Enslavement in Pennsylvania

Source: Harrisburg Republican; May 05, 1820
Notes: Text of Advertisement: "Ten Dollars Reward. Ran away from the subscriber, living in Susquehanna township, Dauphin county, on the morning of Wednesday the 29th March, a black girl, named CHARLOTTE.
She is about 22 Years of age, small in stature; she took with her a black silk bonnet, one white muslin dress, a large blue shawl, and a number of other articles of wearing apparel, principally of linsey.
The above reward will be given for the apprehension of the runaway, and securing her in any jail so that I can get her again; and all reasonable expenses if brought home. John Foster May 5, 1820"

Reference Number: 52

Source: Herald, Carlisle, Pennsylvania; March 07, 1806; Reprinted in Two Hundred Years in Cumberland County; The Telegraph Press, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; 1951;
Notes: Text of Advertisement: "For Sale A NEGRO WENCH. A SLAVE for life, about 38 years of age, capable of doing any kind of house work.--Also a NEGRO BOY about 7 years of age, who has to serve until 28--for terms apply to JAMES DAVIS. Silver Springs, February 27th, 1806."

Reference Number: 53

Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, September 15, 1779.
Notes: Text of Advertisement: "Easton, Northampton County, Sept. 13, 1779.
COMMITTED to this Gaol, the 8th inst. WILLIAM SISKO, a mulatto, who says he belongs to James Byers, living in Paxton Township , Lancaster County. His Master is therefore desired to come, pay the Charges, and take him away.
PETER EHLER, Gaoler."

Reference Number: 54

Source: The Pennsylvania Packet, December 17, 1777.
Notes: Text of Advertisement: "December 6, 1777. TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD.
RAN AWAY from the subscriber, living in Paxton Township, Lancaster County, on the 4th of this inst. a Negro man named JOE, about twenty five years old, a thick well set fellow, speaks the English and German tongues well; had on when he went away, an orange coloured coat, a lead coloured jacket, a coarse shirt, and leather breeches. He took with him a black MARE, big with foal, about six years old, a natural trotter and carries herself well, and has no brand: It is supposed that he intends to go to Howe's army. Whoever takes up said Negro and Mare, shall receive the above Reward, or for any one of them, secured so that the owner gets them again, the one half of the above Reward, and reasonable charges, paid by JACOB AWL."

This is a fascinating advertisement. His owner, Jacob Awl, believes that he has set out for Philadelphia to join the British army who were in winter quarters there. Awl had not recovered Joe by 1780, when he registered him as a slave, but with the note "run away some time ago." It is highly doubtful that Awl ever recovered Joe. Perhaps this slave made it to Howe's Army and fought on the British side in the Revolutionary War as did many escaped slaves.

Historical Note: According to Benjamin Quarles' book The Negro in the American Revolution (1961; University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC.), the British in Philadelphia used African Americans in a company of "Black Pioneers." This unit was commanded by Captain Allen Stewart and consisted of Black men, women and children. According to Quarles this was not a combat unit, but was used for general labor. Records from September, 1778 report the uniform worn by this unit as consisting of a great coat, hat, sailor jacket, white shirt and winter trousers.

Reference Number: 55

Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, February 8, 1770.
Notes: Text of Advertisement: "RUN away on the 20th of June, 1769, from the subscriber, living in Paxton township, Lancaster county, a Negroe wench, about 18 years of age, about 5 feet high, talks good English; had about her neck, when she went away, an iron collar; said wench was formerly the property of Mr. Samuel Kennedy, near the Cross roads. Whoever secures her, so that the owner may have her again, shall receive Forty Shillings reward, and reasonable charges, paid by SAMUEL MARTIN."

This ad mentions the use of an iron collar as a restraining device, a cruel measure the use of which seems to have faded from this region by the time of the Revolution. This young woman was unable to take hers off before running away.

Reference Number: 56

Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, September 4, 1766.
Notes: Text of Advertisement: "RUN away from the Subscriber, in Paxton Township, Lancaster County, on Monday, the 19th of May last, a certain Negroe Man, named Dick, about 5 Feet 6 Inches high, a slim built black Fellow, about 23 or 24 Years old, speaks good English, some Low Dutch, and some French; had on, when he went away, an old Hat, Blanket Coat, good Leather Breeches, old Stockings, good Shoes, but a good deal too large for him, tied with Strings. As he formerly lived with one Mr. Hunt, in the Jerseys, it is thought will make that way, or towards Philadelphia. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and secures him, so as his Master may have him again, shall receive Six Dollars Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by JOHN POSTLETHWAIT."

Note that Dick speaks at least three languages, English, Low Dutch and some French.

Reference Number: 57

Source: Richard H. Steinmetz, The West Shore Shopper's Heritage of the West Shore, Plank's Suburban Press, Inc., Camp Hill, PA. 1976.
Notes: This copy is in the circulating collection of the Dauphin County Library System, at the East Shore (Ethel Street) Branch.

Reference Number: 58

Source: Eliza Cope Harrison, Editor Philadelphia Merchant: The Diary of Thomas P. Cope, 1800-1851, Gateway Editions, Ltd., South Bend, Indiana. 1978.
Notes: This copy is in the circulating collection of the Dauphin County Library System, at the East Shore (Ethel Street) Branch.

