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Cumberland County Slaveholders S-Y

Index of Slaveholders Listed On This Page:

  1. Sanderson, George (Slaves listed: James and an un-named young man)
  2. Sanderson, John (Slaves listed: Silvey, Hett, Doll)
  3. Sanderson, Robert (Slaves listed: Rachel, Mint, Abram, James, Peter, Catharine Jane, Sara)
  4. Scott, Thomas --Rye Twp. (Slaves listed: Jeremiah, Edinborough)
  5. Scott, Thomas, Esquire --Juniata Twp. (Slaves listed: Judge)
  6. Semple, Robert (Slaves listed: Alex, Pamp, Phillis, Solomon, George, Bill, Tom)
  7. Shannon, Robert, Esquire (Slaves listed: Bett, Kesiah)
  8. Sharp, James (Slaves listed: Lucy, Hendricks, Rachel)
  9. Sharp, Robert (Slaves listed: Hall)
  10. Showalter, John (Slaves listed: Moriah)
  11. Shuman, John (Slaves listed: Sam)
  12. Smith, James (Slaves listed: Charlotte, Lydia, Belinda)
  13. Smith, John (Slaves listed: James, Humphrey)
  14. Smith, Margaret (Slaves listed: Jane, Lucinda)
  15. Smith, Robert (Slaves listed: Jo)
  16. Smith, _______ (Slaves listed: Juliana)
  17. Smith, Mr. (Slaves listed: Jonathan Tim)
  18. Sommerkamp, Frederika (Slaves listed: Betty)
  19. Spansler, George (Slaves listed: Sharlot)
  20. Spear, Joseph (Slaves listed:  Two unnamed slaves)
  21. Starret, Ralph (Slaves listed: Solomon, Doll, Kitty, Jacob, Grace)
  22. Starrett, David (Slaves listed: Nead, London, Sall)
  23. Steel, John (Slaves listed: Cain, Phill)
  24. Sterret, Cairns (Slaves listed: Will, Candis)
  25. Stevenson, George (Slaves listed: Finch, Mills, un-named female mulatto, Phil, Dick)
  26. Steward, James (Slaves listed: Libby, Frank)
  27. Stewart, Dr. Alexander (Slaves listed: Nance, Charles, Lisa Ann, Tom)
  28. Taylor, William (Slaves listed: Leonard)
  29. Tea, Richard (Slaves listed:  two unnamed slaves)
  30. Temple, Joseph (Slaves listed: Doll)
  31. Thompson, Catharine Ross (Slaves listed: Betty, Nell)
  32. Thompson, Gen. William (Slaves listed: Venus, Sam, Perus, Jacob, Betty, Nell, James)
  33. Thompson, William --Hamilton Twp. (Slaves listed: Sall, Patt)
  34. Thompson, William --Newton Twp. (Slaves listed: Sam, Tom, Hannah)
  35. Thomson, Matthew (Slaves listed: George)
  36. Thornburgh, Joseph (Slaves listed: Ben)
  37. Urie, Thomas (Slaves listed: Abe, Dan)
  38. Vance, John (Slaves listed: Lidi, Jo)
  39. Walker, John (Slaves listed: Adam, un-named adult female)
  40. Wallace, Patrick (Slaves listed: Cato)
  41. Watts, David, Esquire (Slaves listed: Emily)
  42. Watts, Frederick (Slaves listed: Jemima, Dick, Barney, James)
  43. West, Edward (Slaves listed: Romeo, un-named child, Rogetta, Carlos)
  44. West, Francis (Slaves listed: Poll, Jacob, Lewis, Chamont, Mila, Sligoe, Debby, John)
  45. White, David (Slaves listed: John)
  46. White, Robert (Slaves listed: Un-named female Mulatto)
  47. Whitehill, Robert (Slaves listed: Paio)
  48. Williams, John (Slaves listed: Sarah, Nance, Alek)
  49. Williamson, David (Slaves listed: Doll, Tom, Kett, Dick)
  50. Williamson, John (Slaves listed: Cesar, unnamed Negro maid)
  51. Wills, Alexander, Esquire (Slaves listed: Charles)
  52. Wilson, Rev. Samuel (Slaves listed: Lydia, Un-named female)
  53. Wilson, Thomas Thomas (Slaves listed: Rose)
  54. Wilt, John (Slaves listed: Becky, Hannah, Jack, Bill)
  55. Woods, Jane (Slaves listed: John Green, Phebe Green)
  56. Work, Henry (Slaves listed: Lucy, Sall)
  57. Young, Eleoner (Slaves listed: Allish)
  58. Young, James (Slaves listed: Daniel Anderson a.k.a. "London")
  59. Young, John --Lurgan Twp. (Slaves listed: Pegg, Bill, Saul)
  60. Young, John --West Pennsboro Twp. (Slaves listed: Sam, Priss)

The Enslavement Data

    1805 Carlisle advertisement to sell a young man.
  • Slaveholder Name Sanderson, George
    City or Township North Middleton Township
    Occupation
    Notes

       

    1. Slave Name James
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1814-September 06
      Slave Description Mulatto
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1815
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    2. Slave Name No name in source
      Slave Age: Possibly 19 years old, if total term of enslavement was the typical 28 years required of children born to enslaved mothers after 1780.
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth circa 1786, if total term of enslavement was the typical 28 years required of children born to enslaved mothers after 1780.
      Slave Description "Young Negro Man"
      Slave Status Sold for term of Nine Years
      Slave Notes: Offered for sale in 1805 along with a notice of rental of his farm. Text of advertisement:
      To be Rented,
      OR LET ON THE SHARES,
      And possession had the 1st of April,
      A Farm within 4 miles of Carlisle, adjoining James Giffin, on the Conodoguinet creek --
      There are about 150 Acres clear, and under a good fence, with sufficient meadow, a good House and Barn, and an excellent Orchard. Also, a young Negro Man, to be sold for the term of Nine Years, who is well acquainted with Farming. For terms apply to
      GEORGE SANDERSON.
      Date of Record: 14 February 1805
      Source: Carlisle Weekly Herald, 15 February 1805

     

  • Slaveholder Name Sanderson, John
    City or Township Middleton Township
    Occupation Farmer
    Notes

       

    1. Slave Name Silvey
      Slave Age 20a
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1760 (calculated)
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record October 10, 1780
      Source: Register of Negro and Mulatto Slaves

       

    2. Slave Name Hett
      Slave Age 06
      Slave Sex: Undetermined
      Slave Date of Birth 1783-August
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    3. Slave Name Doll
      Slave Age 01
      Slave Sex: Undetermined
      Slave Date of Birth 1788-October
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Sanderson, Robert
    City or Township Middleton Township
    Occupation
    Notes The 1798 Tax Assessment for Middleton Township lists Robert Sanderson as having three slaves under the age of 45. (Source John R. Miller Collection, 1750-1914)

