Slaveholders Listed on this Page
- Elliott, Peter (Slaves: Tom)
- Esdaile, James (Slaves: Un-named men)
- Eversley, Jacob (Slaves: Un-named man)
- Eyre, Benjamin G. (Slaves: Jim, Un-named young boy)
- Farrell, Andrew (Slaves: Several enslaved persons)
- Fishbaugh, Simon (Slaves: Un-named man)
- Footman, Richard (Slaves: Un-named men, women and boys)
- Forde, Standish (Slaves: Un-named man, woman and child)
- Franks, David (Slaves: Hett, Peter)
- Fruin, John (Slaves: Un-named woman and boy)
- Gardner Family (Slaves: Hett)
- Gay, John (Slaves: Caesar)
- Gibbs, George (Slaves: Cyrus, a.k.a. Simon)
- Gordon, Captain (Slaves: Un-named boy and girl)
- Greenway, Robert (Slaves: Un-named woman and man)
- Greenway, William (Slaves: Un-named woman)
- Gregory, Thomas (Slaves: Un-named teenaged boy)
Enslavement Data
A Note on Slave Numbers
The listings below represent an ongoing effort to identify slaveholders with an emphasis on documenting as many details about their enslaved persons as possible. This is, however, only a small fraction of Philadelphia's slaveholders and enslaved persons. Published studies by prominent historians reveal that Philadelphia was home to thousands of enslaved people in the colonial period.
Historian Gary B. Nash estimated the total enslaved population of Philadelphia and Southwark during it's peak slaveholding years of 1767-1775, using tax asssessments, census records, burial records and comparisons with other reliable datasets from New York City and Boston, to come up with the following estimates of total enslaved persons in Philadelphia and Southwark in these years:
1767: 1392
1769: 1270
1772: 1069
1773: 945
1774: 869
1775: 672
The figures above clearly show that the listings on this page are far from complete. They also show a steady decline in the rate of slaveholding in Philadelphia due to increased abolition activity and sentiment, a significant increase in the importation of white redemptioners and indentured servants into the province after the Seven Years War, and the combination of a very high mortality rate and very low birth rate among enslaved Blacks.
Source: Nash, Gary B. “Slaves and Slaveowners in Colonial Philadelphia.” The William and Mary Quarterly 30, no. 2 (1973): 223–56. https://doi.org/10.2307/1925149.
- Slaveholder Name: Elliott, Peter
City or Township: Kingsessing
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Advertised along with James Hunt for the return of an escaped white servant and Black man. It appears that Elliott owned the enslaved Black man listed below, named Tom.
- Slave Name: Tom
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: age not specified in ad, described as "man"
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negro"
Slave Notes: Escaped on August 21, 1741 in company with a white servant:
RUN away the 21st of August, from the Subscribers, of Kingsess, Philadelphia County, a White Man and a Negro, it is supposed they are gone together; the White Man's Name is Abraham Josep, a Yorkshire Man, a Shoemaker by Trade, aged about 24 Years, of middle Stature: had on, a ratteen Jacket and Breeches of a light colour, a castor Hat pretty much worn, a check Shirt with white patches on the Back, two pair of yarn Stockings, one pair of a grey colour and t'other pair blue, a pair of thin Shoes round toed, and a pair of Boots.
The Negroe's Names is Tom, of a yellowish colour, pretty much pitted with the Small Pox, thick set: Had on, a light coloured cloth Coat, a linnen Jacket and Breeches, a pair of check Trowsers, good Shoes sharp toed.
Two Nights before there were several things Stolen, and it's supposed they have them, a List whereof follows, viz. a suit of Drugget of a snuff colour half trim'd, a light coloured cloth Coat, two linnen Jackets, a pair of leather Breeches, two pair of check Trowsers, two Hats, a drab coloured board cloth Coat pretty much worn, a Jacket of the same colour of the first mentioned Suit, a dark brown Wig, two napt Caps, a Gun, and a Pocket Book with two Bonds in it, one of Ten Pounds, the other of Eight Pounds, with a Note written at the end for Sixteen Shillings, with several other small things.
