{"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Chesterfield+County+%28Va.%29+Criminal+Records%2C+%0A1751-1927\u0026view=list","next":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Chesterfield+County+%28Va.%29+Criminal+Records%2C+%0A1751-1927\u0026page=2\u0026view=list","last":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Chesterfield+County+%28Va.%29+Criminal+Records%2C+%0A1751-1927\u0026page=5\u0026view=list"},"meta":{"pages":{"current_page":1,"next_page":2,"prev_page":null,"total_pages":5,"limit_value":10,"offset_value":0,"total_count":47,"first_page?":true,"last_page?":false}},"data":[{"id":"vi_vi02627_c03_c01","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Barcode 1043921: Criminal Records,\n1812-1912 ca.","breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02627_c03_c01#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vi_vi02627_c03_c01","ref_ssm":["vi_vi02627_c03_c01"],"id":"vi_vi02627_c03_c01","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02627","_root_":"vi_vi02627","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02627_c03","parent_ssi":"vi_vi02627_c03","parent_ssim":["vi_vi02627","vi_vi02627_c03"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vi_vi02627","vi_vi02627_c03"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes,\n    1812-1912"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes,\n    1812-1912"],"text":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes,\n    1812-1912","Barcode 1043921: Criminal Records,\n1812-1912 ca."],"title_filing_ssi":"Criminal Records,\n 1812-1912 ca.\n","title_ssm":["Barcode 1043921: Criminal Records,\n1812-1912 ca."],"title_tesim":["Barcode 1043921: Criminal Records,\n1812-1912 ca."],"normalized_title_ssm":["Barcode 1043921: Criminal Records,\n1812-1912 ca."],"component_level_isim":[2],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"collection_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"sort_isi":44,"_nest_path_":"/components#2/components#0","timestamp":"2026-05-21T11:38:02.298Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vi_vi02627","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02627","_root_":"vi_vi02627","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02627","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/lva/vi02627.xml","title_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"title_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"text":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","20.35 cu. ft. (43 boxes)","There are no restrictions.\n","For descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n Series I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829 Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904 Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927","Chronological.\n   ","Arranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   ","Unarranged.\n   ","Context for Records: Criminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n","Commonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n","Types of Courts:  Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc."," Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.","Chesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective."," Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.","Locality History:  Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n","Criminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n","Criminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.","Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n","In March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.","Encoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026","Additional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult  A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm .\n","Records related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the  Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection  on the Library of Virginia website.","Additional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n","Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n","Of note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n","There are no restrictions.\n","Library of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n","English\n"],"collection_title_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"collection_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"repository_ssm":["Library of Virginia"],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"creator_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court\n"],"creator_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court\n"],"acqinfo_ssim":["These items came to the Library of Virginia in shipments of court papers from Chesterfield County.\n","Five letters between Walter Henry Pleasants and Isaac Pleasants Vaughn where acquired by purchase in May 2005 for the Personal Papers collection under Accession 41946.\n"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"physdesc_tesim":["20.35 cu. ft. (43 boxes)"],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Access Restrictions\n"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions.\n"],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFor descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n\u003clist type=\"simple\"\u003e\u003citem\u003eSeries I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003citem\u003eSeries II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003citem\u003eSeries III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003c/list\u003e\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eChronological.\n   \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eArranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUnarranged.\n   \u003c/p\u003e"],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement\n"],"arrangement_tesim":["For descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n Series I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829 Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904 Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927","Chronological.\n   ","Arranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   ","Unarranged.\n   "],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eContext for Records:\u003c/emph\u003eCriminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCommonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eTypes of Courts:\u003c/emph\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eLocality History:\u003c/emph\u003e Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Historical Information\n"],"bioghist_tesim":["Context for Records: Criminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n","Commonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n","Types of Courts:  Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc."," Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.","Chesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective."," Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.","Locality History:  Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927. Local government records collection, Chesterfield County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927. Local government records collection, Chesterfield County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.\n"],"processinfo_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCriminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCriminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCommonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEncoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026\u003c/p\u003e"],"processinfo_heading_ssm":["Processing Information\n"],"processinfo_tesim":["Criminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n","Criminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.","Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n","In March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.","Encoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026"],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAdditional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/local/results_all.asp?CountyID=VA059\"\u003eA Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm\u003c/extref\u003e.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRecords related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://lva.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?vid=01LVA_INST:VU\"\u003eVirginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection\u003c/extref\u003e on the Library of Virginia website.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdditional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Material\n"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Additional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult  A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm .\n","Records related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the  Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection  on the Library of Virginia website.","Additional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOf note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Content\n"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n","Of note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n"],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Use Restrictions\n"],"userestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions.\n"],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc label=\"Location\"\u003eLibrary of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Library of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n"],"language_ssim":["English\n"],"total_component_count_is":46,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T11:38:02.298Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02627_c03_c01"}},{"id":"vi_vi02627_c03_c02","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Barcode 1045987: Commonwealth Warrants, Executions,\n1820, 1818-1843","breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02627_c03_c02#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vi_vi02627_c03_c02","ref_ssm":["vi_vi02627_c03_c02"],"id":"vi_vi02627_c03_c02","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02627","_root_":"vi_vi02627","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02627_c03","parent_ssi":"vi_vi02627_c03","parent_ssim":["vi_vi02627","vi_vi02627_c03"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vi_vi02627","vi_vi02627_c03"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes,\n    1812-1912"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes,\n    1812-1912"],"text":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes,\n    1812-1912","Barcode 1045987: Commonwealth Warrants, Executions,\n1820, 1818-1843"],"title_filing_ssi":"Commonwealth Warrants, Executions,\n 1820, 1818-1843\n","title_ssm":["Barcode 1045987: Commonwealth Warrants, Executions,\n1820, 1818-1843"],"title_tesim":["Barcode 1045987: Commonwealth Warrants, Executions,\n1820, 1818-1843"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Barcode 1045987: Commonwealth Warrants, Executions,\n1820, 1818-1843"],"component_level_isim":[2],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"collection_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"sort_isi":45,"_nest_path_":"/components#2/components#1","timestamp":"2026-05-21T11:38:02.298Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vi_vi02627","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02627","_root_":"vi_vi02627","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02627","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/lva/vi02627.xml","title_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"title_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"text":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","20.35 cu. ft. (43 boxes)","There are no restrictions.\n","For descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n Series I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829 Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904 Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927","Chronological.\n   ","Arranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   ","Unarranged.\n   ","Context for Records: Criminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n","Commonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n","Types of Courts:  Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc."," Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.","Chesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective."," Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.","Locality History:  Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n","Criminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n","Criminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.","Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n","In March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.","Encoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026","Additional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult  A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm .\n","Records related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the  Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection  on the Library of Virginia website.","Additional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n","Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n","Of note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n","There are no restrictions.\n","Library of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n","English\n"],"collection_title_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"collection_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"repository_ssm":["Library of Virginia"],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"creator_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court\n"],"creator_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court\n"],"acqinfo_ssim":["These items came to the Library of Virginia in shipments of court papers from Chesterfield County.\n","Five letters between Walter Henry Pleasants and Isaac Pleasants Vaughn where acquired by purchase in May 2005 for the Personal Papers collection under Accession 41946.\n"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"physdesc_tesim":["20.35 cu. ft. (43 boxes)"],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Access Restrictions\n"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions.\n"],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFor descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n\u003clist type=\"simple\"\u003e\u003citem\u003eSeries I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003citem\u003eSeries II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003citem\u003eSeries III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003c/list\u003e\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eChronological.\n   \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eArranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUnarranged.\n   \u003c/p\u003e"],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement\n"],"arrangement_tesim":["For descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n Series I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829 Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904 Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927","Chronological.\n   ","Arranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   ","Unarranged.\n   "],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eContext for Records:\u003c/emph\u003eCriminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCommonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eTypes of Courts:\u003c/emph\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eLocality History:\u003c/emph\u003e Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Historical Information\n"],"bioghist_tesim":["Context for Records: Criminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n","Commonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n","Types of Courts:  Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc."," Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.","Chesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective."," Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.","Locality History:  Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927. Local government records collection, Chesterfield County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927. Local government records collection, Chesterfield County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.\n"],"processinfo_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCriminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCriminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCommonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEncoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026\u003c/p\u003e"],"processinfo_heading_ssm":["Processing Information\n"],"processinfo_tesim":["Criminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n","Criminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.","Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n","In March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.","Encoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026"],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAdditional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/local/results_all.asp?CountyID=VA059\"\u003eA Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm\u003c/extref\u003e.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRecords related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://lva.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?vid=01LVA_INST:VU\"\u003eVirginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection\u003c/extref\u003e on the Library of Virginia website.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdditional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Material\n"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Additional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult  A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm .\n","Records related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the  Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection  on the Library of Virginia website.","Additional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOf note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Content\n"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n","Of note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n"],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Use Restrictions\n"],"userestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions.\n"],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc label=\"Location\"\u003eLibrary of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Library of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n"],"language_ssim":["English\n"],"total_component_count_is":46,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T11:38:02.298Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02627_c03_c02"}},{"id":"vi_vi02627_c03_c03","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Barcode 1046150: Criminal Records,\n1835-1927 ca.","breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02627_c03_c03#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vi_vi02627_c03_c03","ref_ssm":["vi_vi02627_c03_c03"],"id":"vi_vi02627_c03_c03","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02627","_root_":"vi_vi02627","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02627_c03","parent_ssi":"vi_vi02627_c03","parent_ssim":["vi_vi02627","vi_vi02627_c03"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vi_vi02627","vi_vi02627_c03"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes,\n    1812-1912"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes,\n    1812-1912"],"text":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes,\n    1812-1912","Barcode 1046150: Criminal Records,\n1835-1927 ca."],"title_filing_ssi":"Criminal Records,\n 1835-1927 ca.\n","title_ssm":["Barcode 1046150: Criminal Records,\n1835-1927 ca."],"title_tesim":["Barcode 1046150: Criminal Records,\n1835-1927 ca."],"normalized_title_ssm":["Barcode 1046150: Criminal Records,\n1835-1927 ca."],"component_level_isim":[2],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"collection_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"sort_isi":46,"_nest_path_":"/components#2/components#2","timestamp":"2026-05-21T11:38:02.298Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vi_vi02627","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02627","_root_":"vi_vi02627","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02627","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/lva/vi02627.xml","title_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"title_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"text":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","20.35 cu. ft. (43 boxes)","There are no restrictions.\n","For descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n Series I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829 Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904 Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927","Chronological.\n   ","Arranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   ","Unarranged.\n   ","Context for Records: Criminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n","Commonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n","Types of Courts:  Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc."," Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.","Chesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective."," Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.","Locality History:  Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n","Criminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n","Criminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.","Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n","In March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.","Encoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026","Additional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult  A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm .\n","Records related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the  Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection  on the Library of Virginia website.","Additional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n","Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n","Of note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n","There are no restrictions.\n","Library of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n","English\n"],"collection_title_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"collection_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"repository_ssm":["Library of Virginia"],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"creator_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court\n"],"creator_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court\n"],"acqinfo_ssim":["These items came to the Library of Virginia in shipments of court papers from Chesterfield County.\n","Five letters between Walter Henry Pleasants and Isaac Pleasants Vaughn where acquired by purchase in May 2005 for the Personal Papers collection under Accession 41946.\n"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"physdesc_tesim":["20.35 cu. ft. (43 boxes)"],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Access Restrictions\n"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions.\n"],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFor descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n\u003clist type=\"simple\"\u003e\u003citem\u003eSeries I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003citem\u003eSeries II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003citem\u003eSeries III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003c/list\u003e\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eChronological.\n   \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eArranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUnarranged.\n   \u003c/p\u003e"],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement\n"],"arrangement_tesim":["For descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n Series I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829 Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904 Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927","Chronological.\n   ","Arranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   ","Unarranged.\n   "],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eContext for Records:\u003c/emph\u003eCriminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCommonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eTypes of Courts:\u003c/emph\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eLocality History:\u003c/emph\u003e Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Historical Information\n"],"bioghist_tesim":["Context for Records: Criminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n","Commonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n","Types of Courts:  Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc."," Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.","Chesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective."," Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.","Locality History:  Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927. Local government records collection, Chesterfield County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927. Local government records collection, Chesterfield County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.