       

    1. Slave Name Rachel
      Slave Age 01
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1794-August 31/September 01
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes 1795 Registration lists Rachel's mother as "Grace."
      Date of Record 1795
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    2. Slave Name Mint
      Slave Age .5
      Slave Sex: Undetermined
      Slave Date of Birth 1789-March 26
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    3. Slave Name Abram
      Slave Age 01
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1791-August 29
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes 1792 Registration lists Abram's mother as "Grace."
      Date of Record 1792
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    4. Slave Name James
      Slave Age 02
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1787-March
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    5. Slave Name Peter
      Slave Age 04
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1785-January
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    6. Slave Name Catharine Jane
      Slave Age -
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1798-December 18
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1798
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    7. Slave Name Sara
      Slave Age 06
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1783-November
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Scott, Thomas
    City or Township Rye Township
    Occupation
    Notes
    1. Slave Name Jeremiah
      Slave Age 01
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1791-September/October
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes 1792 Registration lists Jeremiah's mother as "Nancy."
      Date of Record 1792
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    2. Slave Name Edinborough
      Slave Age 01
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1791-May 10
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes 1792 Registration lists Edinborough's mother as "Dinah."
      Date of Record 1792
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Scott, Thomas, Esquire
    City or Township Juniata Township
    Occupation
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Judge
      Slave Age -
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1794-May 08
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1794
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Semple, Robert
    City or Township West Pennsboro Township
    Occupation  Tavern keeper, Semple's Tavern, Hanover Street, Carlisle, and the Tavern at Mount Rock.
    Notes Son-in-law of the Rev. John Steel, of Carlisle  (Schaumann, Taverns of Cumberland County Pennsylvania, 1750-1840, pp. 38, 186.)

     

    1. Slave Name Alex
      Slave Age 04
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1785-December
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes "Born in Carlisle."
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    2. Slave Name Pamp
      Slave Age 04a
      Slave Sex: Undetermined
      Slave Date of Birth 1776 (calculated)
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1780
      Source: Slave Returns Listings

       

    3. Slave Name Phillis
      Slave Age 19a
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1761 (calculated)
      Slave Description Mulatto
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1780
      Source: Slave Returns Listings

       

    4. Slave Name Solomon
      Slave Age 24a
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1756 (calculated)
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1780
      Source: Slave Returns Listings

       

    5. Slave Name George
      Slave Age 01
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1788-December
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes "Born in Carlisle."
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    6. Slave Name Bill
      Slave Age 03
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1786-November
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes "Born in Mt. Rock."
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    7. Slave Name Tom
      Slave Age 07
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1782-November
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes "Born in Mt. Rock."
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Shannon, Robert, Esquire
    City or Township
    Occupation
    Notes 1802 Registration of Bett and Kesiah notes: "sold to James Hammill, Shippensburgh."

     

    1. Slave Name Bett
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex: Undetermined
      Slave Date of Birth 1801-November 25
      Slave Description "Mustee"
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes 1802 Registration notes: Sold to James Hammill, Shippensburgh.
      Date of Record 1802
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    2. Slave Name Kesiah
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1801-November 25
      Slave Description Mulatto
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes 1802 Registration notes: Sold to James Hammill, Shippensburgh.
      Date of Record 1802
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Sharp, James
    City or Township Hopewell Township
    Occupation
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Lucy
      Slave Age -
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1795-September 14
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1796
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    2. Slave Name Hendricks
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1804-May 08
      Slave Description Mulatto
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1804
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    3. Slave Name Rachel
      Slave Age 01
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1788-September
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Sharp, Robert
    City or Township Newton Township
    Occupation
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Hall
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1808-March 10
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1808
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Showalter, John
    City or Township Newton Township
    Occupation
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Moriah
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1809-April 19
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1809
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Shuman, John
    City or Township Millerstown
    Occupation
    Notes Residence was in an area which became Perry County after 1820. Died at Millerstown on March 07, 1807.

     

    1. Slave Name Sam
      Slave Age ? (adult in 1807)
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth ?
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Manumitted after 1807, according to family lore.
      Slave Notes According to the source, the existance of Sam was recorded by the granddaughter of John Shuman, Caroline, in 1913 for the Genealogy of the George Shuman Family, page 112. It reads as follows: "My grandparents had a slave named Sam. My grandmother gave him his freedom and he went West. At the burial of my grandfather (prior to his emancipation), Sam carried my father to the grave; and while standing at the grave, one of my father's shoes fell off his foot, down into the grave and was covered up." The source notes that her father was Michael Shuman, and his age at the time of his father's funeral was four years.
      Date of Record 1913
      Source: Hain, History of Perry County, Pennsylvania

     

  • Slaveholder Name Smith, James
    City or Township West Pennsboro Township
    Occupation
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Charlotte
      Slave Age 07
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1782-February 20
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    2. Slave Name Lydia
      Slave Age 02
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1787-May 05
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    3. Slave Name Belinda
      Slave Age 05
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1784-August 08
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Smith, John
    City or Township Carlisle
    Occupation
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name James
      Slave Age 01
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1788-January
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    2. Slave Name Humphrey
      Slave Age 02
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1787-October
      Slave Description Mulatto
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Smith, Margaret
    City or Township Dickinson Township
    Occupation
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Jane
      Slave Age -
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1793-September 03
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1793
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    2. Slave Name Lucinda
      Slave Age -
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1795-August 17
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes 1795 Registration lists Lucinda's mother as "Jean."
      Date of Record 1795
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Smith, Robert
    City or Township
    Occupation
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Jo
      Slave Age 05
      Slave Sex: Undetermined
      Slave Date of Birth 1784-April 01
      Slave Description Mulatto
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Smith, Mr.
    City or Township Carlisle
    Occupation
    Notes Mentioned in a runaway ad placed by William A. Todd of Chester County, as the previous owner of slave Jonathan Tim.

     

    1. Slave Name Jonathan Tim
      Slave Age 28a
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1778 (Calculated)
      Slave Description "negro man"
      Slave Status Slave for life; Runaway
      Slave Notes Ran away from his owner William A. Todd, of Downingtown, Chester County, in July, 1806. Text of runaway ad:
      "Twenty Dollars Reward. RAN-AWAY from the subscriber, on Sunday the 20th ult. a negro man who passes by the name of Jonathan Tim, about 6 feet high, walks erect, with his hat inclined to one side of his head, handsomely made for a negro, is about 28 years of age; he is fond of driving a team, a great talker and liar, as well as a great braggadochio; his clothes were a swansdown jacket, striped home-spun trowsers, and home-spun linen shirt. He was bred by Mr. Smith of Carlisle, (Penn.) and has been owned by many persons in Cumberland county.
      Whoever takes up and secures said servant, so that I get him again, shall have the above reward and reasonable charges. WILLIAM A. TODD.
      Downingstown, Chester county, August 6, 1806."
      Date of Record August 08, 1806
      Source: Lancaster Journal

     

  • Slaveholder Name Smith,______
    City or Township
    Occupation
    Notes Transcript leaves some information out as unreadable.