Reference Number: 59

Source: Typescript copy of an ad from an unidentified Lancaster newspaper. Copy furnished by Ann C. Clausen of Interpretive Solutions, Inc., 444 Bedford Road, Suite #201, Pleasantville, NY 10570.
Notes: Text of advertisement: "July 8, 1796. Twenty Dollars Reward. RAN away from Cornwall Furnace, Dauphin county, on Sunday the 17th of April last, a Negro Man, called Dick, (alias) Governor Dick: he is an elderly man, bald headed, about five feet ten inches high, stout made, has a down look, is slightly marked on each of his temples with the small scores usual to some of the natives of Africa, has large feet, and a remarkable scar on the great toe of his right foot, occasioned by its being split with an axe. He is by trade a rough carpenter, and values himself greatly on his dexterity in that occupation. Had on when he went away, a new drab-coloured coatee, with metal buttons, jacket and overalls of the same, a new wool hat, and took with him some old clothes. As he lived in the early part of his life in Hartford county, State of Maryland, it is probable he has shaped his course to that quarter. Whoever secures the said Negro so that the owners may get him again, shall receive the above reward, and reasonable charges, if brought home.
July 8th, 1796.
RUDOLPH KELKER, jun."

Note the mention of small scores marked on each of Dick's temples, "usual to some of the natives of Africa;" these traditional tribal markings are only rarely found on slaves working in this area and time period. Most slaves in rural Pennsylvania at this time were either born in the region or, more rarely, were brought from plantations in the Caribbean Islands.

Reference Number: 60

Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, July 16, 1772.
Notes: Text of Advertisement: "May 12, 1772. RUN AWAY from the subscriber, living at Cornwall Furnace, a Negroe man, named JACK, 24 or 25 years of age, slim made, about 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, talks good English; had on, when he went away, a new felt hat, a light coloured coat, short red waistcoat, without sleeves, a good pair of leather breeches, old stockings, without feet, new shoes, tied with strings; he was lately in the Workhouse, at Lancaster, and sold by Robert Craig, living in Donegall township, who was his master at that time. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and brings him to the above Furnace, or secures him in any of his Majesty's goals, so that his master may have him again, shall have THREE POUNDS reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
CURTIS GRUBB."

Reference Number: 61

Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, April 25, 1781.
Notes: Text of Advertisement: "One Ton of BAR IRON Reward, (or the value thereof in currency) RAN away from James Sharps, in Sadsbury township, Chester county, on the 10th day of April, 1779, a remarkable likely Negroe Man, very black, named Abel, about 24 or 25 years of age, 5 feet 10 or 11 inches high, with a mole on one of his cheeks, his clothes unknown; it is supposed he harbours between New Castle and St. George, or about Appquinimink, in Delaware State, as he has some friends that are freemen living in a cedar swamp in that neighborhood. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and secures him in any goal, or brings him to is master living at Hopewell forge, in Lancaster county, shall have the above reward, paid by
PETER GRUBB.
N.B. It is probable he will pass for a freeman, he having got a pass from a free Negroe, named NAT, and may pass by that name.
March 31, 1781."

This ad makes clear how groups of free Blacks helped out escaping slaves by providing shelter and passes. See also the following entry (Number 62).

Reference Number: 62
The following two ads should be read as one source.

Source: The Pennsylvania Packet, May 06, 1778.
Notes: Text of Advertisement: "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."

Source: The Pennsylvania Packet, June 06, 1778.
Notes: Text of Advertisement: "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."

Reference Number: 63

Source: The Carlisle Gazette, August 19, 1789. Reproduced in At a Place Called the Boiling Springs, Richard L. Tritt and Randy Watts, Editors. Boiling Springs Sesquicentennial Publications Committee, 1995. Page 67. Biographical information about Michael Ege Sr. was also obtained from this well researched local history book.
Notes: Text of Advertisement: "Four Dollars Reward. RAN-AWAY about three weeks ago from the subscriber living at the Carlisle Iron Works, Cumberland County, a Negroe Woman, named Bett, about forty years of age, speaks good German and English, her cloaths unknown, and fond of strong liquor supposed to be about the river. Whoever secures said wench in any goal shall be intitled to the above reward and resonable charges if brough home by MICHAEL EGE. August 18th, 1789."

When it became apparent to Michael Ege that Bett intended to go to Philadelphia, he placed the following ad a week later in The Pennsylvania Gazette, which was widely read in that city as well as throughout the state. Note that he increased the reward as she got further away:

Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, September 06, 1789.
Notes: Text of Advertisement: "Six Dollars Reward. RAN away from the subscriber, living at the Carlisle ironworks, in Cumberland county, a Negroe woman, named BETT, about 40 years of age, between five and six feet high, speaks good English and German. It is supposed she will make for the city of Philadelphia, as she was seen on the road between Lancaster and the city. Whoever secures said wench, so that I may get her again, shall receive the above reward, and reasonable charges if brought home, paid by MICHAEL EGE. August 26, 1789."

