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Facts and Events
About George Aston
- Captain George Aston was born in PA but became a Virginian and was involved in Lord Dunmore's War under the command of Captain John Connolly (see John Connolly (loyalist)). He was allegedly murdered in Pittsburgh on October 30, 1775, by Devereux Smith over the Virginia - Pennsylvania border dispute. Trial apparently was not held due to border conflict overlapping the start of the Revolutionary War.
Estate Records
- At a Court held for the Examination of Mr. Devereux Smith, at His House, by His Petition to the Justices, this 21st November, 1775, for the Murder of Capn. Geo. Aston.
- Pres't Geo. Croghan, Thos. Smallman, John Cannon, Geo. Vallandigham, Edward Ward.
- The above Devereux Smith was Examined, denied the fact wherewith he stands Charged, whereupon several Witnesses were sworn and Examined, on Consideration of which the Court are of Opinion that after hearing Smith by his Atto., that he is Guildy of the S'd fact wherewith he stands Charged, that he ought to be tried for the said fact at the General Court in April, on the 6th day thereof, and in Order thereto he is remanded to the Goal of this County and thence to be removed.
- At a Cald Court Con'd. and held for Augusta County for the Examination of Devereux Smith for the Murder of Capt. Geo. Aston.
- Pres't Geo. Croghan, Thos. Smallman, John Cannon, Geo. Vallandigham.
- Upon a motion made by Mr. Devereux Smith by his attorney to be admitted to Bail for his appearance on the 6th day of the next General Court, the Court are of opinion that from the situation Mr. Smith is in & the circumstances attending the fact wherewith he is charged, that he ought to be admitted to Bail, and that he Enter into recog on the Sum of £3,000, with 3 Securities in the Sum of £1,500 Each, to be Levied, and thereupon the said Devereux Smith Ack'd himself in the Sum of £3,000 and Robert Hanna, Aeneas McCay and Wm. Butler, his Secys, in the Sum of £1,500 Each, to be Levied of their respective goods and chattels, Lands and Tenements, and to our s'd Lord the King rendered, upon Condition that Devereux Smith doth personally appear on the 6th day of the next General Court, if he be able at that time to attend the s'd General Court, from the situation of his wound & state of health, if not the suceeding Court for the Tryall of Criminals, and shall not depart upon his appearance without leave of said Court. Then the Court did rise.
- [Signed] Geo. Crogham
- [Source: The Records of Deeds for the District of West Augusta, Virginia: for the court held at Fort Dunmore (Pittsburgh, Pa.), 1775-1776, copied consecutively as recorded, by Boyd Crumrine, pg. 66-67].
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