Any Person or Persons that will take up and secure the said Men, so that they may be had again, shall have for the White Man Three Pounds, and for the Negro Five Pounds Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by
James Hunt, Peter Elliott
N.B. They took a Cedar Canoe with them, broken at the Stern and split at the Head.
Date of Record: 30 June 1737
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 17 September 1741.
- Slaveholder Name: Esdaile, James
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant with store on Carpenter's Wharf; possible slave trader
Notes: James Esdaile sold other lots of enslaved persons from his store on Carptenter's Wharf. See the page on Philadelphia Slave Traders for more information.
- Slave Name: Un-named Man
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: age not specified in ad, described as "young fellow"
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negro Fellow"
Slave Notes: Offered for sale in June 1737. Text of advertisement:
A Fine young Negro Fellow, speaks English, us'd to Labour, and is fit for either Town or Country, to be sold by James Esdaile at Mr. Dering's in Front-Street, or at his Store on Carpenter's Wharff; where is also to be sold, good St. Kitt Mellasses, Ginger & Indigo.
Date of Record: 30 June 1737
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 30 June 1737.
- Slave Name: Un-named Men
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: age not specified in ad, described as "young men"
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Slaves for life
Slave Description: "Negro Men"
Slave Notes: Offered for sale in August 1739. Text of advertisement:
TO BE SOLD,
TWO likely young Negro Men, that speak good English, and have had the Small-Pox, fit for either Town or Country. Also St. Kitts MELLASSES, and double distill'd RUM. To be SOLD by James Esdaile at his Store on Carpenter's Wharffe.
Date of Record: 02 August 1739
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 02 August 1739.
- Slaveholder Name: Eversley, Jacob
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Blacksmith
Notes: Located "at the sign of the lock in Third-street, near the workhouse."
- Slave Name: Un-named Man
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "about forty years of age"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1728
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe man"
Slave Notes: Offered for sale in October 1748. Text of advertisement:
Philadelphia, October 27, 1748.
TO BE SOLD,
A Likely negroe man, about forty years of age, has had the small-pox and measles, is a good miller, and bisket baker, and very fit for country work. He is this Country born. Enquire of Jacob Eversley, smith, at the sign of the lock in Third-street, near the workhouse.
Date of Record: 27 October 1748
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 17 November 1748.
- Slaveholder Name: Eyre, Benjamin G., Colonel
City or Township: Kensington
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Shipbuilder; Boat Department Superintendant; Warden of Port of Philadelphia
Notes: Ship Yard and wharf in Kensington
- Slave Name: Name not given in ad
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "about twelve years of age"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1767
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negro Boy"
Slave Notes: Escaped from Eyre on October 10, 1779. Text of advertisement placed by Eyre to recover him:
Philadelphia, October 11.
RAN AWAY yesterday from the subscriber, a Negro Boy about twelve years of age, a chunky well made lad; he had on a Quaker brown coat with a yellow collar, tow shirt and trowsers, neither hat, shoes nor stockings; he speaks pretty good English, but is apt to stutter, and is supposed to be harboured at soem free Negro house. Whoever takes him up and brings him home to the subscriber shall be handsomely rewarded, and all charges paid.
BENJAMIN G. EYRE.
N.B. All masters of vessels and others are forbid to harbour or carry him off at their peril.
Date of Record: 19 October 1779
Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 19 October 1779.
- Slave Name: Jim (see notes)
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "about 17 or 18 years old"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1762 or 1763
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negro Lad"
Slave Notes: Escaped from Eyre on July 14, 1780. Text of advertisement placed by Eyre to recover him:
Two Hundred Dollars Reward.
