Philadelphia County Slaveholders A - B

1. Allaire, Alexander (Slaves: Henry)
2. Allen, Edward (Slaves: Hamot)
3. Anthony, Stephen (Slaves: Un-named man)
4. Apty, Thomas (Slaves: Lucy, alias Peg Walker, un-named man)
5. Astin, Thomas (Slaves: Un-named male)
6. Attwood, William (Slaves: Un-named man)
7. Austin, Samuel (Slaves: London)
8. Baily, John (Slaves: Corke)
9. Ball, William (Slaves: Un-named young woman)
10. Barry, John, Commodore (Slaves: James, Jude or Judith)
11. Bartholomew, Thomas (Slaves: Harry, Joseph Boudron, un-named men, a woman and a boy)
12. Basden, William (Slaves: Un-named young woman and 2-year-old boy)
13. Beach, Edmond (Slaves: Un-named young man and teenaged girl)
14. Benezet, James (Slaves: Jack)
15. Biles, Jonathan (Slaves: Henry)
16. Bird, Widow (Slaves: Un-named man)
17. Bispham, William (Slaves: Un-named girl)
18. Bleakley, John (Slaves: Un-named teenaged girl and her child)
19. Blyth, Joseph (Slaves: Pierce)
20. Bood, John (Slaves: Un-named young woman)
21. Bowes, Francis (Slaves: Un-named young woman and her child)
22. Bowes, Hugh (Slaves: John, Plato)
23. Brotherson, Peter (Slaves: James Powell)
24. Brown, Dr. (Slaves: Stephen)
25. Brown, Samuel M. (Slaves: Bob, Molly)
26. Budd, Henry (Slaves: Dorus)
27. Budd, Levi (Slaves: Jenny)
28. Burrows, Stephen (Slaves: Un-named woman)
29. Burton, Thomas (Slaves: Un-named boy)
30. Byrne, Patrick (Slaves: Un-named woman, un-named man)

A Note on Slave Numbers

• Slaveholder Name: Allaire, Alexander
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes: Purchased the enslaved boy Henry from Jonathan Biles for thirty pounds, in June 1756.

  1. Slave Name: Henry
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: Not known; described as a "Boy"
     Slave Date of Birth: Not known
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negro Boy"
     Slave Notes: Sold by Jonathan Biles to Alexander Allaire in June 1756.
     Date of Record: 01 June 1756
     Sources: Bill of Sale between Jonathan Biles and Alexander Allaire for Negro Henry, 01 June 1756.

• Slaveholder Name: Allen, Edward
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes: Residence on "Second-street, one door from Pine-street"

  1. Slave Name: Hamot
     Slave Sex: Female
     Slave Age: about sixteen years of age"
     Slave Date of Birth: circa 1768
     Slave Status: Slave for life; Self emancipated
     Slave Description: "Negro girl"
     Slave Notes: Hamot escaped from Allen on the morning of Tuesday, August 31, 1784. Text of advertisement placed by Allen to recover her:

     Four Dollars Reward
     RAN away from the subscriber, on Tuesday morning last a negro girl, of the Moco country, named Hamot, she is about sixteen years of age, not very tall, but thin, and sprightly, has her country mark very visible, resembling two cuts on each cheek. She came from the Island of Jamaica, to this city last may, speaks but indifferent English and had on when she went away, a flowered callico short gown, and red callimanco pettycoat; whoever detains or harbours her after Advertisement, shall be prosecuted with the utmost rigor of the law. And whoever will bring her to the House of the Subscriber, in Second-street, one door from Pine-street, shall receive the above reward and all reasonable charge from
     EDWARD ALLEN.
     N.B. She was seen the morning of her departure, about two miles from this city on the German Town road.

     Hamot was brought to Philadelphia from Jamaica in May 1784. The term "Moco country" may refer to origins in western Africa, where the orisha Moko watches over villages. Enslaved peoples in the Caribbean created the tradition of Moko Jumbies, costumed stilt-walkers that performed at festivals representing mythical spirits that walked across the Atlantic accompanying enslaved Africans to protect them in the Americas.
     Note that Hamot bears "country marks...resembling two cuts on each cheek."
     Date of Record: 04 September 1784
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser (Philadelphia), 4 September 1784. The ad ran through September 18, 1784.

• Slaveholder Name: Anthony, Stephen
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes: Second Street

  1. Slave Name: Name not given
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: "about 30 years of age"
     Slave Date of Birth: circa 1719
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negroe man"
     Slave Notes: Offered for sale in September 1749: "TO BE SOLD, A Likely Negroe man, about 30 years of age, a skinner by trade, and understands his business well, a very honest fellow. Enquire of Stephen Anthony, in Second-street."
     Date of Record: 28 September 1749; this ad ran through October 12, 1749.
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 28 September 1749.

• Slaveholder Name: Apty, Thomas
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Work House Keeper
  Notes:

  1. Slave Name: Name not given in ad
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: "about thirty-two years of age"
     Slave Date of Birth: circa 1746
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negro Man"
     Slave Notes: Advertised for sale in December 1778: "TO BE SOLD, A NEGRO MAN about thirty-two years of age, a stout, able, healthy fellow, this country born, understands the farming business in all its branches, and is sold by his master for want of employ. Enquire of THOMAS APTY, Keeper of the Work-house."
     Apty may not be the actual owner of this person. Enslaved persons placed up for sale were sometimes imprisoned in the Work House as a holding location until a sale could be arranged. If that is the case, the owner is not identified in the ad.
     Date of Record: 24 December 1778
     Sources: Dunlap and Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser (Philadelphia), 24 December 1778

  2. Slave Name: Lucy, alias Peg Walker
     Slave Sex: Female
     Slave Age: "about twenty-two or twenty-three years of age"
     Slave Date of Birth: circa 1756 or 1757
     Slave Status: Imprisoned as a runaway slave
     Slave Description: "Negro Wench"
     Slave Notes: Imprisoned in the Philadelphia Work House on suspicion of being a fugitive slave:

     Philadelphia, April 27.
     NOW in the Work-house of this city on suspicion of being a run-away, a Negro Wench who is supposed to have come into this city with the British army, or about that time, and has gone by the name of LUCY, alias PEG WALKER; about twenty-two or twenty-three years of age, short and well set, round smooth faced, says she came to town about two years ago with her master, Joseph England, and his wife, from Kent upon Delaware, and that they died soon after in this city without leaving any one to take care of their effects or of her, whereby she thought herself to be free. Any person to whom she may belong is hereby notified to come, pay charges and take her away in two months from this date, otherwise she will be sold out for the same, by
     THOMAS APTY, Work-house Keeper.

