Family Counterfieters

Does anyone else have someone in their family who was convicted of counterfieting?

My sixth great grandfather Robert Martin of Wallingford CT and his brother-in-law of the same place were convicted in October 1744 in New Haven CT, of counterfieting bills of public credit of the Colony of Rhode Island and were to be released from goal (jail) on 2nd Monday in December. The penalties of their convictions were to each pay sum of 200 pounds, to be bound out for ten years servitude, return to Wallingford from whence they came, and not to leave during their life, without permission on penalty of twenty lashes on the bare body.

It seems to be they received harsher sentences than any modern counterfietor.

jeankay

 

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Very cool story, Jean! How did you come across that little tidbit? Did your family remain in CT? Are you in CT?

 

Not me, but 200 pounds sounds like an incredible amount of money for 1744. I would think that that would set somebody up for life back then. Today, I probably don't have assets equaling 200 pounds. Wait, maybe...

Economy is tough right now. My Dad used to tell me that you had to be tough to live in Minnesota...but there are a lot of more economic issues nowadays. No lashes for me please. lol

 

I read that "back in the day" some places would purposely misspell words on the currency to fool counterfiters...

Bad day and age to be a grammar/spelling nazi!

 

I am glad you enjoyed the story.

I do family history research and found that little tidbit at a site for the histories of New Haven County CT. I didn't quote it exactly because I didn't want to reveal the in-laws name also.
What I find most interesting is that it seems they could read and write... or copy very nicely to get away with it in the short term.
Sure wish I could see pictures of those pieces of paper they made.
I have at least one other family that came to PA and then to Indiana that were thought to be counterfietors, but do not have the actual documentation.

It is all quite fun when one discovers such things.
Oh, and this Martin family went from CT to Western NY, on to OH, IL, MO and CA., where was born and live.

jeankay

 

That's a neat story. I don't know of any counterfeiters in my family although my father said the only way he got through school was copying homework off a girl in his class. Does that count?

 

That is a great story and no none in my family that I know of.

I can say this though. I have a Note from the Colony of New Jersey. The reverse pictures a tobacco leaf and the words

"Tis Death to Counterfeit".

Your kin may have gotten off easy actually.

 

no counterfieters but my grandpa got caught making moonshine in Missouri during prohibition, lol

Thanks for the great story !!

 

Whoa! 'Death to Countefietors'...
Guess old Robert got off easy for awhile.
He joined the military for the French and Indian War and died in battle in 1758.
I think he only did the military thing so he could get out of town.
jeankay

 

Interestn story, Thank you for sharing it.

I am suprised they were not hanged for the crime in those days.

Has anyone else in your family continued with the tradition of printing?

Jeff

 

I am glad you liked the story.
From what I understand, in those days, a prisoner was more valuable out tilling the land and harvesting, cutting wood, etc. Robert and his brother-in-law not only had to do the work of keeping their own families fed, but had to work for anyone else who needed them. Seems like this servitude punishment was more productive than imprisonment. Not only that, their families would have had to pay for their upkeep if they were put behind bars.
So far I don't know of any descendants doing such things, but I wouldn't be surprised if I discovered someone.
As far as printing business... none that I know of.
jeankay

 

that is a cool story! I wonder if possibly any of those notes they printed still reside in the family as an heirloom

 

So who do we talk to about bringing this mode of punishment back in style???

 

What a great story! It would be very cool to images of these guy's and the document's that brought them down. And what punishment..bring it back for sure!!

Do you have any news paper articles or other official documents detailing the story?

RickieB

 

Sorry RickieB,
No photography back in 1744... and Robert was likely one of those that came to the colonies via the indentured servant route, so it is very unlikely he could afford to be sketched. There was probably a newspaper then but chances are it was long gone before it could be microfilmed. Heaven only knows if any of the notes survived the trial... chances are what they could find were destroyed post trial.

So, if anyone knows anything of Rhode Island notes or currency back in 1744 and has a picture of them to see, I would sure appreciate knowing where to see them myself.

Thanks everyone for listening to my story and enjoying the saga of those two fellas.

jeankay

 

Jeankay...

I will post an image of a 1776 Colonial note for you in a few min..from RI

Please standby...
Colonial note from Rhode Island in 1776...

I knew there would not be any photos..LOL thought there might have been sketches or other forms of printing..

RickieB

*****Removed image for privacy reasons*****

 

wow Ricki.. Is that yours?

 

Snaz...am I supposed to let out all my secrets??

RickieB

 

Thanks RickieB,
Great pictures. Is that one of yours?
A distant cousin described a Carolina note (can't remember if it is North or South)
to me over the phone and I was able to find an example of it on the state's website after a few tries.
The notes are so neat. To think that each one was signed by at least two people.
And, someone had to engrave a copper (?) plate for the printing.
Our ancestors were certainly quite talented. Makes one proud to be a part of them.
jeankay

 

LOL I guess not.. But you do have an awesome collection so I wouldnt doubt it if it is