RAN AWAY on the 14th inst. from the Subscriber, living in Kensington, a Negro Lad, named Jim, about 17 or 18 years old, straight limbed, and well made, born in Virginia; had on when he went away, a two shirt and trowsers, half worn beaver hat. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and brings him to me, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
BENJAMIN G. EYRE.
N.B. All Masters of vessels and others, are desired not to harbour or take him away at their peril.
In the first ads published soon after this person escaped, Eyre identified his name as "Jim." In ads published two months later, he removed the name from the ads.
Date of Record: 25 July, 02 September 1780
Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 2 September 1780.
- Slaveholder Name: Farrell, Andrew
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Tanner
Notes: Farrell was named as the agent for the sale of several slaves from a plantation in Manor of Moreland, detailed below. The lengthy advertisement gives a good description of a wealthy person's Pennsylvania country "plantation" supported by slave labor. It included "a Negroe stone house," a substantial addition that implies the farm required a large number of slaves to operate. This same property was advertised nearly two years earlier and named John Nelson in Philadelphia as agent, but no enslaved persons were mentioned in the earlier ad.
- Slave Name: Un-named slaves
Slave Sex: Gender not specified
Slave Age: Ages not specified
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Slaves for life
Slave Description: "several likely Negroes"
Slave Notes: Offered for sale in July 1749. Farrell, was the Philadelphia agent for this property. Text of advertisement:
To be SOLD,
A Plantation in the Mannor of Moreland, and county of Philadelphia, containing 152 acres of very good land, one half therof meadow ground chiefly cleared, and made fit for the scythe; the whole place is in very good repair, being all fenced with chestnut rails, and divided into fields, water in each part thereof, two fine streams running through said place, and join about the middle of the land, plenty of fish are in said runs, such as trout, mullett, and pike; the fish might be kept with little cost, by putting a grate at each end; they never overflow with any fresh, their heads are half a mile distant, and much the same length from where they join to the extent thereof, which affords room for the fish to play and feed. The plantation is commodiously situated on the upper York-road, 16 miles from Philadelphia, and joins on a grist mill that makes merchants work, has good improvement, a large stone house, two story high, four rooms on each floor, a cellar the whole length of the house, a new stone kitchen, well finished, also a Negroe stone house, stable, barn, and other houses, two very good orchards, a fine spring in one of them where a fish-pond might be made with very little charge; also a cold bath, a large garden, newly paled, adjoining the said house; the place is fit for either a gentleman or storekeeper, it being a country village, and a great resort of people, the quit-rent about two pence per year, and the title sure. Any person inclining to purchase said place, paying Two Hundred Pounds in hand, may have three years time or more for the payment of the rest, paying interest. Enquire of Patrick Hanlon, near the place, or Mr. Andrew Farrell, tanner in Philadelphia, and know farther.
N.B. There are several likely Negroes to be disposed of. Enquire of said Farrell.
Date of Record: 20 July 1749
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 20 July 1749.
- Slaveholder Name: Fishbaugh, Simon
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Procurement and commission agent. His professional advertisement listed a diverse range of services from buying and selling bills of exchange throughout Europe and the West Indies, to procuring loans, writing mortgages, acting as an agent for persons buying or selling merchandise, securing cargo for ships or seeking employment. He translated documents, sold real estate, kept accounts, and more. (The Freeman's Journal or the North American Intelligencer, 23 November 1785, page 4)
Notes: Advertised to sell an adult man in July 1786. Office on Market Street, Philadelphia. Most likely acting as an agent for a seller wishing to remain anonymous.
- Slave Name: Un-named Man
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: Not known; described as a "Man"
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Slave for a term of years: seven more to serve
Slave Description: "Negro Man"
Slave Notes: Text of advertisement:
To be sold,
The time of an active Negro Man, who has 7 years to serve; is faithful and honest; he understands house and kitchen work; is also an excellent cook. He can be well recommended, and is sold for no fault but want of employ; is willing to go to the Southward or the West-Indies. For terms apply to Simon Fishbaugh, at his Office in Market street.