     Date of Record: 27 April 1779; If not claimed by an owner by June 27, this person would be sold back into slavery.
     Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 04, 08 May 1779.

• Slaveholder Name: Astin, Thomas
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes:

  1. Slave Name: Name not given
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: Age not given but described as a "fellow," most likely an adult
     Slave Date of Birth: Not known
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negroe fellow"
     Slave Notes: Offered for sale in July 1756: "To be SOLD, A LIKELY able Negroe fellow, fit for town or country business. Enquire at the house of Thomas Astin, near John Palmer's, on Society-Hill."
     Date of Record: 08 July 1756
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 08, 22 July 1756.

• Slaveholder Name: Attwood, William
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Merchant, trader and importer
  Notes: Front Street. Attwood also dealt in English servants "imported" from England. See The Pennsylvania Gazette, 26 July 1744, page 4.

  1. Slave Name: Name not given
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: Age not given but described as a man
     Slave Date of Birth: Not known
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
     Slave Notes: Offered for sale in November 1737: "TO BE SOLD, BY WILLIAM ATTWOOD, in Front-street, Philadelphia, on reasonable Terms, a likely Negroe Man, fit to be imploy'd in Country Business."
     Date of Record: 24 November 1737
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 24 November 1737.

• Slaveholder Name: Austin, Samuel
  City or Township: Philadelphia, New Ferry
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Ferry operator
  Notes: Died in September 1767
  Source: Pennsylvania Gazette, 24 September 1767

  1. Slave Name: London
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: Not given; described as a "Man"
     Slave Date of Birth: Not known
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
     Slave Notes: Ran away in May 1764. Austin placed the following advertisement to locate him:

     Philadelphia, May 28, 1764.
     RUN-AWAY from the New-Ferry, a Negroe Man, named London, about 5 Feet 3 Inches high, Barbados born; Had on when he went away, a striped Holland jacket, striped trowsers, Ozenbrigs Shirt, a coarse Hat, cock'd, with a white Button, good Shoes and Stockings; he is very apt to hire himself on board of Vessels, in order to make his Escape. Whoever takes up said Negroe, or informs his said Master of any Person that has hired him, shall receive Eight Dollars from
     SAMUEL AUSTIN, at the New-Ferry.

     Although captured and returned, London escaped again in October 1765:

     Philadelphia, October 20 1765.
     RUN away from the New Ferry, a Negroe Man, named London; he is about 5 Feet 3 Inches high, was born in Barbadoes; Had on a red under Jacket, without sleeves, striped Linen Trowsers, a pretty good Hat, and good Shoes and Stockings; took with him a grey Cloth Coat, a Velvet Jacket, without Sleves, and other Things, tied in a Handerchief. He is apt to hire himself on board of Vessels. Whoever takes up and secures the said Negroe, so that his Master may have him again, shall receive Forty Shillings from SAMUEL AUSTIN, living at the New Ferry.
     N.B. All Masters of Vessels, and others, are forbid to harbour or carry him off.

     London was captured and returned to Austin, but escaped yet again. An ad appeared in November 1766 advertising for his capture, very similar to the following ad that appeared in April 1767. It is not clear if this refers to the same escape, or if London ran away in November 1766, was captured and ran away for a fourth time in February 1767:

     Philadelphia, February 23, 1767.:br> RUN away from the NEW FERRY, a Negroe Man, named LONDON; about five Feet three Inches high, Barbados born; Had on, when he went away, a white Shirt, light coloured Jacket, a red double-breasted under Jacket, red Trowsers, and good Shoes and Stockings; he is apt to say that he is a free Man, and hire himself as such; is remarkable for having a large Nose, and a smiling Look. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and brings him to the New Ferry, shall have EIGHT DOLLARS Reward, paid by
     SAMUEL AUSTIN.

     An advertisement that appeared in January 1767, similar to the one above, had an additional detail. It noted that London had "an iron about his leg, which he is apt to hide." This reveals an extreme measure by Austin to try to keep London: chaining him.
     Date of Records: 28 May 1764; 20 October 1765; November 1766; 18 January, 23 February 1767
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 14, 21 June 1764; 31 October 1765; 13 November 1766; 5 February, 2 April 1767;

  2. Slave Name: Name not given, but likely London, above, who began making multiple escape attempts (see above)
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: "about 21 Years old"
     Slave Date of Birth: circa 1741
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
     Slave Notes: Advertised for sale in 1762: "There is now at the Lower End of Arch-street, at the New Ferry, to be sold, a likely stout Negroe Man, about 21 Years old, born in Barbados, supposed to be honest, and not given to Drink. He is fit for most Sorts of Business, being very strong."
     Date of Records: 2 December 1762
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 2 December 1762

   

• Slaveholder Name: Baily, John
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia
  Occupation: Shoemaker
  Notes:

  1. Slave Name: Corke
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: Age not given in ad but described as a man
     Slave Date of Birth: Not known
     Slave Status: Slave for life -- runaway
     Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
     Slave Notes: This person escaped from Baily as part of a mass escape of enslaved persons from numerous other area owners on October 6, 1733. The slaveholders who lost slaves advertised collectively, posting rewards:

     RUN away from Justice Farmer of Whitemarsh, a Negroe Man named Gloster; from John Petty, Indian Trader, a Negroe Man and Woman; from John Baily of Philadelphia Shoemaker, a Negroe Man named Corke, from the Widow Bird of Philadelphia, a Negroe Man, and from John Noble of Philadelphia, a Negroe Man called Bristol. They all went away last Saturday, and took Guns with them, and have been seen going up Perkiomy Road last Monday Night. Whoever takes up the said Negroes or any of them so that they may be had again, shall have from Justice Farmer Five Pound, from the Widow Bird Three Pounds, and from the other Two Pounds, and reasonable Charges paid by Justice Farmer, John Petty, John Baily, Widow Bird, and John Noble.
     October 11, 1733.

