Uncle Joseph, Winter is Coming

 My 8th Great Uncle Joseph Elderkin was arrested in 1701 when he was 29 for "selling drink to Indians". He was charged, found guilty and fined. 

  

That was not the end of Joseph's crime spree. Not that I think sharing, selling or buying "strong drink" with your friends is a crime. Maybe these kin of mine are just happy drunks and want to share with everyone. 

Joseph was born 27 December 1672 in Norwich, New London, Connecticut to John and Elizabeth Elderkin. He is the last born of 8 children. His mother was Elizabeth Drake John's second wife. 

On 27 July 1703 Joseph married Deborah Brockway. They have 5 children.
Joseph the 3rd
Benjammin
Elizabeth
Jeptha
Deborah

Joseph is a weaver by trade. 

In September 1712 Joseph is at the Supreme Court on Suspicion of Counterfeit. Yep, he is accused along with two others of having altered Connecticut bills to give them a larger denomination and passing them on. He pleads "not guilty". The other two are acquitted and Joseph is indicted. He is tried, convicted and sentenced to 6 months in prison. His two "alleged" cohorts plea with the court that their court costs be deducted from the reward they are entitled to for informing on Joseph. The court orders Joseph to pay the reward money to his "alleged" friends. 

In October good ol' Uncle Joseph, being the clever sort pleads to the court in petition that he is in failing and very poor health. Winter is coming

and he fears spending time in prison during the harsh winter months might kill him. 

The Superior Court votes in favor of his plea and he is told he has to pay a bail and will have to return to prison when the weather is more favorable to serve out his sentence. He is released to return in the Spring. 

Joseph's son Joseph goes to jail in 1727 for "reviling and profane speaking" telling people while at a friends home that they would go to hell for sinning against light and knowledge. 

In 1759 at the age of 87 Joseph dies.