# Lancaster County, SC - Court of Common Pleas - Judgment Roll 472

| | |
|---|---|
| **Case** | Benjamin Reeves (otherwise called Benjamin Reves) v. Isaiah Thompson |
| **Dates** | 1812-1820 |
| **Roll** | Box 13, Roll 472 |
| **Pages in source images** | 26 |

## Source

Lancaster County (formerly Lancaster District), South Carolina, Court of Common Pleas, Judgment Roll 472 (Box 13). Original records held by the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Columbia, SC. Transcribed from photographs of the original judgment roll (image files: folder [472](472/), 26 photographs).

## Disclaimer

This transcription was made using AI (Claude, by Anthropic) from photographs of the original court papers. It is an attempted transcription, not a certified copy. Faded ink, difficult handwriting, torn folds and damaged pages make some readings uncertain, and errors are possible. Check the original images before relying on any reading.

## Transcription conventions

- Original spelling, capitalization and abbreviations are kept as written.
- `[?]` = uncertain reading; `[illegible]` = could not be read; `[blank]` = a space left empty on the original.
- `[struck: ...]` = printed or written text that is lined through on the original.
- `[...]` and *[italic bracketed notes]* = editorial explanations added by the transcriber; `[letters]` inside a word = letters supplied to expand an abbreviation.
- On printed forms, handwritten fill-ins are shown in ***bold italics*** where it helps to tell them apart from the printed text.
- "Img." numbers refer to the photographs in the roll's image folder, in file-name order, which is not always the order the papers were written in.

**Notes on these images:**

- Most sheets were photographed sideways or upside down and were rotated for reading. The transcription follows the order the case unfolded, not the photograph order.
- Img. 3 shows the docket cover (Img. 1) folded together with the end of the declaration and the plea.
- The plaintiff's surname is spelled "Reeves," "Reves" and "Reevs" in different places; the defendant's is "Thompson" and "Thomson" (he signed the note "Isaiah Thomson").
- The roll includes subpoenas and witness affidavits for four witnesses: Henry Massey (Senior), Benjamin Massey, Buckner Lanier and Henry Y. Turner. One printed subpoena ticket (Img. 16) is faded and blotted and could only be partly read.

## Transcription

**Img. 1 (and Img. 3, lower half) - Docket cover of the declaration, with confession of judgment**

> [Right panel:]
> Roll # [struck: illegible] 4    Lancaster
> No. 25
>
> Benjamin Reeves
> B13 R 472
>    vs } Declon in Assumpsit
> Isaiah Thompson
>
> J. C. Massey
> Plffs Atty
>
> Filed in the clerks office the 18 day of October 1816
>
> Rule to plead posted the same day
>
> Ordered for Judgment November 1816
>
> We admit the twelve [?] to have been executed by Defts [?] &c.
>
> Judgt. ent. up & Exn. issued Nov 24th 1818
>
> [Left panel:]
> I confess Judgment in this case for ninety eight dollars & 70/100 with Interest thereon from the 14th day of August 1812 till paid also the cost of suit, with a stay of Execution until the first day of next Court. March 8th 1818
>     Isaiah Thompson [?]
> Test
> John E. Gunning [?]

*[The line "We admit the twelve [?] to have been executed..." is faint; the reading is uncertain.]*

