TABLE 4.2 Sexual Coercion Cases Downgraded in Chester County, Pennsylvania, 1731–1739
Source: Sharon Block, Rape and Sexual Power in Early America (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press). Data from Chester County Quarter Sessions Docket Books and File Papers, 1730–1739.
DateDefendant/VictimCharge on Indictment in TestimonyCharge in Docket
1731Lawrence MacGinnis/Alice YarnalAssault with attempt to rapeNone
1731Thomas Culling/Martha ClaypoolAssault with attempt to rapeAssault
1734Abraham Richardson/Mary SmithAttempted rapeAssault
1734Thomas Beckett/Mindwell FulfourdTheft (testimony of attempted rape) Theft
1734Unknown/Christeen Pauper (Fornication charge against Christeen) None
1735Daniel Patterson/Hannah TannerViolent assault to ravishAssault
1736James White/Hannah McCradleAttempted rape/adulteryAssault
1737Robert Mills/Catherine ParryRapeNone
1738John West/Isabella GibsonAttempt to ravish/assaultFornication
1739Thomas Halladay/Mary MouksAssault with intent to ravishNone