York County, Pennsylvania Slaveholders A-Z

Each listing represents a record of one Black enslaved person or indentured servant (more on terminology below). The list is sorted alphabetically according to the slaveholder's surname. This order is useful because It groups together enslaved persons who would have lived in the same household, farm or industry, and increases the likelihood of finding persons related to each other. Recorded surnames for enslaved persons in this time period are rare, many being identified only through their given name. You can search this listing for a specific slave given name by using your browser's Find feature (usually Ctrl + F).

Dates of birth given for the enslaved persons, unless specified in the original documents, have been calculated by subtracting their given age from the date of the record. Very often their ages, as reported in the original records, are given as approximations (such as "about 25 years of age"), which is indicated by a lower case "a" following their age. The term Status refers to the enslaved person's relative freedom. Unless specified otherwise, slaves served "for life" prior to Pennsylvania's Gradual Emancipation Act of 1780. Children born to enslaved mothers after the passage of that legislation were, according to law, to serve until age 28, which was most of their productive lives.

Description refers to that of the enslaved person as given in the original source (including misspellings). This was often the means by which enslaved persons were categorized according to race and relative age.

Terminology, and Other Notes

The terms "slave" and "servant" were often used interchangeably, especially in the earliest years of the time period covered in this study. After the Gradual Emancipation Act of 1780 was passed in Pennsylvania, the term "servant" frequently came to mean either someone in indentured servitude or someone employed by the head of the household. The passage from enslavement to servant was often indistinct for many Blacks, many of whom remained with their former enslavers after being legally emancipated. The term "slave" is used throughout this listing to represent these persons who were truly in bondage, even though some records listed them as "servants." This list does not include white indentured servants, who represented a different class of labor from Black slaves and Black "indentured servants."

The locations listed for the slaveholders, especially City or Township are greatly mixed, and represent the location listed in the original record. As township boundaries shifted and new townships and counties were created, the original listing may be misleading.

Enslavement Data

Slaveholder Name: ?
City or Township: York
County: York
Occupation:
Notes: The slaveholder here, in selling an entire slave family, apparently wished to remain anonymous.

Slave Name: ?
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: 30a
Slave Date of Birth: 1748 (calculated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
Slave Notes: Text of sale ad:
"York Town, March 21, 1778.
TO BE DISPOSED OF, A STRONG healthy Negro MAN, has had the smallpox, about 30 years of age, his wife and three children, the eldest of whom is six years: The man has been employed on a farm for some years, and besides his knowledge of farming he can ditch very well. Whoever may incline to purchase them, will apply to the PRINTERS."
Date of Record: March 21, 1778
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette
Slave Name: ?
Slave Gender: Female
Slave Age: ? (adult in 1778)
Slave Date of Birth: ?
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description:
Slave Notes: Offered for sale in March, 1778, along with her husband and three children.
Date of Record: March 21, 1778
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette
Slave Name: ?
Slave Gender: Not determined
Slave Age: 6
Slave Date of Birth: 1772 (calculated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: child
Slave Notes: Offered for sale in March, 1778, along with rest of family. This is the oldest child.
Date of Record: March 21, 1778
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette
Slave Name: ?
Slave Gender: Not determined
Slave Age: ? (child)
Slave Date of Birth: Prior to 1772.
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: child
Slave Notes: Offered for sale in March, 1778, along with rest of family.
Date of Record: March 21, 1778
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette
Slave Name: ?
Slave Gender: Not determined
Slave Age: ? (child)
Slave Date of Birth: Prior to 1772.
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: child
Slave Notes: Offered for sale in March, 1778, along with rest of family.
Date of Record: March 21, 1778
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

Slaveholder Name: Agnew, John
City or Township: Hamilton Bann Township
County: York
Occupation:
Notes: Agnew placed the following advertisement in The Pennsylvania Gazette on September 10, 1778: "Wanted immediately, a stout young Negro Lad, fit for farming."
It is not known if he obtained a slave as a result of this ad.