\n"],"processinfo_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCriminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCriminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCommonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEncoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026\u003c/p\u003e"],"processinfo_heading_ssm":["Processing Information\n"],"processinfo_tesim":["Criminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n","Criminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.","Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n","In March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.","Encoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026"],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAdditional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/local/results_all.asp?CountyID=VA059\"\u003eA Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm\u003c/extref\u003e.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRecords related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://lva.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?vid=01LVA_INST:VU\"\u003eVirginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection\u003c/extref\u003e on the Library of Virginia website.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdditional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Material\n"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Additional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult  A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm .\n","Records related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the  Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection  on the Library of Virginia website.","Additional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOf note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Content\n"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n","Of note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n"],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Use Restrictions\n"],"userestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions.\n"],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc label=\"Location\"\u003eLibrary of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Library of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n"],"language_ssim":["English\n"],"total_component_count_is":46,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T11:38:02.298Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02627_c03_c03"}},{"id":"vi_vi02627_c02_c03","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Barcode 1116513: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1799-1806","breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02627_c02_c03#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vi_vi02627_c02_c03","ref_ssm":["vi_vi02627_c02_c03"],"id":"vi_vi02627_c02_c03","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02627","_root_":"vi_vi02627","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02627_c02","parent_ssi":"vi_vi02627_c02","parent_ssim":["vi_vi02627","vi_vi02627_c02"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vi_vi02627","vi_vi02627_c02"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series II: Processed Criminal Records,\n    1751-1904"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series II: Processed Criminal Records,\n    1751-1904"],"text":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series II: Processed Criminal Records,\n    1751-1904","Barcode 1116513: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1799-1806"],"title_filing_ssi":"Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n 1799-1806\n","title_ssm":["Barcode 1116513: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1799-1806"],"title_tesim":["Barcode 1116513: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1799-1806"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Barcode 1116513: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1799-1806"],"component_level_isim":[2],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"collection_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"sort_isi":8,"_nest_path_":"/components#1/components#2","timestamp":"2026-05-21T11:38:02.298Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vi_vi02627","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02627","_root_":"vi_vi02627","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02627","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/lva/vi02627.xml","title_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"title_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"text":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","20.35 cu. ft. (43 boxes)","There are no restrictions.\n","For descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n Series I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829 Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904 Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927","Chronological.\n   ","Arranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   ","Unarranged.\n   ","Context for Records: Criminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n","Commonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n","Types of Courts:  Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc."," Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.","Chesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective."," Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.","Locality History:  Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n","Criminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n","Criminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.","Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n","In March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.","Encoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026","Additional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult  A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm .\n","Records related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the  Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection  on the Library of Virginia website.","Additional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n","Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n","Of note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n","There are no restrictions.\n","Library of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n","English\n"],"collection_title_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"collection_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"repository_ssm":["Library of Virginia"],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"creator_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court\n"],"creator_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court\n"],"acqinfo_ssim":["These items came to the Library of Virginia in shipments of court papers from Chesterfield County.\n","Five letters between Walter Henry Pleasants and Isaac Pleasants Vaughn where acquired by purchase in May 2005 for the Personal Papers collection under Accession 41946.\n"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"physdesc_tesim":["20.35 cu. ft. (43 boxes)"],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Access Restrictions\n"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions.\n"],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFor descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n\u003clist type=\"simple\"\u003e\u003citem\u003eSeries I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003citem\u003eSeries II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003citem\u003eSeries III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003c/list\u003e\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eChronological.\n   \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eArranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUnarranged.\n   \u003c/p\u003e"],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement\n"],"arrangement_tesim":["For descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n Series I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829 Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904 Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927","Chronological.\n   ","Arranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   ","Unarranged.\n   "],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eContext for Records:\u003c/emph\u003eCriminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCommonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eTypes of Courts:\u003c/emph\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eLocality History:\u003c/emph\u003e Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Historical Information\n"],"bioghist_tesim":["Context for Records: Criminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n","Commonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n","Types of Courts:  Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc."," Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.","Chesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective."," Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.","Locality History:  Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927. Local government records collection, Chesterfield County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927. Local government records collection, Chesterfield County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.\n"],"processinfo_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCriminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCriminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCommonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEncoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026\u003c/p\u003e"],"processinfo_heading_ssm":["Processing Information\n"],"processinfo_tesim":["Criminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n","Criminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.","Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n","In March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.","Encoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026"],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAdditional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/local/results_all.asp?CountyID=VA059\"\u003eA Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm\u003c/extref\u003e.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRecords related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://lva.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?vid=01LVA_INST:VU\"\u003eVirginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection\u003c/extref\u003e on the Library of Virginia website.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdditional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Material\n"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Additional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult  A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm .\n","Records related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the  Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection  on the Library of Virginia website.","Additional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOf note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Content\n"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n","Of note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n"],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Use Restrictions\n"],"userestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions.\n"],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc label=\"Location\"\u003eLibrary of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Library of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n"],"language_ssim":["English\n"],"total_component_count_is":46,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T11:38:02.298Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02627_c02_c03"}},{"id":"vi_vi02627_c02_c02","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Barcode 1116514: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1786-1798","breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02627_c02_c02#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vi_vi02627_c02_c02","ref_ssm":["vi_vi02627_c02_c02"],"id":"vi_vi02627_c02_c02","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02627","_root_":"vi_vi02627","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02627_c02","parent_ssi":"vi_vi02627_c02","parent_ssim":["vi_vi02627","vi_vi02627_c02"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vi_vi02627","vi_vi02627_c02"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series II: Processed Criminal Records,\n    1751-1904"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series II: Processed Criminal Records,\n    1751-1904"],"text":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series II: Processed Criminal Records,\n    1751-1904","Barcode 1116514: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1786-1798"],"title_filing_ssi":"Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n 1786-1798\n","title_ssm":["Barcode 1116514: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1786-1798"],"title_tesim":["Barcode 1116514: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1786-1798"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Barcode 1116514: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1786-1798"],"component_level_isim":[2],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"collection_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"sort_isi":7,"_nest_path_":"/components#1/components#1","timestamp":"2026-05-21T11:38:02.298Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vi_vi02627","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02627","_root_":"vi_vi02627","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02627","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/lva/vi02627.xml","title_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"title_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"text":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","20.35 cu. ft. (43 boxes)","There are no restrictions.