History of Office Holders

York County was part of Chester County until May 19, 1729, on this date, York became part of Lancaster County. York remained part of Lancaster County until August 19, 1749, on this date, York County was erected. The first Register of Wills and Cerk of the Orphans' Court of York County was George Stevenson, who was born in Dublin Ireland in 1718. At the time he was a man of political influence and a large land owner. Up to 1790 the Register of Wills was appointed by the General Assembly, from 1790 to 1839 appointments were made by the Governor of Pennsylvania. On October 11, 1839 John Stahle became the first elected Register of Wills. On October 24, 1749 the will of Daniel Johnson of Chanceford Township was the first will to be probated in York County.

Registers