     

    1. Slave Name Juliana
      Slave Age 01
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1792-August 08
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes Mother is listed in 1793 Registration, but handwriting is illegible.
      Date of Record 1793
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Sommerkamp, Frederika
    City or Township Carlisle
    Occupation
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Betty
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1812-November 16
      Slave Description Mulatto
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1813
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Spansler, George
    City or Township East Pennsboro Township
    Occupation
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Sharlot
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1817-January 16
      Slave Description Mulatto
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1817
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Spear, Joseph
    City or Township Carlisle Borough
    Occupation
    Notes  Brother of Robert Spear of Hempfield Township, Lancaster County.  Also had a brother, William, in Baltimore.  Brother-in-law of John Boyd, of Carlisle.

     

    1. Slave Name   Name not reported
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex:
      Slave Date of Birth Prior to 1768
      Slave Description "Negro"
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes  In 1768 Spear was assessed for two Negroes in Carlisle.
      Date of Record 1768
      Source  History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Chicago: Warner & Beers & Co. 1886, p. 221.

       

    2. Slave Name Name not reported
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex:
      Slave Date of Birth Prior to 1768
      Slave Description "Negro"
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes In 1768 Spear was assessed for two Negroes in Carlisle.
      Date of Record 1768
      Source  History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Chicago: Warner & Beers & Co. 1886, p. 221.

     

  • Slaveholder Name Starret, Ralph
    City or Township Rye Township
    Occupation
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Solomon
      Slave Age 05
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1784-September
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    2. Slave Name Doll
      Slave Age 07
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1782-February
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    3. Slave Name Kitty
      Slave Age 02
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1787-March
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    4. Slave Name Jacob
      Slave Age 21
      Slave Sex: M
      Slave Date of Birth 1769 calculated
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave for life.
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record August 22, 1780
      Source: Register of Negro and Mulatto Slaves

       

    5. Slave Name Grace
      Slave Age 15
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1765 (calculated)
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record August 22, 1780
      Source: Register of Negro and Mulatto Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Starrett, David
    City or Township Newton Township
    Occupation
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Nead
      Slave Age 06
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1783 (calculated)
      Slave Description Negro Boy
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    2. Slave Name London
      Slave Age 15a
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1774 (calculated)
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes Late registration
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    3. Slave Name Sall
      Slave Age 45
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1744 (calculated)
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes Late registration.
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Steel, John, Rev.
    City or Township  Carlisle Borough
    Occupation  Minister of the First Presbyterian Church from 1779 until he died in August 1779 at age 64 (Tombstone inscription of  Rev. John Steel, Old Carlisle Graveyard, Carlisle, PA).
    Notes Runaway ad placed with Robert Gibson. Steel includes the initials "V.D.M." after his name.   In 1768, the Rev. John Steel was assessed for two "Negroes" in Carlisle Borough.  (History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Chicago: Warner & Beers & Co. 1886, p. 221.)  Rev. Steel was the father-in-law of tavern keeper Robert Semple.

     

    1. Slave Name Cain
      Slave Age 30a
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1735 (calculated)
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Runaway. Ran away July 10, 1765.
      Slave Notes Cain is described in the runaway ad as follows: "about 5 Feet 6 Inches high,...plays on the Fiddle, and it is thought has one with him, as it is missing, a mannerly Fellow, speaks good English, but stammers a little, and may pass himself for a Gentleman waiting Man."
      Date of Record July 11, 1765
      Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

       

    2. Slave Name Phill
      Slave Age 24a
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1741 (calculated)
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Runaway. Ran away July 10, 1765.
      Slave Notes Phill is described in the runaway ad as follows: "his Hands and Fingers have a natural Cast outwards, very remarkable." He may be the slave of Robert Gibson, as Gibson is the owner listed second in the ad, and Phill is the second slave listed.
      Date of Record July 11, 1765
      Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

     

  • Slaveholder Name Sterret, Cairns
    City or Township Peter's Township
    Occupation
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Will
      Slave Age 21
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1759 (calculated)
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record October 12, 1780
      Source: Register of Negro and Mulatto Slaves

       

    2. Slave Name Candis
      Slave Age 18
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1762 (calculated)
      Slave Description Negro Wench
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record October 12, 1780
      Source: Register of Negro and Mulatto Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Stevenson, George
    City or Township Carlisle
    Occupation Attorney at Law
    Notes "At Carlisle Town on publick service." Stevenson then adds the following opinion: "Above are the Names, Sex and Ages of my Slaves, to be entered in Books to be provided for that Purpose by said Clerk in Obedience to an useless Act of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania entitled 'An Act for the gradual Abolition of Slavery' for registering the above, I hope he will be paid Six Dollars, which is the only good thing in the Act, for it will help to pay his Tax."

     

    1. Slave Name Finch
      Slave Age 07a
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1782 (calculated)
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes Gender is specified in registration.
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    2. Slave Name Mills
      Slave Age 40
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1740 (calculated)
      Slave Description Mulatto
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes In a 1772 Cumberland County court case, testimony was given that Mills and one or more of Stevenson's male slaves, and Stevenson's female Mulatto slave, delivered stolen goods to James and Margaret Eckels, husband and wife, of Carlisle. Margaret Thompson testified "that she saw two of Mr. George Stevenson's negro men leave some hay at Eckles' house. She also saw Stevenson's mullato woman often at Eckles. Martha Lindsay said that sometime in the spring she saw Mills, a mulatto slave, carry something in a bag and leave it at James Eckles. When she asked him what it was he told her it was heads of wheat. Sarah Connelly: George Stevenson, Esq. said that Margaret Eckles confessed to him that she had received from his mulatto man Mills, a quantity of wood which she said was sent by his son George. Tinah Dykes said that she gave Margaret 30-35 shillings, and something about quarts of rum." (Schaumann, Indictments, items number 437 and 517)
      Date of Record October 7, 1780
      Source: Register of Negro and Mulatto Slaves

       

    3. Slave Name Not named in record
      Slave Age ? ("Mullato woman")
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth ?
      Slave Description "Mullato woman"
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes Reference is made to this person in the Cumberland County court case noted above in the notes for slave "Mills."
      Date of Record 1772
      Source:Schaumann, Indictments--1750-1800, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania

       