Reference Number: 64

Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, October 11, 1764.
Notes: Text of Advertisement: "FIVE POUNDS Reward. RUN away from the Subscriber, living in Carlisle, in Cumberland County, on the 24th of September last, a Negroe Lad, named Abraham, about 19 Years of Age, 5 Feet high, this Country born, can do a little in Silver Work, is active in any Kind of Farming Business, cut in both Ears; had on an Iron Collar, Blanket Coat, Buckskin Breeches, Stockings, and Shoes with Whitemetal Buckles. Supposed to have gone with a Deserter, as the same Night the Shop of John McKee, Taylor, was broken, and the following Goods taken, viz. a blue Coat, with white lining, much worn, a Soldier's light coloured coat, with Horn buttons, a scarlet Jacket newly turned, tow pair of Breeches, one black cloth, the other Nankeen, supposed by a Deserter, as next Day an old Soldier Coat, with some other Goods taken out of said Shop, were found in the Woods. Whoever takes up said Negroe and Thief, and secures them in any County Goal, so as his Master may have the Negroe, and the Thief brought to Justice, shall have Five Pounds for either of them Fifty Shillings paid by JOHN GEMMIL."

Several items stand out in this ad. Note the mention of an iron collar, worn by the slave Abraham. The ad also notes in the physical description that Abraham is "this Country born," indicating that slaves born in Africa or the Caribbean were distinguishable by their nativity. The "cut in both Ears" may be a tribal scarification mark, or it may be just incidental cuts. The owner, John Gemmil, in 1780 slave registration papers listed his occupation as "clock and watchmaker," which probably explains the silversmith skills noted for Abraham.

Reference Number: 65

Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, May 30, 1778. Reproduced in At a Place Called the Boiling Springs, Richard L. Tritt and Randy Watts, Editors. Boiling Springs Sesquicentennial Publications Committee, 1995. Page 111.
Notes: Text of Advertisement: "Carlisle, Mar 3, 1778. EIGHT DOLLARS REWARD. RUN away from the subscriber living at Carlisle Iron Works, a Mulattoe slave, named Anthony, about 26 years of age, 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high; had on an old blanket coat with brown stripes; buckskin breeches, white woollen stockings and old shoes. Whoever takes up the said slave, so as his master may have him again, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by THOMAS MAYBURY."

Reference Number: 66

Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, July 11, 1765.
Notes: Text of Advertisement: "RUN away, last Night, from the Subscribers, two Negroe Men, one named Cain, about 30 Years of Age, about 5 Feet 6 Inches high, has two Coats, one light coloured, with Mohair Buttons, the other Blue, with white Linings, a black Cotton Velvet Jacket, with Jet Buttons, a new Pair of Buckskin Breeches, several Pair of Thread, Worsted and Yarn Stockings, two Pair of new Shoes, two Pair of Silver carved Shoe Buckles, a Pair of Silver carved Knee Buckles, several good Linen Shirts, some of them ruffled, a Beaver Hat, with Silver Loop and Button, 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; the other named Phill, of much the same Stature, about 24 Years of age, took with him a Blanket Coat, but perhaps may wear one of the other Negroe, a red Flannel Jacket, a Pair of brown Yarn Stockings, new Shoes, with Steel Buckles, his Hands and Fingers have a natural Cast outwards very remarkable, a new Wool Hat, a red and white Calfskin Knapsack. Whoever takes up and secures said Negroes, so as their Masters may have them again, shall receive for each Twenty Shillings, if taken in Cumberland County, or Forty Shillings, if taken out of the County, with reasonable charges, from JOHN STEEL, V.D.M. and ROBERT GIBSON."

It is likely, from the organization of the ad, that Steel owned Cain, and Gibson owned Phill, and that the two slaveholders collaborated on the ad when their slaves ran off together.

Reference Number: 67

Source: "Returns of Negro and Mulatto Children Born After the Year 1780; June 7, 1788-November 13, 1793." Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Clerk of Courts (Clerk of the Peace). Microfilm Roll number 6251. Pennsylvania State Archives, Harrisburg, PA.
Notes: This is not a complete list of the children of slaves who were registered. This source lists only those slave children registered until November 13, 1793. There were other registrations after that date.

Reference Number: 68

Source: Pennsylvania Septennial Census Returns, 1779-1863. Roll No. 3, Franklin County 1828 - Lancaster County 1800, Reel No. 0244. Microfilm in the Pennsylvania State Archives, Harrisburg, PA.
Notes: "List of the Slaves Owned by persons within the County of Lancaster."

Reference Number: 69

Source: Will of John Willson of Lower Paxton Township, dated 04 March, 1799. Partial copy transcription provided by Margaret Nelson.
Notes: Partial text from will: "I do give and bequeath to my beloved wife my Neagro Woman named Nance and the whole of my household and kitchen furniture and six hundred pounds to be paid her out of my Estate to take with her if she should marry or to bequeath to home she pleaseth to them their heirs and assigns for ever."

"I do order that my Negro man Cuff be free at the end of five years if he behaves himself well."