Also. An excellent Saddle Horse; to be seen at James McKeggan's Livery-stable in Chestnut street. Enquire as above.
July 8.
Date of Record: 01 June 1756
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser, 8 July 1786.
- Slaveholder Name: Footman, Richard
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Third Street in Philadelphia
- Slave Name: Various Un-named men, women and boys
Slave Sex: (see notes)
Slave Age: (see notes)
Slave Date of Birth:
Slave Status: Slaves for life
Slave Description: (see notes)
Slave Notes: Text of advertisement:
WANTED TO PURCHASE,
A NUMBER of young healthy NEGRO MEN; they must not exceed 25 years of age; Also, two young NEGRO WOMEN, fit for house-work, and two NEGRO WAITING BOYS. For terms apply to RICHARD FOOTMAN, in Third-street, Philadelphia.
Date of Record: 07 March 1774
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 07, 21 March 1774.
- Slaveholder Name: Forde, Standish
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Innkeeper, Sign of the George
Notes: Inn "at the sign of the George, on the corner of Second-street and Arch-street." Died 1766.
- Slave Name: Name not provided
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "about 30 years of age"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1721
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe man"
Slave Notes: Offered for sale with two other enslaved persons, possibly a complete family: "TO be sold, A hardy Negroe man, about 30 years of age, and is a very good cook. Also a Negroe woman, about 22 years of age, with a young male child. They have all had the small-pox, and will be sold separately, or together, as the purchaser pleases. Enquire of Standish Forde, at the sign of the George, on the corner of Second-street and Arch-street, and know further."
Date of Record: 27 June 1751
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 27 June 1751.
- Slave Name: Name not provided
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age: "about 22 years of age"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1729
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe woman"
Slave Notes: Offered for sale with a child and a man, possibly a complete family: "TO be sold, A hardy Negroe man, about 30 years of age, and is a very good cook. Also a Negroe woman, about 22 years of age, with a young male child. They have all had the small-pox, and will be sold separately, or together, as the purchaser pleases. Enquire of Standish Forde, at the sign of the George, on the corner of Second-street and Arch-street, and know further."
Date of Record: 27 June 1751
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 27 June 1751.
- Slave Name: Name not provided
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: Age not provided but described as a "young male child"
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Young male child"
Slave Notes: Offered for sale with a woman and a man, possibly his parents: "TO be sold, A hardy Negroe man, about 30 years of age, and is a very good cook. Also a Negroe woman, about 22 years of age, with a young male child. They have all had the small-pox, and will be sold separately, or together, as the purchaser pleases. Enquire of Standish Forde, at the sign of the George, on the corner of Second-street and Arch-street, and know further."
Date of Record: 27 June 1751
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 27 June 1751.
- Slaveholder Name: Franks, David
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Commissary agent for the Crown for the province of Pennsylvania.
Notes: Imprisoned in 1778 and again in 1780 as a Loyalist during the Revolution. Listed as a previous owner of the enslaved woman Hett, below, who was confiscated from either Franks, or Dunnin Irwin as Loyalists.
- Slave Name: Hett
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age: "supposed to be about twenty years old"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1759
Slave Status: Slave for life -- escaped
Slave Description: "Dark Mulatto Wench"
Slave Notes: Previously owned by Dunnin Irwin, and David Franks. Escaped from James Hunter on 24 April 1779. See James Hunter for thetText of ad placed for her recovery.
Date of Record: 8 May 1779
Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 8 May 1779
- Slave Name: Peter
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "about 35 years of age"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1741
Slave Status: Slave for life; sold to Samuel Purviance in 1771 -- escaped from Purviance in 1776.
Slave Description: "Mulatto man"
Slave Notes: Previously owned by David Franks, who sold him to Samuel Purviance circa 1771. Escaped from Purviance in New Jersey on 6 September 1776. Purviance placed the following ad to recover him:
THREE POUNDS REWARD.