    4. Slave Name Phil
      Slave Age 28
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1752 (calculated)
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record October 7, 1780
      Source: Register of Negro and Mulatto Slaves

       

    5. Slave Name Dick
      Slave Age 27a
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1753 (calculated)
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record October 7, 1780
      Source: Register of Negro and Mulatto Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Steward, James
    City or Township
    Occupation
    Notes Registrant is of the State of Georgia. Researcher John Alosi notes that Steward's two slaves were registered under the September 1781 amendment to the Gradual Abolition Act which gave relief to southern slaveholders seeking to shelter their slaves from the war. While in Pennsylvania, the slaves Libby and Frank were in the service of Reverend James Lang of Cumberland County. (Alosi, "Slavery in Post Revolutionary Cumberland County, 1780-1810," page 56)

     

    1. Slave Name Libby
      Slave Age 16a
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1765 (calculated)
      Slave Description Wench
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1781
      Source: Slave Returns Listings

       

    2. Slave Name Frank
      Slave Age 21a
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1760 (calculated)
      Slave Description Man
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1781
      Source: Slave Returns Listings

     

  • Slaveholder Name Stewart, Dr. Alexander
    City or Township Shippensburg Township
    Occupation
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Nance
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1807-August 15
      Slave Description Mulatto
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1808
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    2. Slave Name Charles
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1811-March 05
      Slave Description Mulatto
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1811
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    3. Slave Name Lisa Ann
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1816-March 18
      Slave Description Mulatto
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1816
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    4. Slave Name Tom
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1813-September 01
      Slave Description Mulatto
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1813
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Taylor, William
    City or Township Fannet Township
    Occupation
    Notes Two 1780 registrations exist for Negro slave Leonard, aged 27. Only the date differs, one being October 4, and the other October 5, 1780.

     

    1. Slave Name Leonard
      Slave Age 27
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1753 (calculated)
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes Two registration entries exist for this person, seemingly identical except that one is registered one day later than the other.
      Date of Record October 4, 1780
      Source: Register of Negro and Mulatto Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Taylor, William
    City or Township
    Occupation
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Leonard
      Slave Age 27
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1753 (calculated)
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes Two registration entries exist for this person, seemingly identical except that one is registered one day later than the other.
      Date of Record October 4, 1780
      Source: Register of Negro and Mulatto Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name  Tea, Richard
    City or Township Carlisle Borough
    Occupation
    Notes 

     

    1. Slave Name Name not reported
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex:
      Slave Date of Birth Prior to 1768
      Slave Description "Negro"
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes In 1768 Tea was assessed for two Negroes in Carlisle.
      Date of Record 1768
      Source  History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Chicago: Warner & Beers & Co. 1886, p. 221.

       

    2. Slave Name   Name not reported
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex:
      Slave Date of Birth Prior to 1768
      Slave Description "Negro"
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes In 1768 Tea was assessed  for two Negroes in Carlisle.
      Date of Record 1768
      Source  History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Chicago: Warner & Beers & Co. 1886, p. 221.

     

  • Slaveholder Name Temple, Joseph
    City or Township Middleton Township
    Occupation Farmer
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Doll
      Slave Age 16
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1764 (calculated)
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record October 7, 1780
      Source: Register of Negro and Mulatto Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Thompson, Catharine Ross
    City or Township Middleton Township
    Occupation Widow
    Notes Widow of Brig. Gen. William Thompson. Sister of George Ross, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

       

    1. Slave Name Betty
      Slave Age 23a
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1757 (calculated)
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes This is the same person listed as a slave to Gen. William Thompson. Upon his death in 1781, William Thompson willed to his wife Catharine Ross: "his household furniture, his phaeton and carriage horses and two slaves named Betty and Nell."
      Date of Record September, 1781
      Source: Van Doren, Cumberland County: An Architectural Survey

       

    2. Slave Name Nell
      Slave Age 36a
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1744 (calculated)
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes This is the same person listed as a slave to Gen. William Thompson. Upon his death in 1781, William Thompson willed to his wife Catharine Ross: "his household furniture, his phaeton and carriage horses and two slaves named Betty and Nell."
      Date of Record September, 1781
      Source: Van Doren, Cumberland County: An Architectural Survey

     

  • Slaveholder Name Thompson, Gen. William
    City or Township Middleton Township
    Occupation
    Notes Born 1736. Died in 1781. His will divided his slaves among his wife (Catharine Ross, who was to receive female slaves Betty and Nell) and sons George, Robert and William, who were to each receive a male slave. (Van Doren)

     

    1. Slave Name Venus
      Slave Age 20a
      Slave Sex: Undetermined
      Slave Date of Birth 1760 (calculated)
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1780
      Source: Slave Returns Listings

       

    2. Slave Name Sam
      Slave Age 01a
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1779 (calculated)
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1780
      Source: Slave Returns Listings

       

    3. Slave Name Perus
      Slave Age 06a
      Slave Sex: Undetermined
      Slave Date of Birth 1776 (calculated)
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1780
      Source: Slave Returns Listings

       

    4. Slave Name Jacob
      Slave Age 06a
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1774 (calculated)
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1780
      Source: Slave Returns Listings

       

    5. Slave Name Betty
      Slave Age 23a
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1757 (calculated)
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes This is the same person listed as a slave to Catharine Ross Thompson. Upon his death in 1781, William Thompson willed to his wife Catharine Ross: "his household furniture, his phaeton and carriage horses and two slaves named Betty and Nell." (Van Doren)
      Date of Record 1780
      Source: Slave Returns Listings

       

    6. Slave Name Nell
      Slave Age 36a
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1744 (calculated)
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes This is the same Nell listed as a slave to Catharine Ross Thompson. Upon his death in 1781, William Thompson willed to his wife Catharine Ross: "his household furniture, his phaeton and carriage horses and two slaves named Betty and Nell." (Van Doren)
      Date of Record 1780
      Source: Slave Returns Listings

       

    7. Slave Name James
      Slave Age 37a
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1743 (calculated)
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1780
      Source: Slave Returns Listings

     

  • Slaveholder Name Thompson, William
    City or Township Hamilton Township
    Occupation Miller and Farmer
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Sall
      Slave Age 22a
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1758 (calculated)
      Slave Description "Negro"
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record October 13, 1780
      Source: Register of Negro and Mulatto Slaves

       

    2. Slave Name Patt
      Slave Age 05
      Slave Sex: Undetermined
      Slave Date of Birth 1775 (calculated)
      Slave Description "Mulatto"
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record October 13, 1780
      Source: Register of Negro and Mulatto Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Thompson, William (2)
    City or Township Newton Township
    Occupation
    Notes Tax Records: 1789-- Thompson was taxed for 2 slaves. 1790-- Federal census shows 3 Blacks in household. (Alosi, p.55)

     

    1. Slave Name Sam
      Slave Age 07
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1782-January
      Slave Description "Mulatto"
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    2. Slave Name Tom
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth ?
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes Researcher Alosi notes "Tom and Hannah accompanied [William Thompson] to church on Sundays." In 1789 Thompson was taxed on two slaves. In 1790, the Federal Census listed three Blacks in Thompson's household, two of them slaves. Two of those Blacks would have been Tom and Hannah, and the third was probably Sam, born the year before. Sam would not have been shown on tax records because slaves under 12 years of age were not taxed as property, and he would not have been officially considered a slave for census purposes, because term slaves were listed as "servants."
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Alosi, "Slavery in Post Revolutionary Cumberland County, 1780-1810," page 55.

