Slaveholders Listed on this Page
- Bell, William (Slaves listed: 2 unnamed females, 1 unnamed male)
- Bird, Mark (Slaves listed: Cuff Dix, Jack, Chester)
- Bird, William (Slaves listed: Hercules, Maria, Abagail, Dick, Nedd, Tom, Casper, Tony, York, Ebo, Lembrick)
- Boyd, Thomas (Slaves listed: Margaret)
- Brecht, David (Slaves listed: Joe)
- DeHaven, John (Slaves listed: Henny)
- DeHaven, Rachel (Slaves listed: Henny)
- Dougherty, Edward (Slaves listed: Nance, Peg, Saul)
- Downing, John H. (Slaves listed: Samuel Hill)
- Eckert, Valentine (Slaves listed: Joe)
- Ege, George (Slaves listed: Hester Evans)
- Evans, David (Slaves listed: John Linch a.k.a. Dick)
- Godfrey, John (Slaves listed: Un-named boy)
- Hiester, Daniel (Slaves listed: Henry, Grace)
- Hiester, Gabriel (Slaves listed: Unnamed female)
- Hinson, John (Slaves listed: Mark)
- Jones, Thomas (Slaves listed: Dublin)
- Kemp, George (Slaves listed: Hannah)
- Kerber, Paul (Slaves listed: Will)
- Kern, Jacob (Slaves listed: Dick, Hercules)
- Kremer, Philip (Slaves listed: Pompey Bell, Prince Frederick, Betsy)
- Lesher, John (Slaves listed: Joe)
- Madiera, Christian (Slaves listed: Abraham Johnston)
- May, Thomas (Slaves listed: Jacob a.k.a. Wetheridge)
- Maybury, Thomas (Slaves listed: Mona, Harry)
- Miller, Elizabeth (Slaves listed: Unnamed female)
- Morgan, Jacob (Slaves listed: 3 Unnamed males, 1 Unnamed female)
- Nagle, George (Slaves listed: Esther, Poll)
- Patton, John (Slaves listed: Dublin, Jack)
- Potts, John (Slaves listed: John, Hercules)
- Read, Collinson (Slaves listed: Unnamed female)
- Reiff, Jacob (Slaves listed: Bob Johnson)
- Rush, Jacob (Slaves listed: Joe)
- Seely, Jonas (Slaves listed: John a.k.a. Louis)
- Shoemaker, Jacob (Slaves listed: Bill, a.k.a. Jerry)
- Smith, Frederick (Slaves listed: Hester Evans)
- Stiegel, Henry William (Slaves listed: Joe)
- Stoner, Abraham (Slaves listed: Precina or Parthena Ross)
- Trout, Balthasar (Slaves listed: Un-named slave)
- Vanderslice, Henry (Slaves listed: Charles, unnamed male)
- Weaver, Jacob (Slaves listed: Caeser)
- Weidner, George Adam (Slaves listed: Henry, Bob)
- Wickersham, Isaac (Slaves listed: Daniel, 2 unnamed males)
- Winey, Jacob (Slaves listed: Joe, Greg)
- Witman, John (Slaves listed: Will)
- Witman, William (Slaves listed: John Bell, Cato)
Enslavement Data
- Slaveholder Name: Bell, William
City or Township: Reading
County: Berks County
Occupation: Merchant
Notes:
- Slave Name: ?
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age: 34a
Slave Date of Birth: 1763 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for term (to age 43)
Slave Description: "Negro Wench"
Slave Notes: Offered for sale, along with a nine month-old boy, in October and November 1797. Text of sale advertisements:
A Negro WENCH AND BOY to be sold cheap out of the Goal in the Borough of Reading--The Negro Wench about 34 years of Age, healthy and stout make and has yet about nine years to serve--The Boy is 9 months old, very healthy, and has had the Small Pox. Any Person inclining to purchase may know the terms by applying to
WILLIAM BELL
Date of Records: October 14, 21, 28, and November 4, 1797
Source: The Weekly Advertiser (Reading), quoted in Johnson, Slavery in Berks County before 1850, page 186.
- Slave Name: ?
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: Nine months old
Slave Date of Birth: January, 1797 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for term (to age 28)
Slave Description: "Negro Boy"
Slave Notes: Offered for sale, along with a 34 year-old female, in October and November 1797. See above for the text of the advertisement.
Date of Records: October 14, 21, 28, and November 4, 1797
Source: The Weekly Advertiser (Reading), quoted in Johnson, Slavery in Berks County before 1850, page 186.
- Slave Name: ?
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age: 9a
Slave Date of Birth: 1792 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for term (to age 28)
Slave Description: "Negro Wench"
Slave Notes: Offered for sale in January 1801. Text of sale advertisement:
A NEGRO WENCH FOR SALE. The Subscriber offers for sale A HEALTH STOUT WENCH, about 9 years of age and has to serve till she is twenty-eight years of age--She has had the Small Pox, and regularly Registered according to Law. signed William Bell.
Date of Record: January 10, 1801
Source: The Weekly Advertiser (Reading), quoted in Johnson, Slavery in Berks County before 1850, page 186.
- Slaveholder Name: Bird, Mark
City or Township: Birdsborough/Reading
County: Berks County
Occupation: Ironmaster, Hopewell Furnace
Notes:
- Slave Name: Cuff Dix
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 28
Slave Date of Birth: 1746 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
Slave Notes: Ran away September, 1774. Text of runaway ad placed in The Pennsylvania Gazette by Mark Bird (note the following items of interest--Cuff had been secured by leg irons, and was already an experienced forge worker):
Berks County, November 16, 1774.
FIVE POUNDS Reward. If out of the Province, and THREE, if in, WILL be paid by MARK BIRD, Esq; for taking up and securing a NEGROE Man, called CUFF, who ran away the latter End of September last, with a Lock and Chain about his Leg; he is a well made Fellow, about 5 Feet 3 or 4 Inches high, 28 Years of Age, by Trade a Hammerman, and is fond of strong Liquor.
Cuff must have been captured or returned of his own volition, but made another escape attempt in May 1775. Bird immediately placed an ad, which appeared in the Pennsylvania Gazette on May 24, seeking to recover Dix. It was not successful. Dix had been away for five months when the following ad appeared on October 11, 1775:
SIXTEEN DOLLARS Reward.
RUN away, the 8th of May, 1775, from Birdsborough Forge, a Negroe man, named Cuff, goes by the name of Cuff Dix, a smart well set fellow, about 5 feet 4 or 5 inches high, speaks good English, but has a little stoppage in his speech; had on, and took with him, an old felt hat, an iron collar round his neck, it is likely that he soon got that off, a brown jacket, ozenbrigs shirt and trowsers, leather breeches, and good shoes; is a hammerman by trade. Also a Negroe man, named Chester, on Saturday night, September 8, 1775, a stout fellow, about 5 feet 8 inches high, speaks good English, is pockmarked, and flat footed; had on, when he went away, a good beaver hat, a light coloured Wilton coatee, ozenbrigs shirt and trowsers, and good shoes. Chester formerly belonged to one Keys, in the Jerseys, and was seen on the road to Philadelphia. Whoever takes up said Negroes, and brings them home, or secures them, or either of them, in any goal, so that their master may have them again, shall have THREE POUNDS reward for each, and reasonable charges, paid by MARK BIRD.
Documentation of Cuff's capture is in this Pennsylvania Gazette advertisement placed by the Chester County Jailor, Joel Willis:
Chester, November 7, 1775.
WAS committed to my custody, on the 23d day of October last, a certain Frances Lyons, on suspicion of being a runaway servant, she is of a darkish complexion, and middle size. Likewise a Negroe man, on the 29th, who calls himself Cuff Dicks, and says he belongs to Mark Bird, Esq; in Berks county. Their masters (if any they have) are desired to come, pay the charges, in three weeks from this date, otherwise they will be discharged, on paying their fees, by JOEL WILLIS, Goaler
Cuff had run away again in June 1776 when Bird placed the following ad. In it he gives more details about Cuff, including a surname, notes that he runs away often and that he believes him to be on his way to join the British forces. The effect of Lord Dunmore's proclamation on Pennsylvania slaves is evident by Bird's remark "As Negroes in general think that Lord Dunmore is contending for their liberty, it is not improbable that said Negroe is on his march to join his Lordship's own black regiment:"
THREE POUNDS Reward.
RUN away from the Birdsborough Forge, in Berks county, Pennsylvania, on the 16th of June, 1776, a Negroe Man, commonly called CUFF DIX; he is an active well made fellow, and a most excellent hammerman; he is about 5 feet 5 or 6 inches high, fond of liquor, understands English well, though he stammers in his speech; there is an iron ring in one of his ears, which if he can take out, a hole will remain it, large enough to receive the small end of a pipe stem, in which case he will probably endeavour to conceal the hole by filling it up; he wore, when he went away, a small old hat, light coloured homespun jacket, tow shirt and trowsers. He has often run away, changed his name, denied that the subscriber was his master, and been confined in several goals in this province; he was employed the greatest part of last summer by a person near Dilworthtown, in Chester county. Any person who shall harbour said Negroe shall be dealt with as the law directs, and his name not omitted in a future advertisement. As Negroes in general think that Lord Dunmore is contending for their liberty, it is not improbable that said Negroe is on his march to join his Lordship's own black regiment, but it is hoped he will be prevented by some honest Whig from effecting it. Any person who shall bring said Negroe home to his master, or secure him in any goal, so that he may be had again, shall receive the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by MARK BIRD.
Bird placed several more advertisements throughout the summer and fall of 1776, most with fewer details than the one above. Despite his skill at eluding his captors, it appears that Cuff did not make it to the British lines. The following advertisement shows that he was captured in New Castle, Delaware:
New Castle, March 2, 1777.
NOW in the Goal of New Castle on Delaware, a certain NEGROE Man, named CUFF DICKS, the Property of Colonel MARK BIRD, of Birdsberry, Berks County, Pennsylvania, who is requested to come, pay charges, and take him away.
THOMAS CLARK, Goaler.
Date of Records: November 23, 1774; May 24, 1775; October 11, 1775; November 15, 1775; July 17, 1776;
October 16, 1776; March 12, 1777
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slave Name: Jack
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 30a
Slave Date of Birth: 1749 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe man"
Slave Notes: Ran away November 13, 1779. Text of runaway ad placed in the Pennsylvania Gazette by Mark Bird (note the following items of interest--Jack speaks two languages, plays the violin and other instruments, previously ran away from a Baltimore slaveholder and was bought by Bird from the Philadelphia workhouse. Note also the size of the reward, which is extraordinarily high):
Two Hundred Dollars Reward.