\n","For descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n Series I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829 Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904 Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927","Chronological.\n   ","Arranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   ","Unarranged.\n   ","Context for Records: Criminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n","Commonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n","Types of Courts:  Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc."," Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.","Chesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective."," Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.","Locality History:  Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n","Criminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n","Criminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.","Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n","In March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.","Encoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026","Additional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult  A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm .\n","Records related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the  Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection  on the Library of Virginia website.","Additional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n","Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n","Of note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n","There are no restrictions.\n","Library of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n","English\n"],"collection_title_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"collection_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"repository_ssm":["Library of Virginia"],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"creator_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court\n"],"creator_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court\n"],"acqinfo_ssim":["These items came to the Library of Virginia in shipments of court papers from Chesterfield County.\n","Five letters between Walter Henry Pleasants and Isaac Pleasants Vaughn where acquired by purchase in May 2005 for the Personal Papers collection under Accession 41946.\n"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"physdesc_tesim":["20.35 cu. ft. (43 boxes)"],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Access Restrictions\n"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions.\n"],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFor descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n\u003clist type=\"simple\"\u003e\u003citem\u003eSeries I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003citem\u003eSeries II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003citem\u003eSeries III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003c/list\u003e\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eChronological.\n   \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eArranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUnarranged.\n   \u003c/p\u003e"],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement\n"],"arrangement_tesim":["For descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n Series I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829 Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904 Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927","Chronological.\n   ","Arranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   ","Unarranged.\n   "],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eContext for Records:\u003c/emph\u003eCriminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCommonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eTypes of Courts:\u003c/emph\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eLocality History:\u003c/emph\u003e Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Historical Information\n"],"bioghist_tesim":["Context for Records: Criminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n","Commonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n","Types of Courts:  Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc."," Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.","Chesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective."," Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.","Locality History:  Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927. Local government records collection, Chesterfield County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927. Local government records collection, Chesterfield County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.\n"],"processinfo_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCriminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCriminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCommonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEncoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026\u003c/p\u003e"],"processinfo_heading_ssm":["Processing Information\n"],"processinfo_tesim":["Criminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n","Criminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.","Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n","In March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.","Encoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026"],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAdditional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/local/results_all.asp?CountyID=VA059\"\u003eA Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm\u003c/extref\u003e.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRecords related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://lva.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?vid=01LVA_INST:VU\"\u003eVirginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection\u003c/extref\u003e on the Library of Virginia website.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdditional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Material\n"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Additional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult  A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm .\n","Records related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the  Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection  on the Library of Virginia website.","Additional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOf note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Content\n"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n","Of note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n"],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Use Restrictions\n"],"userestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions.\n"],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc label=\"Location\"\u003eLibrary of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Library of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n"],"language_ssim":["English\n"],"total_component_count_is":46,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T11:38:02.298Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02627_c02_c02"}},{"id":"vi_vi02627_c02_c01","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Barcode 1116515: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1751-1785","breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02627_c02_c01#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vi_vi02627_c02_c01","ref_ssm":["vi_vi02627_c02_c01"],"id":"vi_vi02627_c02_c01","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02627","_root_":"vi_vi02627","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02627_c02","parent_ssi":"vi_vi02627_c02","parent_ssim":["vi_vi02627","vi_vi02627_c02"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vi_vi02627","vi_vi02627_c02"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series II: Processed Criminal Records,\n    1751-1904"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series II: Processed Criminal Records,\n    1751-1904"],"text":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series II: Processed Criminal Records,\n    1751-1904","Barcode 1116515: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1751-1785"],"title_filing_ssi":"Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n 1751-1785\n","title_ssm":["Barcode 1116515: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1751-1785"],"title_tesim":["Barcode 1116515: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1751-1785"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Barcode 1116515: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1751-1785"],"component_level_isim":[2],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"collection_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"sort_isi":6,"_nest_path_":"/components#1/components#0","timestamp":"2026-05-21T11:38:02.298Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vi_vi02627","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02627","_root_":"vi_vi02627","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02627","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/lva/vi02627.xml","title_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"title_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"text":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","20.35 cu. ft. (43 boxes)","There are no restrictions.\n","For descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n Series I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829 Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904 Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927","Chronological.\n   ","Arranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   ","Unarranged.\n   ","Context for Records: Criminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n","Commonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n","Types of Courts:  Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc."," Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.","Chesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective."," Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.","Locality History:  Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n","Criminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n","Criminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.","Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n","In March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.","Encoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026","Additional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult  A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm .\n","Records related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the  Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection  on the Library of Virginia website.","Additional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n","Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n","Of note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n","There are no restrictions.\n","Library of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n","English\n"],"collection_title_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"collection_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"repository_ssm":["Library of Virginia"],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"creator_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court\n"],"creator_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court\n"],"acqinfo_ssim":["These items came to the Library of Virginia in shipments of court papers from Chesterfield County.\n","Five letters between Walter Henry Pleasants and Isaac Pleasants Vaughn where acquired by purchase in May 2005 for the Personal Papers collection under Accession 41946.\n"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"physdesc_tesim":["20.35 cu. ft. (43 boxes)"],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Access Restrictions\n"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions.\n"],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFor descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n\u003clist type=\"simple\"\u003e\u003citem\u003eSeries I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003citem\u003eSeries II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003citem\u003eSeries III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003c/list\u003e\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eChronological.