On 23Feb1698/99 the Governor's Executive Council considered recommendations
from the Magistrates of King & Queen County as to persons to be added to the
Commission of the Peace for the County.  His Excellency was pleased to
appoint Mr. Henry Fox in his former place, and add Captain William Claiborne,
Captain Willis Wilson, Mr. James Howell, Mr. John Waller, and Mr. Richard
Anderson to the commission.  Mr. William Byrd and Mr. James Taylor, who were
recommended, were left out of the Commission being thought to be underage.  (
Executive Council Journals, I:411-412)

       In June 1696 James Taylor had surveyed 1,039 acres for Major John
Waller on the South side of the Mattaponi in Pamunkey Neck, and certified
same.

       Question: What was the minimum age to be appointed to a Commission of
the Peace in Colonial Virginia, appointees thereto becoming Justices of the
Peace and Magistrates?

       Question: Was there a minimum age for a Surveyor--both Washington and
Jefferson were doing surveys in their teens, if I recall correctly?

John Scott Davenport
Holmdel, NJ

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