RAN AWAY on Friday, the 6th inst. (September) from the subscriber, living in Pitts-Grove, one mile below the Sweed Meeting house, in Salem County, West-Jersey, a mulatto man named PETER, about 35 years of age, 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high, stout and well made, is fond of strong liquor, and when drunk very saucy and talks a great deal of his abilities as a farmer; he formerly lived with David Franks, Esq; of Philadelphia, and was purchased of hiim about five years ago by his present master. As he was seen going towards Salem it is probable he may make for Penn's Neck. He had on and took with him, a light mixed superfine cloth coat and waistcoat, a red hair plush jacket, a white jacket with a belt before, green calimanco breeches, a holland shirt, three stocks, a pair of white plain cotton stockings, a pair of light coloured silk ditto, a pair of tow trowsers, one red spotted and one black silk handkerchief, a pair of pumps, one of which is patched on the side, square silver shoe buckles, and an old hat. Whoever secures the said fellow in any gaol so that his master may have him again, shall receive the above reward, and reasonable charges if brought home, or to Samuel Purviance and Sons in Philadelphia.
SAMUEL PURVIANCE.
Date of Record: 17 September 1776
Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 17 September 1776
- Slaveholder Name: Fruin, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Baker
Notes: Arch Street in Philadelphia
- Slave Name: Name not given in ad
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age: Age not given in ad, but described as a woman
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe Woman"
Slave Notes: Born in Barbados. Text of advertisement:
To be SOLD,
At Mr. John Fruin's Baker in Arch-Street,
A Negroe Woman that can wash very well and do any House Business, Barbadoes born. A Negroe Boy about 12 Years old, Barbadoes born. A Parcel of Sweetemeats in small Potts, each containing about 3 lb A large fine Hammock; and a Parcel of old Iron.
Date of Record: 10 November 1737
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 November 1737.
- Slave Name: Name not given in ad
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "about 12 Years old"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1725
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe boy"
Slave Notes: Born in Barbados. Text of advertisement:
To be SOLD,
At Mr. John Fruin's Baker in Arch-Street,
A Negroe Woman that can wash very well and do any House Business, Barbadoes born. A Negroe Boy about 12 Years old, Barbadoes born. A Parcel of Sweetemeats in small Potts, each containing about 3 lb A large fine Hammock; and a Parcel of old Iron.
Date of Record: 10 November 1737
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 November 1737.
- Slaveholder Name: Gardner Family
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Named as the previous owner of Het, living at the Middle Ferry on Schuylkill.
- Slave Name: Hett
Sex: Female
Slave Age: "about 19 or 20" at time of escapte from Moore in Lancaster.
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1761
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negro woman"
Slave Notes: Hett "was born in Gardner family, near the Middle Ferry at Schuylkill, and brought up with Mr. Dixon at the Centre House." At some point before 1780 she was sold or transferred to tavern keeper George Moore in Lancaster borough. Her 1780 Slave Registration by George Moore in Lancaster County specifies status as a "slave for life." Hett ran away from Moore in 1782. Moore placed the following ad for her capture:
TWENTY DOLLARS Reward, If taken up out of this County. RAN away from the subscriber, living in Lancaster, a stout lusty Negroe wench, named HET, about 19 or 20 years of age, has a sower down look, much marked with the smallpox; had on when she went away a new cotton striped petticoat, and short gown of a large figure, with white, blue and yellow stripes in it; she took likewise several linsey short gowns and petticoats, also a calicoe short gown of a remarkable large figure, a pair of light blue woolen stockings, a pair of womens shoes and brass buckles, also a pair of mens shoes. The said Negroe was born in Gardner family, near the Middle Ferry at Schuylkill, and brought up with Mr. Dixon at the Centre House. She is very smart and complaisant with her tongue, and no doubt she has a good story to tell for herself. Whoever takes up and secures said Negroe, so that her master may have her again, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by me
GEORGE MOORE.