\n   \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eArranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUnarranged.\n   \u003c/p\u003e"],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement\n"],"arrangement_tesim":["For descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n Series I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829 Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904 Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927","Chronological.\n   ","Arranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   ","Unarranged.\n   "],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eContext for Records:\u003c/emph\u003eCriminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCommonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eTypes of Courts:\u003c/emph\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eLocality History:\u003c/emph\u003e Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Historical Information\n"],"bioghist_tesim":["Context for Records: Criminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n","Commonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n","Types of Courts:  Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc."," Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.","Chesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective."," Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.","Locality History:  Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927. Local government records collection, Chesterfield County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927. Local government records collection, Chesterfield County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.\n"],"processinfo_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCriminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCriminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCommonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEncoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026\u003c/p\u003e"],"processinfo_heading_ssm":["Processing Information\n"],"processinfo_tesim":["Criminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n","Criminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.","Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n","In March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.","Encoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026"],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAdditional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/local/results_all.asp?CountyID=VA059\"\u003eA Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm\u003c/extref\u003e.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRecords related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://lva.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?vid=01LVA_INST:VU\"\u003eVirginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection\u003c/extref\u003e on the Library of Virginia website.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdditional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Material\n"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Additional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult  A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm .\n","Records related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the  Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection  on the Library of Virginia website.","Additional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOf note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Content\n"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n","Of note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n"],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Use Restrictions\n"],"userestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions.\n"],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc label=\"Location\"\u003eLibrary of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Library of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n"],"language_ssim":["English\n"],"total_component_count_is":46,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T11:38:02.298Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02627_c02_c01"}},{"id":"vi_vi02627_c02_c05","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Barcode 1116516: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1811-1816","breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02627_c02_c05#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vi_vi02627_c02_c05","ref_ssm":["vi_vi02627_c02_c05"],"id":"vi_vi02627_c02_c05","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02627","_root_":"vi_vi02627","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02627_c02","parent_ssi":"vi_vi02627_c02","parent_ssim":["vi_vi02627","vi_vi02627_c02"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vi_vi02627","vi_vi02627_c02"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series II: Processed Criminal Records,\n    1751-1904"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series II: Processed Criminal Records,\n    1751-1904"],"text":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series II: Processed Criminal Records,\n    1751-1904","Barcode 1116516: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1811-1816"],"title_filing_ssi":"Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n 1811-1816\n","title_ssm":["Barcode 1116516: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1811-1816"],"title_tesim":["Barcode 1116516: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1811-1816"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Barcode 1116516: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1811-1816"],"component_level_isim":[2],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"collection_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"sort_isi":10,"_nest_path_":"/components#1/components#4","timestamp":"2026-05-21T11:38:02.298Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vi_vi02627","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02627","_root_":"vi_vi02627","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02627","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/lva/vi02627.xml","title_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"title_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"text":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","20.35 cu. ft. (43 boxes)","There are no restrictions.\n","For descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n Series I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829 Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904 Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927","Chronological.\n   ","Arranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   ","Unarranged.\n   ","Context for Records: Criminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n","Commonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n","Types of Courts:  Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc."," Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.","Chesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective."," Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.","Locality History:  Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n","Criminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n","Criminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.","Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n","In March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.","Encoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026","Additional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult  A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm .\n","Records related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the  Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection  on the Library of Virginia website.","Additional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n","Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n","Of note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n","There are no restrictions.\n","Library of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n","English\n"],"collection_title_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"collection_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"repository_ssm":["Library of Virginia"],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"creator_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court\n"],"creator_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court\n"],"acqinfo_ssim":["These items came to the Library of Virginia in shipments of court papers from Chesterfield County.\n","Five letters between Walter Henry Pleasants and Isaac Pleasants Vaughn where acquired by purchase in May 2005 for the Personal Papers collection under Accession 41946.\n"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"physdesc_tesim":["20.35 cu. ft. (43 boxes)"],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Access Restrictions\n"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions.\n"],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFor descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n\u003clist type=\"simple\"\u003e\u003citem\u003eSeries I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003citem\u003eSeries II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003citem\u003eSeries III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003c/list\u003e\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eChronological.\n   \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eArranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUnarranged.\n   \u003c/p\u003e"],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement\n"],"arrangement_tesim":["For descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n Series I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829 Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904 Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927","Chronological.\n   ","Arranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   ","Unarranged.\n   "],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eContext for Records:\u003c/emph\u003eCriminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCommonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eTypes of Courts:\u003c/emph\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eLocality History:\u003c/emph\u003e Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Historical Information\n"],"bioghist_tesim":["Context for Records: Criminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n","Commonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n","Types of Courts:  Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc."," Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.","Chesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective."," Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.","Locality History:  Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927. Local government records collection, Chesterfield County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927. Local government records collection, Chesterfield County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.\n"],"processinfo_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCriminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCriminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCommonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEncoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026\u003c/p\u003e"],"processinfo_heading_ssm":["Processing Information\n"],"processinfo_tesim":["Criminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n","Criminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.","Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n","In March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.","Encoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026"],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAdditional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/local/results_all.asp?CountyID=VA059\"\u003eA Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm\u003c/extref\u003e.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRecords related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://lva.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?vid=01LVA_INST:VU\"\u003eVirginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection\u003c/extref\u003e on the Library of Virginia website.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdditional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Material\n"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Additional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult  A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm .\n","Records related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the  Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection  on the Library of Virginia website.","Additional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOf note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Content\n"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n","Of note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n"],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Use Restrictions\n"],"userestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions.\n"],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc label=\"Location\"\u003eLibrary of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Library of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n"],"language_ssim":["English\n"],"total_component_count_is":46,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T11:38:02.298Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02627_c02_c05"}},{"id":"vi_vi02627_c02_c06","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Barcode 1116517: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1817-1818","breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02627_c02_c06#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vi_vi02627_c02_c06","ref_ssm":["vi_vi02627_c02_c06"],"id":"vi_vi02627_c02_c06","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02627","_root_":"vi_vi02627","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02627_c02","parent_ssi":"vi_vi02627_c02","parent_ssim":["vi_vi02627","vi_vi02627_c02"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vi_vi02627","vi_vi02627_c02"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series II: Processed Criminal Records,\n    1751-1904"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series II: Processed Criminal Records,\n    1751-1904"],"text":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series II: Processed Criminal Records,\n    1751-1904","Barcode 1116517: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1817-1818"],"title_filing_ssi":"Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n 1817-1818\n","title_ssm":["Barcode 1116517: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1817-1818"],"title_tesim":["Barcode 1116517: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1817-1818"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Barcode 1116517: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1817-1818"],"component_level_isim":[2],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"collection_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"sort_isi":11,"_nest_path_":"/components#1/components#5","timestamp":"2026-05-21T11:38:02.298Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vi_vi02627","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02627","_root_":"vi_vi02627","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02627","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/lva/vi02627.xml","title_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"title_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"text":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","20.35 cu. ft. (43 boxes)","There are no restrictions.\n","For descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n Series I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829 Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904 Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927","Chronological.\n   ","Arranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   ","Unarranged.\n   ","Context for Records: Criminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n","Commonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n","Types of Courts:  Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc."," Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.","Chesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective."," Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.","Locality History:  Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n","Criminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n","Criminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.","Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n","In March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.","Encoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026","Additional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult  A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm .\n","Records related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the  Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection  on the Library of Virginia website.","Additional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n","Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n","Of note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n","There are no restrictions.\n","Library of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n","English\n"],"collection_title_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"collection_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"repository_ssm":["Library of Virginia"],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"creator_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court\n"],"creator_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court\n"],"acqinfo_ssim":["These items came to the Library of Virginia in shipments of court papers from Chesterfield County.\n","Five letters between Walter Henry Pleasants and Isaac Pleasants Vaughn where acquired by purchase in May 2005 for the Personal Papers collection under Accession 41946.\n"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"physdesc_tesim":["20.35 cu. ft. (43 boxes)"],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Access Restrictions\n"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions.\n"],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFor descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n\u003clist type=\"simple\"\u003e\u003citem\u003eSeries I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003citem\u003eSeries II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003citem\u003eSeries III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003c/list\u003e\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eChronological.\n   \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eArranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUnarranged.\n   \u003c/p\u003e"],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement\n"],"arrangement_tesim":["For descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n Series I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829 Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904 Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927","Chronological.\n   ","Arranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   ","Unarranged.\n   "],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eContext for Records:\u003c/emph\u003eCriminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCommonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eTypes of Courts:\u003c/emph\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eLocality History:\u003c/emph\u003e Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Historical Information\n"],"bioghist_tesim":["Context for Records: Criminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n","Commonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n","Types of Courts:  Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc."," Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.","Chesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective."," Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.","Locality History:  Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927. Local government records collection, Chesterfield County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927. Local government records collection, Chesterfield County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.\n"],"processinfo_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCriminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCriminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCommonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEncoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026\u003c/p\u003e"],"processinfo_heading_ssm":["Processing Information\n"],"processinfo_tesim":["Criminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n","Criminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.","Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n","In March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.","Encoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026"],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAdditional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/local/results_all.asp?CountyID=VA059\"\u003eA Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm\u003c/extref\u003e.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRecords related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://lva.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?vid=01LVA_INST:VU\"\u003eVirginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection\u003c/extref\u003e on the Library of Virginia website.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdditional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Material\n"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Additional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult  A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm .\n","Records related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the  Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection  on the Library of Virginia website.","Additional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOf note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Content\n"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n","Of note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n"],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Use Restrictions\n"],"userestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions.\n"],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc label=\"Location\"\u003eLibrary of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Library of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n"],"language_ssim":["English\n"],"total_component_count_is":46,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T11:38:02.298Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02627_c02_c06"}},{"id":"vi_vi02627_c02_c04","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Barcode 1116518: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1807-1810","breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02627_c02_c04#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vi_vi02627_c02_c04","ref_ssm":["vi_vi02627_c02_c04"],"id":"vi_vi02627_c02_c04","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02627","_root_":"vi_vi02627","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02627_c02","parent_ssi":"vi_vi02627_c02","parent_ssim":["vi_vi02627","vi_vi02627_c02"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vi_vi02627","vi_vi02627_c02"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series II: Processed Criminal Records,\n    1751-1904"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series II: Processed Criminal Records,\n    1751-1904"],"text":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series II: Processed Criminal Records,\n    1751-1904","Barcode 1116518: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1807-1810"],"title_filing_ssi":"Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n 1807-1810\n","title_ssm":["Barcode 1116518: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1807-1810"],"title_tesim":["Barcode 1116518: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1807-1810"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Barcode 1116518: Criminal Causes and Grand Jury Presentments, County Court,\n1807-1810"],"component_level_isim":[2],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"collection_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"sort_isi":9,"_nest_path_":"/components#1/components#3","timestamp":"2026-05-21T11:38:02.298Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vi_vi02627","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02627","_root_":"vi_vi02627","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02627","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/lva/vi02627.xml","title_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"title_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"text":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","20.35 cu. ft. (43 boxes)","There are no restrictions.\n","For descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n Series I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829 Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904 Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927","Chronological.\n   ","Arranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   ","Unarranged.