RAN away from the town of Reading, Berks county, in the night of the 13th instant, a Negroe man named JACK, about 30 years of age, 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high; had on, when he went away, a red cloth coat, a white jacket, leather breeches, and scollopt hat, but as he has sundry other clothes with him, it is likely he may change his dress; he plays on the violin and other instruments of music, speaks the English and French languages, has a sprightly walk, and is remarkably complaisant when spoken to. He eloped some time ago from his master at Baltimore, and passed for a freeman, until apprehended and put in the workhouse at Philadelphia, from whence he was lately purchased; he is a cunning designing fellow, and it is likely he may forge a pass, and travel the country as a freeman. Whoever secures said Negroe in any goal on the continent, shall have the above reward, and all reasonable charges, paid by
Birdsborough, Nov. 14, 1779. MARK BIRD.
Date of Record: November 24, 1779
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slave Name: Chester
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: Age not stated
Slave Date of Birth: not
known
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe man"
Slave Notes: Ran away September 8, 1775. Text of runaway ad placed in the Pennsylvania Gazette by Mark Bird also mentions Cuff Dix, who had already been away for five months:
SIXTEEN DOLLARS Reward.
RUN away, the 8th of May, 1775, from Birdsborough Forge, a Negroe man, named Cuff, goes by the name of Cuff Dix, a smart well set fellow, about 5 feet 4 or 5 inches high, speaks good English, but has a little stoppage in his speech; had on, and took with him, an old felt hat, an iron collar round his neck, it is likely that he soon got that off, a brown jacket, ozenbrigs shirt and trowsers, leather breeches, and good shoes; is a hammerman by trade. Also a Negroe man, named Chester, on Saturday night, September 8, 1775, a stout fellow, about 5 feet 8 inches high, speaks good English, is pockmarked, and flat footed; had on, when he went away, a good beaver hat, a light coloured Wilton coatee, ozenbrigs shirt and trowsers, and good shoes. Chester formerly belonged to one Keys, in the Jerseys, and was seen on the road to Philadelphia. Whoever takes up said Negroes, and brings them home, or secures them, or either of them, in any goal, so that their master may have them again, shall have THREE POUNDS reward for each, and reasonable charges, paid by MARK BIRD.
Date of Record: October 11, 1775
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slaveholder Name: Bird, William
City or Township: Union Township
County: Berks County
Occupation: Ironmaster, Birdsborough Forge
Notes:
- Slave Name: Hercules
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: Not stated in this document (see date of birth, below)
Slave Date of Birth: 1731 (estimated, and established from a previous runaway advertisement placed by John Potts in 1758, although an ad by Jacob Kern for this same man establishes his approximate year of birth as 1734.)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
Slave Notes: Previously held by John Potts, Hercules had a history of running away when William Bird acquired him:
RUN away on the 26th July, 1759, from the Subscriber, living
in Union Township, in Berks County; a Negroe Man, named
Hercules; had on when he went away, an Ozenbrigs Shirt and
Trowsers, his other Clothes not known; he is about five Feet
ten Inches high, pretty well set, the lower Part of one of his
Eyes hangs down, and looks ghastly, he speaks Dutch. It is the
same Negroe that run away last Year from John Potts, Esq; of
Pottsgrove, and was so long continued in these Papers. Whoever
takes up said Negroe, and brings him to his Master, or secures
him in any Goal, so that his Master may have him again, shall
have Forty Shillings Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by
me,
WILLIAM BIRD.
It seems that Hercules was not quickly captured, if at all. The following year, Jacob Kern placed an ad for his capture, noting that Hercules ran away from William Bird. Kern seems to be the owner of Hercules, probably hiring the slave out to William Bird. See "Kern, Jacob" for the advertisement for Hercules.
Date of Records: August 2, 1759, and November 8, 1759
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slave Name: Maria
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age: 42
Slave Date of Birth: 1721 (calculated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Wench"
Slave Notes: Itemized in the will of William Bird, valued at
£40.
Date of Records: March 22, 1763
Source: "Negro Labor in the Charcoal Iron Industry of Southeastern
Pennsylvania," Joseph E. Walker. Pennsylvania Magazine of
History and Biography, vol. 93 [October 1969], 466-486.
- Slave Name: Abigail
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age: 22
Slave Date of Birth: 1741 (calculated)
Slave Status: Slave for the term of 14 additional years
Slave Description: "Mulatto"
Slave Notes: Itemized in the will of William Bird, valued at
£40, with the note "child at breast."
Date of Records: March 22, 1763
Source: "Negro Labor in the Charcoal Iron Industry of Southeastern
Pennsylvania," Joseph E. Walker. Pennsylvania Magazine of
History and Biography, vol. 93 [October 1969], 466-486.
- Slave Name: Dick
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "about 3½ years old"
Slave Date of Birth: September 1759 (calculated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description:
Slave Notes: Itemized in the will of William Bird, valued at
£25
Date of Records: March 22, 1763
Source: "Negro Labor in the Charcoal Iron Industry of Southeastern
Pennsylvania," Joseph E. Walker. Pennsylvania Magazine of
History and Biography, vol. 93 [October 1969], 466-486.
- Slave Name: Nedd
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "about 35 years old"
Slave Date of Birth: 1728 (calculated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "man"
Slave Notes: Itemized in the will of William Bird, valued at
£45
Date of Records: March 22, 1763
Source: "Negro Labor in the Charcoal Iron Industry of Southeastern
Pennsylvania," Joseph E. Walker. Pennsylvania Magazine of
History and Biography, vol. 93 [October 1969], 466-486.
- Slave Name: Tom
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "about 19 years old"
Slave Date of Birth: 1744 (calculated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "man"
Slave Notes: Itemized in the will of William Bird, valued at
£120
Date of Records: March 22, 1763
Source: "Negro Labor in the Charcoal Iron Industry of Southeastern
Pennsylvania," Joseph E. Walker. Pennsylvania Magazine of
History and Biography, vol. 93 [October 1969], 466-486.
- Slave Name: Casper
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "about 19 years old"
Slave Date of Birth: 1744 (calculated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "man"
Slave Notes: Itemized in the will of William Bird, valued at
£120
Date of Records: March 22, 1763
Source: "Negro Labor in the Charcoal Iron Industry of Southeastern
Pennsylvania," Joseph E. Walker. Pennsylvania Magazine of
History and Biography, vol. 93 [October 1969], 466-486.
- Slave Name: Tony
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "about 26 years old"
Slave Date of Birth: 1737 (calculated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "man"
Slave Notes: Itemized in the will of William Bird, valued at
£120
Date of Records: March 22, 1763
Source: "Negro Labor in the Charcoal Iron Industry of Southeastern Pennsylvania," Joseph E. Walker. Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, vol. 93 [October 1969], 466-486.
- Slave Name: York
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "about 65 years old"
Slave Date of Birth: 1698 (calculated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "man"
Slave Notes: Itemized in the will of William Bird, no value
assigned
Date of Records: March 22, 1763
Source: "Negro Labor in the Charcoal Iron Industry of Southeastern Pennsylvania," Joseph E. Walker. Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, vol. 93 [October 1969], 466-486.
- Slave Name: Ebo (Ibo)
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "about 35 years old"
Slave Date of Birth: 1728 (calculated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description:
Slave Notes: Itemized in the will of William Bird, valued at
£30 with the notation "subject to fits."
Date of Records: March 22, 1763
Source: "Negro Labor in the Charcoal Iron Industry of Southeastern Pennsylvania," Joseph E. Walker. Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, vol. 93 [October 1969], 466-486.
- Slave Name: Lembrick
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "about 40 years old"
Slave Date of Birth: 1723 (calculated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description:
Slave Notes: Itemized in the will of William Bird, valued at £45
Date of Records: March 22, 1763
Source: "Negro Labor in the Charcoal Iron Industry of Southeastern Pennsylvania," Joseph E. Walker. Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, vol. 93 [October 1969], 466-486.
- Slaveholder Name: Boyd, Thomas
City or Township: Heidelberg Township
County: Berks County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Slave Name: Margaret
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age: "aged eight years the eleventh day of August next ensuing"
Slave Date of Birth: Not known--the date of the document is not known
Slave Status: Slave to the age of 28 years
Slave Description: "Negro Girl"
Slave Notes: Sold from Christian Kunkel of Harrisburg, Dauphin County, to Thomas Boyd of Heidelberg Township. Bill of sale cited by Richard Johnson in "Slaves in Berks County before 1850" in Historical Review of Berks County, Fall 1996, page 187. Johnson does not give a date for this bill of sale, but it is probably not before 1788, as the bill of sale mentions "an Act of Assembly, respecting Negroes, or servants duly registered," which was passed in 1780, and Margaret is nearly eight years old. Christian Kunkel, a wealthy and respected member of the Harrisburg community, lived 1757-1823. Text of the bill of sale is as follows as excerpted by Johnson (ellipses are his):
Know all men be these present that I Christian Kinkel of the borough of Harrisburgh, . . .store keeper, for and in consideration of the sum of forty pounds lawful and current money of Pennsylvania to me in hand paid by Thomas Boyd of Heidelberg Township, Berks County . . .do grant bargain sell and deliver into said Thomas Boyd . . .a certain Negro Girl called "Margaret" aged eight years the eleventh day of August next ensuing, to serve Thomas Boyd . . .for the residue of the term and time of her servitude according to an Act of Assembly, respecting Negroes, or servants duly registered . . .
Date of Record: Not given
Source: Johnson, Slavery in Berks County before 1850, page 187.
- Slaveholder Name: Brecht, David
City or Township: Bern Township
County: Berks County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Slave Name: Joe
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 26
Slave Date of Birth: 1748 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe man"
Slave Notes: Ran away July 22, 1775. Brecht placed this runaway advertisement in the Pennsylvania Gazette:
RUN away, the 22d of July last, in the night, from the subscriber, living in Bern township, Berks county, Pennsylvania, a NEGROE man, named JOE, aged 26 years, 5 feet 7 inches high, has a mark on his cheek, under his eye, by a hurt of a horse, speaks good English and German; had on, when he went away, a pair of tow trowsers and lincey woolsey jacket, without sleeves, a pair of old shoes, and an old felt hat. Whoever takes up the said Negroe man, and secures him in any goal in this province, so that his master may have him again, shall receive Thirty Shillings reward, besides reasonable charges, paid by DAVID BRECHT.
Date of Record: August 2, 1775
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slaveholder Name: DeHaven, John
City or Township: Union Township
County: Berks County
Occupation: Yeoman
Notes: Husband of Rachel DeHaven. Son of Edward DeHaven.
- Slave Name: Henny
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age: Not stated, but described as a "wench." Another source, dated 1800, gives her age as 22.
Slave Date of Birth: 1778 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negro wench"
Slave Notes: John DeHaven's wife Rachel inherited Henny upon the death of her husband. The will, dated December 21, 1798 and registered March 28, 1799 in Reading, reads in part: "Likewise I give to my wife the Negro wench Heny to be disposed of by her as Shee Sees Cause."