       

    3. Slave Name Hannah
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth ?
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes Read the Slave Notes for Tom, above. Hannah is possibly the mother of Sam.
      Date of Record 1789, 1790
      Source: Alosi, "Slavery in Post Revolutionary Cumberland County, 1780-1810," page 55.

     

  • Slaveholder Name Thomson, Matthew
    City or Township Mifflin Township
    Occupation
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name George
      Slave Age "about 16 years of age"
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth Circa 1806
      Slave Description "Bright Mulatto Boy"
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes George escaped from Thomson on May 1, 1822. Text of the advertisement placed by Thomson to recover him:
      $20 REWARD.
      RAN away from the subscriber, living in Mifflin township, Cumberland county, Pa. on the 1st inst. a BRIGHT MULATTO BOY, named George, about 16 years of age, 5 feet 5 or 6 inches high, has large blue eyes, straight hair of the mustee kind, and a down look when spoken to -- he had on & took with him, a linin shirt, two pair of cloth pantaloons, half worn shoes, a drab roundabout & a brown jacket with striped back. Whoever takes up said runaway & lodges him in jail, & gives me information of the same, shall receive, if he is taken within 50 or 60 miles, ten dollars, and if upwards the above reward.
      MATTHEW THOMSON.
      May 7, 1822.
      Date of Record 07 May 1822
      Source: Franklin Repository (Chambersburg, PA), 14 May 1822.

     

  • Slaveholder Name Thornburgh, Joseph
    City or Township Carlisle
    Occupation Iron Master, Pine Grove Furnace
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Ben
      Slave Age 25a
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1755 (calculated)
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes Partial text of 1780 Registration: "(Thornburgh is) possessed of a Negro Slave called Ben about twenty five Years of age, he being now at Pine Grove Furnace in West Pennsborough Township Cumberland County."
      Date of Record October 28, 1780
      Source: John R. Miller Collection, 1750-1914

     

  • Slaveholder Name Urie, Thomas
    City or Township Middleton Township
    Occupation
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Abe
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1811-June 27
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1811
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    2. Slave Name Dan
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1805-April 20
      Slave Description Mulatto
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1805
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Vance, John
    City or Township
    Occupation
    Notes Registered in 1780 with William Long, of Gilford Township.

     

    1. Slave Name Lidi
      Slave Age 31
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1749 (calculated)
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record October 12, 1780
      Source: Register of Negro and Mulatto Slaves

       

    2. Slave Name Jo
      Slave Age 21
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1759 (calculated)
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record October 12, 1780
      Source: Register of Negro and Mulatto Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Walker, John
    City or Township East Pennsboro Township
    Occupation
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Adam
      Slave Age -
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1790--October 26
      Slave Description Negro Child
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes Text of 1791 Registration reads: "I John Walker of East pennsbrough Township in the County of Cumberland Do Swear by the Almighty god the Searcher of harts that a certain Male Negro Child was born of my negro Wench on or about the 26 of October Last, and which Child is named Adam. And that as I am to Answer to god at the great Day."
      Date of Record February 09, 1791
      Source: John R. Miller Collection, 1750-1914

       

    2. Slave Name ?
      Slave Age ? (adult)
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth ?
      Slave Description Negro Wench
      Slave Status Not determined
      Slave Notes See the listing for Adam, above.
      Date of Record February 09, 1791
      Source: John R. Miller Collection, 1750-1914

     

  • Slaveholder Name Wallace, Patrick
    City or Township West Pennsboro Township
    Occupation
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Cato
      Slave Age 09
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1780-July 30
      Slave Description Negro Boy
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Watts, David, Esquire
    City or Township Carlisle
    Occupation
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Emily
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1806-June 05
      Slave Description Mulatto
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1806
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Watts, Frederick
    City or Township Rye Township
    Occupation Lawyer
    Notes 1789 Registrations include note: "Member of the Supreme Executive Council."
    Watts was a member of the 1779 Pennsylvania Assembly, and voted in favor of the Gradual Emancipation Act, despite being a slaveholder.
    He and his wife, Jane Murray Watts, emigrated from Wales to Chester County in 1760, and soon thereafter moved to Rye Township (modern Perry County). Father of David Watts.
    Regimental commander in the Continental Army's "Flying Camp."
    Watts was also a vestryman in the Episcopalian Church.
    Tax Records-- 1780 assessment: 250 acres; 1 still; 3 horses; 5 cows; 1 18 year-old "mulatto wench" named Jemima. (Alosi, page 17)

     

    1. Slave Name Jemima
      Slave Age 18
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1762-February 16
      Slave Description "A Mulatto Servant Wench"
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes Date of birth is recorded in registration.
      Date of Record October 4, 1780
      Sources: Register of Negro and Mulatto Slaves | Alosi, "Slavery in Post Revolutionary Cumberland County, 1780-1810," page 17

       

    2. Slave Name Dick
      Slave Age 02
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1787-April
      Slave Description Mulatto Boy
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    3. Slave Name Barney
      Slave Age 04
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1785-July
      Slave Description Mulatto Boy
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    4. Slave Name James
      Slave Age 01
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1793-March 18
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1794
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name West, Edward
    City or Township Tyrone Township
    Occupation
    Notes Edward inherited several slaves from his father, Francis West, according to his father's will, dated September 06, 1781. Those slaves were a Mulatto man named Sligo(e), a Mulatto man named Jacob, and a Mulatto child named Lewis. In a 1782 codicil to the will, West also received the "negro wench Poll." (Source: Hain, History of Perry County, Pennsylvania)

     

    1. Slave Name Romeo
      Slave Age -
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1793-April 30
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes 1793 Registration lists Romeo's mother as "negro Poll."
      Date of Record 1793
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    2. Slave Name ???
      Slave Age 01
      Slave Sex: Undetermined
      Slave Date of Birth 1789-November 29
      Slave Description Negro child
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes Original copy of registration form in shreds. Partial information indicates one Negro child belonging to Edward West, possible date of birth is 29 November, 1789.
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    3. Slave Name Rogetta
      Slave Age 02
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1787-June
      Slave Description Mulatto
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    4. Slave Name Carlos
      Slave Age 05
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1784-July
      Slave Description Negro Boy
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name West, Francis
    City or Township Tyrone Township
    Occupation
    Notes Emigrated from Westover, England in 1754. Settled in Carlisle and became a Justice of the Peace. His will was dated September 06, 1781 and probated December 31, 1783 (Book "D" Page 193, Register of Wills, Carlisle).