Slaveholder Name: Alexander, William
City or Township: Codorus Forge, "near York Town"
County: York
Occupation:
Notes:

Slave Name: Johnson, Jack
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: 35a
Slave Date of Birth: 1743 (calculated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "much in the yellowish order"
Slave Notes: Text of runaway ad:
"January 31, 1778.
TEN POUNDS Reward.
RUN away last September, from the Subscriber, living at Codorus Forge, near York Town, a Negroe man, named Jack Johnson, about 35 years of age, 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, much in the yellowish order; had on when he went away, a small bound felt hat, a new tow shirt, a pair of snuff coloured fustian breeches, lined with check, old stockings and shoes; he is a saucy fellow, and much given to drink. Whoever takes up and secures said Negroe, so as his master may have him again, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges if brought home, paid by WILLIAM ALEXANDER."
Date of Record: February 07, 1778
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

Slaveholder Name: Banta, Samuel
City or Township:
County: York
Occupation:
Notes: "Garret Dorland was leaving York County for Kentucky in 1790 and sold these three people to his brother in law Samuel Banta, who was married to Garret's sister Dyna Dorland. Garret and Dyna were the children of Lambert Dorland and Styntje Terheune Voorhees of Somerset County, NJ. Both the Bantas and the Dorlands were members of the Low Dutch Colony living in Straban, Berwick, Mt. Pleasant and Mt. Joy Townships of York County. The Colony existed from about 1769 through 1790, before the majority of its members moved to Mercer, Henry and Shelby Counties, Kentucky. Garret Dorland had been a justice living in Berwick Township. His father Lambert died in 1772 and Garret moved to Conewago after that date. It is possible that the parents of these slaves originated in the Montgomery Twp Somerset County, NJ area."

"Sam and Dyna Dorland Banta did move to Kentucky and eventually with their children joined the Shaker Community. If these slaves traveled with them, then there is a chance that they also became part of the Shaker Community at Pleasant Hill." (Email correspondence, Judy Cassidy to Afrolumens Project, March 7, 2005)

Slave Name: Jack
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: 10
Slave Date of Birth: 1779 -- December 18
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Moalote" (mulatto)
Slave Notes: Sold to Samuel Banta of York County in May, 1790. Text of sales agreement:
All men by these presents know that I, Garret Dorland of York County, state of Pennsylvania, for and in consideration of the sums of one hunired poinds to me in hand pade at and before the selling and delivery hear of by Samuel Banta in the County of York, State of Pennsylvania, wear of I do hereby acknowledge have bargained and sold and by these presents aforesaid a Moalote boy named JACK, boarin the year one thousand seaven hundret and seavinty-nine, the eighteen day of December and a negro garl, LEAH, boarn seaventeen and Eaty-two the twenty day of March and a negro boy SEEB, boarn seavinteen and eat-five, tent day of March.
Date of Record: May 11, 1790
Source: Dorland, Garret to Samuel Banta, Bill of Sale, York Co Deed Book F, 399 11 May 1790. Transcription provided by Judy Cassidy. (Email correspondence, Judy Cassidy to Afrolumens Project, March 7, 2005)
Slave Name: Leah
Slave Gender: Female
Slave Age: 8
Slave Date of Birth: 1782 -- March 20
Slave Status: Slave to age 28
Slave Description: "Negro garl"
Slave Notes: Sold to Samuel Banta of York County in May, 1790. See the notes for the slave Jack, above, for the text of the sales agreement.
Date of Record: May 11, 1790
Source: Dorland, Garret to Samuel Banta, Bill of Sale, York Co Deed Book F, 399 11 May 1790. Transcription provided by Judy Cassidy. (Email correspondence, Judy Cassidy to Afrolumens Project, March 7, 2005)
Slave Name: Seeb
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: 5
Slave Date of Birth: 1785 -- March 10
Slave Status: Slave to age 28
Slave Description: "Negro boy"
Slave Notes: Sold to Samuel Banta of York County in May, 1790. See the notes for the slave Jack, above, for the text of the sales agreement.
Date of Record: May 11, 1790
Source: Dorland, Garret to Samuel Banta, Bill of Sale, York Co Deed Book F, 399 11 May 1790. Transcription provided by Judy Cassidy. (Email correspondence, Judy Cassidy to Afrolumens Project, March 7, 2005)

Advertisement for runaway slave Isaac.