Date of Record: March 28, 1799
Source: Will of John DeHaven, 1799, Union Township, Berks County
- Slaveholder Name: DeHaven, Rachel
City or Township: Union Township
County: Berks County
Occupation: Widow
Notes: Wife of John DeHaven, who died c.1799.
- Slave Name: Henny
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age: Not stated, but described as a "wench." Another source, dated 1800, gives her age as 22.
Slave Date of Birth: 1778 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negro wench"
Slave Notes: John DeHaven's wife Rachel inherited Henny upon the death of her husband. The will, dated December 21, 1798 and registered March 28, 1799 in Reading, reads in part: "Likewise I give to my wife the Negro wench Heny to be disposed of by her as Shee Sees Cause." In the 1800 Septennial Census of Union Township, Berks County, Henny is listed as a 22 year-old female slave belonging to Rachel DeHaven.
Date of Record: March 28, 1799
Source: Will of John DeHaven, 1799, Union Township, Berks County
- Slaveholder Name: Dougherty, Edward
City or Township: Exeter Township
County: Berks County
Occupation:
Notes: Possession of the slaves Peg and Saul seems to be in dispute, according to their former owner Samuel Stalford of Philadelphia County. See the notes under the listing for the slave Nance.
- Slave Name: Nance
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age: Not stated, but described as a "girl."
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe Girl"
Slave Notes: Purchased from Samuel Stalford in Providence Township, Philadelphia County. Stalford alleges that Dougherty defrauded him out of two additional slaves, Peg and Saul, as described in this advertisement placed in the Pennsylvania Gazette:
To the PUBLIC.
WHEREAS EDWARD DOUGHERTY, late of Charles Town township, in the county of Chester, but now of Exeter township, in the county of Berks, some time in the latter part of the summer in the year 1778, purchased from me the subscriber, living in Providence township, in the county of Philadelphia, a Negroe Girl, named NANCE, and procured to be wrote a BILL of SALE, not only for the said Negroe Girl, but also for another Negroe Girl, named PEG, and for a Negroe Boy, named SAUL; and taking advantage of my inability to read writing, read and represented the said Bill of Sale to me as being a Bill of Sale only for the said Negroe Girl, named Nance, and fraudulently and deceitfully caused me to sign and execute the same as a Bill of Sale for Nance only, when in fact the names of both the said other children were included therein, but not mentioned to me at all, nor any contract made for the sale of them, or any money received for them or either of them. In order therefore to prevent the said Dougherty from imposing on other people in like manner as he hath endeavoured to defraud me, I do hereby caution all persons against purchasing either of the said Negroe children, named Peg and Saul, from the said Dougherty, as I am determined to proceed immediately to recover them from the said Dougherty or any other person who may detain them, they having been forcibly taken from me.
May 21, 1781.SAMUEL STALFORD.
Date of Record: May 23, 1781
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slave Name: Peg
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age: Not stated, but described as a "girl."
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe Girl"
Slave Notes: Allegedly purchased from Samuel Stalford in Providence Township, Philadelphia County. Stalford alleged however that Dougherty defrauded him out of the slaves Peg and Saul, as described in the advertisement placed in the Pennsylvania Gazette and reproduced above.
Date of Record: May 23, 1781
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slave Name: Saul
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: Not stated, but described as a "boy."
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe Boy"
Slave Notes: Allegedly purchased from Samuel Stalford in Providence Township, Philadelphia County. Stalford alleged however that Dougherty defrauded him out of the slaves Peg and Saul, as described in the advertisement placed in the Pennsylvania Gazette and reproduced above.
Date of Record: May 23, 1781
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slaveholder Name: Downing, John H.
City or Township: Caernarvan Township
County: Berks County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Slave Name: Samuel Hill
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 16a
Slave Date of Birth: 1811 (estimated)
Slave Status: Indentured (it is not determined if this person was an actual slave, or a servant serving a shorter indenture)
Slave Description: "Negro servant lad"
Slave Notes: Ran away on June 5, 1827. Downing had the following runaway advertisement placed in the Berks and Schuylkill Journal:
ONE CENT REWARD
Absconded from the service of the subscriber, residing in Caernarvan township, Berks County, on the 5 of June last, an indentured negro servant lad named SAMUEL HILL about 16 years old. Whoever will take up said lad and secure him in jail so that his master may get him again, shall be entitled to the above reward, but no cost or charges.
John H. Downing
Date of Record: July 21, 1827
Source: Berks and Schuylkill Journal, July 15, 1826, p. 3, cited in Richard G. Johnson, They All Stand Fair, page 6.
- Slaveholder Name: Eckert, Valentine
City or Township: Cumru Township
County: Berks County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Slave Name: Joe
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 35
Slave Date of Birth: 1738 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe man"
Slave Notes: Ran away on July 12, 1773. Eckert had the following runaway advertisement placed in the Pennsylvania Gazette:
July 13, 1773.
THREE POUNDS Reward
RUN away, last night, from the subscriber, living in Cumru township, Berks county, near Reading, a Negroe man, named JOE, aged 35 years, a thick well set fellow; he took with him a whitish great coat, a red plush waistcoat, without sleeves, a pair of leather breeches, a brown waistcoat, without sleeves, three pair of trowsers, one of which is striped linen, two shirts, good shoes, and a half worn felt hat. Whoever takes up and secures said Negroe in any common goal, so that his master may have him again, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by VALENTINE ECKERT.
Date of Record: July 28, 1773
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slaveholder Name: Ege, George
City or Township:
County: Berks County
Occupation: Ironmaster
Notes: Owner of Charming Forge, Ege was said to be the largest slaveholder in Berks County. The current owner of Charming Forge Mansion, Vonnie Henderson, noted the following information: "After reading a section of Mary Brode's condensation from her Master's Thesis
"A Chain of Title for the Great House at Charming Forge," I have found the following: Mr. Ege was the largest slave owner in Berks County. His servants and slaves were well cared for and well clothed. His favorite slave, Tom Nelson, was entrusted to take money for deposit to the Bank of Reading. (I don't know where this bank was located.) Three slaves are listed in 1779, 21 in 1810 and between 1783 - 1800 from 5 to 9. The high number in 1810 may have had something to do with the legend of his harboring runaways. So that answers the question of the underground railroad. By 1820 the census noted 8 free blacks in the household and no slaves." (E-mail correspondence, Vonnie Henderson to George F. Nagle, July 29, 2002. The source that Vonnie Henderson refers to is "A Chain of Title for the Great House at Charming Forge. A condensation from a Master's Thesis, Pennsylvania State University, 1983." Mary A Brode. In possession of Vonnie and Chip Henderson.)
- Slave Name: Hester Evans
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age: Not stated
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: "Manumitted black servant girl" (see notes)
Slave Description:
Slave Notes: Sold by numerous owners to end up in Berks County. Cited in Richard Johnson's "Slaves in Berks County before 1850" in Historical Review of Berks County, Fall 1996, page 187. Johnson gives the following record of Evans' experiences:
". . .one must also conclude that slaves were bought and sold in the market place; that they passed through many hands like groceries, liquor and cloth. A concrete example of just such a transaction was the case of Hester Evans, a manumitted black servant girl, who ended up in Berks County. The following sequence of events occurred: November 1, 1810, the indenture passed from Caspanora Thompson of Philadelphia to Samuel Lehman in partial or complete payment of a $500 debt; February 11, 1811, from Samuel Lehman to John Tremells for $125; February 25, 1813, from Eliza Tremells to Frederick Smith of the Borough of Reading for $180; March 24, 1817, from Frederick Smith to George Ege for $120."
Date of Record: March 24, 1817
Source: Johnson, Slavery in Berks County before 1850, page 187.
- Slaveholder Name: Evans, David
City or Township: Cumru Township
County: Berks County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Slave Name: John Linch, a.k.a. Dick
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 28a
Slave Date of Birth: 1742 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe man"
Slave Notes: Ran away on March 19, 1770. Evans had the following runaway advertisement placed in the Pennsylvania Gazette (note the mention of the iron collar and leg chains, and Linch's apparent plan to free himself of those devices with the hammer and chisel):
RUN away on the 19th day of March last, from the subscriber, living in Cumru township, Berks county, within 5 miles of reading town, a NEGROE man, about 28 years of age, and about 5 feet 9 inches high, has lost several of his fore teeth, and his right foot is frost bitten; had on, when he went away, a blanket coat, whitish cloth jacket and breeches, homespun shirt, and is named Dick, alias John Linch; had a collar round his neck, and a chain to his leg; he pretends to be free, and is very much given to lying. Whoever takes up and secures said Negroe, so that his master may have him again, shall have Three Dollars reward, and reasonable charges, paid by me DAVID EVANS.
N.B. Said Negroe took with him a hammer and chisel.
Date of Record: May 10, 1770; Ad ran again on May 24, 1770
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slaveholder Name: Godfrey, John
City or Township: Union Township
County: Berks County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Slave Name: No name recorded
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 16a
Slave Date of Birth: 1739 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negro boy"
Slave Notes: Offered for sale in 1755:
To be sold by the subscriber, living in Union township, Berks county, A plantation and tract of land, containing 228 acres, whereon there is a good stone house, good log barn, stables and other out houses, seventy acres of land clear, a good
thriving young orchard of 200 apple trees, standing in a fruitful place, and bearing well, the whole being fresh good land, well water, and good timber. Any person inclining to purchase the same, may know the terms of sale, by applying to John Godfrey, living on the premises.
Likewise a likely young negro boy to be disposed of by the said subscriber.
N.B. He was born in the country, and understands most sorts of country business, and is about 16 years old.
Date of Record: April 10, 1755
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Owner's Surname: Hiester
Owner's First Name: Daniel
Owner's City: Reading
Owner's Township:
Owner's County: Berks
Owner's State: PA
Owner's Occupation:
Owner--Memo:
- Slave Name: Henry
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: Four months old at Registration.
Date of Registry or Record: 5/7/1791
Slave Memo: Original source text: "Harrisburg, May 7, 1791--Sir:
Please to register on records according to law, a male negro child named Henry, born on or about the 8th day of January last, born in the county of Dauphin at the house of John Maye: the mother's name is Grace (Father Unknown). The mother owned by me.
Daniel Hiester of Reading, Berks county." Status: Slave to age 28.
- Slave Name: Grace
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age (Years): ?
Date of Registry or Record: 5/7/1791
Slave Memo: The mother of Henry, registered by same owner (see record #234). Henry was born in Dauphin County. Mother's status is unknown.
Source: Children of Previously Registered Slaves
- Slaveholder Name: Hiester, Gabriel
City or Township: Bern Township
County: Berks County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Slave Name: ?