     

    1. Slave Name Poll
      Slave Age 17a
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1763 (calculated)
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes According to his will, dated 1781, West left the "negro wench called Poll" to his sons William and Edward, and his brother-in-law Alexander Lowry (the estate executors) who were to sell the slave (as well as some land bequeathed) and use the proceeds to support his daughter Ann, wife of George Gibson.
      A codicil to the will, dated April 24, 1782, instead gave Poll to Edward West.
      Date of Record 1780
      Sources: Slave Returns Listings| Hain, History of Perry County, Pennsylvania

       

    2. Slave Name Jacob
      Slave Age 34a
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1746 (calculated)
      Slave Description Mulatto
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes According to the will of Francis West, dated 1781, West left "Sligo," Jacob and Lewis to his son Edward West, as well as 250 acres of land in Fermanagh Township.
      Date of Record 1780
      Sources: Slave Returns Listings| Hain, History of Perry County, Pennsylvania

       

    3. Slave Name Lewis
      Slave Age 06
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1774-November 10
      Slave Description Mulatto
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes According to the will of Francis West, dated 1781, West left "Sligo," Jacob and Lewis to his son Edward West, as well as 250 acres of land in Fermanagh Township.
      Date of Record 1780
      Sources: Slave Returns Listings| Hain, History of Perry County, Pennsylvania

       

    4. Slave Name Chamont
      Slave Age 09a
      Slave Sex: Undetermined
      Slave Date of Birth 1771 (calculated)
      Slave Description Mulatto
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes According to his will, dated 1781, West left his "mulatto boy, Chamont," and some Northumberland County land to his son William.
      A codicil to the will, dated July 12, 1783, instead gave the land and slave to John Donnelson, a Philadelphia merchant "in trust for sole use and benefit of said son William West. . .at the request of said William West they be sold to said William West, or any other person, and the benefits accrue to William West."
      Date of Record 1780
      Sources: Slave Returns Listings| Hain, History of Perry County, Pennsylvania

       

    5. Slave Name Mila or Nila
      Slave Age 03a
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1777 (calculated)
      Slave Description Mulatto Girl
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes According to the will of Francis West, dated 1781, the child "Nila" was left to West's granddaughter Mary Mitchell, unless she would die without heirs, in which case Nila would go to the estate's executors for the use of Ann West Gibson.
      Date of Record 1780
      Sources: Slave Returns Listings| Hain, History of Perry County, Pennsylvania

       

    6. Slave Name Sligoe
      Slave Age 50a
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1730 (calculated)
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes According to the will of Francis West, dated 1781, West left "Sligo," Jacob and Lewis to his son Edward West, as well as 250 acres of land in Fermanagh Township.
      Date of Record 1780
      Sources: 44 | Hain, History of Perry County, Pennsylvania

       

    7. Slave Name Debby
      Slave Age 50a
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1730 (calculated)
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes Debby was not included in the will of Francis West, dated September 06, 1781, indicating that she was not with the family at that time.
      Date of Record 1780
      Source: Slave Returns Listings

       

    8. Slave Name John
      Slave Age 29a
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1751 (calculated)
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes John was not included in the will of Francis West, dated September 06, 1781, indicating that he was not with the family at that time.
      Date of Record 1780
      Source: Slave Returns Listings

     

  • Slaveholder Name White, David
    City or Township Middleton Township
    Occupation
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name John
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1800-November 20
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1801
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name White, Robert
    City or Township Carlisle
    Occupation Innkeeper
    Notes Ran the Sign of the Turk Tavern on the Main Street (still standing at the modern address: 137 E. High Street) in Carlisle, 1774-1779. The tavern was owned by John Pollock. (Schaumann, Taverns of Cumberland County, page 60)

     

    1. Slave Name ?
      Slave Age 16
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1762 (calculated)
      Slave Description "Mulatto Wench"
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes Possibly sold because her owner, Robert White, was nearing the end of his five-year lease of the Sign of the Turk Tavern from John Pollock. Text of ad: "TO BE SOLD, A HEALTHY stout Mulatto WENCH, 16 years old; she has had the small-pox and measles, can cook, wash, and do most sorts of house-work. Inquire of Mr. ROBERT WHITE, Tavern-keeper, in Carlisle." This ad was reproduced in Merri Lou Schaumann, "Taverns of Cumberland County Pennsylvania, 1750-1840," on page 13. See reference number 98.
      Date of Record February 14, 1778
      Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

     

  • Slaveholder Name Whitehill, Robert
    City or Township East Pennsboro Township
    Occupation Farmer, politician
    Notes Robert Whitehill moved from Lancaster County to what is now Camp Hill, where he settled in 1773. (Source: Steinmetz, Heritage of the West Shore page 58)

     

    1. Slave Name Paco
      Slave Age 30a
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1750 (calculated)
      Slave Description Man
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes Paio, or Paco, was bought from Jacob Gilleylen, of Salisbury Township, Lancaster County, on November 05, 1770. The receipt, which still exists, reads:
      Saulsbury November 5 1770[,] Received of Robert Whitehill the Sum of Seventy pounds in full for one Negro Boy Named Pacoh[.] I say recd. by me on my fathers acct. Jacob Gilleylen." (Receipt for the slave Paco).
      Date of Record Registration: 1780; Sales receipt: November 05, 1770.
      Source: Slave Returns Listings

     

  • Slaveholder Name Williams, John
    City or Township Allen Township
    Occupation
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Sarah
      Slave Age 30a
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1750 (calculated)
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1780
      Source: Slave Returns Listings

       

    2. Slave Name Nance
      Slave Age 11a
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1769 (calculated)
      Slave Description Mulatto
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1780
      Source: Slave Returns Listings

       

    3. Slave Name Alek
      Slave Age 11a
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1769 (calculated)
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave NotesRan away June 14, 1801. Text of runaway advertisement:
      "TEN DOLLARS REWARD. STOP THE RUN AWAY.
      RAN away from the Subscriber, living on Yellow Breeches Creek, Cumberland county, Allen township, on Sunday the 14th of this instant, a Negro Man named Aleck--but no doubt will change his name. Had on when he went away, a clouded jane coat, a spotted vest, cordaroy over alls, new shoes, a wool hat almost new--can talk English and German, but the English best--he is very fond of criticising in figures, or shewing his exploits in arithmetic--reads and writes English tolerably well, and can read German--about 28 or 29 years old, 5 feet 11 inches or 6 foot high, slim built, is very good at any farming business, and endeavours to excel in whatsoever he undertakes--has followed stilling. Whoever secures said Negro in any Jail, so that the owner gets him again, shall have the above reward, and all reasonable charges paid if brought home, by
      JOHN WILLIAMS. June 23d, 1801."
      (Kline's, June 24, 1801)
      Date of Record Registration: 1780; Date of runaway ad: June 23, 1801.
      Sources: Slave Returns Listings | Kline's Carlisle Weekly Gazette, June 24, 1801

     

  • Slaveholder Name Williamson, David
    City or Township Newton Township
    Occupation
    Notes By the time of the 1809 Registrations, David Williamson was listed in Mifflin Township.