---

**Imgs. 2-3 - Declaration, with copy of the note; plea and joinder**

> State of South Carolina } to wit
> Lancaster District }
>
> Isaiah Thompson was attached to answer to Benjamin Reeves otherwise called Benjamin Reeves [sic] in a plea of Trespass on the case and so forth [struck: for certain] Whereupon the said Benjamin by James C. Massey his Attorney complains for that whereas on the fourteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred [and] twelve to wit at Lancaster court house in the District and State aforesaid he the said Isaiah did then & there make his certain Note in writing commonly called a promissory note with his own proper hand thereunto subscribed by which said note he the said Isaiah did then and there assume undertake and promise to pay to the said Benjamin Reeves or his order the just sum of one hundred and thirteen dollars six months from the date thereof which said note was dated the said day and year above mentioned and the said Isaiah did then and there deliver the said Note unto the said Benjamin Wherefore by reason of his said promise and assumption as aforesaid made and by force of the Statute in such case made and provided he the said Isaiah became liable to pay and satisfy unto the said Benjamin six months after the date thereof the said sum of one hundred and thirteen dollars afterwards, to wit; on the sixteenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifteen, to wit; at the place aforesaid he the said Isaiah did pay unto the said Benjamin the sum of fourteen dollars and thirty cents part of the said sum of one hundred and thirteen dollars leaving a balance of ninety eight dollars & seventy cents Nevertheless the said Isaiah well knowing the premises [&] in his said promise and assumption as aforesaid made but subtilly intending and craftily designing to defraud and deceive the said Benjamin in the said sum of ninety eight dollars and seventy cents the balance of the said sum of one hundred and thirteen dollars the said Isaiah to the said Benjamin or his order hath not yet paid or any part thereof to his damage two hundred dollars and so forth wherefore he brings his suit and so forth.
>
>     J. C. Massey Plff atty
>
> [Copy of the note, in the margin:]
> Six months after date I promise to pay Benjamin Reeves or order the just sum of one hundred & thirteen dollars it being for value received this 14 day of Feby 1812
>     Signed Isaiah Thompson
>
> Received of the within fourteen Dollars & 30 cents this 16 September 1815
>
> [Plea:]
> And the said Isaiah by A. C. Wade his attorney comes and defends the wrong & injury when &c and says that he [struck: never] did not assume in manner and form as the said Benjamin hath declared, and of this he puts himself upon the country.
>     A. C. Wade Defts Atty
>
> And the said Benjamin doth so likewise
>     J. C. Massey plff atty

*[The opening line reads "Benjamin Reeves otherwise called Benjamin Reeves"; the writ (Img. 6) gives the names as "Benjamin Reves otherwise called Benjamin Reeves."]*

---

**Img. 25 - The original promissory note**

> Six months After date I promise to pay Benjamin Reeves or order the just sum of one hundred & thirteen Dollars it being for value received this 14th of Feby 1812
>     Isaiah Thomson

**Img. 26 - Back of the note**

> Rec[eive]d of the within [struck: twelve dollars] [illegible]
>
> Received of the within fourteen Dollars & 30 cents this 16 September 1815

*[Ink from the front of the note shows through as mirror writing. The first, struck endorsement is only partly legible.]*

---

**Img. 6 - Original writ (printed form)**

> THE STATE OF SOUTH-CAROLINA.
> To all and singular the Sheriffs of the said State, GREETING.
>
> YOU, and each of you, are hereby commanded, without delay, to ***attach the body of Isaiah Thamson*** wheresoever ***he*** may be found within your and each of your respective Districts, so that you compel ***him*** to be and appear before the Associate Judges of the said State, at the Court of Common Pleas, to be holden at ***Lancaster court house*** in and for the District of ***Lancaster*** on the ***Second*** Monday after the fourth Monday in ***March*** next, to answer to ***Benjamin Reves otherwise called Benjamin Reeves in a plea of trespass on the case and so forth for certain promises and assumptions to him the said Benjamin made and not performed to his damage two hundred dollars***
>
> And have you there this Writ, before the Clerk of the said Court, fifteen days next before the sitting of the said Court.
>
> WITNESS the Honorable JOHN FAUCHERAUD GRIMKE, Esquire, Senior Associate Judge of the said State, at ***Lancaster court house*** the ***second*** Monday after the fourth Monday in ***October*** in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ***fifteen*** and in the ***fortieth*** Year of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States of America.
>
>     ***J. C. Massey*** Plff's. Att'y.
>
> [Left margin:] Jno. Simpson C.C.P.

**Img. 7 - Back of the original writ (endorsements)**

> [Left panel:]
> Entered in my Office
> 28th March 1816
>     Wm. Howe S.L.D.
>
> [Center panel:]
> (976)
> Lancaster
>
> Benjn. Reeves
>    vs } Writ in Case
> Isaiah Thomson
>          $200
>
> J. C. Massey
>
> Return proven before me
>     Jno. Simpson Clerk
>
> C. L. [copy left] 23 March 1816
> by D. Dunlap
>
> Shffs Cost $1=87 1/2
> (Miles 7)
>
> [Right panel:]
> I have by my Special deputy David Dunlap left a copy of this Writ at the residence of the Defendant with the legal Notice thereon endorsed 23d March 1816
>     Wm. Howe S.L.D.