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age: 23a
Slave Date of Birth: 1763 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe Wench"
Slave Notes: Offered for sale in November 1786:
TO BE SOLD,
A HEALTHY NEGROE WENCH, about 23 years of age, has had the small-pox and measles, is registered according to law, was brought up in a town, has lived for seven years past in the country, and understands both town and country work. --- For terms, apply to the subscriber, living in Bern township, Berks county, about seven miles from Reading.
GABRIEL HEESTER.
Date of Record: November 22, 1786
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives, Item #73423
- Slaveholder Name: Hinson, John
City or Township: Pine Forge
County: Berks County
Occupation: Refiner
Notes:
- Slave Name: Mark
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "about 25 Years of Age"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1721
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negro Fellow"
Slave Notes: Mark escaped from Pine Forge in early July 1746. Hinson believed him to be sheltering in Philadelphia and advertised in the local papers for his capture and imprisonment in the Work House.
Philadelphia, July 17, 1746.
RUN away about a Fortnight ago, from John Hinson, of Pine Forge, Refiner, a Negro Fellow, named Mark, about 25 Years of Age, tall and round shoulder'd, and wants one of his upper Fore-teeth: Had on when he want away, an Oznabrigs Shirt, Tow Trowsers, old Beaver Hat, Worsted Cap, old brown Yarn Stockings, and old Shoes. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and secures him in the Workhouse, Philadelphia, shall have Twenty Shillings Reward, paid by
JOHN HINSON.
N.B. 'Tis supposed he is in Town, and may have changed his Apparel.
Date of Record: 17 July 1746
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 7 August 1746.
- Slaveholder Name: Jones, Thomas
City or Township: Heidelberg Township
County: Berks County
Occupation: Farmer
Notes: Thomas Jones, Sr. died in 1788, so this is likely Thomas Jones, Jr., who died in 1800.
- Slave Name: Dublin
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "about thirty years of age"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1768
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negro Man"
Slave Notes: Dublin escaped from Jones on March 1, 1798. Jones placed the following ad in the Lancaster newspaper three months later, seeking his recovery.
Fifteen Dollars Reward.
RAN away on the first of March last, from the subscriber, living in Heidleberg township, Berks county, a Negro Man, named DUBLIN, about thirty years of age, 5 feet 9 inches high; had on when he went away, an old fur hat, a light coloured fulled coat, lined with flannel, course cloth jacket, lined with flannel, (the coat and jacket lapelled) a fine shirt ruffled at the bosom, black silk handkerchief, stiped brown and green linsey trowsers, white yarn stockings, neats leather shoes, and plated buckles; he has a scar on the left corner of his mouth, if fond of spiritous liquor, can play some on the fiddle, and do any kind of farming work. Whoever takes up said Negro, and secures him in any gaol, so that his master gets him again, shall have the above reward.
THOMAS JONES. June 2.
Date of Record: 02 June 1798
Source: Lancaster Intelligencer and Journal, 2 June 1798.
- Slaveholder Name: Kemp, George
City or Township:
County: Berks County
Occupation:
Notes: Probably born mid-1700's.
- Slave Name: Hannah
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age: Not stated
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "colored"
Slave Notes: Hannah is mentioned only as part of the Kemp family biography in Historical and Biographical Annals of Berks County, Pennsylvania. It reads in part,
"George Kemp, son of the emigrant ancestor, is supposed to have had a wife by the maiden name of Levan. He had two sons, George and Daniel. His colored slave, Hannah, is buried in a private cemetery on the Nathan Kemp farm."
Date of Record: Biography published 1909.
Source: Montgomery, Historical and Biographical Annals of Berks County, page 964.
- Slaveholder Name: Kerber, Paul
City or Township: Reading
County: Berks County
Occupation: Jailor
Notes: As county jailor, Kerber had the responsibility to advertise the Blacks jailed as runaways. If no one stepped forward to claim the runaways and pay for their fees, the Blacks would be sold back into bondage to pay their accumulated charges.
- Slave Name: Will
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "supposed to be about 25 or 30 years of age"
Slave Date of Birth: 1746-1751 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
Slave Notes: Jailed in Reading on charge of being a runaway slave. Text of advertisement placed by Jailor Kerber seeking Will's South Carolina owner:
Reading Goal, January 1, 1776.
WAS committed to my custody, a certain Negroe Man who calls himself WILL, and says he belongs to JOHN HUSBAND, in South Carolina; he is supposed to be about 25 or 30 years of age; he says he run from his master in December 1774. His master, if he has any is desired to come, within two months from the date of advertising, pay charges, and take him away, or else he will be sold for the same, by PAUL KERBER, Goaler.
Date of Record: January 10, 1776
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives Item #58780
- Slaveholder Name: Kern, Jacob
City or Township: Cumru Township
County: Berks County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Slave Name: Dick
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 28a (see notes)
Slave Date of Birth: 1739 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe man"
Slave Notes: Ran away on October 9, 1767. Kern had the following runaway advertisement placed in the Pennsylvania Gazette (note that Dick speaks at least two languages, English and German [here noted as "Dutch"]):
RUN away on the 9th of this instant October, from the subscriber, living in Reading, Berks county, a Negroe MAN, named Dick, about 28 years of age, about 5 feet 9 inches high, a likely fellow, speaks good English and Dutch; had on when he went away, a light coloured broad cloath coat, tow trowsers, and shoes tied with straps. Whoever secures said Negroe in any goal, so that his master, may have him again, shall have THREE POUNDS reward, and reasonable charges, paid by me JACOB KERN.
N.B. All captains of vessels are forbid to carry him off at their peril.
Dick apparently was captured or returned on his own to Kern, but ran away again two years later. Kern's advertisement adds a few more details about Dick, but also adds five years to his age--a good example of how slaveholders generally used estimated ages for their slaves:
Cumru Township, Berks County, September 11, 1769.
RUN away, on the 3d of this instant, from the Subscriber, living opposite the town of Reading, in the said county, a Negroe man, named DICK, about 35 years of age, 5 feet 8 inches high, has lost some of his teeth; had on, when he went away, a new grey and white nap coat, with yellow metal buttons, an old pair of check trowsers, a good felt hat, speaks good English and German, is very talkative, is much given to drink cyder, but very much dislikes rum; it is supposed he is gone towards the Jerseys, as he was seen travelling that way. Whoever takes up the said Negroe, and secures him in any goal, and gives notice thereof, so that his master may have him again, shall receive THREE POUNDS reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
JACOB KERN.
N.B. All masters of vessels are forbid, at their peril, to take him off.
Date of Record: October 22, 1767; September 21, 1769
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slave Name: Hercules
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 26a (see notes)
Slave Date of Birth: 1739 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe man"
Slave Notes: Ran away from William Bird on July 26, 1759. Kern may have hired Hercules out to Bird. Kern had the following runaway advertisement placed in the Pennsylvania Gazette (note that Hercules speaks fluent German, and that Kern suspects the Lancaster County Germans of hiding runaway slaves):
RUN away from William Bird, Esq; a Negroe Man, named Hercules,
about 26 years of Age, has a Blemish in one Eye, and a
remarkable Eye Lid. Whoever brings the said Negroe to Jacob
Kern, in Reading, shall have Forty Shillings Reward. It is
thought he is secreted, in Lancaster County, among the
Germans, as he speaks that Language well. JACOB KERN.
Date of Record: May 29, 1760
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slaveholder Name: Kremer, Philip
City or Township: Reading
County: Berks County
Occupation: Sheriff
Notes: Acting for the county jailor, Kremer placed jailor advertisements for suspected runaway slaves held in the county jail at Reading.
- Slave Name: Pompey Bell
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 24a
Slave Date of Birth: 1759 (estimated)
Slave Status: Suspected Runaway
Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
Slave Notes: Imprisoned in Reading on suspicion of being a runaway slave. Text of jailor's ad (note that Bell was travelling with two other persons, a man and wife, also imprisoned):
Reading, September 29, 1783.
Committed this day, in the Goal of the county of Berks, The following Negroe Men, viz. POMPEY BELL, speaks good English, about 24 years of age, says he lived in Newark with Mr. William Allen, left that place about two years ago, and that he was a freeman, and was persuaded from that place by a certain Allison; the other named PRINCE FREDERICK, says he belonged to Doctor Bonat of Newark, and became a freeman, and also taken away by said Allison, who was going to sell him for seven years to Mr. William Bonam of Northumberland county; said Negroe Prince Frederick is about 35 years of age, and speaks good English: A Mulattoe Woman, who calls herself BETSY, says she was born in Paxton, Lancaster county, and that she was free; is about 24 years of age, and married to Negroe Prince Frederick. Any person that owns said Negroes and Mulattoe Woman, or either of them, as slaves or servants, are desired to apply, prove their property, in four weeks from the date hereof, pay costs, and take them away, otherwise they will be sold to discharge the same, by PHILIP KREMER, Sheriff.
Date of Record: October 8, 1783
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives, Item #69253
- Slave Name: Prince Frederick
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 35a
Slave Date of Birth: 1748 (estimated)
Slave Status: Suspected Runaway
Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
Slave Notes: Imprisoned in Reading on suspicion of being a runaway slave. Imprisoned with his wife, Betsy, and another travelling companion. See the listing for Pompey Bell, above, for the text of the jailor's ad.
Date of Record: October 8, 1783
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives, Item #69253
- Slave Name: Betsy
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age: 24a
Slave Date of Birth: 1759 (estimated)
Slave Status: Suspected Runaway
Slave Description: "Mulattoe Woman"
Slave Notes: Imprisoned in Reading on suspicion of being a runaway slave. Imprisoned with her husband, Prince Frederick, and another travelling companion. See the listing for Pompey Bell, above, for the text of the jailor's ad.
Date of Record: October 8, 1783
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives, Item #69253
- Slaveholder Name: Lesher, John
City or Township: "Oley Forge"
County: Berks County
Occupation: Ironmaster
Notes:
- Slave Name: Joe
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 40a
Slave Date of Birth: 1736 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
Slave Notes: Ran away in October 1776. Text of runaway ad (note that Joe has run away before and been jailed in Lancaster and Chester):
RUN away about two weeks ago, from Oley Forge, in the county of Berks, from John Lesher, a thick middle sized NEGROE man, named JOE, aged about 40 years; he has heretofore run away, and been in the goals of Lancaster and Chester counties, and sold out for costs. All persons are hereby forbid to harbour the said runaway, and whoever secures the said Negroe, and restores him to the said JOHN LESHER, or informs him, or Mr. JACOB MORGAN, of the city of Philadelphia, Merchant, where the said Negroe is secured, shall have Twenty Shillings reward. October 11, 1776.