Date of Record: Registration: October 30, 1780; Advertisement: March 13, 1782
Source: "Slaves in Lancaster County in 1780"; The Pennsylvania Gazette, March 13, 1782
- Slaveholder Name: Gay, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Named as the previous owner of Caesar, below.
- Slave Name: Caesar
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "aged 25 years, or thereabouts"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1748
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe fellow"
Slave Notes: Sold or transferred to William Ewing of Virginia. Caesar escaped from Ewing in December 1772 while travelling from Pennsylvania to Virginia. Text of runaway slave advertisement placed by Ewing:
EIGHT DOLLARS Reward.
RUN AWAY from the subscriber, living in Virginia, on New River, on his way home from Pennsylvania, on the 27th of December last, a Negroe fellow, named CAESAR, about 5 feet 11 inches high, aged 25 years, or thereabouts, hath a scar iin his forehead, resembling a C; had on, when he went away, a jacket, of a winestone colour, lined with blue halfthicks, breeches of the same kind, black and white mixed stockings, plated buckles in his shoes, a new wool hat; he talks good English and Low Dutch; he was late the property of Mr. John Gay, of the city of Philadelphia, and may probably attempt to get back there again; he is an ill-natured fellow, and when angry hath a great stoppage in his speech. Whoever takes up said fellow, and secures him, so that his owner may have him again, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by PATRICK EWING, of Cecil County, Octarare Hundred, Maryland, or the subscriber, WILLING EWING. March 16, 1773.
Date of Record: 16 March 1773
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 21 April 1773
- Slaveholder Name: Gibbs, George
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Slave Name: Cyrus a.k.a. Simon
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: Age not given in advertisement, but described as a "man"
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
Slave Notes: Escaped from the Brig Philadelphia on October 15, 1770, presumably while docked in Philadelphia:
RUN-AWAY, from on board the Brig Philadelphia, on the 15th instant,
A Negro MAN, named CYRUS, but calls himself Simon's, is about 5 feet, 7 or 8 inches high, well made for strength, of a yellowish complexion, and is a little pitted with the small pox. Had on when he went away, a check shirt, a wide pair of oznabrugs trowsers, a pair of shoes, and sundry sailors cloaths.
Whoever will take up and secure said Negro, so that he may be had again shall have THIRTY SHILLINGS reward, paid by JOSEPH DONALDSON, or his master
GEORGE GIBBS.
N.B. As he has been brought up to the sea, it is imagined he may endeavor to ship himself in that capacity: All master of vessels are therefore desired not to take him on board.
Date of Record: 25 October 1770
Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, 25 October 1770
- Slaveholder Name: Gordon, Captain
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Located "in Arch-street, opposite the Church burying-ground."
- Slave Name: Unnamed boy
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "14 years old"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1753
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe Boy"
Slave Notes: Advertised for sale in March 1767: "TO BE SOLD, A NEGROE BOY, 14 years old. LIkewise a MULATTOE GIRL, 11 years of age. Enquire at Captain GORDON'S in Arch-street, opposite the Church burying-ground."
Date of Record: 12 March 1767
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 12 March 1767.
- Slave Name: Unnamed girl
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age: "11 years of age"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1756
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Mulattoe Girl"
Slave Notes: Advertised for sale in March 1767: "TO BE SOLD, A NEGROE BOY, 14 years old. LIkewise a MULATTOE GIRL, 11 years of age. Enquire at Captain GORDON'S in Arch-street, opposite the Church burying-ground."
Date of Record: 12 March 1767
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 12 March 1767.
- Slaveholder Name: Greenway, Robert
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Half of business partnership Greenway and Rundle.
Notes: Librarian from 1746-1763 of the Library Company of Philadelphia, the first free public library in North America.