Reference Number: 70

Source: John R. Miller Collection, 1750-1914 (Cumberland County Records). Microfilm at the Pennsylvania State Archives, Harrisburg. MG-90; microfilm roll No. 1, number 2261.
Notes: This collection includes registrations for Negro Slaves not found in the county records collection.

Reference Number: 71

Source: "St. John's Church, Lancaster 1755-1800; Record of Baptisms" in "Notes and Queries," William Henry Egle, 1900, p. 202-205; Xerox extracts found in Parish Archives--St. John's Church, Carlisle, PA, 1755-1967. Microfilm at the Pennsylvania State Archives, Harrisburg. Microfilm roll number 1112.
Notes: Information and spellings in this source must be suspect, as they are secondary at best.

Reference Number: 72

Source: Bucks County Prothonotary Records; Register of Slaves, LR83; Microfilm roll #5395. Microfilm at the Pennsylvania State Archives, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Notes: This register contains three distinct types of slave records: 1780 Registrations of slaves; 1788 and later Registrations of children of slaves; and Manumissions papers. The documents have the appearance of having been copied into a central register, or book, over the course of the years involved, as opposed to being the original scraps of paper written out by the slaveholders themselves and delivered to the County Recorder. If this is the case, it means that errors in spelling and in the recording of details could be present.

An 1876 analysis of the 1780 registrations notes "The whole number registered in the prothonotary's office at Newtown, was five hundred and twenty." (THE HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, CHAPTERS L & LI, MANORS AND LARGE LAND GRANTS; NEGRO SLAVERY IN BUCKS COUNTY. From the discovery of the Delaware to the present time by W. W. H. Davis, A.M., 1876 and 1905 editions.)
 

Reference Number: 73

Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, March 12, 1783.
Notes: Text of Advertisement: "EIGHT DOLLARS Reward.
RUN away from the subscriber, in Plumstead township, Bucks county, on the 25th of December last, a likely young Negroe man, named CUFF, about 23 years of age, 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high; had on, when he went away, a scarlet coat, full trimmed, a lightish coloured jacket, buckskin breeches, and blue yarn stockings. Said Negroe is an active fellow with horses, has been used to driving a carriage and tending race horses; it is most likely he will incline to fall into that employ or tending a stable, as he has been seen in Philadelphia. Any person apprehending said Negroe and delivering him to the subscriber, or to John Hart, three miles from Philadelphia, on the old York road, or securing him in any goal, so that the owner may have him again, shall be entitled to the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by WILLIAM HART.

N.B. All masters of vessels are forbid to carry him off."

Reference Number: 74

Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, June 09, 1757.
Notes: Text of ad: "Chester, June 6, 1757.
TAKEN up, and put in Chester Goal, a Negroe, who calls himself Dick, and says he belongs to Samuel Jones, of Plumsted Township, in Bucks County, who is desired to take him away, else he will be sold in four Weeks from this Date to pay Charges, by SAMUEL WHITE, Goal Keeper."

Reference Number: 75

Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, August 05, 1756.
Notes: Text of Ad: "New Castle, July 23, 1756.
THIS day was committed to the goal of this county a certain James Smith, about 25 years of age, who says he is a servant to James Black, farmer, living in Middletown township, Chester county. And a Negroe slave who calls himself Ming, and says he belongs to John Calley, tanner, in Middletown township, Bucks county. Their masters are hereby desired to come in six weeks after this date, and pay their fees, otherwise they will be sold for the same, by JOHN THOMSON, goaler."

Reference Number: 76

Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, May 06, 1756.
Notes: Text of ad: "TO be sold by the subscriber, at Milford mills, on Neshaminy creek, in Bucks county, A very likely Negro boy, has had the small pox, this country born; six months credit will be allowed the buyer, giving security. STEPHEN WILLIAMS."

Reference Number: 77

Source: The Pennsylvania Packet, December 31, 1778.
Notes: Text of Ad: "New Britain, Bucks County, Dec. 22, 1778.
ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD.
RAN AWAY from the subscriber, on the 20th instant, a Negro Man named TOM, well made, about six feet high; had on when he went away, a lightish surtout coat, a close bodied brown homemade ditto, a fine hat half worn, leather breeches with bootstraps behind, also a pair of boots: He has a fiddle with him, and plays with his left hand. Said Negro is well acquainted at a place called Ten mile Run, and it is thought will make that way: He was bought of one William Brown, near said Run, in the Jerseys, and one John Hunt was in company with said Brown, and it is supposed the Negro has followed them. Whoever takes up and secures said Negro so that his master may have him again, shall receive the above Reward, paid by TOBIAS SHULL."

A similar ad ran in the New Jersey Gazetteer, dated December 22, 1778:
"One Hundred Dollars Reward.  RANAWAY  from the subscriber, living in New Britain, Bucks county, the 20th instant, (Dec.) a Negro MAN called TOM, well made, about 6 feet high--Had on when he went away, a lightish surtout coat, a brown close bodied, a fine hat half worn, a pair of leather breeches with boot-straps behind, and had a pair of boots with him; he also took a fiddle with him and plays with his left hand.  Said negro was bought from one William Brown at or near Ten Mile Run, in New-Jersey, where he, the negro, says his is well acquainted, and imagine he is gone that way.  Whoever secures said negro, so that his master may have him again, shall have the above reward, paid by me TOBIAS SHULL.  December 22, 1778.