     Date of Record: 11 October 1733
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 18 October 1733.

   

• Slaveholder Name: Ball, William
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia
  Occupation: Silversmith and Jeweler
  Notes: "Market-street, three doors below Messieurs Hall and Seller's Printing-Office"

  1. Slave Name: Name not given in ad
     Slave Sex: Female
     Slave Age: Age not given in ad but described as a young woman
     Slave Date of Birth: Not known
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negroe Woman"
     Slave Notes: Offered for sale in August 1772. After the description of the woman, the sale ad continued on with a long list of silver goods, jewelry, tools, and other goods for sale:

     To be SOLD, A LIKELY young NEGROE Woman, used to all sorts of house work, will suit town or country; enquire of WILLIAM BALL, living in Market-street, three doors below Messieurs Hall and Seller's Printing-Office.

     Date of Record: 26 August 1772
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 26 August 1772.

   

• Slaveholder Name: Barry, John, Commodore
  City or Township: Northern Liberties
  County: Philadelphia
  Occupation: Continental Navy Commodore
  Notes:

  1. Slave Name: James
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: Age not given in register but described as an adult
     Slave Date of Birth: Not known
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Adult, slave" "Negro Man"
     Slave Notes: Baptized in St. Joseph's Church, Philadelphia as an adult, on July 16, 1776. Sponsor was "Hannah, slave of N. White." James was one of two enslaved persons listed in the will of John Barry (see below).
     Date of Record: 16 July 1776
     Sources: “LIST OF BAPTISMS REGISTERED AT ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA. (SECOND SERIES.) FROM JANUARY I, 1776, OCTOBER 21, 1781.” Records of the American Catholic Historical Society of Philadelphia, vol. 2, 1886, pp. 225–75. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44207452. Accessed 29 Jan. 2024.

  2. Slave Name: Judith or Jude
     Slave Sex: Female
     Slave Age: Age not given in will
     Slave Date of Birth: Not known
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Mulatto woman"
     Slave Notes: Baptized on August 19, 1779. Listed in will of John Barry as below:

     Item, I give and bequeath my negro man James and my mulatto woman Jude to my beloved wife Sarah during her widowhood, or natural life, and at her marriage or death which ever may first happen, the said negro man and mulatto woman shall be free and my executors shall pay to each of them from the time of their becoming respectively free as aforesaid, for their support during life an annuity of twenty pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania in four equal quarterly payments in each year, during their respective lives.
     Item, at or immediately after the death of my said negro man (if my said wife shall be then dead, but if she shall not then, when my said wife shall afterwards die, I give the principal sum hereinafter mentioned from which annuity hereby bequeathed to my said negro man is to be raised to the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Society worshiping at the church of St. Mary in the City of Philadelphia for the use and benefit of the poor school of said church.
     Item, From and immediately after the death of my said mulatto woman whether she shall become free or not, I give and bequeath the principal sum from which the annuity hereby given to her is directed to be raised to Eleanor Dowlin the daughter of my late sister Margaret, who lived in the County of Wexford in Ireland.
     Item, For the punctual payment of the annuities aforesaid, I order and direct my executors to provide a fund or funds in such manner as they may think proper, out of my estate real and personal, sufficient to raise an income interest and profit, adequate to pay and discharge the said annuities in manner aforesaid, and when the same shall cease and determine by the death or deaths of the said James and Jude or either of them, then to pay and apply the principal sum or sums in manner aforesaid.

     
     Date of Record: 29 September 1803 (Will)
     Sources: GRIFFIN, MARTIN I. J., and Francis T. Furey. “THE HISTORY OF COMMODORE JOHN BARRY. A. D. 1745-1803 (Continued).” Records of the American Catholic Historical Society of Philadelphia, vol. 8, no. 3, 1897, pp. 257–93. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44207623. Accessed 29 Jan. 2024.

   

• Slaveholder Name: Bartholomew, Thomas
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia
  Occupation: Real estate speculator, Tavern Keeper, The King Hendrick, Arch Street (1760s); The White Horse, Market Street, with stables in Elbow Lane (1750s)
  Notes: Lived 1718-1766. In addition to running the White Horse as a tavern, Thomas Bartholomew also used the facilities and stables as a place to help secure captured runaway slaves and servants, and to house the enslaved people he placed up for sale.
  Sources: Independence Historic Research Study, National Park Service, "Chapter 2, Early Speculators and Settlers, 1757-1775," webpage accessed online 1 November 2023 at https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/inde/hrs/hrs2.htm.

