"Michael Warder was bound over at the complaint of Richard Cutler for the loss of several hogs. In accordance with the 2nd act of the assembly (25 April 1679) for the prevention of hog stealing, the sheriff was ordered to cause Warder to stand two hours at the pillory, to which his ears were to be nailed, and after 'two hours to have his ears cut loose from the said nails (being a second time convict for hog stealing).' He was also to pay court charges." (2)
"20 Sep 1688. Mary, the wife of John Cole 'in a most notorious, insolent manner in contempt of his Majesty's laws and authority' loosened and 'pulled out a nail fastened to the ear of Micha Wardell in the pillory.' (This had been his punishment for an infraction which he had confessed.) As a just reward for her offense, and to deter others from doing the same, the court ordered 'that she stand two hours tied fast to the pillory with her back thereto and her face to the courthouse with paper fastened to her breast written in capital letters viz. 'For her contempt of authority.'' She was to remain in the sheriff's custody till posting a bond for her good behavior and payment of court charges." (2)
"20 Sep 1688. Deposition of William Parker aged about 23 years: Parker saw 'Mary Cole take up the hair of Michaell, which was fast nailed to the pillory, and with her hand plucked the nail, which he was fastened with, out of his ear and afterward laid the nail upon the plank and said, 'Here it is.'' John Lewis Jr., was ready to attest to the same. Signed and sworn in open court 20 September 1688, by William Parker and John Lewis." (2)
(1) JoAnn Riley McKey, Accomack County, Virginia Court Order Abstracts, 1673-1676, Vol. IV (Bowie, Maryland: Heritage Books, Inc., 1997), 62, quoting Accomack County [Deeds], Wills, [Orders], Etc., 1673-1676, 176.
(2) JoAnn Riley McKey, Accomack County, Virginia Court Order Abstracts, 1682-1690, Vol. 7 (Bowie, Maryland: Heritage Books, Inc., 1998), 242, 248, quoting Accomack County, Virginia Court Order Book 7:137a, 141-141a.