- Slave Name: Unnamed woman
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age: "about 22 Years old"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1741
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
Slave Notes: Advertised for sale by Greenway in June 1748 as part of a larger estate sale ad: "Also a likely young negro woman, who can do all sorts of house work, to be sold by said Robert Greenway."
Date of Record: 03 November 1763
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 09 June 1748.
- Slave Name: Unnamed boy
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "about fifteen years old"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1739
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
Slave Notes: Advertised for hiring by Greenway in March 1754 as part of a larger ad to rent farms: "To be LETT, TWO plantations in the township of Bensalem, Bucks county, situated on the river Delaware, with good meadow ground to each, the one contains 135 acres, or thereabouts, adjoining the ferry, called Dunk's Ferry (now Hill's) the other upwards of 100 acres, about three quarters of a mile nearer to Philadelphia; they may be lett together or separately, with or without a handy Negroe boy, about fifteen years old, now on the premises. Enquire of ROBERT GREENWAY, in Philadelphia."
This same ad also offered to sell, from the company of Greenway and Rundle, the service of a number of German indentured servants, probably Palatines: "The service of sundry Germans, viz. a butcher, taylor, smith, husbandman, weaver, and some women and children, are to be disposed of by GREENWAY and RUNDLE."
Date of Record: 19 March 1754
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 19 March 1754.
- Slave Name: Unnamed man
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "about 22 Years old"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1741
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
Slave Notes: Advertised for sale in November 1763 to settle an estate: "To be SOLD by the Subscribers, Executors of the last Will of Robert Greenway, deceased, A Likely strong Negroe Man, about 22 Years old, has been used to wait on his late Master, who esteemed him for his Fidelity, and other good Qualities; he is also pretty well acquainted with Plantation-work, all Kinds of House-work, and knows something of Cooking; he is this Country born, and will be sold at private Sale. ROBERT MORRIS, JOHN EDWARDS, SARAH GREENWAY."
Date of Record: 03 November 1763
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 03 November 1763.
- Slaveholder Name: Greenway, William, Captain
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Ship's captain
Notes: In Norris Alley next door to Henry Schleydorn "sugar baker" (sugar refiner, confectioner)
- Slave Name: Un-named young woman
Slave Sex: Female
Slave Age: "about 20 years of age"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1728
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe wench"
Slave Notes: Advertised for sale by Greenway in May 1748: "Philadelphia, May 26, 1748. To be SOLD, A Likely, young, Negroe wench, about 20 years of age, fit for town or country business. Enquire of William Greenway, in Norris's Alley, next door to Mr. Schlydhorn's, sugar-baker."
Date of Record: 26 May 1748
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 26 May 1748.
- Slaveholder Name: Gregory, Thomas
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Innkeeper, Sign of the Horse and Groom, Strawberry Alley
Notes: In Strawberry Alley at the Horse and Groom tavern. Gregory was named in the ad below as having an enslaved boy for sale. It is not clear if there is a connection between the 17-year-old boy advertised and the other person named in the ad, Jacob Duffield.
- Slave Name: Un-named boy
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: "about 17 Years of Age"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1745
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe Boy"
Slave Notes: Advertised for sale as part of a larger notice of a public sale of land:
TO be sold by publick Vendue, on the 27th of December, at the London Coffee- House, at Six o'Clock in the Evening, Two Lots of Land, containing 40 Acres, be the same more or less; lying on the great Road leading from Philadelphia to Martin's Mill, near Oxford Church, about 7 Miles from Philadelphia, the greatest Part well timbered, the rest cleared, being a very convenient Situation for a Gentleman's Country Seat. Any Person inclining to purchase before the Day of Sale, may apply to Jacob Duffield, in Busseltown, or to Thomas Gregory, at the Horse and Groom, in Strawberry-Alley, Philadelphia.
N.B. Said Gregory has a likely Negroe Boy, about 17 Years of Age, to sell, fit for Country Business.
Date of Record: 16 December 1762
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 16 December 1762.
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Enslavement