     

    1. Slave Name Doll
      Slave Age 04
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1785-January
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    2. Slave Name Tom
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1808-December 06
      Slave Description Mulatto
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1809
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    3. Slave Name Kett
      Slave Age 03
      Slave Sex: Undetermined
      Slave Date of Birth 1786-May
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1789
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    4. Slave Name Dick or Richard
      Slave Age ? Listed as "man" in one account, and "boy" in the following account (see notes below).
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth ?
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Undetermined
      Slave Notes Cumberland County court Indictments: "Alexander Wear to testify about what he knows of John Falkner assisting David Welsh to make his escape when he was in the custody of John McCown, and also what he knows of James Atson aiding and assisting David Welsh to steal a negro man named Dick, the property of David Williamson."
      "Deposition of Thomas Vicker of Bristol Twp., Bucks Co., Pa.: That he bought a negro boy in the city of Philadelphia on April 3 last, named Richard, from a man called David Campble, who said he lived in Newton Twp., Cumberland Co., Pa., but meeting with the identical man, it appears that his right name is David Welsh. Tent: David Williamson (Oct. 13)"
      Date of Record 1786
      Source: Schaumann, Indictments--1750-1800, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, Item #1257.

     

  • Slaveholder Name Williamson, John
    City or Township Shippensburg area
    Occupation Clothier
    Notes Died circa 1757. Will mentions wife Mary, sons Hugh, John, David and Samuel, daughters Rachel, Margaret and Mary.

     

    1. Slave Name Cesar
      Slave Age not known
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth not known, but apparently a young man or adult in 1757
      Slave Description "Negro Slave"
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes Bequeathed by John Williamson to his wife Mary in his will, dated May 21, 1757: "I will and bequeath to Mary my well beloved Wife One Hundred Pounds lawfull monie out of my personal estate and the use and benefit of my Negro Slave Cesar during her widowhood and no longer..."
      "...if my slave Cesar survive's my said wife's widowhood then to return in equal proportion to my three sons David and Samuel and John, the right of purchase after value to be in John."
      Date of Record May 21, 1757
      Source: Will of John Williamson, Cumberland County, May 21, 1757. Will is reproduced on the page "First Generation" by Rick Petersen, at http://www.geocities.com/rickpetersen/nevingen/nevgenealogica/nevgenii_1_2.html. Accessed January 22, 2005.

    2. Slave Name Unnamed female maid
      Slave Age not known
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth not known, but apparently a young woman or adult in 1757
      Slave Description "Negro maid Slave"
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes Bequeathed by John Williamson to his daughter Rachel in his will, dated May 21, 1757: "I will and bequeath to my Daughter Rachel the use and benefit of my Negro maid Slave during her natural life and no longer and then said Slave to return to my other daughter hereinafter mentioned in equal proportions." The other daughter mentioned is Mary.
      Date of Record May 21, 1757
      Source: Will of John Williamson, Cumberland County, May 21, 1757.

     

  • Slaveholder Name Wills, Alexander, Esquire
    City or Township Allen Township
    Occupation
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Charles
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1819-March 17
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes 1819 Registration lists Charles' mother as "negro wench Esther Smith."
      Date of Record
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Wilson, Rev. Samuel
    City or Township Newton Township
    Occupation Pastor of Big Spring Presbyterian Church
    Notes Researcher John Alosi notes that Rev. Wilson was taxed for one slave girl in 1789, and that the 1790 Federal census shows one slave in his household. In 1794 he registered Lydia, who may be the child of this other unidentified female slave. (Alosi, page 56)

     

    1. Slave Name Lydia
      Slave Age Infant at time of registration
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1794-October 08
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1794
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    2. Slave Name ?
      Slave Age ? (adult)
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth ?
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Undetermined
      Slave Notes Unidentified female slave who appears in the 1789 tax lists and the 1790 Federal Census. Possibly also the mother of the child Lydia registered in 1794.
      Date of Record 1789, 1790
      Source:Alosi, "Slavery in Post Revolutionary Cumberland County, 1780-1810," page 55.

     

  • Slaveholder Name Wilson, Thomas Thomas
    City or Township Millford Township
    Occupation Farmer
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Rose
      Slave Age 19
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1761 (calculated)
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record October 13, 1780
      Source: Register of Negro and Mulatto Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Wilt, John
    City or Township West Pennsboro Township
    Occupation
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Becky
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1803-October 24
      Slave Description Mulatto
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1803
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    2. Slave Name Hannah
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1805-October 06
      Slave Description Mulatto
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1805
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    3. Slave Name Jack
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1802-April 11
      Slave Description Mulatto
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1802
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    4. Slave Name Bill
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1807-December 03
      Slave Description Mulatto
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1808
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Woods, Jane
    City or Township Middleton Township
    Occupation
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Green, John
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1804-March 17
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1804
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

       

    2. Slave Name Green, Phebe
      Slave Age
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1801-July 11
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record 1801
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Work, Henry
    City or Township Peter's Township
    Occupation
    Notes Registered in 1780 with David and William Huston.