  1. Slave Name: Harry
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: 25a
     Slave Date of Birth: 1731 (calculated)
     Slave Status: Runaway
     Slave Description: "Mulattoe slave"
     Slave Notes: Bartholomew purchased Harry from Samuel Cookson, of Caernarvon Township, Lancaster County. Harry was transferred or sold between at least five owners, and he ran away from the fifth, who placed the ad here. Text of runaway advertisement placed in the Pennsylvania Gazette by Thomas Bartholomew of Philadelphia:

     "Philadelphia, August 9, 1756
     THIS day absented himself from his masters service, a Mulattoe slave, named Harry, about five feet six inches high, a broad well set fellow, speaks good English, and Dutch: had on when he went away, a blue cloth coat, with flat metal buttons, old check shirt, white tow trowsers, good shoes, and an old hat; chews Tobacco much, is a nimble lively fellow, about 25 years of age. He formerly belonged to George Johnson, in Frederick county in Virginia; from thence assigned to one John Lindsay; from thence to John Clark, of Lancaster; from thence to one Cookson, and from thence to the subscriber.
     Whoever secures said Harry, in any goal, or brings him to his master, if taken in or near Philadelphia, shall have Four Dollars reward, if more than 20 miles, shall have Ten Dollars, and reasonable charges, paid by THOMAS BARTHOLOMEW.
     N.B. he pretends to be a free man, and to have great friends in Maryland and Virginia. All masters of Vessels, and others, are forbid to carry him off at their peril."

     Date of Record: August 12, 1756
     Source: Accessible Archives--Pennsylvania Gazette, August 12, 1756, Item #19826.
      
     
  2. Slave Name: Name not provided
     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: "Negro boy"
     Slave Notes: Advertised for sale along with other goods in February 1760:

     To be sold by THOMAS BARTHOLOMEW, At his house, at the upper end of Arch street, near the sign of King Hendrick
     Choice Madeira and Tenereiffe wiine, all sorts of shop goods, a likely Negro boy, suitable to wait on a gentleman, a large quantity of Carolina leather, in whole hides, two good saddle horses, suitable to go in chairs, to be sold reasonable for ready money or short credit.

     Date of Record: 07 February 1760
     Source: Pennsylvania Gazette, 7 February 1760.
      
     
  3. Slave Name: Name not provided
     Slave Sex: Female
     Slave Age: Not stated, but described as a "young woman"
     Slave Date of Birth: Not known
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negroe Woman"
     Slave Notes: Advertised for sale along with other goods in July 1761:

     To be sold by the Subscriber, living in Arch-street, near the Church Burying-ground, a likely young Negroe Woman, very fit for House-work, can cook well, wash and iron. Also a Quantity of good fresh Rice, some Indigo and Deer-skins. And some Myrtle Wax, and sundry other Goods, at reasonable Rates.
     THOMAS BARTHOLOMEW.

     Other Notes: Myrtle wax was used to make bayberry-scented soap. It could also be used in candle-making.
     Date of Record: 30 July 1761
     Source: Pennsylvania Gazette, 30 July 1761.
      
     
  4. Slave Name: Name not provided
     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: Advertised for sale at the very end of a long list of imported goods in October 1761: "He also has a Negroe Man to dispose of."
     Date of Record: 1 October 1761
     Source: Pennsylvania Gazette, 01, 15 October 1761.
      
     
  5. Slave Name: Name not provided
     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: Advertised for sale between a real estate offer and a list of imported and domestic goods in July 1762:

     TO BE LETT,
     THE House and stables where Musgrove Evans now lives, in Arch-street, hath been these many Years a well accustomed Tavern; to be entered on in ten Days, by me THOMAS BARTHOLOMEW.
     N.B. He has also to sell, a likely Negroe Man, and a Parcel of South-Carolina Soal Leather, Myrtle Wax, and Myrtle Wax Candles, &c.

     Date of Record: 15 July 1762
     Source: Pennsylvania Gazette, 15 July 1762.
      
     
  6. Slave Name: Name not provided
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: "24 years of age"
     Slave Date of Birth: circa 1727
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negroe man"
     Slave Notes: Advertised for sale along with other goods in October 1751: "To be SOLD, A Likely Negroe man, 24 years of age, fit for plantation business. Enquire at Thomas Bartholomew's, in Market-street, at the sign of the White Horse."
     Date of Record: 17 October 1751
     Source: Pennsylvania Gazette, 17 October 1751.
      
     
  7. Slave Name: Joseph Boudron
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: "about 23 Years of Age"
     Slave Date of Birth: 1739 (calculated)
     Slave Status: Runaway
     Slave Description: "Mulattoe Man Slave"
     Slave Notes: Joseph Boudron escaped from Thomas Bartholomew on August 23, 1762. As a fugitive slave, he had several advantages: he escaped with a complete wardrobe, he spoke four languages, and had familiarity with large towns and cities. As an experienced seaman, he had good chances of hiring out on an outbound vessel, despite Bartholomew's warning to local captains:

     Philadelphia, August 24, 1762.
     RUN away from the Subscriber Yesterday, a Mulattoe Man Slave, named Joe, alias Joseph Boudron, a middle-sized Man, a brisk lively Fellow, about 23 Years of Age, was born at Guadaloupe, has lived some Time in New-York, and Charles-Town, in South-Carolina, speaks good English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese; Had on when he went away, an old whitish coloured Broadcloth Coat, faced with Plush, and Metal Buttons, a Calicoe Jacket, black knit Breeches, blue Worsted Stockings, new Shoes, with large Brass Buckles, Check Shirt, an old laced Hat, and has other Things not known; he is a good Cook, and much used to the Seas, where it is thought he intends, or for New-York.
     Any Person that takes up said Runaway, and brings him to me, or secures him in any Goal in this Province, shall have Two Pistoles Reward, and if in any other Province, Four Pistoles, and reasonable Charges, paid by me
     THOMAS BARTHOLOMEW, junior.
     N.B. All Masters of Vessels and others are desired not to carry him off, or harbour him, on any Account.

