The following was contributed to me by Iris Lee.
I am not certain who originally copied the record, but Iris would know.
You can contact Iris for more details.
The following records concern Jonathan Peacher, eldest son of William Peacher and wife Frances Schimmelphennig Peacher. There are two separate records, each referring to a different date and incident of stealing horses, from two different neighbors. Rumor has it that eventually, he and brother Reuben ( 2 ) were hung for stealing horses. Since the family was evidently well off, it's interesting to speculate on why they did this. Kentucky at the time was a hotbed for horse breeding, buying and selling. It offers unique insight into the workings of early nineteenth century society. Perhaps the horses represented social or financial prestige? Was there an ongoing conflict with specific neighbors from whom they stole the horses?. What a mystery!
County Clerk Court Order Book 2
May 06, 1808
Page 1
Examination of Jonathan Peachaer, Laborer, late of Fayette County ( Kentucky ) , charged with having on April 23, 1808, felonious taking and leading away from the possession of William Henson, one dark bay mare of the value of 70, the property of said Henson. Present, Samuel Blair, William Dudley and Leonard Young, Justices.
The prisoner was brought to the bar in the custody of the jailor and pled not guilty. Witnesses were examined and the prisoner heard in his own defense, and the Court was of the opinion that he was guilty, and ordered that he be remanded to jail to await trial at the next Circuit Court. He was admitted to bail but this was not posed. Ordered that William Henson, Julius Watts, Nathaniel Moore and Sally Moore his wife, John Rutledge and Joseph Rutledge post bond in the penal sum of $ 100 each to appear as witnesses. Ordered that John Rutledge, Julius Watts, Nathaniel Moore and Sally Moore be allowed recompense for appearing as witnesses.
May 06, 1808
Page 2
Examination of Jonathan Peacher, Laborer, late of Fayette County, charged with feloniously on April 06, 1808, in the night, taking and leading away from the possession of Thomas Nuttall on bay horse of the value of $ 100, the property of the said Nuttall. Present, Samuel Blair, William Dudley and Leonard Young, Justices.
The prisoner was brought to the bar in the custody of the jailor and pled not guilty. Sundry witnesses were heard and the prisoner in his own defense, and the Court was of the opinion that he was guilty and that he be remanded to jail to await trial at the next Circuit Court. Bail was admitted but not posed. Ordered that Thomas Nuttall, Julius Watts, John Rutledge and Joseph Rutledge post bond in the penal sum of $ 100 each to appear as witnesses.
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