Date of Record: October 16, 1776
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slaveholder Name: Madiera, Christian
City or Township: Reading
County: Berks County
Occupation: Jailor
Notes:
- Slave Name: Abraham Johnston
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 24a
Slave Date of Birth: 1774 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negro or Mulatto Man"
Slave Notes: Imprisoned in Reading Jail on suspicion of being a runaway slave. The following Jailor's ad appeared in an unidentified newspaper:
Reading Berks County
State of Pennsylvania
June 8, 1798
On the first day of May last, was committed to my custody: A NEGRO or MULATTO MAN, named Abraham Johnston, appearing about 24 years of age, about 5 ft 7 or 8 inches, well made, and says he understands the Blacksmith trade. The owner of said Mulatto is desired to take him away on or before the 10th day of July next, otherwise he will be discharged on paying his Goal fees.
Christian Madeira Goaler
Date of Record: June 08, 1798
Source: Johnson, Slaves in Berks County before 1850
- Slaveholder Name: May, Thomas
City or Township: Pine Forge
County: Berks County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Slave Name: Jacob a.k.a. Wetheridge
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "about 23 or 24 years of age"
Slave Date of Birth: 1746 or 1747 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe man"
Slave Notes: "Brought up to cooking and waiting in a gentleman's family" in Philadelphia and sold to Thomas May shortly before running away on October 1, 1770. May placed the following runaway advertisement in the Pennsylvania Gazette, containing many interesting details:
FORTY SHILLINGS Reward.
RUN away from the subscriber, living at Pine Forge, in Berks county, Pennsylvania, on Monday, the 1st of this instant October, a Negroe man, called Wetheridge, but generally calls himself Jacob, about 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, middling slender, very black, and much marked with the smallpox, about 23 or 24 years of age, walks remarkably straight and quick, and speaks good English, has been brought up to cooking and waiting in a gentleman's family, which business he understands very well, as a gentleman in Philadelphia, from whom he was lately bought, brought him up to that business only; had on, and took with him, 1 fine white shirt, 2 ozenbrigs ditto, an old pair of ozenbrigs trowsers, old leather breeches, one red and white striped linen jacket, one white linen ditto, with sleeves, 2 brown cloth ditto, without sleeves, lined with shalloon, a snuff coloured broadcloth coat, almost new, with yellow metal buttons, a coarse brown great coat, with white metal buttons, good strong shoes, with brass buckles, a half worn beaver hat, which he generally wears cocked; he likewise took with him, a very old silver watch, without a chrystal, silver faced, the hour and minute hands both brass, the maker name Moore, London, number forgot, and on the outside of the inner case is badly engraved I I, and some figures. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and secures him in any goal, and gives notice thereof to the subscriber, shall have the above reward, paid by THOMAS MAY.
Date of Record: October 11, 1770
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slaveholder Name: Maybury, Thomas
City or Township: Hereford Furnace, Hereford Township
County: Berks County
Occupation: Iron master
Notes: Text of modern Pennsylvania State Historical Marker on the spot of Hereford Furnace: "Established by Thomas Maybury in 1745 on the west bank of the Perkiomen Creek for the purpose of manufacturing iron." Hereford Furnace is in modern day Berks County, though the runaway ad below, from 1746, notes it is in Philadelphia County. Berks County was established in 1752. Maybury also established Green Lane Forge, in Montgomery County, about 1733. His wife Sophia ran that furnace after his death in 1748.
- Slave Name: Mona
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "about 28 or 30 Years of Age"
Slave Date of Birth: 1716 or 1718 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Spanish Negroe man"
Slave Notes: Mona escaped from the forge in August 1746. His escape may have been aided by a local Catholic priest. Maybury placed the following runaway advertisement in the Pennsylvania Gazette:
Philadelphia, Sept. 4, 1746.
RUN away the 17th of August, from Thomas Mayburry, at Hereford Furnace, in the County of Philadelphia, a Spanish Negro man, named Mona, of about 28 or 30 Years of Age, of middle Stature, thin Visage, very full of Flattery, apt to laugh, and talks broken English; Had on when he want away, an Oxnabrigs Shirt, check'd Linnen Trowsers, old Hat, old double Worsted Cap, no Shoes nor Stockings; had some Money, suppos'd to be given him by the Papist Priest. Whoever takes up and secures said Negro Man, so that his Master may have him again, shall have Forty Shillings Reward, and reasonble Charges, paid by Thomas Mayburry.
N.B. All Masters of Vessels are desired not to harbour himi on board, or carry him off.
Maybury apparently recaptured Mona, and the enslaved man was sent to work at Green Lane Forge, in Montgomery County with Maybury's wife, Sophia Maybury. But Mona escaped again from Green Lane Forge in 1748.
Date of Record: 04 September, 1746
Source: Pennsylvania Gazette, 11 September 1746.
- Slave Name: Harry
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: Not stated, but described as a "man"
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe man"
Slave Notes: Harry escaped from Mayburry in October 1747. Maybury placed the following runaway advertisement in the Pennsylvania Gazette:
Philadelphia, November 19, 1747.
RUN away, the 16th of October last, from Thomas Mayburry of Philadelphia county, a lusty big Negroe man, named Harry, has a big head and face, speaks English and Low-Dutch, with a coarse voice. Had on when he want away, a broad-brim'd felt hat, oznabrigs shirt, a kersey jacket, tow trowsers, and new shoes. Whoever secures the said Negroe, so as his master may have him again, shall receive Forty Shillings reward from Thomas Mayburry.
Date of Record: 19 November 1747
Source: Pennsylvania Gazette, 19 November 1747.
- Slaveholder Name: Miller, Elizabeth
City or Township: Alsace Township
County: Berks County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Slave Name: ?
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age: 16a
Slave Date of Birth: 1770
Slave Status: Slave for term (see notes)
Slave Description: "Negroe Wench"
Slave Notes: Listed for sale in the Pennsylvania Gazette as follows:
Alsace, May 5, 1786.
To be Sold, only for want of Employ,
AN indented NEGROE WENCH, about 16 years of age, has had the small pox, and may suit either town or country business; she has ten years and six months to serve. Any person inclining to purchase her time, will please to apply to the subscriber, in Alsace township, in the county of Berks, about six miles from Reading, the county town. ELIZABETH MILLER.
Date of Record: May 10, 1786
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives, Item #72788
- Slaveholder Name: Morgan, Jacob
City or Township: Carnarvon Township
County: Berks County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Slave Name: ?
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: Not stated, but described as a "man."
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe" Man
Slave Notes: One of four slaves listed for sale in the Pennsylvania Gazette as follows:
TO BE SOLD, By the Subscriber, in Carnarvon Township, Berks County, TWO strong healthy NEGROE MEN, being used to farming Business, have had the Smallpox and Measles; and a NEGROE Wench, with a Male Child about one Year old, can do all Manner of Housework. Enquire of JACOB MORGAN.
May 17, 1774.
Date of Record: May 25, 1774
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slave Name: ?
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: Not stated, but described as a "man."
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe" Man
Slave Notes: One of four slaves listed for sale in the Pennsylvania Gazette. See the text of the advertisement with the notes for the first slave listed here. Used in the "farming Business."
Date of Record: May 25, 1774
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slave Name: ?
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age: Not stated, but described as a "Wench" with a one year-old child.
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe Wench"
Slave Notes: One of four slaves listed for sale in the Pennsylvania Gazette. See the text of the advertisement with the notes for the first slave listed here. This woman has a one-year old male child, also advertised for sale, and was used for housework.
Date of Record: May 25, 1774
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slave Name: ?
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "About one Year old"
Slave Date of Birth: 1773 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Male child"
Slave Notes: One of four slaves listed for sale in the Pennsylvania Gazette. See the text of the advertisement with the notes for the first slave listed here. This child was the son of the woman listed above.
Date of Record: May 25, 1774
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slaveholder Name: Nagle, George
City or Township: Reading
County: Berks County
Occupation: Jailor
Notes: As county jailor, Nagle had the responsibility to advertise the Blacks jailed as runaways. If no one stepped forward to claim the runaways and pay for their fees, the Blacks would be sold back into bondage to pay their accumulated charges.
- Slave Name: Esther
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age: Not stated, but described as "a young Negroe girl."
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Young Negroe Girl"
Slave Notes: Jailed in Reading on charge of being a runaway slave. Text of advertisement placed by Jailor Nagle seeking her owner:
Reading Goal, in Berks County, June 27, 1769.
THIS day was committed to my custody, a young Negroe GIRL, named Esther, who says she belongs to John Jackson, of Duck Creek, in Kent county; had a striped lincey petticoat, homespun shift, calicoe bed gown, no shoes. Her master is desired to come and pay the said Negroe charges, and take her away, otherwise she will be sold out for her fees, in six weeks after date hereof, by
GEORGE NAGLE, Goaler.
Date of Record: August 10, 1769
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives Item #45140
- Slave Name: Poll
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age: 20a
Slave Date of Birth: 1751 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe Wench"
Slave Notes: Jailed in Reading on charge of being a runaway slave. Text of advertisement placed by Jailor Nagle seeking her owner:
"Reading Goal, July 16, 1771.
WAS committed to this Goal, a Negroe Wench, about 20 Years of Age, who calls herself POLL, and says her Master lived on the York Road, about 30 Miles from Philadelphia, who is now dead: These are therefore to notify all or any Person, who has a just Claim to her, to come within six Weeks from the Date hereof, prove his or their Property, pay Cost, and take her away; otherwise she will be sold out for the Costs, by GEORGE NAGLE, Goaler."
Date of Record: July 25, 1771
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives Item #49241
- Slaveholder Name: Patton, John
City or Township: Berkshire Furnace
County: Berks County
Occupation: Ironmaster
Notes:
- Slave Name: Dublin
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 24
Slave Date of Birth: 1742 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
Slave Notes: Ran away in May 1766 and Patton had the following runaway notice placed in the Philadelphia Gazette:
Reading, June 24, 1766.
RUN away from Berkshire Furnace, in Berks County, about the last of May, a Negroe Man, named Dublin, aged 24 Years, 5 Feet 6 Inches high, well set; had on, when he went away, an Ozenbrigs Shirt and Trowsers, green Jacket, and half worn Felt Hat, and new Shoes, with Brass Buckles. Whoever takes up and secures the said Negroe, so that his Master may have him again, shall receive Forty Shillings Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by JOHN PATTON.
Dublin was apparently captured and returned to Berkshire Furnace, because he made another escape attempt nearly three years later:
RUN away from Berkshire Furnace, in Berks county, on the 27th of March last, a Negroe man, named Dublin, 26 years of age, 5 feet 6 inches high, is a remarkable strong chunky fellow, speaks but indifferent English; had on, and took with him, a leather cap, felt hat, ozenbrigs and check shirts, spotted under jacket, a blue coarse ditto, blanket coat, two pair of Germantown made stockings, and old shoes. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and brings him to the works aforesaid, shall have FORTY SHILLINGS reward, and reasonable expences, or if secures in any goal, so that he may be had again, shall have THIRTY SHILLINGS, paid by
JOHN PATTON.