Slaveholder Name: Brien, John
City or Township: Spring Forge, on Codurus Creek, West Manheim Township
County: York
Occupation: Forge manager, later owner
Notes: Spring Forge was purchased by John Brien in 1800, and acquired by Robert Coleman in 1815.

Slave Name: Isaac, or Cudjo
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: 21a
Slave Date of Birth: 1778 (calculated)
Slave Status: Not stated; "property of Robert Coleman" (See the Lancaster listings for Robert Coleman). His year of birth indicates he was probably a slave for life.
Slave Description: Negro, 5 feet 8 inches; a trained forgeman at Spring Forge, probably also worked at a forge or furnace in Chester County
Slave Notes: Although Robert Coleman is listed as slaveholder, John Brien, manager of Spring Forge, placed the ad when he ran away from the forge in October 1799. Text of runaway ad:
"Twenty Dollars Reward.
RAN-AWAY from Spring Forge, in York County, a negro man, named ISAAC, otherwise CUDJO, about 21 years old, the property of Robert Coleman; Esq. He is about 5 feet 8 inches high, has a blemish in his eyes, more white iin them than common, by trade a Forgeman; had on and took with him a drab coloured broad cloth coat, almost new, a sailors jacket and pantaloons printed fancy cord, a swansdown striped under jacket; a rorum hat; one fine and one course shirt, one muslin handkerchief, sprigged, two ditto striped border, a blue Persian under jacket and tow pair cotton stockings. Whoever takes up said negro and lodges him in any jail in this or any of the neighbouring states shall have the above reward or reasonable expences if brought home.
JOHN BRIEN.
Spring Forge, October 23, 1799.
N.B. As said negro formerly lived in Chester county, it is probable he may return there."
Date of Record: February 07, 1778
Source: The United States Gazette, 20 August 1800, page 4.

Slaveholder Name: Chambers, Joseph
City or Township: York Town
County: York
Occupation:
Notes: Registered two slaves-for-life in 1780 (source: History of York County, Pennsylvania, Vol. 1. George R. Prowell. J.H. Beers & Co., Chicago. 1907)

