the 37th section of the law known as the “Bill of Right.”
Previously to this, however, owing to great miscarriages, as it was alleged, in the Government of the Province, and the absence of the Proprietor, by reason of which it had fallen into disorder and confusion, Penn, in the year 1692, had been deprived of his Government by King William and Queen Mary, and a commission had been granted by them to Benjamin Fletcher, Governor of New York, to take Pennsylvania also under his government He arrived in Philadelphia on April 26, 1693. After some opposition an Assembly was chosen in answer to his call, and a letter from Queen Mary to him was read, in which was embodied the chief business which he had to present for its action. This letter represented that great expense had been entailed upon the province of New York in the defense of its frontiers against the French, and called upon the several colonies to assist New York in resisting the attempts of the French and Indians. The Governor also, in his address to the Assembly, called its attention to the necessity of providing a general revenue for the support of the government. This, in fact, was the Governor’s main object in calling the Assembly. But the great discontent among the people, caused by the abrogation by the King and Queen in council of various laws passed by the Assembly, showed itself in the many obstacles thrown in the way of the adoption of the Bill of Supply. Advantage was taken of the Governor’s earnest desire that the bill should pass to procure the confirmation of existing laws, or the re-enactment of new ones of like import. These were embodied in the Petition of Right, and with the Bill of Supply and twenty-nine other new bills were finally passed into laws.
On the 18th of 3rd mo. (May), 1693, the second day after the reading to Assembly of the Queen’s letter, a Committee of Eleven was appointed to consider the part of the Governor’s speech relating to the support of the Government and Fortification of the Province, etc., the sum needed, and how it could be raised. On the 19th the Committee reported that there was an absolute necessity of raising money to support the Government, and suggested a mode of doing so. On the 26th the report was considered, and it was resolved that a penny per pound of all the real and personal estates within this Province and Territories, with respect had to the moderate assessment of all uncultivated and unprofitable land, and six shillings per head, should be assessed toward the support of Government. A motion that part of the money to be raised be appropriated for the use of the two late Governors was negative and it was voted that all counties should defray their respective county charges, and that the same be levied or taxed proportionally. David Lloyd, James Fox, Samuel Richardson, Thomas Pemberton, and Edward Blake were accordingly appointed a Committee to draw the bill.
The bill was presented on May (3rd mo.) 30th, read the first time and passed, and on the following day it passed second reading. On June 1st it passed third reading, and was sent to the Governor, who gave it his assent on the same day.
This Act, which was the first in the history of the Province authorizing a general tax to be assessed for public purposes, was entitled “An act tor granting to King William and Queen Mary the rate of one penny per pound upon the clear value of all real and personal estates, and six shillings per head upon such as are not otherwise rated by this Act, to be employed by the Governor of this province of Pennsylvania and territories thereof for the time being towards the support of this government.”
The Preamble to the Act sets forth that “since it hath pleased the King and Queen to take the government of this Province and country into their own hands, and supply the absence of our Proprietor by so worthy a person who gives us such great assurances of his good desires to preserve and con-firm us in our rights and liberties, We, the General Assembly, do humbly present the said King and Queen with the free gift of the rates and assessments hereinafter mentioned, which we desire they will please to accept of as a testimony of our dutiful affections towards them, and we do likewise desire that the King and Queen would be pleased to give and allow one-half thereof unto Benjamin Fletcher, Captain General and Governor in Chief in and over this Province and country.”
It was therefore enacted “That all and every person and persons within this government having any personal estates either in their possession or in the possession of others in trust for them, other and besides the household goods and implements they use, and such sums of money as they really owe or ought to pay, shall yield and pay to the use aforesaid after the rate of one penny per pound; and to the end that this tax may he laid with such equality and indifference as may be, upon all lands within this government, and that a due regard may be had to the many tracts of uncultivated and unimproved lands, which produce rather a charge than profit to the owners thereof,” it was enacted “that all lands and other real, as also the personal estates, shall be and are hereby charged, for one year only and no longer, with one penny for one pound clear value.”
And it was further enacted “That all freemen within this province and territories, who have been out of their servitude by the space of six months, and shall not be otherwise rated by this Act, nor worth one hundred pounds, shall pay unto the use aforesaid the sum of six shillings per head; provided always that our Chief Proprietary and his late Deputies in government shall not be assessed, or otherwise chargeable by virtue of this Act: Provided also, that no person or persons shall be taxed by this Act, who have a great charge of children and become indigent in the world, and are so far in debt that the clear value of their real and personal estate doth not amount to thirty pounds.”
The Act then provided for the appointment of Collectors and Assessors, the time of payment, the collection by distress of taxes due by delinquents, the alteration of assessments, etc.
It seems that there was some dissatisfaction regarding the manner of the assessment of the tax. A Committee of the Governor’s Council, which, in consequence of this, had been appointed to investigate the matter, reported on the 26th of May, 1694, that having examined the several rates of the respective Counties did find that in most of the Counties there have been great errors and partiality committed by the Assessors in undervaluing their own and others’ estates whereby the whole amounts but to £760 16 2 money of Pennsylvania; in money of New York to about £700; in English money about £560, which £60 may come short in the salaries for collecting the same and in runaways, so that the net produce may be about £500 English money.”
The total of the assessments in the following list amounts to £61,759. From this the value of the private estates and property at that time in Philadelphia County may be approximated.
The Province of Pennsylvania was then composed of but three counties, Philadelphia, Chester, and Bucks and the Territories, or Three Lower Counties upon Delaware, New Castle, Kent, and Sussex, now comprising the State of Delaware. Philadelphia County extended indefinitely toward the northwest, bounded on either side by the counties of Chester and Bucks. Chester County included all the territory (except a small portion now in Philadelphia County) southwest of the Schuylkill River, to the extreme limits of the province, and Bucks County had for its northern boundary the Kittatinny Mountain, or as far as the land might be purchased from the Indians, a very indefinite limit, as subsequent events proved.