N.B. All masters of vessels, and others, are forbid to carry him off, or harbour him.
Dublin was captured and imprisoned in Chester County. The Chester Jailor placed this advertisement in the Pennsylvania Gazette:
Chester Goal, April 29, 1769.
NOW in Custody of the Subscriber, a NEGROE Man, named Dublin, who says he belongs to Mr. John Patton, at Berkshire Furnace, in Berks County. His Master is desired to come, pay Charges, and take him away.
JOSEPH THOMAS, Goaler.
Date of Records: June 26, 1766; April 13, 1769; May 4, 1769
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slave Name: Jack
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 22
Slave Date of Birth: 1743 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe Fellow"
Slave Notes: Patton was at least the third and probably fourth owner of this man, who seems to have lived formerly at the Copper Mines in New Brunswick. Copper mining and coppersmithing skills are skilled trades among certain native Africans, and it is possible this man brought copper working skills from Africa. Ran away June 15, 1765, and Patton had the following runaway notice placed in the Pennsylvania Gazette:
June 26, 1765.
RUN away on Saturday Evening, the 15th Instant, from the Subscriber, in Reading, Berks County, a Negroe Fellow, named Jack, 22 Years of Age, 5 Feet 7 or 8 Inches high, strait limbed, is very lively, and speaks good English; he formerly belonged to Mr. James Benezet, of Philadelphia, and was lately the Property of Mr. James Keimer, of Lancaster County; had on, and took with him, an half worn Castor Hat, a green napt Cloth Coat, a Pompadour coloured Cloth Coat, lined with white Rattinet, Olive coloured Cotton Velvet Jacket, two Pair of Buckskin Breeches, one new, the other half worn, several Linen and Ozenbrigs Shirts, Check and Ozenbrigs Trowsers, two Pair of Stockings, one Cotton, the other Worsted, and new Shoes; it is supposed that he will endeavour to travel to New Brunswick, as he has lived formerly at the Copper Mines there. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and brings him to his Master, or secures him in any Goal, so that he may be had again, shall have Forty Shillings Reward; and if taken out of the Province, Three Pounds Reward, and reasonable Expences, paid by JOHN PATTON.
Date of Records: July 4, 1765
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slaveholder Name: Potts, John
City or Township: Pottsgrove, Colebrookdale
County: Berks County
Occupation: Ironmaster
Notes: Son of Thomas Potts. Colebrookdale Furnace was the first blast furnace in Pennsylvania, established by Thomas Rutter circa 1720. Thomas Potts leased Colebrookdale from Rutter and became a resident manager in 1725. His son John learned the foundry trade at Colebrookdale. In 1734, John Potts married Ruth Savage, a granddaughter of Thomas Rutter and daughter of Anna Rutter Savage Nutt, heir to her father's iron industry fortune.
- Slave Name: John
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "about 30 years of age"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1718
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Spanish Negroe fellow"
Slave Notes: John escaped from Colebrookdale Furnace on June 10, 1748. Potts placed the following advertisement in the Pennsylvania Gazette:
Philadelphia, June 23. 1748.
RUn away from John Potts, of Colebrookdale, Philadelphia county, Esq; about the 10th inst. a Spanish Negroe fellow, named John, of middle stature, about 30 years of age: Had on when he went away, only a shirt and trowsers, a cotton cap, and a pair of old shoes; he is a cunning fellow, and subject to make game at the ceremonial part of all religious worship, except that of the Papists; he is proud, and dislikes to be called a Negroe, has formerly been a privateering, and talks much (with a seeming pleasure) of the cruelties he then committed. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and takes him to his master at Colebrook-dale aforesaid, or secures him in any goal, shall have Thirty Shillings reward, and reasonable charges, paid by said JOHN POTTS, or THOMAS YORKE.
Date of Record: 23 June 1748
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 23 June 1748.
- Slave Name: Hercules
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 27a
Slave Date of Birth: 1731 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
Slave Notes: Ran away on June 10, 1758. Potts placed the following advertisement in the Pennsylvania Gazette:
RUN away from John Potts, on Saturday the 10th of this instant June, a Negroe Man, named Hercules, a likely well set Fellow, appears to be about 27 years of Age: It is not known what Clothes he had on: The under Lid of one of his Eyes is very
remarkable, shewing Part of the Inside: He speaks very good English and Dutch. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and delivers him to his said Master, at Pottsgrove, or to James Hockley, at Mount Joy Forge, or secures him in any Goal or Work house within this Province, shall have Thirty Shillings Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by JOHN POTTS.
Hercules was later sold to Jacob Kern, who hired him out to William Bird, from whom he ran away in 1759.
Date of Record: June 22, 1758
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slaveholder Name: Read, Collinson
City or Township: Borough of Reading
County: Berks County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Slave Name: ?
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age: Not known, but a young woman or adult in 1780.
Slave Date of Birth: Not known, but prior to 1780.
Slave Status: Slave for life.
Slave Description: "Negroe Wench"
Slave Notes: Offered for sale in early 1780, before the rules for slave registration were due to take effect. Reed placed the following advertisement in the Pennsylvania Gazette:
A Young Healthy Negroe WENCH, Who can Cook, and do any kind of House Work,
TO BE SOLD BY COLLINSON READ. Reading, January 13, 1780.
Date of Record: February 9, 1780
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives Item #65083
- Slaveholder Name: Reiff, Jacob
City or Township: Amity Township
County: Berks County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Slave Name: Bob Johnson
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "between 18 and 19 years of age"
Slave Date of Birth: 1807 or 1808 (estimated)
Slave Status: "indentured"
Slave Description: "Negro boy"
Slave Notes: Ran away in mid 1826. Reiff placed the following advertisement in the Berks and Schuylkill Journal, quoted in Johnson, They All Stand Fair, page 6:
5 DOLLARS REWARD Ran away from the subscriber, living in Amity Township, Berks County, an indentured negro boy named BOB JOHNSON between 18 and 19 years of Age, had a scar on his neck, occasioned by the Kin's Evil . . . All persons are forbid harbouring said negro; as I am determined to pay no debts of his contracting. . .
Date of Record: July 15, 1826
Source: Berks and Schuylkill Journal, July 15, 1826, p. 3, cited in Richard G. Johnson, They All Stand Fair, page 6.
- Slaveholder Name: Rush, Jacob
City or Township: Borough of Reading
County: Berks County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Slave Name: Joe
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 22
Slave Date of Birth: December 10, 1771 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave until age 30
Slave Description: "Negro man"
Slave Notes: Ran away on October 16, 1793. Reiff placed the following advertisement in the Pennsylvania Gazette:
Three Pounds Reward.
RAN away from the subscriber, living in the borough of Reading, Pennsylvania, on the 16th of last October, a negro man, named JOE, 22 years of age, about 5 feet 7 inches in height, his colour between the black and the mulatto, he is well set, has a down look when spoken to, and was it not for a propensity to running off, would be an excellent servant, as he can read, write and cook, and take care of horses, drive a carriage, and wait on a gentleman. His time of servitude will end in 7 years and 7 months, I having manumitted him at 7 years of age, on condition that he would remain with me or my assigns until 30. Whoever will deliver the above described man to me at Reading, or secure him in any goal in this state, shall have the above reward, and reasonable expences. JACOB RUSH.
Reading, March 10, 1794.
Date of Record: March 19, 1794
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives Item #79541
- Slaveholder Name: Seely, Jonas
City or Township: Sinking Spring
County: Berks County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Slave Name: John a.k.a Louis
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 22a
Slave Date of Birth: 1740 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
Slave Notes: Ran away, probably in early 1762. Seely placed the following advertisement in the Pennsylvania Gazette:
RUN away from the Subscriber, living at Sinking spring, in
Berks County, a likely Negroe Man, named Louis, about 22 Years
of Age, 5 Feet, 10 Inches high, born at Martinico, slender
built, speaks French well, but broken English, had a Swelling
in his left Ancle, which made him halt. Had on when he went
away, a new Buckskin Jacket, lined with Ozenbrigs, good
Buckskin Breeches, new Shoes and Stockings, a new Felt Hat,
and a fine white Linen Shirt, and took with him sundry other
Apparel. He was seen near Lancaster, in company with a white
Boy, who spoke Dutch and English well, and called the Negroe
JOHN. Whoever takes up the said Negroe, and secures him in
this or the neighbouring Provinces, so that his Master may
have him again, shall have Five Pounds Reward, and reasonable
Charges. all Master of Vessels are earnestly requested to stop
the said Negroe, and secure him in Goal, if applied to
carry him away. And if the said Negroe is secreted or taken
beyond Sea, any Person that will discover the same, so that he
may be had again, or Satisfaction obtained, shall be intitled
to the above Reward, from
JONAS SEELY.
Date of Record: February 18, 1762
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slaveholder Name: Shoemaker, Jacob
City or Township: Reading
County: Berks County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Slave Name: Bill a.k.a. Jerry
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: Not stated
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe man"
Slave Notes: Bill was a runaway from North Carolina, jailed in Berks County and sold at public sale to Jacob Shoemaker of Reading. In this advertisement Shoemaker includes the length of bondage imposed upon slaves for jail fees, in this case five months. Note that although Bill has served the time to make up jail fees, he is still liable to be "committed to prison again, as a runaway slave," thus continuing in a vicious cycle of bondage:
Reading, July 22, 1776.
WHEREAS some time in the month of February last, a certain Negroe man, who then called himself Bill, but since, by information, his right name is Jerry, imported from Barbados, and run away from his master in Carolina, was sold to the subscriber at public sale, by the goaler of Berks county, Pennsylvania, for his prison fees, for the space of five months, which will expire the sixth of September next. These are therefore to give notice to his said master, if any he has, to come, on or before his servitude expires, prove property, pay charges, and take him away, otherwise he will be committed to prison again, as a runaway slave, or set at liberty, as may be adjudged by law.
JACOB SHOEMAKER.
Date of Record: July 31, 1776; this ad ran again on August 14, 1776.
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slaveholder Name: Smith, Frederick
City or Township: Borough of Reading
County: Berks County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Slave Name: Hester Evans
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age: Not stated
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: "Manumitted black servant girl" (see notes)
Slave Description:
Slave Notes: Sold by numerous owners to end up in Berks County. Cited in Richard Johnson's "Slaves in Berks County before 1850" in Historical Review of Berks County, Fall 1996, page 187. Johnson gives the following record of Evans' experiences:
". . .one must also conclude that slaves were bought and sold in the market place; that they passed through many hands like groceries, liquor and cloth. A concrete example of just such a transaction was the case of Hester Evans, a manumitted black servant girl, who ended up in Berks County. The following sequence of events occurred: November 1, 1810, the indenture passed from Caspanora Thompson of Philadelphia to Sameul Lehman in partial or complete payment of a $500 debt; February 11, 1811, from Samuel Lehman to John Tremells for $125; February 25, 1813, from Eliza Tremells to Frederick Smith of the Borough of Reading for $180; March 24, 1817, from Frederick Smith to George Ege for $120."