Reference Number: 78

Source: The Pennsylvania Packet, November 03, 1778.
Notes: Text of Ad: "Middletown, Bucks County, October 30, 1778.
THIRTY DOLLARS REWARD.
RAN AWAY from the subscriber, sometime last January, a Negro Wench named JUDE, lusty and stout, a little marked with the smallpox: She was frequently seen in Philadelphia while the British troops lay there, and it is supposed she is lurking in this State, or in the Jerseys, yet. Whoever secures the said Wench in any gaol, so as the subscriber may have her again, shall have the above reward, paid by
DANIEL LARREW."

Reference Number: 79

Source: The Pennsylvania Packet, July 25, and September 15, 1778.
Notes: Text of July 25, 1778 Ad: "FIVE POUNDS REWARD. RAN AWAY from the subscriber, about four or five weeks ago, out of the city of Philadelphia, a Negro man named DICK, about four and a half feet high, 50 years old, has a lameness in his body; it is supposed he is gone to Bucks County, as he has a wife there. Whoever takes up the above Negro and brings him to the subscriber on market street wharf, Philadelphia, shall have the above reward and reasonable charges, paid by ROBERT TURNER."

Text of September 15, 1778 Ad: "TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD. RAN AWAY from the subscriber, a Negro fellow DICK, about fifty years of age, lame in his body, formerly belonged to one Lovett, of Bucks county, now the property of Robert Turner, of Philadelphia. I do forwarn all persons not to harbour said fellow at their peril. Any person taking him up shall have the above reward, and all reasonable charges, paid by ROBERT TURNER. Sept. 11."

Reference Number: 80

Source: The Pennsylvania Packet, September 03, 1778.
Notes: Text of Ad: "TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD.
RAN AWAY on the 30th of August, from the subscriber, living in Warminster township, Bucks county, a Negro man named PEET, five feet ten or eleven inches high, about twenty years of age; had on when he went away, a spotted flannel jacket and a brown cloth coat; took with him two pair of trowsers, one white and the other checked, two white shirts, one somewhat worn and the other new; some other things missing which it is supposed he has taken to sell. Whoever takes up and secures said Negro so that he may be had again, shall have the above reward and reasonable charges, paid by JONATHAN WALTON."

Reference Number: 81

Source: The Pennsylvania Packet, July 18 and September 08, 1778.
Notes: Text of July 18, 1778 Ad: "TEN POUNDS REWARD. RAN AWAY from the subscriber, a tall Negro Wench named SUKEY BROWN; she stutters when she speaks in a hurry; took with her two calico shirt gowns, one a black and white stripe and other blue and white, a linsey petticoat, and sundry other very good cloaths unknown. It is supposed she is gone off with her husband, JAMES BROWN, a free Negro, tall and much pitted with the smallpox. She was born and bred in Bucks County, and formerly lived with one Mr. Vansant. Whoever takes up said Wench and secures her, so that her master may have her again, shall have the above reward and reasonable charges, paid by June 26, 1778. PHILIP MOSER."

Reference Number: 82

Source: The Pennsylvania Packet, August 15, 1778.
Notes: Text of Ad: "Newcastle County, ss.
NOW in the gaol of this county, two Negro Men, one who calls himself HARRY, sometimes WILL, says he belongs to Mr. Nicholas Dorsey, at Elk Ridge, Maryland, but appears to be the negro advertised by William Hopkins in the Pennsylvania Packet; he is a likely well made fellow, very black, and scared on the back. The other committed by the name of BEN, alias TIM, who says he belonged to David Cornick, in Radnor Township, Bucks County, who left him free by will; he is a stout, chunky, well made negro, about five feet eight inches high, thirty six years of age. Their masters, if any they have, are desired to pay charges and take them away; or whoever can give sufficient voucher for Ben, alias Tim, that he is a freeman, is desired to bring or send it, when he will be discharged."

"August 11, 1778.THOMAS CLARK, Gaoler."

Reference Number: 83

Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, January 29, 1800.
Notes: Text of Ad: "Six Dollars Reward.
RAN away from the subscriber, living in Southampton township, Bucks county, some time ago, a negro lad, named DAVIE, about twenty years of age, near five feet ten inches high, of a yellow complexion, has lost one of his fore teeth with the stroke of a sledge hammer; as to his apparel it cannot be well ascertained as he has been gone some time. Whoever takes up said runaway, and secures him in the goal at Philadelphia, so that the owner may get him again, shall receive the above reward, with all reasonable charges, paid by me JOSIAH HART.
January 28, 1800.
N.B. All masters of vessels and others are forbid to harbour said negro at their peril."