     Date of Record: August 24, 1762
     Source: Pennsylvania Gazette, 26 August 1762
      
     

• Slaveholder Name: Basden, William
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes:

  1. Slave Name: Name not given
     Slave Sex: Female
     Slave Age: Not known; described as a "Woman"
     Slave Date of Birth: Not known
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negroe Woman"
     Slave Notes: Offered for sale in December 1736 along with a two-year-old boy, presumably her son: "To be Sold, A Very likely breeding Negroe Woman, and a Boy about two Years old. The Woman is fit for any Business either in Town or Country. Enquire of William Basden, over against the Coffee-House in Front Street."
     Date of Record: 9 December 1736
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 9 December 1736
      
     
  2. Slave Name: Name not given
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: "about two Years old"
     Slave Date of Birth: circa 1734
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Boy"
     Slave Notes: Advertised for sale in December 1736 along with his mother. See text of ad above.
     Date of Record: 9 December 1736
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 9 December 1736

• Slaveholder Name: Beach, Edmond
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Cooper
  Notes:

  1. Slave Name: Name not given
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: Not known; described as a "Young Man"
     Slave Date of Birth: Not known
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Young Negroe Man"
     Slave Notes: One of two persons advertised for sale in November 1768: "To be Sold for CASH only, by the subscriber, living in Front-street, next door but one to Race-street, A LIKELY YOUNG NEGROE MAN, by trade a cooper, and a very good workman. Likewise a NEGROE WENCH, about 14 years of age, well grown, fit for town or country business. For further particulars, enquire of EDMOND BEACH. N.B. Said BEACH has to sell, a very fine HORSE, travels easy under the saddle, and trots well in a chair."
     Date of Record: 10 November 1768
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 November 1768
      
     
  2. Slave Name: Name not given
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: "about 14 years of age"
     Slave Date of Birth: circa 1754
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negroe Wench"
     Slave Notes: One of two persons advertised for sale in November 1768: "To be Sold for CASH only, by the subscriber, living in Front-street, next door but one to Race-street, . . . Likewise a NEGROE WENCH, about 14 years of age, well grown, fit for town or country business. For further particulars, enquire of EDMOND BEACH."
     Date of Record: 10 November 1768
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 November 1768

• Slaveholder Name: Benezet, James
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes: Owned a "plantation" of about 65 acres in Oxford Township. Brother of Anthony Benezet. See also James Benezet, Bucks County.
  Sources: "Draft of James Benezet's Plantation and Tract of 64-3/4 Ac's. land situate in Oxford Township in the County of Philadelphia as survey'd. June 1764 and 1765 by (signed) (copy) Silas Watts. [Second survey dated 1785; "Traced by E.R.S. 1-4-09"], 1785," Greater Philadelphia GeoHistory Network, https://www.philageohistory.org/rdic-images/view-image.cfm/SD5th-034.

  1. Slave Name: Jack
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: 22 years old at time of escape from Patton.
     Slave Date of Birth: circa 1743
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negroe Fellow"
     Slave Notes: Benezet was named by John Patton of Reading in Berks County as a former owner of Jack, who escaped from Patton in June 1765. John Patton further noted in the runaway ad that Jack "was lately the Property of Mr. James Keimer, of Lancaster County."
     Date of Record: 26 June 1765
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 4 July 1765.

• Slaveholder Name: Biles, Jonathan
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: House carpenter
  Notes: Sold the enslaved boy Henry to Alexander Allaire for thirty pounds in June 1756.

  1. Slave Name: Henry
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: Not known; described as a "Boy"
     Slave Date of Birth: Not known
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negro Boy"
     Slave Notes: Sold to Alexander Allaire in June 1756.
     Date of Record: 01 June 1756
     Sources: Bill of Sale between Jonathan Biles and Alexander Allaire for Negro Henry, 01 June 1756.

• Slaveholder Name: Bird, Widow
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Widow
  Notes:

  1. Slave Name: Name not given in ad
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: Age not given in ad but described as a man
     Slave Date of Birth: Not known
     Slave Status: Slave for life -- runaway
     Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
     Slave Notes: This person escaped from Bird as part of a mass escape of enslaved persons from numerous other area owners on October 6, 1733. The slaveholders who lost slaves advertised collectively, posting rewards:

     RUN away from Justice Farmer of Whitemarsh, a Negroe Man named Gloster; from John Petty, Indian Trader, a Negroe Man and Woman; from John Baily of Philadelphia Shoemaker, a Negroe Man named Corke, from the Widow Bird of Philadelphia, a Negroe Man, and from John Noble of Philadelphia, a Negroe Man called Bristol. They all went away last Saturday, and took Guns with them, and have been seen going up Perkiomy Road last Monday Night. Whoever takes up the said Negroes or any of them so that they may be had again, shall have from Justice Farmer Five Pound, from the Widow Bird Three Pounds, and from the other Two Pounds, and reasonable Charges paid by Justice Farmer, John Petty, John Baily, Widow Bird, and John Noble.
     October 11, 1733.

     Date of Record: 11 October 1733
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 18 October 1733.

• Slaveholder Name: Bispham, William
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes: Residing over the Middle Ferry in Schuylkill

  1. Slave Name: Unnamed teenaged girl
     Slave Sex: Female
     Slave Age: "about nineteen years of age"
     Slave Date of Birth: Circa 1752
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negro Wench"
     Slave Notes: Advertised for sale in August 1771: "TO BE SOLD, A NEGRO WENCH, about nineteen years of age; can cook, wash and do all kinds of housework, fit for either town or country; She is sold for no fault. For further particulars enquire of William Bispham, over the Middle Ferry, Schuylkill."
     Date of Record: 31 August 1771
     Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 31 August 1771

• Slaveholder Name: Bleakley, John
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Merchant
  Notes: Shop on Water Street. Died circa 1764.

  1. Slave Name: Unnamed teenaged girl
     Slave Sex: Female
     Slave Age: "about eighteen Years of Age"
     Slave Date of Birth: Circa 1743
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negroe Woman"
     Slave Notes: Advertised for sale along with her two-month-old child in July 1761: "To be SOLD for no Fault, A LIKELY Negroe Woman, and Female Child; the Woman about eighteen Years of Age, and the Child about two Months. Enquire of John Bleakley."
     Date of Record: 30 July 1761
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 30 July 1761.
      