     

    1. Slave Name Lucy
      Slave Age 21-23
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1757-1759 (calculated)
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes Age is not completely readable in registration; she is twenty-something. Her age is either 21, or 22 or 23. Because she is listed below another girl aged 23, her age should be equal or lesser than that age, since slaves were generally listed first by sex (males first), then by age.
      Date of Record September 11, 1780
      Source: Register of Negro and Mulatto Slaves

       

    2. Slave Name Sall
      Slave Age 23
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1757 (calculated)
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes
      Date of Record September 11, 1780
      Source: Register of Negro and Mulatto Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Young, Eleoner
    City or Township West Pennsboro Township
    Occupation
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Allish
      Slave Age 01
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1793-December 17
      Slave Description
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes 1794 Registration lists Allish's mother as "Prisilla."
      Date of Record 1794
      Source: Registrations of Children of Slaves

     

  • Slaveholder Name Young, James
    City or Township Chambersburg
    Occupation "Captain"
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Anderson, Daniel a.k.a. London
      Slave Age Adult
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth
      Slave Description Negro Man
      Slave Status Runaway
      Slave Notes Runaway ad notes that his previous owner was James Black, and that he broke away from a Mr. Buchannan who had taken him out of Dover prison where he had been held as a runaway. He is described as "a cunning artful fellow, passes for a freeman; he is about five feet five or six inches high, has some old scars occasioned by cuts on his head." He was aided in his escape through the help of a Black Methodist Preacher named John Hill.
      Text of Advertisements:
      "Dover, Kent County, Delaware State, April 14. YESTERDAY was committed to the gaol of this County, a Negro man named LONDON, about five feet five inches high, who says he belongs to Capt. James Young, near Chambersburgh, in Cumberland county, State of Pennsylvania. His said master is desired to send for him, pay charges and take him away. THOMAS WILD, Gaoler." (May 06, 1778)

      "One Hundred and Thirty Dollars Reward.
      BROKE loose and ran away from the subscriber, from the house of Mr. Buchannan, at the sign of the spotted Leopard, in Newcastle County, a Negro man named LONDON, but changed his name to Daniel Anderson; a cunning artful fellow, passes for a freeman; he is about five feet five or six inches high, has some old scars occasioned by cuts on his head; he was once the property of Capt. James Black, was taken out of Dover prison lately, and broke away from the above mentioned Buchannan. Whoever takes up said Negro man and secures him in any gaol, so that his master may get him again, shall have Thirty Dollars, and reasonable charges, or if brought home to the subscriber, living near Chambersburgh, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, shall have One Hundred Dollars."

      Likewise a Mulatto fellow named JOHN HILL, a Methodist preacher, formerly lived in Charlestown, Maryland; he passed the above Negro for a freeman at Capt. Ellis, at the Head of the Bohemia, and it is thought he harbours in Hartford County. Whoever secures said Mulatto in any gaol, so that he may be brought to justice, and gives the subscriber notice shall have Thirty Dollars reward and reasonable charges, paid by JAMES YOUNG" (June 06, 1778)

      Dates of Records May 06, 1778; June 06, 1778
      Source: The Pennsylvania Packet

     

  • Slaveholder Name Young, John, Sr.
    City or Township Lurgan Township
    Occupation
    Notes:  Revolutionary War soldier, his family later moved to Mercer County.  John Young Sr. died in 1826.  His will, probated in 1826, lists and provides for the slave Peg. 

     

    1. Slave Name Pegg
      Slave Age 17a
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth 1763 (calculated)
      Slave Description "Wench"
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes  The will of John Young, Sr., provides for Peg:  "In the last sentence of John Sr.'s will, he said "I do will that Peg the old wench is to be supported out of my farm left to John and David".  Peg apparently stayed with John Jr. in Mercer County, as she is listed with his family in the 1850 census.  According to descendants, she is buried with the family in Mercer County.

      In addition, the household of John Young, Jr. may have been used as a station on the Underground Railroad:  "John Young Jr. (who had Margaret at his house in the census) and James Kilgore (who's wife was Elizabeth Stewart, the sister of my 4x great grandfather, John Young Stewart) both had an Underground Railroad station in their cellars, 6 miles apart! There is a written account by the daughter of Elizabeth Stewart and James Kilgore. She remembers seeing the slaves come in the middle of the night, her mother cooking for them and dressing their wounds. They would sleep on the floor in straw to rest and then be sent on their way. One night she remembers 13 of them coming at once! I wonder what part Peg played in this!" (Correspondence, Laurel Anderson to George Nagle, 15 March, 2003)

      Evidence of Underground Railroad activity in the John Young, Jr. household is supported by his chairing of a committee to draft an anti-slavery resolution following an anti-slavery lecture by the Rev. Nathaniel West in 1835.  This resulted in the formation in 1835 of the Mercer County chapter of the Anti-Slavery Society.  A decade later, Young, along with James Kilgore and Robert Stewart, was active in the anti-slavery Liberty party. (Correspondence, Laurel Anderson to George Nagle, 15 August, 2003; "History of Mercer County, Pennsylvania," by Brown, Runk & Co., Chicago, 1888.  Pages 290-292.)

      Date of Record 1780
      Source: Slave Returns Listings

       

    2. Slave Name Bill  (also called Bob)
      Slave Age ? (adult)
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth ?
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes Cumberland County court Indictments: "Examination of Jared Graham. On Nov. 15, 1787 Richard Wood came to Graham's house and asked him t go to his house to see him hauling some rails from a field. He went along and Wood and several others with him, loaded 4 or 5 wagons, and just as they were starting with the wagons, he saw John Davison and a number with him, coming into the field. They all went along and unloaded their wagons and returned to the field. There he saw John Davison, Sr., John Davison, Jr., Samuel Davison, William Devinport, Philip Murphy, William Carrothers, Sally Lowry, Nancy Henery, George Smith, Negro Bill & Negro Saul, slaves of John Young, and several others with sticks & bludgeons, sleds & wagons, and they were hauling rails from the same field. They asked Davison where Adam Hauk was. They said if he came they would break his head.. . . .Also examined were Richard Wood & Samuel Wood and they included the following names in Davison's group: Margaret Devinport, Matthew Thompson, James Maughen, Hugh Kirkpatrick, Nicholas James Carothers servant man, and his black man Negro Tom."

      According to Young family descendants, Bill is buried with the family in Mercer County.
      Date of Record 1788
      Source: Schaumann, Indictments--1750-1800, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, Item #1322.

       

    3. Slave Name Saul
      Slave Age ? (adult)
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth ?
      Slave Description Negro
      Slave Status Slave for life
      Slave Notes Named in Cumberland County court Indictment. See notes for slave "Bill," directly above.
      Date of Record 1788
      Source: Schaumann, Indictments--1750-1800, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, Item #1322.

     

  • Slaveholder Name Young, John
    City or Township West Pennsboro Township
    Occupation Farmer
    Notes

     

    1. Slave Name Priss
      Slave Age ?
      Slave Sex: Female
      Slave Date of Birth ?
      Slave Description "Negro Wench"
      Slave Status Not determined
      Slave Notes Mother of Sam, a male Negro child, born January 20, 1791.
      Date of Record May 02, 1791
      Source: John R. Miller Collection, 1750-1914

       

    2. Slave Name Sam
      Slave Age -
      Slave Sex: Male
      Slave Date of Birth 1791--January 20
      Slave Description "Negro"
      Slave Status Slave to age 28
      Slave Notes Son of Priss, a Negro slave of John Young.
      Date of Record May 02, 1791
      Source: John R. Miller Collection, 1750-1914

 

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