Date of Record: February 25, 1813
Source: Johnson, Slavery in Berks County before 1850, page 187.
- Slaveholder Name: Stiegel, Henry William
City or Township: "Elizabeth Furnace"
County: Berks County
Occupation: Ironmaster, glass maker
Notes: Born Heinrich Wilhelm Stiegel in 1829, near Cologne, Germany, Stiegel emigrated as a Palatine to Philadelphia in 1750. He began working for ironmaster Jacob Huber at Elizabeth Furnace, marrying Huber's daughter Elizabeth. Stiegel eventually acquired ownership of Elizabeth Furnace along with partners Charles and Alexander Stedman of Philadelphia. He expanded his business interests, partnering with Michael Gross of Lancaster to buy Charming Forge. Stiegel began glass production at Elizabeth Furnace and built a large glassworks and mansion in Manheim. Although his glassmaking ventures were highly successful, steep taxes and duties by Great Britain cut sharply into his profits. By 1774 his financial situation worsened and he was forced to sell his properties. He died penniless in 1785.
- Slave Name: Joe
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: Not stated
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Mulattoe Slave"
Slave Notes: Ran away in October 1763. Runaway ad placed in the Pennsylvania Gazette by Henry W. Steigel and John H. Smith (note that Steigel and Smith believe Joe will "join the Indians beyond the Mountain."):
FOUR PISTOLES Reward.
RUN away, on the 17th of October last, from Charming Forge, in Tulpehocken Township, Berks County, a Mulattoe Slave, named Joe, thick set, about five Feet six Inches high, has long black Hair, can speak but little English, and no Dutch: Had on when he went away, an old Castor Hat, Bearskin Jacket, and
striped Linsey one under it, check Shirt, Cotton Stockings, and new Shoes, and has both Breeches and Trowsers with him, as also a Gun, Tomahawk, and a Pair of Boots. It is supposed he is gone to join the Indians beyond the Mountain. Whoever takes up and secures said Mulattoe in any Goal, and gives Notice thereof to Mr. Steigel, at Elizabeth Furnace, or to Charming Forge, shall have the above Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by H. W. STEIGEL, or JOHN H. SMITH.
Date of Record: November 3, 1763
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slaveholder Name: Stoner, Abraham
City or Township: Amity Township
County: Berks County
Occupation: Farmer
Notes:
- Slave Name: Precina or Parthena (Ross)
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age: Not stated
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Slave for a term of years
Slave Description:
Slave Notes: Richard G. Johnson, in his book They All Stand Fair, notes that Precina "was born in Amity Township on the farm of Abraham Stoner. At the age of 11, she was sold to John Beidler, who lived in Cumru Township. Later she married Jacob Ross, lived in Reading, and bore five children, two of whom are known to be Abigail and Abey." Jacob Ross was one of four founders of the Bethel A.M.E. church in Reading, the chief fundraiser, and also served as its sexton, living in the church basement. A split in the church leadership in 1843 led to Ross' firing and eviction early in 1844. Following a financial crisis in 1846-47, Ross was restored to his old job as sexton where he remained a force in the church until his death in 1853.
Date of Record:
Source: Undated newspaper article from the Reading Eagle, found in Jones Scrap Book, Berks Historical Society, Vol. 1, pp. 132-133, cited in Richard G. Johnson, They All Stand Fair, page 25. The story of Jacob Ross' role in the church is told on pages 25-48.
- Slaveholder Name: Trout, Balthasar
City or Township: Colebrookdale Township
County: Berks County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Slave Name: Not known
Slave Sex: Not known
Slave Age: Not stated
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Not known
Slave Description: "Negroe"
Slave Notes: The 1781 tax lists shows "1 Negroe" for Balthasar Trout. No mention of a slave is made in the will or estate records of Balthasar Trout after his death in 1783. The fate of this slave is unknown.
Date of Record: 1781
Source: E-mail correspondence, Tim Conrad to Afrolumens Editor, December 16, 2002. Conrad has conducted research on Balthasar Trout.
- Slaveholder Name: Vanderslice, Henry
City or Township: Reading
County: Berks County
Occupation: Jailor
Notes: As Jailor of Berks County, Vanderslice had charge of Blacks imprisoned under suspicion of being runaway slaves. His office also required that he sell unclaimed slaves for their jail fees and charges.
- Slave Name: Charles
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 30a
Slave Date of Birth: 1741(estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe fellow"
Slave Notes: Believed to have run away from a Florida slaveholder, sailed to New York City, and was captured in the Blue Mountains in Berks County where he was placed in the Reading Jail. Jailor Vanderslice placed the following advertisement requesting that Charles be claimed by his "owner" (note that Charles had already been imprisoned for a month prior to the placing of this advertisement, and that it notes that he would be held for another two months before being sold if not claimed before that time. Also note the remarkable distance Charles covered in making an escape before being captured, and that he came from a southern climate into the northern winter.):
Reading, Berks County, December 23, 1771.
ON the 28th of last month was committed to the goal of said county, a Negroe fellow, on suspicion of being a runaway, who calls himself CHARLES. He was taken up over the Blue Mountains, and says he belongs to one Beats, of Florida; from whence he arrived at the city of New York, in a vessel, but does not know the captain's name. He is a short well set fellow, about 5 feet 5 inches high, abut 30 years of age, speaks English well, wears a whitish coloured coat, with metal buttons. The owner or owners of the said Negroe are hereby requested to come, pay his charges, and take him away, otherwise he will be sold, in two months after date, to satisfy the same, by HENRY VANDERSLICE, Goaler.
Date of Record: January 2, 1772
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slave Name: ?
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 33a
Slave Date of Birth: 1738 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe fellow"
Slave Notes: Ran away while on his way to Pittsburgh with a new owner, this slave originally was owned by Doctor Cox of Philadelphia, but for an unexplained reason, ended up in the city workhouse before being sold again. He was captured in Berks County and placed in the Reading Jail. Jailor Vanderslice placed the following advertisement requesting that this slave be claimed by his owner:
Reading, October 14, 1771.
NOW in the goal of Berks county, Pennsylvania, a boy, committed on suspicion of being a runaway; he calls himself RICHARD LITTLE, English born, says he is an indented servant to Thomas Renick, of Paxton, Lancaster county, and answers the description of a runaway mentioned in an advertisement of the said Renick, bearing date the 23d of August last. And a certain MAXIMUS REMBERG, allias REMBERGER, about 20 years of age, has on a snuff coloured sailor jacket, old trowsers, old felt hat, shoes and buckles, wears his hair, of a brownish colour; he says he ran away in company with Anthony Wellsley, and Frederick Klein, from a vessel which arrived at Philadelphia from Lisbon some time last month, the Captain's name James Miller, consigned to Samuel Mifflin, merchant of said city, and exactly answers the description of a runaway mentioned in an advertisement in Miller's Newspaper of the 1st of October last. And also, a Negroe fellow, 5 feet 9 inches high, about 33 years of age, has on a new red mixed cloth coat, with metal buttons, white trowsers, blue woollen stockings, and new shoes; says he formerly belonged to Doctor Coxs, of Philadelphia, and was sold out of the Workhouse to Mr. McCoy of Pittsburgh, and on the journey thereto, at the sign of the Three Crowns, on the Lancaster road, he ran away. The owners of the said servants and Negroe, are hereby desired to come, pay their charges, and take them away, within two months, otherwise they will be sold for the same, by
HENRY VANDERSLICE, Goaler.
Date of Record: October 31, 1771
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slaveholder Name: Weaver, Jacob
City or Township: Amity Township
County: Berks County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Slave Name: Caesar
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 24a
Slave Date of Birth: 1758 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
Slave Notes: Ran away on May 19, 1782. Text of runaway ad placed by Jacob Weaver (note the following items of interest--Caesar speaks at least two languages, carries a forged pass, is travelling with his wife, and is described as a great fiddler):
FIVE POUNDS Reward.
RUN away from the subscriber, in Amity township, Berks county, and State of Pennsylvania, on the night of the 19th instant, a Negroe MAN, named Caesar, a stout lusty well made Negroe, about 24 years of age, 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, has lost one of his upper teeth before, and remarkable long hair, used to have tied it behind, can talk both Dutch and English; it is supposed he has got a forged pass, and it is thought he has a white woman along with him who passes for his wife; took with him when he went off, a white hunting shirt, a blue under jacket without sleeves, good pair of tow trowsers, new shoes and silver plated buckles, a new felt hat, a hairy jocky cap, &c. and it is thought he will try to get on board some ship; all masters of vessels are forbid to carry him off at their peril. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and secures him in any goal, so that his master may have him again, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
JACOB WEAVER.
N.B. He is a great fidler. May 24, 1782.
Date of Record: June 5, 1782
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slaveholder Name: Weidner, George Adam
City or Township: Oley / Manatawny
County: Berks County
Occupation:
Notes: Surname is also spelled Weitner and Widner. Weidner's problems with runaway slaves began before the documentation of the two listed below. On September 17, 1761 the following notice appeared in the Pennsylvania Gazette:
ON the Eighth of this instant September was committed to
Lancaster Goal, a Negroe Man, who belongs, by an Advertisement
in the Dutch Papers, to a certain George Weidner, in Berks
County. His Master is desired to come and pay Charges, and
take him away.
FELIX DONNALY, Goaler.
Although the slave was not identified in this ad, it demonstrates that Weidner advertised in the German language newspapers to recover lost slaves.
- Slave Name: Henry
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 24a
Slave Date of Birth: 1739 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
Slave Notes: Ran away on November 9, 1771. Text of runaway ad placed by Weidner (note the following item of interest--the slave has numerous piercings and escaped bareheaded and barefoot):
August 11, 1763.
RUN away, the Eighth of July last, from the Subscriber, living
at Oley, in Berks County, a lusty Negroe Man, of a very black
Colour; he has two Holes through his Nose, and two through his
Ears; speaks neither English nor Dutch; and had on when he
went away, a Pair of Trowsers, and green Jacket, no Hat nor
Shoes. Whoever takes up the said Negroe, and secures him, so
that his Master may have him again, shall have Twenty
Shillings Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by GEORGE ADAM
WIDNER.