     
  2. Slave Name: Name not provided
     Slave Sex: Female
     Slave Age: "about two Months" of age
     Slave Date of Birth: May or June 1761
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negroe Child"
     Slave Notes: Advertised for sale along with her mother in July 1761: "To be SOLD for no Fault, A LIKELY Negroe Woman, and Female Child; the Woman about eighteen Years of Age, and the Child about two Months. Enquire of John Bleakley."
     Date of Record: 30 July 1761
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 30 July 1761.

• Slaveholder Name: Blyth, Joseph
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes:

  1. Slave Name: Pierce
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: "about 19 years of age"
     Slave Date of Birth: circa 1776
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negro Boy"
     Slave Notes: Pierce escaped from Mary Withy's Tavern in Chester borough on 24 September 1795. Blyth placed the following ad to recover him:

     One Hundred and Fifty Dollars REWARD,
     FOR apprehending a Negro Boy named PIERCE, about 19 years of age, 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, speaks good English, but rather hesitates a little before he answers a question -- very fat and round in the face, a person being very near to him may perceive a scar on his left cheek, has also a scar from a wound on the back of one of his legs, a little above the heel, but always wears stockings or boots. Had on when he went away (from Mrs. Withy's at Chester, on the night of the 24th ult.) a half-worn green coatee and overalls, an old leather hat torn on one side, and a pair of half-worn boots; but took with him shoes, stockings, and a variety of other clothing tied up in a red striped handkerchief.
     
     He is a hair-dresser and barber, and took with him razors, powder and pomatum. He is very handy about house, or at taking care of horses; he reads, and commonly carries a spelling-book in his pocket -- had an old purse with money in it. Whoever delivers him to John Wilcocks, Esq. No. 30, North Third-street, Philadelphia, shall receive the above reward.
     JOSEPH BLYTH.
     Oct 8.

     Blyth earlier placed a less detailed ad in Philadelphia papers, offering fifty dollars as a reward. It directed anyone to return Pierce to him at 29 North Third Street. By the second week in October he had increased the reward and directed people to return Pierce to his next-door neighbor, merchant John Wilcox, at 30 North Third Street. This seems to indicate that Blyth was leaving town temporarily.
     Date of Record: 8 October 1795
     Sources: Aurora General Advertiser (Philadelphia), 8 October 1795; Dunlap and Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser, 2 October 1795.

• Slaveholder Name: Bood, John
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes: Died in 1748. His estate included at least one enslaved person, a young woman, as below. Gertrude Bood and Robert Greenway were estate executors.

  1. Slave Name: Name not given in source
     Slave Sex: Female
     Slave Age: Age not given, but described as a young woman
     Slave Date of Birth: Not known
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negro woman"
     Slave Notes: Advertised for sale in order to settle the estate: "[Description of the estate of John Bood, deceased] Also a likely young negro woman, who can do all sorts of house work, to be sold by said Robert Greenway."
     Date of Record: 2 June 1748
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 2 June 1748.

• Slaveholder Name: Bowes, Francis
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes: Residence on Water Street. Died circa 1750. His estate was auctioned off in spring 1750.

  1. Slave Name: Name not given in source
     Slave Sex: Female
     Slave Age: Age not given, but described as a young woman
     Slave Date of Birth: Not known
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negroe woman"
     Slave Notes: Advertised for sale along with her child in order to settle the estate: "[Description of the estate of Francis Bowes, deceased] Also to be sold at publick vendue, on Thursday, the first day of March, at the above said dwelling house . . .a likely young Negroe woman, about 21 years old, and a child, about 16 months old."
     Date of Record: 6 February 1750
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 6 February 1750.

  2. Slave Name: Name not given in source
     Slave Sex: Gender not indicated in ad
     Slave Age: "about 16 months old"
     Slave Date of Birth: circa November 1748
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "child"
     Slave Notes: Advertised for sale along with its mother in order to settle the estate: "[Description of the estate of Francis Bowes, deceased] Also to be sold at publick vendue, on Thursday, the first day of March, at the above said dwelling house . . .a likely young Negroe woman, about 21 years old, and a child, about 16 months old."
     Date of Record: 6 February 1750
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 6 February 1750.

• Slaveholder Name: Bowes, Hugh, Captain
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Ship's Master, 1740s and 1750s
  Notes: Store located "between Plumsted's and Sim's Wharffs" (1766). In 1774 he advertised his location as "Water-street below the Drawbridge." In addition to the enslaved John and Plato, below, Bowes also had several indentured white servants escape in the 1760s. Bowes died in 1776.

  1. Slave Name: John
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: "about 35 Years of Age"
     Slave Date of Birth: circa 1727
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
     Slave Notes: Bowes purchased John from someone named Denny. John escaped from Hugh Bowes in the summer of 1762. Text of runaway ad placed by Bowes:

     THREE POUNDS Reward.
     RUN away from Hugh Bowes, of Philadelphia, a Negroe Man, named JOHN, a slim middle-sized Fellow, about 35 Years of Age, speaks good English, but when surprized or talks fast, stutters very much; Had on when he went away, an old Check Shirt, a blue Pea Jacket, with Pieces stitched on the Elbows, such as Sailors wear, a Pair of brown Thickset Breeches, old Shoes, with large carved white Metal Buckles; generally carries a Piece of Rope with him, pretending to look for a strayed bay Horse; says his Master's Name is Denny, which is the Person that sold him to the Subscriber; supposed either to have gone over Schuylkill or towards New-York, as he was up the Road near the Robin Hood Tavern two Weeks, but has not been seen there since Friday last. Whoever takes up and secures the said Negroe Man, so that his Master may have him again, shall have the above Reward, paid by
     HUGH BOWES.
     N.B. All Masters of Vessels, and all Ferry-men, are forbid to carry him off.