\n   ","Context for Records: Criminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n","Commonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n","Types of Courts:  Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc."," Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.","Chesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective."," Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.","Locality History:  Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n","Criminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n","Criminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.","Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n","In March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.","Encoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026","Additional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult  A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm .\n","Records related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the  Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection  on the Library of Virginia website.","Additional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n","Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n","Of note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n","There are no restrictions.\n","Library of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n","English\n"],"collection_title_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"collection_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"repository_ssm":["Library of Virginia"],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"creator_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court\n"],"creator_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court\n"],"acqinfo_ssim":["These items came to the Library of Virginia in shipments of court papers from Chesterfield County.\n","Five letters between Walter Henry Pleasants and Isaac Pleasants Vaughn where acquired by purchase in May 2005 for the Personal Papers collection under Accession 41946.\n"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"physdesc_tesim":["20.35 cu. ft. (43 boxes)"],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Access Restrictions\n"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions.\n"],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFor descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n\u003clist type=\"simple\"\u003e\u003citem\u003eSeries I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003citem\u003eSeries II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003citem\u003eSeries III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003c/list\u003e\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eChronological.\n   \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eArranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUnarranged.\n   \u003c/p\u003e"],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement\n"],"arrangement_tesim":["For descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n Series I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829 Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904 Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927","Chronological.\n   ","Arranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   ","Unarranged.\n   "],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eContext for Records:\u003c/emph\u003eCriminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCommonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eTypes of Courts:\u003c/emph\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eLocality History:\u003c/emph\u003e Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Historical Information\n"],"bioghist_tesim":["Context for Records: Criminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n","Commonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n","Types of Courts:  Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc."," Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.","Chesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective."," Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.","Locality History:  Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927. Local government records collection, Chesterfield County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927. Local government records collection, Chesterfield County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.\n"],"processinfo_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCriminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCriminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCommonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEncoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026\u003c/p\u003e"],"processinfo_heading_ssm":["Processing Information\n"],"processinfo_tesim":["Criminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n","Criminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.","Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n","In March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.","Encoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026"],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAdditional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/local/results_all.asp?CountyID=VA059\"\u003eA Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm\u003c/extref\u003e.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRecords related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://lva.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?vid=01LVA_INST:VU\"\u003eVirginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection\u003c/extref\u003e on the Library of Virginia website.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdditional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Material\n"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Additional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult  A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm .\n","Records related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the  Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection  on the Library of Virginia website.","Additional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOf note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Content\n"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n","Of note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n"],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Use Restrictions\n"],"userestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions.\n"],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc label=\"Location\"\u003eLibrary of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Library of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n"],"language_ssim":["English\n"],"total_component_count_is":46,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T11:38:02.298Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02627_c02_c04"}},{"id":"vi_vi02627_c02_c18","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Barcode 1116524: Criminal Causes, County Court, Commonwealth v. Willis \u0026 Whitehead, Isometrical projection [Oversize],\n1870","breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02627_c02_c18#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vi_vi02627_c02_c18","ref_ssm":["vi_vi02627_c02_c18"],"id":"vi_vi02627_c02_c18","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02627","_root_":"vi_vi02627","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02627_c02","parent_ssi":"vi_vi02627_c02","parent_ssim":["vi_vi02627","vi_vi02627_c02"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vi_vi02627","vi_vi02627_c02"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series II: Processed Criminal Records,\n    1751-1904"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series II: Processed Criminal Records,\n    1751-1904"],"text":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","Series II: Processed Criminal Records,\n    1751-1904","Barcode 1116524: Criminal Causes, County Court, Commonwealth v. Willis \u0026 Whitehead, Isometrical projection [Oversize],\n1870"],"title_filing_ssi":"Criminal Causes, County Court, Commonwealth v. Willis \u0026 Whitehead, Isometrical projection [Oversize],\n 1870\n","title_ssm":["Barcode 1116524: Criminal Causes, County Court, Commonwealth v. Willis \u0026 Whitehead, Isometrical projection [Oversize],\n1870"],"title_tesim":["Barcode 1116524: Criminal Causes, County Court, Commonwealth v. Willis \u0026 Whitehead, Isometrical projection [Oversize],\n1870"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Barcode 1116524: Criminal Causes, County Court, Commonwealth v. Willis \u0026 Whitehead, Isometrical projection [Oversize],\n1870"],"component_level_isim":[2],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"collection_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"sort_isi":23,"_nest_path_":"/components#1/components#17","timestamp":"2026-05-21T11:38:02.298Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vi_vi02627","ead_ssi":"vi_vi02627","_root_":"vi_vi02627","_nest_parent_":"vi_vi02627","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/lva/vi02627.xml","title_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"title_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"text":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927","20.35 cu. ft. (43 boxes)","There are no restrictions.\n","For descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n Series I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829 Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904 Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927","Chronological.\n   ","Arranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   ","Unarranged.\n   ","Context for Records: Criminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n","Commonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n","Types of Courts:  Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc."," Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.","Chesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective."," Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.","Locality History:  Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n","Criminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n","Criminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.","Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n","In March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.","Encoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026","Additional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult  A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm .\n","Records related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the  Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection  on the Library of Virginia website.","Additional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n","Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n","Of note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n","There are no restrictions.\n","Library of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n","English\n"],"collection_title_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"collection_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, \n1751-1927"],"repository_ssm":["Library of Virginia"],"repository_ssim":["Library of Virginia"],"creator_ssm":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court\n"],"creator_ssim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court\n"],"acqinfo_ssim":["These items came to the Library of Virginia in shipments of court papers from Chesterfield County.\n","Five letters between Walter Henry Pleasants and Isaac Pleasants Vaughn where acquired by purchase in May 2005 for the Personal Papers collection under Accession 41946.\n"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"physdesc_tesim":["20.35 cu. ft. (43 boxes)"],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Access Restrictions\n"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions.\n"],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFor descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n\u003clist type=\"simple\"\u003e\u003citem\u003eSeries I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003citem\u003eSeries II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003citem\u003eSeries III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927\u003c/item\u003e\n\u003c/list\u003e\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eChronological.\n   \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eArranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUnarranged.\n   \u003c/p\u003e"],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement\n"],"arrangement_tesim":["For descriptive purposes, the collection has been divided into three series:\n Series I: Processed Commonwealth Causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829 Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904 Series III: Unprocessed Criminal Causes, 1812-1927","Chronological.\n   ","Arranged by court and chronologically thereunder.\n   ","Unarranged.