Reference Number: 84

Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, April 20, 1796.
Notes: Text of Ad: "RAN away from the subscriber, living in Bensalem township, Bucks county, in the state of Pennsylvania, on the 12th instant, a negro slave, named ISHMAEL, well set, about five feet eight inches high, very sensible, and of a genteel behaviour, something of a scholar, about thirty-eight years of age, his sight somewhat bad, a blemish in one eye, if not both, but scarcely perceivable, the little finger on his right hand lays flat, the others on the same hand somewhat stiff, with a cut near his elbow, which left a scar; he is subject to drink; had on, when he went away, a led coloured full linsey coattee, trowers of the same, a waistcoat near the same, with striped back, a new surtcoat near the same colour, a light cloth coat and waistcoat of the same, one brown coat, two pair of blue woolen footed stockings, much darned, one good fur hat, and one felt do. said fellow plays well on the fiddle. Any person securing said negro in any goal, so that his master may have him again, shall receive four dollars reward, and reasonable charges. NATHANIEL VANSANT"

Reference Number: 85

Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, September 02, 1795.
Notes: Text of Ad: "Eight Dollars Reward. RAN AWAY, on the 24th instant, from the subscriber, living in Northampton township, Bucks county, a Negro MAN upwards of 40 years of age, goes by the name of BRAM, about 5 feet 5 or 6 inches high, leans forward in his walk, loves spirits, and is fond of a violin, one of which he took with him; had on when he went away, a light coloured cloth short coat, a striped pattern under jacket, a fine shirt, and a tow linen do. two pair of trowsers, one pair tow linen, a pair of black and white speckled cotton stockings, and a pair of light coloured worsted do. coarse leather shoes, and an old fine hat. Whoever secures said Negro in any gaol, so that his master gets him again, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by HUGH EDAMS."

"N.B. All masters of vessels, and others, are forbid to harbour or carry him away. August 26, 1795."

Reference Number: 86

Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, May 07, 1794.
Notes: Text of Ad: "One Dollar Reward. RAN away from the subscriber, living in Warwick township, Bucks county, on Tuesday, the 29th of this instant, April, an indented servant Negro man, named AMOS, about nineteen years of age, five feet eight inches high, a well set stout made fellow, a little stoop shouldered when he walks; had on, when he went away, a good drabb coloured coat with two rows of buttons, a tow shirt, fulled lindsey trowsers, a good high crowned hat, old shoes, with strings in them. Whoever takes up said Negro, and brings him home to his master, or secures him in any gaol, so that his master may get him again, shall have the above reward, and no charges, paid by
JONATHAN ROBERTS. April 30, 1794."

Reference Number: 87

Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, June 12, 1793.
Notes: Text of Ad: "FIVE DOLLARS Reward. RAN away, on the 20th May last, from the subscriber, living in Bensalem township, county of Bucks and state of Pennsylvania, a strong hearty able Negroe man, named Tobe, twenty-three years of age, about five feet nine inches high, pretty black, shows his teeth and gums very much when he laughs, which he does very frequently, his knees turn considerably inwards; he is apt to get in liquor, swears and is impertinent and saucy when intoxicated; he is well acquainted with all kind of plantation work, being brought up to the farming business: Had on when he went away, an old hat, tow shirt and trowsers, a good deal worn, an old under-jacket, the fore part of it striped velvet, with corduroy backs, and sugar-loaf buttons, and an old pair of shoes and buckles, but will be likely to supply himself with other cloaths. Whoever apprehends the said runaway servant, and brings him home, or secures him in any prison, so that his master may get him again, shall have the above reward, and all reasonable charges, paid by
ABRAHAM LARUE, junr."

"N.B. All persons are forbid to harbour the said negro, at their peril. If the above negro returns home to his master, he shall meet with the same usage as formerly, which was with the utmost lenity. June 5th, 1793."

Reference Number: 88

Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, August 10, 1791.
Notes: Text of Ad: "Three Pounds Reward. RAN away from the Subscriber, the 24th of July last, a servant man, named JESSE, twenty years old last February, five feet six inches high, took with him a nankeen jacket and pair of breeches, a pair of blue and white woollen stockings, a long green coat, and a new hat, broad in the brim; he has a black speck in the white of his eye. Whoever secures him in any gaol within this state, or any other, shall have the above reward, and all reasonable charges, paid by
JOSHUA DUNGAN. Bucks county, Warwick township, August 4, 1791."

"N.B. All masters of vessels, and others, are forwarned not to harbour or carry off the said negro, at their peril."

Reference Number: 89

Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, December 12, 1787.
Notes: Text of Ad: "TEN DOLLARS Reward. RAN away the beginning of this month, an indented Negro man, about 21 years of age, named WILL, stout built, has good teeth, is rather thin, speaks good English and Low Dutch, swears often. He was born in Bucks county, in the family of Mr. Jacob Vandike, since a slave to Mr. Alexander Allair, in this city. He has been seen in Southampton township, and in this city since he went away, when his eyes were sore from a cold he caught lately, he has a cough of some standing, but it is not very violent. He took with him a light coloured coat, a black ditto, a brown ditto, a black waistcoat, a striped silk plush ditto, a pair of buff silk breeches, plated buckles, and several other articles, of which he has sold some. Whoever will bring him to the subscriber shall receive the above reward and reasonable charges.
TENCH COXE. Philadelphia, December 11, 1787."