     Date of Record: 26 August 1762
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 26 August 1762
      
     
  2. Slave Name: Plato
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: Age not given, but described as looking "very old"
     Slave Date of Birth: Not known
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
     Slave Notes: Plato escaped from Hugh Bowes in May of 1766. Text of runaway ad placed by Bowes:

     RUN away, on Sunday, the 18th Instant, from Hugh Bowes, a Negroe Man, named Plato, speaks bad English, and has a very bad Look; he is a thin Fellow, and looks very old, has a remarkable Tuft of white Hair on his Forehead, just under the Hat, supposed, when he went away, to have on either a Check, white, or Ozenbrigs Shirt, a Cloth coloured Jacket, with red Flannel Lining, and under Jacket, much worn, with white Metal Buttons, old Stockings, and Shoes, with Iron Buckes, but whether he had Breeches or Trowsers, is not known, having both on when he went away. Whoever takes up and secures the said Negroe Man, so that his Master may have him again, shall have Thirty Shillings Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by
     HUGH BOWES.
     N.B. All Masters of Vessels are forbid to carry him off.

     Date of Record: 22 May 1766
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 22 May 1766

• Slaveholder Name: Brotherson, Peter
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes: In September 1747 Brotherson advertised to sell "Two likely Negro men, fit for town of country business." (The Pennsylvania Gazette, 03, 10 September 1747)

  1. Slave Name: James Powell
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: Age not stated in ad, but described as a man
     Slave Date of Birth: Not known
     Slave Status: Slave for life -- Escaped slave
     Slave Description: "Negroe man"
     Slave Notes: Escaped from Brotherson in November 1749. Text of runaway ad placed by Brotherson:

     WHereas a Negroe man, named James, of middle stature, small eyes, and a down-look, who speaks very good English, and calls himself James Powell, belonging to Peter Brotherson, has absented himself from his said master's service; these are to give notice to any person, who will apprehend the said Negroe, and bring him to his said master, or secure him, till he can send for him; he shall receive Three Pounds reward, from Peter Brotherson.
     N.B. He is a very sensible fellow.

     Date of Record: 23 November 1749; this ad continued through December 5, 1749.
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 23 November 1749

• Slaveholder Name: Brown, Dr.
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Physician
  Notes:

  1. Slave Name: Stephen
     Slave Gender: Male
     Slave Age: Age not given in runaway ad but described as a man
     Slave Date of Birth: Not known
     Slave Status: Slave for live -- escaped
     Slave Description: "Negroe man"
     Slave Notes: Stephen escaped from William Peters of Concord, Delaware County on July 16, 1749. Peters placed the following runaway slave ad, in which he identified a former owner of Stephen as "Dr. Brown" of Philadelphia:

     Philadelphia, July 20. 1749.
     RUn away, on the 16th instant, from William Peters, fuller, of Concord, Chester county, a Negroe man, named Stephen, who formerly liv'd with Dr. Brown, of this city, is a tall slim fellow, long visag'd, speaks pretty good English: Had on when he went away, a light colour'd linsey jacket, with pewter buttons, an ozenbrigs shirt, tow trowsers, a red and white worsted cap, half worn felt hat, and new shoes. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and secures him, so that his master may have him again, shall have Forty Shillings reward, and reasonable charges, paid by William Peters aforesaid, or Joseph Coburn, in Philadelphia.
     N.B. 'Tis thought he wants to get away in some vessel, therefore all masters of vessels are desired not to harbour or conceal him at their peril.

     Date of Record: 20 July 1749
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 3 August 1749.

• Slaveholder Name: Brown, Samuel M
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes:

  1. Slave Name: Bob
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: "about eleven years old"
     Slave Date of Birth: circa 1770
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negro Boy"
     Slave Notes: Escaped from Brown in December 1781. Text of runaway ad placed by Brown:

     Twelve Dollars Reward,
     RAN away from the subscriber, a Negro BOY, named BOB, about eleven years old; Had on when he went away, a blue frize jacket and trowsers;
     Also a Negro GIRL, about 12 years old, named MOLLY, dressed in blue frize. They are lately from St. Thomas and both speak bad English, it is apprehended they are harboured by free Negroes in the city. Whoever will return them to JOHN PRINGLE, in Front-street, near the Draw-bridge, shall receive for the former Eight, and the latter Four Dollars Reward.
     SAMUEL M. BROWN.

     Date of Record: 1 December 1781
     Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser, 1 December 1781.
      
     
  2. Slave Name: Molly
     Slave Sex: Female
     Slave Age: "about 12 years old"
     Slave Date of Birth: circa 1769
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negro Girl"
     Slave Notes: Escaped from Brown in December 1781. See above for the text of runaway ad placed by Brown.
     Date of Record: 1 December 1781
     Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser, 1 December 1781.

• Slaveholder Name: Budd, Henry
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes:

  1. Slave Name: Dorus
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: "about sixteen years of age"
     Slave Date of Birth: circa 1763
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negro boy"
     Slave Notes: At age 14 or 15, Dorus was captured and impressed into service as a laborer with the British army. While in that role in Philadelphia, he escaped into Bucks County. Henry Budd advertised for his recovery about eighteen months after he was taken by the British.

     Philadelphia, July 23, 1779.
     One Hundred and Fifty Dollars Reward.
     WHEREAS the subscriber's Negro boy, named DORUS, now about sixteen years of age, of a yellow complexion, middling chunky built, was pressed with a team of Mr. Benjamin Gibb's, near Bordentown, State of New-Jersey, in December 1776, by the British and Hessian troops, who kept and carried him with them to the city of Philadelphia, from whence he made his escape, and was seen at Bristol in April 1778. The subscriber has reason to think he is in some of the back counties of the State. Whoever will take up said Negro boy and deliver him to me in this city, shall have the above reward, or if secured in any gaol, so that he may be had again, Seventy-five Dollars, besides reasonable charges, paid by
     HENRY BUDD.

     Date of Record: 23 July 1779
     Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 27 July 1779.