\n   "],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eContext for Records:\u003c/emph\u003eCriminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCommonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eTypes of Courts:\u003c/emph\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003cemph render=\"bold\"\u003eLocality History:\u003c/emph\u003e Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Historical Information\n"],"bioghist_tesim":["Context for Records: Criminal records consist primarily of warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts handed down by grand juries and other legal authorities in order to prosecute individuals who violated the penal code. Commonwealth causes refers to a specific kind of criminal case filed by the state against individuals accused of violating the law. Criminal offenses ranged in severity from murder, rape, assault and battery, and larceny to tax evasion and slander.  Warrants were issued by grand juries, judges, and justices of the peace directing law enforcement officials to either arrest and imprison a person suspected of having committed a crime or to cause an individual to appear in court to answer accusations made against them. Peace warrants directing an offender to \"keep the peace of the Commonwealth\" or to restrain from any violent acts are commonly found in assault and battery cases. Summonses were used to call a suspected person to appear in court. A summons could also be issued to direct witnesses or victims to come before the court in order to provide evidence or information deemed pertinent to a case. An indictment is the official, written description of the crime that an accused individual is suspected of committing, which is approved by a grand jury and presented to a court in order to begin legal proceedings. Due to this process, indictments are often referred to as \"presentments.\" Verdicts are the formal pronouncements made by juries on issues submitted to them by a judge or other law enforcement official. In the case of a guilty verdict, a judge will sentence the offender. Sentences may include a fine, corporal punishment, imprisonment, or execution. Coroners records may also be included with criminal indictments if the coroner's jury determined a death was the result of homicide.   \n","Commonwealth causes involving free and enslaved individials might include crimes such as breaking and entering, stealing, assault, murder, arson, and aiding enslaved people to self-emancipate. Formerly enslaved men and women could also be tried for remaining in the commonwealth more than one year following emancipation. In 1806, the General Assembly passed a law stating that all formerly enslaved people freed after May 1, 1806, were required to leave the commonwealth. Those who remained in the commonwealth more than twelve months could be put on trial by the state, and if found guilty, would be re-enslaved and sold. The proceeds from the sale went to the state treasury, and often, records of those sales can be found in the Public Claims records from the Auditor of Public Accounts. In the eighteenth century, many enslaved people convicted of capital crimes were hanged. To curb the spectacle of so many public executions, an 1801 law allowed the governor to sell condemned enslaved people to those who agreed to transport them out of Virginia. The state hoped that by exiling these individuals, they would not commit a second offense in the commonwealth. \n","Types of Courts:  Chesterfield County (Va.) County Court first met on July 7, 1749, at Varina in Henrico County following the creation of Chesterfield County by the House of Burgesses on May 25, 1749. The County Court handled all criminal cases, civil law cases, probate of wills, fiduciary accounts, deed recordings, all licenses (business, marriage, etc.), citizenship applications, etc."," Chesterfield County (Va.)Superior Court of Law was created by an act of the General Assembly passed on February 1, 1808, the court was held twice yearly and its records filed with those of the county. A General Court judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Superior Courts of Law in his particular circuit. Therefore, these were also called \"Circuit Courts,\" \"Circuit Courts of Law,\" or \"Circuit Superior Courts.\" Originally, there were twelve circuits, but later the number was increased. In criminal and civil cases, the jurisdiction of the Superior Courts of Law were declared to the be the same over their respective counties as the old District Courts had previously exercised over their respective districts. The Superior Courts of Law were abolished in 1831 with the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery.","Chesterfield County (Va.) Superior Court of Law and Chancery were created by an act of the General Assembly passed on April 16, 1831. Their organization was very similar to that of the former Superior Courts of Law, i.e. a court was held twice yearly in each county and its records were filed with those of the county. With the creation of the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery in 1831, the Superior Courts of Law and the Superior Courts of Chancery were abolished, their combined functions being assumed by the new courts. Originally, the Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were grouped into twenty circuits. These circuits were grouped into pairs to compose ten districts. A judge of the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery had to live in his own district, an the two judges in a particular district alternated in their attendance at the General Court. The number of circuit were eventually increased. The Circuit Superior Courts of Law and Chancery were abolished January 12, 1852, the date of the state constitution of 1851 became effective."," Chesterfield County (Va.) Circuit Court was authorized by the 1851 State Constitution and was established by acts of the General Assembly pass May 22, 1852. The Circuit Court was held twice yearly. Originally, there were twenty-one Circuit Court judges. Each judge rode in a circuit from county to county to preside over the Circuit Courts in his particular circuit. Circuit Courts were granted original jurisdiction concurrent with that of the county courts. In addition, they had appellate jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more then fifty dollars and in criminal cases not \"expressly cognizable in some other court,\" of which there apparently were very few. They were also granted jurisdiction in criminal cases involving \"loss of life,\" a jurisdiction which had always been denied the county courts. In 1873, the Circuit Court was given exclusive jurisdiction in chancery cases. The state Constitution of 1902 made no provision for county courts. Instead, their original jurisdiction in all matters except petty suits and misdemeanors was given to the Circuit Courts. Prior to 1904, probate authority was vested in the county court and shared by the Circuit Courts. Effective on February 1, 1904 probate authority was transferred entirely to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court consequently inherited all original wills and records pertaining to probate and fiduciary affairs. Prior to 1904, the county court was responsible for recording deeds and other such instruments. On March 15, 1904, the Circuit Court was given this responsibility.","Locality History:  Chesterfield County was named for Philip Dormer Stanhope, fourth earl of Chesterfield, British statesman and diplomat, and was formed from Henrico County in 1749. Part of Henrico County was added to Chesterfield in 1922.\n"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927. Local government records collection, Chesterfield County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927. Local government records collection, Chesterfield County Court Records. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.\n"],"processinfo_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCriminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCriminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCommonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEncoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026\u003c/p\u003e"],"processinfo_heading_ssm":["Processing Information\n"],"processinfo_tesim":["Criminal Records, 1751-1927, contains both processed and unprocessed records. Criminal causes and grand jury presentments for the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court, 1751-1904, (Series II) have been flat-filed and arranged chronologically under each court. Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, (Series I) were flat-filed and indexed separately as part of an internship project. Additional post-1829 criminal or Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved persons may be found in the criminal causes and grand jury presentments by court. \n","Criminal causes and grand jury presentments, 1751-1904, were processed by Library of Virginia staff.","Commonwealth causes related to free and enslaved people, 1765-1829, were processed by an intern in August 2024.\n","In March 2026, the 1838 letters in Accession 41946 were determined to be exhibits originally filed in the Chesterfield County Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery case of Commonwealth vs. Isaac P. Vaughn, 1839. The original letters were internally transferred from the Personal Papers collection to the Local Government Records section to be interfiled with the Commonwealth Cause. Reproduction copies of the letters remain in the Private Papers collection.","Encoded by S. Walters: April 2008; updated by V. Brooks, March 2026"],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eAdditional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/local/results_all.asp?CountyID=VA059\"\u003eA Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm\u003c/extref\u003e.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRecords related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the \u003cextref type=\"simple\" href=\"https://lva.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?vid=01LVA_INST:VU\"\u003eVirginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection\u003c/extref\u003e on the Library of Virginia website.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdditional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Material\n"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Additional court records for Chesterfield County can be found on microfilm at the Library of Virginia. Consult  A Guide to Virginia County and City Records on Microfilm .\n","Records related to free and enslaved people of Richmond (Va.) and other localities are available through the  Virginia Untold: The African American Narrative Digital Collection  on the Library of Virginia website.","Additional Chesterfield County criminal records may be found at the Chesterfield County Courthouse.\n"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eChesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOf note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Content\n"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Chesterfield County (Va.) Criminal Records, 1751-1927, consists of criminal causes, Commonwealth causes, and grand jury presentments containing warrants, summons, indictments, and verdicts for criminal offenses. These cases were heard in the County Court, Superior Court of Law, Superior Court of Law and Chancery, and Circuit Court.\n","Of note in Series II: Processed Criminal Causes, 1751-1904, the 1839 murder trial of Isaac Pleasants Vaughan is notable. The case is Commonwealth v. Vaughan and pertains to the murder of Walter Henry Pleasants, Vaughan's cousin. Pleasants and Vaughan had challenged each other to a duel over a disagreement, which was averted, but Pleasants was later shot by Vaughan in Richmond. The murder trial began in Richmond, but was subsequently moved to Henrico County and then Chesterfield County. Vaughan was acquitted. \n"],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\n\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Use Restrictions\n"],"userestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions.\n"],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc label=\"Location\"\u003eLibrary of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Library of Virginia; State Records Center- Archives Annex\n"],"language_ssim":["English\n"],"total_component_count_is":46,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T11:38:02.298Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/vi_vi02627_c02_c18"}}],"included":[{"type":"facet","id":"repository_ssim","attributes":{"label":"Repository","items":[{"attributes":{"label":"Library of Virginia","value":"Library of Virginia","hits":47},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Chesterfield+County+%28Va.%29+Criminal+Records%2C+%0A1751-1927\u0026f%5Brepository%5D%5B%5D=Library+of+Virginia\u0026view=list"}}]},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/facet/repository_ssim.json?f%5Bcollection%5D%5B%5D=Chesterfield+County+%28Va.%29+Criminal+Records%2C+%0A1751-1927\u0026view=list"}},{"type":"facet","id":"collection_ssim","attributes":{"label":"Collection","items":[{"attributes":{"label":"Chesterfield County (Va.) 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