Weidner's advertisement to recover this slave was unsuccessful, so he placed another, more detailed ad in October of that same year--at this point the slave had been at large for nearly four months. From this second advertisement we get the slave's name, age, and a hint that he was employed at Weidner's brick kiln:
RUN away from the Subscriber, living in Manatawny, Berks
County, 3 Miles from Thomas Pott's Old Furnace, on the 8th of
July last, a negroe Man, named Henry, about 24 Years of Age,
middle sized, and well set, has on each Side a Hole through
his Nose, and one through each Ear; speaks neither English or
Dutch. He went away from the Brick kiln, and had on a green
Jacket and a Pair of Tow Trowsers, leaving his Hat and Shoes
behind him. Whoever takes up and secures said Negroe, so that
his Master may have him again, shall have Thirty Shillings
Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by GEORGE ADAM WEIDNER.
N.B. All Masters of Vessels are forewarned to carry him
off, at their Peril; and whoever in Town or Country harbours
him, shall be dealt with according to Law.
Date of Records: August 11, 1763; October 27, 1763
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slave Name: Bob
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "Between 19 and 20 years of age"
Slave Date of Birth: 1751 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe"
Slave Notes: Ran away on November 9, 1771. Text of runaway ad placed by Weitner (note the following items of interest--Bob speaks at least two languages, and "plays on the fiddle very well"):
THREE POUNDS Reward.
RUN away, on Saturday, the 9th of November, from the subscriber, living near Manatawny, in Berks county, a NEGROE, named BOB, between 19 and 20 years of age; he is a stout tall fellow, speaks good English and Dutch, and plays on the fiddle very well : Had on, when he went away, a snuff coloured broadcloth coat, a mouse coloured jacket, without sleeves, a fine white shirt, buckskin breeches, and a pair of tow trowsers over them, blue woolen stockings, new shoes, and a good hat. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and secures him, so that his master may have him again, shall have the above Reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
GEORGE ADAM WEITNER.
N. B. All masters of vessels, and others, are hereby forbid to harbour or carry him off, at their peril.
It appears that Bob was captured in Bucks County, as this ad from Newtown jailor John Anderson shows:
NOW in the custody of John Anderson, Goal keeper, in Newtown, Bucks county, a likely NEGROE man, about 20 years of age, about 5 feet 10 inches high, says he belongs to George Adam Widner, living in or near Reading, upon Schuylkill; has with him a drab cloth coat, with white lining, a vest of the same, a pair of old leather breeches, with trowsers over them, one white shirt, and one coarse ditto, and has a fiddle with him. His master is desired to come and pay charges, and take him away, by JOHN ANDERSON, Goal-keeper. November 21, 1771.
Date of Records: December 5, 1771, November 28, 1771
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slaveholder Name: Wickersham, Isaac
City or Township: Reading
County: Berks County
Occupation: Jailor
Notes: As Jailor of Berks County, Wickersham had charge of Blacks imprisoned under suspicion of being runaway slaves. His office also required that he sell unclaimed slaves for their jail fees and charges.
- Slave Name: Daniel
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: Not stated, although an adult in 1764
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Slave for life -- Captured Runaway
Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
Slave Notes: Believed to have run away from a Virginia slaveholder in company with three other slaves. It is unusual that a group of four slaves made it from Virginia to Lancaster in a group without being apprehended. He was separated from the other runaways in Lancaster County, captured in Berks County and imprisoned in the Reading Jail. Jailor Wickersham placed the following advertisement requesting that Daniel be claimed by his Virginia owner.
NOW in the Reading Goal in Pennsylvania, a Negroe Man, who says his Name is Daniel, and belongs to Richard Goffny, of King and Queen County, in Virginia: These are therefore to desire said Goffny (if any such Person there by) to come or send for him, within three Months from this Date, otherwise he will be sold to pay Charges, by
October 12, 1764. ISAAC WICKERSHAM.
N.B. This Fellow says, there were two Negroe Men and a Woman came with him from the same Place, and that he parted with them in Lancaster County, about 40 or 50 Miles from this Place.
Date of Record: October 12, 1764
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slave Name: Name not given in ad
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: Not stated, although adults in 1764
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Slaves for life
Slave Description: "Negroes"
Slave Notes: Actually two unnamed men who ran away from New Jersey slaveholders. Wickersham placed the following ad in the Pennsylvania Gazette:
WHEREAS Joseph Grover, and Joseph Coward, of Upper Freehold, Monmouth County, West New Jersey, did advertise, in the public
Papers of the 31st of May last, two Runaway Negroes; these are to inform the said Persons, that the Negroes are now in Reading Goal, in Pennsylvania, and they are hereby desired to come and pay Costs, and take them away. ISAAC WICKERSHAM, Goaler.
Date of Record: June 14, 1764
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slaveholder Name: Winey, Jacob
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Slave Name: Joe
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 26a
Slave Date of Birth: 1748 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe man"
Slave Notes: Ran away on July 4, 1774. Text of runaway ad placed by Jacob Winey of Philadelphia for his slave employed at the Moslem Forge in Berks County (note the mention of scars on his head--possibly tribal markings):
FIVE POUNDS Reward.
RUN away on the 4th ult. from Moselem Forge, in Berks county, a Negroe Man, named JOE, works at a finery fire, about 26 years of age, 5 feet 2 or 3 inches high, and has some scars on his head, which are very remarkable; took with him a blue cloth coat, with a cape to it, jacket and breeches, with white metal buttons, and strings at the knees, check and home made linen shirts and trowsers, blue worsted stockings, shoes, almost new, with large brass buckles, and a new wool hat, with yellow lining. Whoever takes up and secures said Negroe, so that he may be had again, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by DANIEL UDRE, manager of Moselem Forge, or JACOB WINEY, in Philadelphia.
Date of Record: August 3, 1774
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slave Name: Greg
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 26a
Slave Date of Birth: 1750 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe man"
Slave Notes: Ran away on June 23, 1776. Text of runaway ad placed by Jacob Winey of Philadelphia for his slave employed at the Moslem Forge in Berks County (note the following item of interest--Greg had previously worked at forges in New Jersey):
THREE POUNDS Reward.
RUN away, on the 23d of June last, from Moselem Forge, in Berks county, a Negroe man, named GREG, about 26 years of age, 5 feet 1 or 2 inches high, a strong built healthy fellow, somewhat bandy legged; he had on, and took with him, a good felt hat, cocked up after the newest fashion, a light blue coloured coat, blue duffil sailorjacket, with white metal buttons, a pair of white drilling and a pair of buckskin breeches, almost new, one white shirt, a white waistcoat, good pumps and stockings, and several other working clothes; he formerly lived at Mr. Starr's Forge, in the Jerseys, and was seen lately at
Mr. Crookshank's, 2 miles from Bethlehem. Whoever apprehends said Negroe, and brings him to said Forge, or to the subscriber in Philadelphia, shall have the above reward, with reasonable charges. JACOB WINEY.
Greg was captured in New Jersey and returned to Moslem Forge, but ran away again almost exactly a year later. Winey again placed an ad in the Gazette (note that Winey estimates Greg's age, effectively adding several years):
THREE POUNDS REWARD.
RUN away on Sunday, June 8th, from Moselem Forge, in Berks county, a Negroe man, named GREG, a strong, chunky fellow, about 30 years of age, somewhat bandy legged; had on, and took with him, a blue coat and jacket, a good pair of deerskin and white drilling breeches, and linen trowsers, blue stockings and good shoes. He ran away once before, was taken up in the Jerseys, and secured in Easttown goal. Whoever will take up said runaway, and secure him in any goal, so that the owners of said forge may have him again, shall receive the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by DANIEL UTREL, at said forge, or JACOB WINEY, in Philadelphia.
Date of Record: July 17, 1776; June 25, 1777
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slaveholder Name: Witman, John
City or Township: Reading
County: Berks County
Occupation: Jailor
Notes: As Jailor of Berks County, Witman had charge of Blacks imprisoned under suspicion of being runaway slaves. His office also required that he sell unclaimed slaves for their jail fees and charges.
- Slave Name: Will
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 20a
Slave Date of Birth: 1753 (estimated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe man"
Slave Notes: Believed to have run away from a Frederick County, Maryland slaveholder. Captured in Berks County and imprisoned in the Reading Jail. Jailor Witman placed the following advertisement requesting that Will be claimed by "his Master."
Reading, October 8, 1773.
WAS committed to the goal of Berks county, Pennsylvania, on the 20th of September last, a Negroe man, named WILL, about 5 feet 6 inches high, well set fellow, about 20 years of age, has a scar on his forehead, has one knock-knee, talks coarse, his back is also full of scars, by severe whipping; said Negroe says he belongs to Van Swearingen [?], in Frederick county, Maryland; his Master is desired to come and pay charges, and take away, within two months after date, otherwise he will be sold to pay the same, by
JOHN WITMAN, Goaler.
Date of Record: October 8, 1773
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives
- Slaveholder Name: Witman, William
City or Township: Reading
County: Berks County
Occupation: Jailor
Notes: As Jailor of Berks County, Witman had charge of Blacks imprisoned under suspicion of being runaway slaves. His office also required that he sell unclaimed slaves for their jail fees and charges.
- Slave Name: John Bell
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 22a
Slave Date of Birth: 1762 (estimated)
Slave Status: Not determined
Slave Description: "Negroe man"
Slave Notes: Believed to be a runaway slave and imprisoned in Reading jail. Note that Bell had been in prison for over two months before this advertisement even appeared, with no stated evidence against him.
Reading, August 20, 1784.
DELIVERED into custody the 23d day of June last, a Negroe man, who calls himself JOHN BELL, says he is a free man, about 22 years of age, about 5 feet and an half high, and has a large scar in his forehead. The owner is desired to come, pay charges, and take him away on or before the tenth day of September next, otherwise he will be discharged, by paying his fees according to law.
WILLIAM WITMAN, Goaler.
Date of Record: 20 August, 1784
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives, Item #70561
- Slave Name: Cato
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: Not stated
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Runaway--captured
Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
Slave Notes: Believed to be a runaway slave and imprisoned in Reading jail. Note the wording in this, and other jailor's advertisements, regarding how the prisoners would be treated if not claimed. Some state that the prisoner would be sold for fees, other advertisements state that the prisoner would be discharged upon payment of his or her fees. This wording probably depended upon any money the prisoner had on their person when captured, and may offer clues as to how much money, if any, escaped slaves carried.
Reading, February 20, 1784.
DELIVERED into my custody, A certain person, called John McKinney, a native Irishman, has been in the country but a short time; says he came over to America in this ship known by the name of Three Brothers, commanded by Captain Gilles.
Also, a Negroe Man, who calls himself CATO, belonging to Michael Dowdle, living in York-Town, in the county of York, and state of Pennsylvania.
The owner or owners are hereby requested, on or before the 15th day of March, to take them away, defray the expences and charges, otherwise they will be discharged or sold according to law.
WILLIAM WITMAN, Goaler.
Date of Record: 20 February 1784
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives, Item #69824
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