• Slaveholder Name: Budd, Levi
  City or Township: Northern Liberties
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Master Builder
  Notes: Member of The Carpenters Company

  1. Slave Name: Jenny
     Slave Sex: Female
     Slave Age: "about 20 years of age"
     Slave Date of Birth: circa 1762
     Slave Status: Slave for life -- escaped
     Slave Description: "Mulatto Girl," "Wench"
     Slave Notes: Jenny escaped from Levi Budd on December 4, 1782 with an extensive supply of clothing. He placed the following ad to recover her:

     Philadelphia, December 5, 1782.
     Sixteen Dollars Reward.
     RAN-AWAY, about nine o'clock last evening, A MULATTO GIRL, named JENNY, about 20 years of age, smart and likely, country born; she took with her a bundle of cloaths, consisting of one light chintz gown, a small figure with red stripes; one dark ditto with a large flower and yellow stripes, seven yards of new stamped linen, a purple flower and stripe, a pink coloured moreen petticoat, a new black peelong bonnet, a chip hat trimmed with gauze and feathers, four good shifts, two not made up and two a little wore, four aprons, two white and two check, one pair of blue worsted shoes with white heels. She is very fond of dress, particularly of wearing queen's nightcaps. She had in her shoes a large pair of silver buckles. It is probable that she has gone either to New-York or Baltimore. Whoever secures the said Wench, so that her master may have her again, shall have the above Reward and all reasonable charges paid by DAVID C. CLAYPOOLE, Printer in Market-street, or the subscriber in the Northern Liberties.
     LEVI BUDD.

     Date of Record: 5 December 1782
     Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 7 December 1782.

• Slaveholder Name: Burrows, Florentine
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes: Associated with shipping and the Sloop Diamond in 1736. Florentine is typically considered a female name, and the ad below does not identify this person as the ship's master or captain. In that another person of the same surname, Stephen Burrows, was the captain of a sloop that in 1738 advertised an enslaved Caribbean woman for sale while tied up at a city wharf, could Florentine be a wife or sister of the below listed Stephen Burrows? It was not unheard of for a captain to have a wife or even family on board a ship while it was in harbor.
  
  1. Slave Name: Not named
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: "about 18 Years of age"
     Slave Date of Birth: circa 1718
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negre Boy"
     Slave Notes: Offered for sale in May 1736. Text of ad placed by Florentine Burrows: "TO BE SOLD reasonably, A Likely Negro Boy, about 18 Years of age. Any Person inclining to purchase him may apply to Florentine Burrows, on board the Sloop Diamond, now lying at the Wharfe of Mr. Morris the Baker.
     If any Gentlemen, or others, have occasion for Freight or Passage to the Island of Jamaica, in the said Diamond Sloop, I am ready to serve them."
     Date of Record: 06 May 1736.
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury, 6 May 1736.

• Slaveholder Name: Burrows, Stephen
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Ship's captain
  Notes:

  1. Slave Name: Not named
     Slave Sex: Female
     Slave Age: "aged about 30 Years"
     Slave Date of Birth: circa 1708
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negroe Woman"
     Slave Notes: Born in Bermuda. Offered for sale in March 1738. Text of ad placed by Burrows: "TO BE SOLD, ON board the Sloop Delight, Stephen Burrows Master, lying at Mr. Allen's Wharff: A likely Bermudian Negroe Woman, aged about 30 Years, fit for any sort of Houshold work either in Town or Country, by the said Stephen Burrows."
     Date of Record: 14 March 1738; this ad ran through April 6, 1738.
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 14 March 1738.

• Slaveholder Name: Burton, Thomas
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes:

  1. Slave Name: Not named
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: "about seventeen or eighteen years of age"
     Slave Date of Birth: circa 1756 or 1757
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Mulatto boy"
     Slave Notes: Escaped from Thomas Burton in 1774. Text of runaway ad placed by Burton:

     EIGHT DOLLARS REWARD.
     RAN AWAY from the subscriber, living in Philadelphia, a mulatto boy, about seventeen or eighteen years of age, with straight black hair which he dresses; he is tall and slim, has a little blemish in one of his eyes, has been lately cured of a sore on one of his great toes, and one on his shin bone a little above the instep; he is a barber by trade, dresses hair very well, is fond of strong liquor, and was some time in Bristol waiting on the subscriber; He took with him a read coat turned up with white cape and cuffs, a black, a white and a blue ditto, a red, a black, and a white waistcoat, and white Russia breeches. Whoever will apprehend him, and bring him to Messrs. FULLER and FISHER in Philadelphia, or secures him in any of his Majesty's goals, shall have a Reward of FOUR DOLLARS if within fifty miles, and if further oft the above Reward, and all charges, paid by
     THOMAS BURTON.

     Date of Record: 28 November 1774
     Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet & General Advertiser, 28 November 1774.

• Slaveholder Name: Byrne, Patrick
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes: Located "the corner of Front and Walnut-streets"

  1. Slave Name: Not named
     Slave Sex: Female
     Slave Age: "about eighteen years of age"
     Slave Date of Birth: circa 1760
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negro Wench"
     Slave Notes: Offered for sale in July 1778. Text of sale ad placed by Byrne: "TO BE SOLD, A STRONG, healthy, likely Negro Wench, fit for town and country, about eighteen years of age, this country born, has had the small-pox. Enquire of PATRICK BYRNE, in Front-street, Philadelphia."
     Date of Record: 16 July 1778
     Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet & General Advertiser, 16, 25 July 1778.
      
     
  2. Slave Name: Not named
     Slave Sex: Male
     Slave Age: "about twenty-five years of age"
     Slave Date of Birth: circa 1754
     Slave Status: Slave for life
     Slave Description: "Negro Man"
     Slave Notes: Offered for sale in October 1779. Text of sale ad placed by Byrne: "TO BE SOLD, A LIKELY NEGRO MAN, about twenty-five years of age, a good servant, and very fit for any kind of house-work. Enquire at PATRICK BYRNE'S, the corner of Front and Walnut-streets, Philadelphia."
     Date of Record: 14 October 1779
     Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet & General Advertiser, 14 October 1779.