Soldiers'/Peddlers' Licenses

Soldiers'/Peddlers' Licenses, 1835-1990.

Description: Soldiers' and Peddlers' licenses were issued to soldiers and veterans, as well as individuals who were not able to earn a living by manual labor. Soldiers and veterans received their licenses at no cost. The terms "peddler" and "hawker" refer to someone who sells small goods while traveling. They move their products throughout the county for which they are licensed to peddle. Please note that a peddler is different from a trader who sells goods from a fixed location. These licenses grant the petitioner permission to sell their goods. All peddlers are required to have a license which must be renewed annually before the courts. Please check Clerk of Courts, Quarter Sessions records for licenses prior to 1835.

Content: Arranged alphabetically, the records provide the name of the petitioner, date of petition and the signature and seal of the Court of Common Pleas. Some of the records from the middle to later part of the 1900's may include a photograph of the petitioner.