---

**Img. 10 - Subpoena to Buckner Lanier, Benjamin Massey and Henry Massey (printed form: "Subpoena - Printed at the Camden Gazette Office")**

> The State of South-Carolina. } THE STATE OF SOUTH-CAROLINA.
> ***Lancaster*** DISTRICT. }
>
> TO ***Buckner Lanier Benjamin Massey & Henry Massey***
>
> YOU, and each of you, are hereby strictly required and firmly enjoined, that all business being laid aside and all excuses ceasing, you do, in your proper person, appear before the Associate Judges of the Court of ***Common pleas*** to be holden at ***Lancaster court house on the second monday after the fourth in October*** next, then and there to testify the truth, according to your knowledge, in a certain cause now depending and to be tried, between ***Benjamin Reeves*** Plaintiff, and ***Isaiah Thompson*** Defendant, on the part and behalf of the ***Plff***
>
> Herein fail not, on pain of the forfeiture of ten pounds Proclamation Money, as well as the consequences that may fall thereon.
>
> WITNESS the Honorable ***John Faucheraud Grimke*** Senior Associate Judge of the said State, at ***Lancaster*** the ***second*** Monday after the fourth Monday in ***March*** in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ***seventeen*** and in the ***forty first [?]*** Year of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States of America.
>
>     ***J. C. Massey plff atty***
>
> [Left margin:] Wm. McKenna Clk

**Img. 11 - Back of the subpoena (sheriff's return)**

> [Left panel:]
> [10]
> Entered in my office
> 22 Oct 1817
>     James Blair S.L.D.
>
> Personally sum[mone]d B. Massey 22 Oct 1817
>
> Personally subpd H. Massey, Oct 29, 1817
>
> Subpd B. Lanier by dep[uty] - leav[ing a copy with] Ben Massey - Nov 3, 1817
>     J. Blair S.L.D.
>
> Shffs cost $4.85
>
> [Center panel:]
> Lancaster
> B. Reeves
>    vs } Sub[poena] Writ
> Isa. Thompson
>
> J. C. Massey
>
> Tests
> B. Lanier +
> B. Massey +
> H. Massey +

---

**Witness subpoena tickets and affidavits of attendance**

*[The printed subpoena tickets are summarized in this table, giving only the handwritten details. The witness affidavits on their backs are transcribed in full below the table.]*

| Img. | Witness | Court named in the ticket | Dated | Signed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Buckner Lanier | Lancaster Court House, 2nd Monday after 4th Monday in October next | [1?] Septr 1817 | J. C. Massey |
| 18 | Henry Massey | Lancaster Court House, 2nd Monday after 4th Monday in October next | 8 [?] Septr 1817 | J. C. Massey |
| 14 | Henry Y. Turner (written over a struck-out name) | Lancaster Courthouse, 2nd Monday after 4th Monday in October next | [blank] Septr 181[6?] | J. C. Massey [?] |
| 12 | Henry Massey | Lancaster Court House, 2nd Monday after 4th Monday in March next | 22 [?] Febry 1818 | J. C. Massey |
| 16 | [illegible, probably Henry Y. Turner] | Lancaster Court House, 2nd Monday after 4th Monday in March next | [illegible] 181[8?] | J. C. Massey [?] |

*[Img. 16 is faded and blotted; a struck-out name precedes "Benjamin Reeves" as plaintiff. In its corner: "$7 days 7. / $4 mileage / $1 ferriage."]*

**Img. 20 - Affidavit of Buckner Lanier**

> South Carolina } Docta Buckner
> Lancaster District } Lanier came before
> me and made oath that he attended six days on this subpona
> Sworn and subscribed before me Nov 15th 1817
> Wm. McKenna [?] J.Q.          Buckner Lanier
>                              B. Lanier