Reference Number: 90

Source: Society of Friends. Middletown Monthly Meeting, Men's Minutes, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Church Records, Vol. 2 (Extract)
Notes: From: jo garzelloni
To: [email protected]
Subject: Quaker...Middletown Monthly Meeting

Good Morning Everyone,
These extractions are from the Middletown Monthly Meeting, Men's Minutes, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Church Records, Vol. 2 My reference #400F7

(page 739)
"7/8/1777 - Joshua Woolston and Mary Stapler intend to marry. The following Friends still persist in hold slaves: Jonathan Willett, Joseph Thornton, John Jenks, and William Rodman [ the latter having it under consideration ]. Isaac Stackhous has freed his Negro man named Ishmael."

(page 741)
"9/10/1777 - Marriage of Joshua Woolston and Mary Stapler accomplished 18th of last month. John Jenks has set his Negro free. John Knight and Margery Paxson intend to marry, with consent of relations, he being a member of another monthly meeting. Reported that Jeremiah Gillam has accomplished his marriage in a disorderly manner by the assistance of a hireling minister. James Paxson and Rachel Croasdale intend to marry, with consent of relations. Joseph Thornton has set two of his Negroes free."

(page 741)
"4/12/1778 - Certificate for Ann Hampton from Wrightstown monthly meeting. Marriage of John Knight and Margery Paxson accomplished 13th of last month. Jonathan Willett has set one Negro free since last meeting."

(page 743)
"5/3/1778 - Williams Rodman disowned for holding slaves and participating as a judge in matters relating to War. Informed that Lucas Gillam the Younger went away in a disorderly way and hath joined himself to a military body of men and hath been present with them in war."

I don't know as there's much help here but perhaps those set free took the name of their owners as their own.
I've left the entire entry intact. I hope they help someone.

Jo Garzelloni
- African Ancestored Genealogy Discussion
- Afrigeneas archives: https://lists.msstate.edu/sympa/info/afrigeneas

Reference Number: 91

Source: Society of Friends. Falls Monthly Meeting, Men's Minutes, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Church Records, Vol. 2 (Extract)
Notes: From: jo garzelloni
To: [email protected]
Subject: Quaker Men's Minutes

Hi Everyone,
I've left the entire entry intact so as not to take anything out of context. I hope this helps someone.

(page 619 )
"7/11/1764 - Reported that James Winder is evasive and unclear as to the Negro he had purchased and he had been concerned in horse racing and at another time quarreling and fighting. [ disowned ] Falls Meeting reports that David Bunting hath sued Joseph Hough at law and treated him with ill language. Falls Meeting reports that Thomas Barnes, Jur., has sued David Bunting and Thomas being present, acknowledged the fact. Certificate requested for John Cornthwaite to Nottingham Monthly Meeting. Makefield reports that James Thornton and Hannah Burroughs are gone out in their marriage and guilty of fornication."

(Men's Minutes, page 624)
"1/5/1765 - Falls Meeting reports that Robert Lucas sometime past sold a Negro. Also that Sarah Hutchinson has placed her son an apprentice with a man that is not of our Society. Timothy Bunting requests a certificate for himself and wife to Chesterfield Monthly Meeting. Matthias Hutchinson requests a certificate to Buckingham Monthly Meeting. Makefield reports that John Ashton has gone out in marriage with a woman not of our Society.[ disowned ] Testimony to be prepared against Elizabeth Reed, late Eliza. Janney and Susanna Ashton [disowned ], late Nutt, for going out in marriage with men not of our Society."

(Men's Minutes, age 641)
"7/1/1767 - Marriage of Joseph Wilson and Rachel Satcher accomplished on the 17th of last month. He produced a certificate from Middletown Monthly Meeting. Marriage of David Stogdale and Jane Whiteacre accomplished on the 11th of last month. He produced a certificate from Wrightstown Monthly Meeting. Thomas Godwin produced a certificate from Gosham Monthly Meeting on his religious visit. Falls reports that Samuel Canby requests a certificate to Phila. Monthly Meeting. Makefield reports that Thomas Yeardley of Newtown hath purchased a Negro. Keirl Rickey and Sarah his wife condemned their committing fornication with each other."

(Fall's Monthly Meeting, Men's Minutes, same as above)
"3/5/1773 - Marriage of Stacy Potts and Margaretta Yeardley accomplished on 15th of last month, parents consenting. He produced a certificate from Chesterfield Monthly Meeting. Certificate for Phebe Cornthwait to East Nottingham Monthly Meeting. Bristol reports that Jonathan Bunting and Rebecca Johnston, who were first cousins, are guilty of fornication and have since married by a magistrate. It appears that Joseph Lovett hath sold a Negro. Reported that Sarah Vanhorn, late Mode, hath gone out in marriage with a man not of our Society.
[disowned ]
Bristol reports that Sarah Large complains that Daniel Thompson keeps her out of a sum of money due her.[ disowned 2/2/1774 for neglecting to pay the debt. ]"

Jo Garzelloni
My Reference # 400F1
- African Ancestored Genealogy Discussion
- Afrigeneas archives: https://lists.msstate.edu/sympa/info/afrigeneas

Reference Number: 92

Source: Will of Richard Thomas, 1772: Hilltown, Bucks County, PA. File online at USGenWeb Archives: http://usgwarchives.net/
Notes: Partial text of will:
"Item I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Martha the full and Just Sume of fifty Pounds of like money as affore said, and also my little Negroe Girl Called Rose Untill She attains to the age of thirty years, and my will is that then, if She lives to the age of thirty years, She Shall from thence forward be a free Negroe as although She had never been a slave.

