THE COURTHOUSE DOOR - THE CHURCH DOOR - A MESSAGE BOARD
In the 1660s, on Virginia's Eastern Shore it became the practice of posting notices on either the Church or the Courthouse door. There were no newpapers so the Church or Court House door became a Message Board for both Counties. The Court Orders from 1704 - 1710 are full of these notices.
TRAVELING
Northampton, August the 4th 1706
This may signify to all people that I the subscriber am by Gods help bound for Europe by the first opertunity any person that hath any business or any thing to claim let them repair to the house of Mr. George Harmanson when they will be satisfied by.
John Rafield
This note was set up at the Church door of the above said county.
Teste - Robert Howson Clk. Cur.
Recorded - Robert Howson Clk. Cur. Co. Northampton
Northampton, September the 17th 1706
These may certify to all persons whom it may concern that I the subscriber is going out of this county above said and is bound to North Carolina and if any person or persons whatsoever that I am indebted to let them come and they shall be satisfied by me.
John Mills
This note was set up at the Court House door the above said date.
Recorded - Robert Howson Clk. Cur. Co. Northampton
These are to give notice to all persons whom it may concern that John Hosdall, Arther Robins, Walter Hese are bound for England God willing in the Brigeton Northampton John Bowdeine Commander if any person hath anything to demand of the above written may come to the said Bowdeines house and there they may be further satisfied.
This note set up at the court door the 29th of December 1707.
Recorded, teste - Robert Howson - CCC Northampton
LOST & FOUND
These are to give notice to all whom it may concern that we the subscribers have taken up a shallop upon the bayside of about 22 foot by the keal and 9 and a half by the beam Carval work being December the 15th 1706.
George Corben
John Nottingham
This note set up at the church door December the 22nd 1706.
Teste - Robert Howson Clk. Cur. Co. Northampton
This is to enquire after a strayed mare she is about three years old of a white color not broken nor marked she hath been from me two weeks and if any person can give me tidings where I may get her I shall be very thankfull and will pay him a good pair of shoes for his trouble from me.
John Scott
This note set up at the church door the 12th of April 1707.
Teste - Robert Howson Clk. Cur.
Recorded - Robert Howson Clk. Cur. Co. Northampton
FOUND
This is to give notice to all persons that the subscriber have strayed away from him a black horse well set and thick with a white spot in his forehead and very gray haired about his nose with a long sprig tail almost to the ground very lusty and fat if any person can bring any intelligence of the said horse and will convey him to the house of Joseph Benthall where they shall have satisfaction for their trouble.
from yours to command
William Benthall
The above said horse did belong to John Moses and found in Wm. Bradfords Neck.
This note set up at court house door the 28th of February 1707/8
Recorded, teste - Robert Howson - CCC Northampton
DEBTS
This may give notice to all persons whatsoever that I the subscriber do foreworn all persons whatsoever as well kindred as friends of harboring entertaining concealing trucking trading or dealing upon any account whatsoever with Bridget Harmanson the wife of me the subscriber therefore any or all persons that shall contrary to this my signification do anything with my said wife as before expressed they may expect to suffer what the law can inflect upon them without any favor or affection this signified by me.
William Harmanson
This note set up at the court house door the 29th of November 1708.
Recorded, teste - Robert Howson CCC Northampton
Source:
Walczyk, Frank, V. Northampton County Orders & Wills 1704 -
1710.
Coram NY: Petersrow, 2001