**Img. 19 - Affidavit of Henry Massey Senior**

> South Carolina } Henry Massey
> Lancaster District } Sen came personally before me and made oath that he attended Court three days in Compliance with this subpoena
> Sworn to before me April 8th 1818
> Nathan Barnes [?] J.Q.          Henry Massey

**Img. 13 - Affidavit of Henry Massey (back of the 1818 ticket)**

> South Carolina } Henry Massey came personally before me and made Oath that he attended Court three days in Compliance with the within Subpoena
> Sworn to before me April 8th 1818
> Nathan Barnes [?] J.Q.          Henry Massey

**Img. 15 - Affidavit of Henry Y. Turner (back of the 1816 ticket)**

> State So. Carolina } Henry Y. Turner personaly appeared before
> Lancaster District } me and Saith on oath that he attended Court four days in obedience to the within Subpena Living in Chester District thirty Mills from Lancaster Court house, and paid two ferreages
> Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 8th April 1818
> Robert Crockett J.Q.          Henry Y. Turner
>
> [Address:] To Henry Turner

**Img. 17 - Affidavit of Henry Y. Turner (back of Img. 16)**

> State So. Carolina } Mr. Henry Y. Turner person-
> Lancaster District } aly appeared before me and Saith on oath that he attended Court three days in Obedience to the within Subpena, Living in Chester District thirty Mills from Lancaster Court house, and paid one ferreage.
> Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 8th April 1818
> Robert Crockett J.Q.          Henry Y. Turner

---

**Img. 5 - Judgment by confession (handwritten)**

> Benjamin Reeves } assumpsit } J. C. Massey
>    vs           }           } for the Plff
> Isaiah Thompson }
>
> April Term 1818
>
> And now at this day, to wit, the second monday after the fourth monday in March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Eighteen comes the said Benjamin by his attorney aforesaid, and prays that the said Isaiah to the Declaration of him the said Benjamin may answer; And the said Isaiah being solemnly called, comes and confesses Judgement in the sum of ninety eight dollars and 70 cents with Interest thereon from the 14th day of August 1812 untill paid.
>
> Wherefore it is considered by the said court now here, that the said Benjamin ought to recover against the said Isaiah the said sum of ninety eight dollars and 70 cents with Interest as aforesaid besides his costs and charges by him expended in and about prosecuting his suit in this behalf.
>
> Therefore it is considered now here; that the said Benjamin do recover against the said Isaiah the sum aforesaid with Interest as aforesaid confessed. And also Fifty seven dollars & fifty one cents for his costs and charges to him by the court now here with assent adjudged; which said sum with the costs and charges, in the whole, amount to one hundred & fifty five [?] dollars & fifty one cents and be the said Isaiah in mercy and so forth.
>
> [Top margin:] Judgment entered up & Signed Nov 24th 1818
>     Wm. McKenna Clk

*[$98.70 plus $57.51 is $156.21; the total written, "one hundred & fifty five [?] dollars & fifty one cents," does not include the interest.]*

**Img. 4 - Back of the judgment (docket and bill of costs)**

> [Right panel:]
> Lancaster
> Benjamin Reeves
>    vs } Jud[gmen]t on Con[fession]
> Isaiah Thompson
>
> J. C. Massey
>
> [Left panel:]
> Atto Writ - $4.28
> Declon - 5.35
> 4 Sub Writs - 4.28
> Exn - 1.28
> Confession - 1.50
>          $16.69
> Clk - 10.00
> Shff Howe - 1.87 1/2
> Shff Blair - 4.85
>          33.41
>
> Wit[nesse]s
> H. Massey Sen - 6.00
> H. Turner - 7.00
> do. milege - 4.00
> ferriages - 1.00 [struck: 1.50]
> B. Lanier - 6.00 } $24
>          $57.41 [?]

