The number and variety of crimes committed by members of a society, the types of crimes occupying the attention of that society's law enforcement personnel, and the degree of enthusiasm and skill that they and their fellow citizens exhibit in punishing offenders reveal much about that community. From the inception of Cumberland County in January, 1750, its citizens sought clearly to identify acceptable behavior and to seek out and prosecute persons unable or unwilling to adhere to that conduct. A look at their successes and failures offers a valuable glimpse into early Cumberland County history and, by extension, into modern Cumberland society as well.
When one thinks of the past, crime is not the first thing that jumps to one's mind; it would probably be the last thing, if thought about at all. Today when one thinks of crime, one thinks of muggings, robbery, murder-the same things that took place then. The most common crime then was assault & battery.