Item I give and bequeath unto my Negroe Felis her freedom when she Attains to the age of thirty years and that She shall from thence forward to a free woman."

Text of will used by permission of the original transcriber and USGenWeb contributor, Dalice Fadden, 870 Hanover Ct., Hazleton, PA 18201 (Thank you, Dalice.)
"Genealogical Research in Berks, Carbon, Columbia, Lehigh, Luzerne and Schuylkill Counties"

Reference Number: 93

Source: Will of Matthew Patton, 1778. File online at Afrigeneas: https://lists.msstate.edu/sympa/arc/afrigeneas
Notes: Partial text of will:
"Also give and bequeath to her my said wife my negro wench Sally to wait on her and if the said wench shall appear stubborn and not duly please her mistress I allow that my Executors at my wife('s) request hire out the said wench and that (the and that) they hire a girl instead to wait on her mistress"

Reference Number: 94

Source: Indictments--1750-1800, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Merri Lou Scribner Schaumann, 1989. Repository: State Library of Pennsylvania, Genealogy/Local History Section, Forum Building, Walnut & Commonwealth, P.O. Box 1601, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17105.
Notes: This book is a compilation of the original Indictment documents housed at the Cumberland County Historical Society & Hamilton Library, 21 N. Pitt St., Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013-2945. Some entries seem to be extractions of documents while others contain substantial details about the cases.

Abbreviations used in data from this source (from the book's notes):
"Tent: The person who guaranteed bail or a court appearance."
"Test: Witnesses"

Reference Number: 95

Source: Cumberland County: An Architectural Survey. Nancy Van Doren, 1990 by the Cumberland County Historical Society. Printed by Science Press, Ephrata, PA.
Notes: Slave references are on pages 170, and 239-40.

Reference Number: 96

Source: "Records of Wenrich's Reformed Church (now St. Thomas United Church of Christ), Lower Paxton Township. Cemetery Records; Baptisms, 1791-1938." Nevin Moyer and Earle W. Lingle, n.d. Indexes. Repository: In Dauphin County Church Records, Volume 8 in State Library of Pennsylvania, Genealogy/Local History Section, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Notes: Known as "Wenrich's Records," this source is a compilation of transcribed church records, tombstone inscriptions and commentary. Probably compiled in the late 1930's or early 1940's. The copy in the State Library is difficult to read due to the authors' habit of typing over errors without making an erasure. There are also hard to read handwritten notes in the margins and handwritten corrections to the typed copy.

A valuable source of slavery information which would otherwise have been lost but for the author's fondness for including anecdotes about everyday people.

Reference Number: 97

Source: "Lancaster Journal 1796-1811." Microfilm. Repository: In State Library of Pennsylvania, Newspaper Room, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Notes: Microfilm of this newspaper is located in the newspaper room of the library, and must be requested from the librarian.

Reference Number: 98

Source: Taverns of Cumberland County Pennsylvania, 1750-1840. Merri Lou Scribner Schaumann. Cumberland County Historical Society, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, 1994. Repository: Private collection of the Camp Curtin Historical Society/Civil War Round Table, Inc., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Notes: A complete and well documented source for all known taverns which existed in Cumberland County during the time period covered. As time permits, I will be going to the original sources noted in this resource.

Reference Number: 99

Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, February14, 1778
Notes: 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, above.

Reference Number: 100

Source: Manumission papers of Henry Wynkoop of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Reproduced by permission of The Wynkoop Family Research Library. Repository: Spruance Library, Bucks County Historical Society, 84 South Pine Street, Doylestown, PA 18901; Bucks County Manumission, Folder 1
Notes: Text of Manumission: "Manumission--Henry Wynkoop Esq to Phebe Tony & Tom. 1793. Know all then by these presents that I Henry Wynkoop of Northampton Township in the County of Bucks Esquire for divers good causes and considerations me thereunto moving and of my own motion without any pecuniary consideration have manumitted and set free my Negro Woman Slave named and registered by the Name of Phebe, also my Negro Man named and Registered by the Name of Tony (both above the age of twenty eight years) and also my Negro Man Tom registered by the Same Name and under the age of Twenty eight years and by these presents do manumit and set free the said three Slaves, Phebe Tony and Tom for ever. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this sixteenth day of December in the Year of our Lord one thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety three.
[Henry Wynkoop Seal] Sealed and delivered in the presence of
}Jas. Linton, Wm Linton Bucks fr? [Seal]
Before me the Subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace for the County of Bucks Henry Wynkoop Esquire acknowledged the above Manumission to be his Act and Deed. Witness my Hand & Seal Decr 16th 1793. Francis Murray Bucks fr Recorded in the Rolls Office for the County of Bucks in Lease Book No. 1 Page 232. Witness my Hand & Seal of office ~ Decr 16th 1793 Wm Linton D. Recorder"