*[The total of the costs is written $57.41 here but $57.51 in the judgment and execution.]*

**Img. 22 - Clerk's tax bill**

> Benjamin Reeves
>    v } assumpsit
> Isaiah Thompson } Clks tax Bill
>
> Simpson
> Writ 2/6 Declon 3/3 - 5/9
> Johnson
> Order for Judgt & transferring - 7/0
> McKenna
> Docketing 3 times - 3/0
> 3 Sub Writs - 3/0
> Proving Service 4/6 - 4/6
> Plea 9d Rule 2/6 - 3/3
> Issue 9d - 0/9
> 3 Continuences - 1/6
> Order to examine two Wits - 4/0
> attendance 2/ Confession 6d - 2/6
> Judgt 2/ Exn 2/6 - 4/6
> Reg Proceedings - 5/10
>          L2..5..6 [?]
> Reg order to examine two wits - 1..2
>          2..6..8

**Img. 23 - Back of the tax bill**

> Simpson 5/9 eqt 1.25
> Johnson 7/0 eqt 1.50
>          2.75
> McKenna 7.25
>          10.00

**Img. 24 - Attorney's bill of costs (loose slip)**

> Atty cost
> Writ - $4.28
> Declon - 5.
> 4 Sup [Subpoena] Writs with tickets $1.07 each } 4.28
> Motion - 1.50 [?]
> Ex'on - 1.28
>          $16.34

---

**Img. 8 - Writ of fieri facias (printed form: "Fi. Fa. in Case")**

> SOUTH-CAROLINA. The State of South-Carolina.
> To all and singular the Sheriffs of the said State, GREETING.
>
> YOU, and each of you, are hereby commanded without delay, that of the Goods and Chattels, Houses, Lands and other Hereditaments and Real estates of ***Isaiah Thompson*** you cause to be levied, the Sum of ***Ninety Eight dollars 50/100 with interest thereon from the 14th day of August 1812 untill paid which Benjamin Reeves*** in the Court of Common Pleas, before the Judges of the said State, at [blank] lately recovered against the said ***Isaiah Thompson also the sum of Fifty seven Dollars and fifty one Cents for his*** Costs and Charges by ***him*** expended in and about prosecuting ***his*** Suit in that behalf, whereof the said ***Isaiah was*** convicted, as appears on record. And that you have the said Monies before the said Judges, at the Court of Common Pleas, to be holden at ***Lancaster Court house the second*** Monday after the fourth Monday in ***March*** next, to render to the said ***Benjamin*** Damages, Costs and Charges aforesaid. And have you there this Writ, before the Clerk of the said Court, fifteen days next before the sitting of the said Court.
>
> WITNESS the Honorable JOHN FAUCHERAUD GRIMKE, Esquire, Senior Associate Judge of the said State, at ***Lancaster Courthouse*** the ***second*** Monday after the fourth Monday in ***October*** in the Year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and ***Eighteen*** and in the ***forty third*** Year of the sovereignty and Independence of the United States of America.
>
>     ***J. C. Massey*** Plff's. Atty.
>
> [Left margin:] Wm. McKenna Clk

*[The execution gives the debt as $98.50; the confession and judgment give $98.70.]*

**Img. 9 - Back of the fi. fa. (second execution; return)**

> [Left panel:]
> [135]
> Entered in my Office
> May 21st 1819
>     J. Blair S.L.D.
>
> Nulla bona
> Oct 23 - 1819
>     J. Blair S.L.D.
>
> Shff on 1 fi fa $1.81
>
> [Center panel:]
> Lancaster
> Benjamin Reeves
>    vs } 2 fi fa in assum[psit]
> Isaiah Thompson
>
> $98.50
> with int from August 14th 1812
>
> J. C. Massey
>
> Confession $98.80 [sic]
> Int fr 14th Aug 1812 till pd
> Atto - 16.69
> Clk - 10.00
> Shff Howe - 1.87 1/2
> Shff Blair - 4.85
> Witnesses
> H. Massey Sen - 6.00
> H. Turner - 12.00
> B. Lanier - 6.00
> Shff 1st fi fa - 5.85
> atty on Renl - 1.07
> Clk Renl do - 0.68 [?]
>          1.81 [?]
>
> [Written vertically:] Ren[ewed] Jany 15th 1820

*[The center panel calls this the second fi. fa.; the first execution, issued 24 November 1818, is not in the roll.]*