Slave Name: James Jones
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 28a
Slave Date of Birth: 1741 (calculated)
Slave Status: Runaway
Slave Description: "Negroe man"
Slave Notes: Ran away in 1756. Text of runaway ad placed by Chambers in the Pennsylvania Gazette:
Yorktown, York county, Sept. 2, 1756.
RUN away from Joseph Chambers, of Yorktown, a well set active Negroe fellow, named James, about 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, and speaks good English: Had on a brown coloured coat, lined with white coloured calimancoe, a brown jacket, lined with Bristol stuff, coarse shirt and trowsers, old shoes, and a hat, but I know not what sort. Whoever secures said fellow in any goal, so as his master may have him again, shall have Forty Shillings reward, and reasonable charges, if taken in this province, and Three Pounds if taken out of it, paid by JOSEPH CHAMBERS.
N.B. He can beat a drum, and has a great desire to be amongst soldiers. He was seen near Philadelphia, and is supposed to be in or about town. Whoever secures him as aforesaid, shall be paid as mentioned above, by Joseph Bell, at the Harp and Crown, in Third street, Philadelphia.
Ran away again in 1769 in the company of two other men. Text of runaway ad, from the Pennsylvania Gazette, August 17, 1769:
RUN away from the Subscriber, living in Donegall, Lancaster county, an Irish servant man, named JOHN ROBESON, about 22 years of age, about 5 feet 6 inches high, of a fresh complexion, red hair, and commonly wears it tied behind, and cued; had on, when he went away, a shirt and trowsers, a linen jacket, with 4 rows of buttons on the breast, and a pair of old shoes; he is a good scholar, and perhaps may pass for a Doctor. There went off with him, a negroe man, named NED, well set, and strong, but not very tall, aged about 28 years, born in the Jerseys, speaks very good English, and can read and write, of a down look, and thick lips; had on, when he went away, a coarse shirt and trowsers, a hat, bound round the edge, and a hood worked in it; he may be taken for a Mulattoe, by his colour, and probably both may have provided other clothes. Likewise ran away in company with them, a likely Negroe man, belonging to Joseph Chambers in York town, named James Jones, about 28 years of age, about 5 feet 11 inches high, slim made, born in this country, and has a good countenance; he took with him a blue broadcloth coat, black velvet jacket, and breeches, a pair of leather ditto, two fine shirts, one of them ruffled, 2 coarse ditto, two pair of coarse trowsers, a pair of pumps, with silver shoe buckles, a pair of strong shoes, a blanket, and a gun, with a splint in the stock, near the butt. It is likely they may have forged passes, as the white man writes a good hand. whoever takes up and secures the said servants, so that their masters may have them again, shall have SIX POUNDS reward for the three, or Forty Shillings for either, if taken separate, and reasonable charges, paid by us. ALEXANDER LOWRY, JOSEPH CHAMBERS.
Dates of Records: September 9, 1756; August 17, 1769
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

Slaveholder Name: Chesney, William
City or Township: Newberry Township
County: York
Occupation:
Notes: Registered seven slaves-for-life in 1780 (source: History of York County, Pennsylvania, Vol. 1. George R. Prowell. J.H. Beers & Co., Chicago. 1907) His will, dated November 4, 1782, bequeaths "all my Negro and Mulatto slaves, male and female," to his wife Elizabeth (York County Will Book F, 72). The exact number of enslaved persons is not specified.

Slave Name: Keith, William
Slave Sex: Male
Slave Age: 40a
Slave Date of Birth: 1729 (calculated)
Slave Status: Runaway
Slave Description: Negro man
Slave Notes: Text of runaway ad, from the Pennsylvania Gazette, June 15, 1769:
York County, in Pennsylvania, June 10, 1769. RUN away, on the 13th of March last, from the Subscriber, at Sasquenanna, near Harris Ferry, a Negroe Man, called Will, alias William Keith; he is about 5 feet 9 Inches high, thin visaged, a little Pock marked, not very black, about 40 years old, a smooth talking Fellow, can be very mannerly, reads and writes, and is a Cooper by Trade and is also very handy about a Farmer's House; he is well acquainted in Philadelphia, having learnt his trade there, and lived several years ago with Dr. Graham, of that city; he had on, when he went away, a brown homespun Cloth Coat, pretty much worn, yellow buttons; an old white Flannel Jacket, Buckskin Breeches, and an old Felt Hat. He told on the Road, that he was a free Negroe, formerly belonging to one Mr. Blunston, of Lancaster County. Whoever takes up said Slave, and secures him, so that his Master, the subscriber, may have him again, shall have THREE POUNDS Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by
WILLIAM CHESNEY.
N.B. All Masters of Vessels are requested not to carry him off.
Date of Record: June 15, 1769
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

Slaveholder Name: Cronmiller, Martin
City or Township: York Township, "two Miles from York Town."
County: York
Occupation:
Notes:

Slave Name: Not stated
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: 26a
Slave Date of Birth: 1737 (calculated)
Slave Status: Slave for life; Self-emancipated in January 1763
Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
Slave Notes: Text of runaway ad:
"RUN away from the Subscriber, living in York Township, two Miles from York Town, on George Stevenson Esquire's Mill, on the First of this inst. January, A middle sized Negroe Man, about 25 or 26 Years of Age: Had on when he went away, A lightish home made Cloth Coat, made Dutch Fashion, with large white Metal Buttons, and an under jacket, of the same Cloth, with small Buttons of the same Sort, black Leather Breeches, stitched on each Side of the Thighes, with a Worm worked with Silk, and a straight Stroke worked up through the Middle of the Worms, greyish fulled Stockings, old Shoes, newly soaled, the Soals full of Nails, white Metal Shoe Buckles, one of them has a Piece broken off on one Side, and a yellow Silk Handkerchief. He has an Ailment in his Left eye. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and secures him in any of His majesty's Goals, so that his Master may have him again, or brings him to henry Wolfe, Tavernkeeper, in York Town, shall have Five Pounds Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by
MARTIN CRONMILLER."
Date of Record: January 20, 1763
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

Slaveholder Name: Die, John
City or Township: York Borough
County: York
Occupation:
Notes:

Slave Name: Priscilla
Slave Gender: Female
Slave Age: "about 30 years of age"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1768
Slave Status: Slave for life; Self-emancipated in November 1798
Slave Description: "Negro girl"
Slave Notes: Escaped on November 3, 1798 in company with a man named Clem, who was claimed as a slave by a Maryland slaveholder. Text of runaway ad placed by Die:
TWENTY Dollars Reward.
RAN-AWAY from the subscriber, livng in the Borough of York, on the night of the 3d inst. a negro girl, named PRISCILLA, about 30 years of age, hyellow coloured and looks somewhat like a mulatto, stout made, has a pretty good countenance; and has a halt in her walk, occasioned by the loss of all her toes off the right foot. She took with her a number of good cloaths-- soem of them unknown, two chintz gowns, two blue stuff petticoats, good shoes or slippers, -- She is supposed to have gone off in company with a negro man named CLEM, who passes for her husband, and for whom a reward of 100 dollars is advertised by him master, livng in Maryland. He is a stout fellow, about 5 feet 5 or 6 inches high, with small legs and remarkable large feet. Whoever secures said negro girl, so that I get her again, shall receive the above reward, and reasonable charges if brought home.
JOHN E. DIE.
November 8, 1798.
See also the enslaved person Bill, with slaveholder James Kelly, who was also advertised as escaping in company with the man named Clem.
Date of Record: 8 November 1798
Source: The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, 14 November 1798

Slaveholder Name: Dill, James
City or Township: Monaghan Twp
County: York
Occupation: Innkeeper, Dill's Tavern, Dillsburg (1755-1784)
Notes: Major James Dill was enumerated with four slaves in the 1790 census of Monaghan Township, York County.

Slave Name: Joe
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: "about 25 years of age"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1755
Slave Status: Runaway
Slave Description: "Negro Man"
Slave Notes: Ran away on September 25, 1780. Text of runaway ad placed by Dill:
York County, October 10, 1780
Four Hundred Dollars Reward.
RAN-AWAY from the subscriber, the 25th of last month, a NEGRO MAN named JOE, about 25 years of age; about 6 feet high, a stout well made fellow: Had on when he went away, a greyish coloured coat and a brown jacket, the other cloaths are unknown; and is supposed to have a rifle gun with him. Whoever takes up or secures said Negro in any gaol in the state, shall have the above reward and reasonable charges paid, by
JAMES DILL.
Date of Record: October 10, 1780
Source: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 31 October 1780

Slaveholder Name: Dill, Matthew
City or Township: Monaghan Township
County: York
Occupation:
Notes:

Slave Name: Phida
Slave Gender: Female
Slave Age: "about 27 years of age"
Slave Date of Birth: About 1758, based upon her reported age in the runaway advertisement. This year of birth would have made Phida a slave for life.
Slave Status: Runaway
Slave Description: "Negroe Wench"
Slave Notes: Ran away on September 15, 1785. Text of runaway ad from the Carlisle Gazette:
FOUR DOLLARS REWARD
RAN away about the 15th of September last. From the subscriber, a Negro Wench, about 27 years of age, a good looking Wench, pock pitted; most about her nose; she has a good many summer clothes; her name is Phida. It is supposed she will make towards Fredrick-town in Maryland. Whoever takes and secures said Wench, so that the owner may ger her shall have the above reward and reasonable charges paid by
Matthew DILL
Monaghan township,
York County, 5th Oct. 1785
Date of Record: October 5, 1785
Source: The Carlisle Gazette, in "Cumberland County gleanings: 1785-92: Carlisle Gazette: PA," Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Calista Sanderson.

Slaveholder Name: Dorland, Garret
City or Township: Berwick Township
County: York
Occupation: Judge
Notes: "Garret Dorland was leaving York County for Kentucky in 1790 and sold these three people to his brother in law Samuel Banta, who was married to Garret's sister Dyna Dorland. Garret and Dyna were the children of Lambert Dorland and Styntje Terheune Voorhees of Somerset County, NJ. Both the Bantas and the Dorlands were members of the Low Dutch Colony living in Straban, Berwick, Mt. Pleasant and Mt. Joy Townships of York County. The Colony existed from about 1769 through 1790, before the majority of its members moved to Mercer, Henry and Shelby Counties, Kentucky. Garret Dorland had been a justice living in Berwick Township. His father Lambert died in 1772 and Garret moved to Conewago after that date. It is possible that the parents of these slaves originated in the Montgomery Twp Somerset County, NJ area."

Slave Name: Jack
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: 10
Slave Date of Birth: 1779 -- December 18
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Moalote" (mulatto)
Slave Notes: Sold to Samuel Banta of York County in May, 1790. Text of sales agreement (original spellings preserved):
All men by these presents know that I, Garret Dorland of York County, state of Pennsylvania, for and in consideration of the sums of one hunired poinds to me in hand pade at and before the selling and delivery hear of by Samuel Banta in the County of York, State of Pennsylvania, wear of I do hereby acknowledge have bargained and sold and by these presents aforesaid a Moalote boy named JACK, boarin the year one thousand seaven hundret and seavinty-nine, the eighteen day of December and a negro garl, LEAH, boarn seaventeen and Eaty-two the twenty day of March and a negro boy SEEB, boarn seavinteen and eat-five, tent day of March.
Date of Record: May 11, 1790
Source: Dorland, Garret to Samuel Banta, Bill of Sale, York Co Deed Book F, 399 11 May 1790. Transcription provided by Judy Cassidy. (Email correspondence, Judy Cassidy to Afrolumens Project, March 7, 2005)
Slave Name: Leah
Slave Gender: Female
Slave Age: 8
Slave Date of Birth: 1782 -- March 20
Slave Status: Slave to age 28
Slave Description: "Negro garl"
Slave Notes: Sold to Samuel Banta of York County in May, 1790. See the notes for the slave Jack, above, for the text of the sales agreement.
Date of Record: May 11, 1790
Source: Dorland, Garret to Samuel Banta, Bill of Sale, York Co Deed Book F, 399 11 May 1790. Transcription provided by Judy Cassidy. (Email correspondence, Judy Cassidy to Afrolumens Project, March 7, 2005)
Slave Name: Seeb
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: 5
Slave Date of Birth: 1785 -- March 10
Slave Status: Slave to age 28
Slave Description: "Negro boy"
Slave Notes: Sold to Samuel Banta of York County in May, 1790. See the notes for the slave Jack, above, for the text of the sales agreement.
Date of Record: May 11, 1790
Source: Dorland, Garret to Samuel Banta, Bill of Sale, York Co Deed Book F, 399 11 May 1790. Transcription provided by Judy Cassidy. (Email correspondence, Judy Cassidy to Afrolumens Project, March 7, 2005)

Slaveholder Name: Douglass, Mathew
City or Township: Chanceford Township
County: York
Occupation:
Notes:

Slave Name: William Wallace
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: "about 16 years of age"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1833
Slave Status: Runaway
Slave Description: "Mulatto boy"
Slave Notes: Escaped from Douglass in September 1849. Text of runaway ad from the York Gazette:
5 DOLLARS REWARD.
Ranaway from the subscriber in Chanceford township, York county, a bound mulatto boy, named William Wallace; he is about five feet high and about 16 years of age; had on when he left a pair of blue drilling pantaloons, crossbarred vest, a fine pleated breast shirt and straw hat. The above reward will be paid to any person who will return said boy to the undersigned or place him in the York jail.
MATHEW DOUGLASS.
September 18, 1849.
Note: There is a William Wallace living in Chanceford Township in 1860, married, laborer, age 23. His wife is Elizabeth, age 20, son James F., age 3 and daughter Sarah, age 1. All born in Pennsylvania. They live next to an Amos Wallace, age 26, married with a family, all born in Pennsylvania. All are two farms away from the Matthew Douglass farm. Very possibly the same person. (Eighth Census of the United States, 1860, Chanceford Townshihp, York County, Pennsylvania, 10 August 1860)
Date of Record: 18 September 1849
Source: York Gazette, 18 September 1849

Slaveholder Name: Dowdle, Michael
City or Township: York Town
County: York
Occupation:
Notes:

Slave Name: Cato
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: Not stated
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Runaway--captured
Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
Slave Notes: Captured and imprisoned in Reading, Berks County. Text of jailor's ad:
Reading, February 20, 1784.
DELIVERED into my custody, A certain person, called John McKinney, a native Irishman, has been in the country but a short time; says he came over to America in this ship known by the name of Three Brothers, commanded by Captain Gilles.
Also, a Negroe Man, who calls himself CATO, belonging to Michael Dowdle, living in York-Town, in the county of York, and state of Pennsylvania.
The owner or owners are hereby requested, on or before the 15th day of March, to take them away, defray the expences and charges, otherwise they will be discharged or sold according to law.
WILLIAM WITMAN, Goaler.
Date of Record: March 3, 1784
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives, Item #69824

Slaveholder Name: Gossler, P., Captain
City or Township: York Borough
County: York
Occupation:
Notes: Mentioned in a runaway ad as the previous owner of Joe, who escaped from a Libertytown, Maryland slaveholder in January 1800.

Slave Name: Joe a.k.a. John
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: ? ("man")
Slave Date of Birth: ?
Slave Status: Runaway
Slave Description: "Negro man"
Slave Notes: Text of runaway ad:
"RAN away from the Subscriber, living in Frederick County, Maryland, two miles from Libertytown, about the 1st of January Inst. a Negro man named JOE. He is about 5 feet 7 inches high, stout and well made, is near sighted, and has a remarkable lump on one of his rists. He had on, when he went away, a round-about jacket of a drab colour, breeches of the same, much worn, a drab-coloured under-jacket, pieced across the shoulders with coarse dark mixed cloth, white woolen stockings, and coarse shoes with nails in the bottoms. He formerly lived with Capt. P. Gossler, in York, and had a Wife when there.
Whoever takes up said fellow, and secures him in any Jail, so that his master gets him again, shall have the above Reward, and reasonable charges if brought home.
JOHN NORRIS.
N.B. It is suspected he has a Pass, and will call himself John."
Date of Record: January 22, 1800
Source: Lancaster Intelligencer & Weekly Advertiser

Slaveholder Name: Graybell, Jacob
City or Township: York Borough
County: York
Occupation: Jailer, York County
Notes: County jailers often became temporary slaveholders, acting as agents for the county in disposing of slaves who went unclaimed by their owners. Some were advertised as being "sold for costs," while others, such as the example of the woman and her child below, were to be released upon the payment of her fees.

Slave Name: Thornton, Ann
Slave Gender: Female
Slave Age: ? (adult in 1763)
Slave Date of Birth: ?
Slave Status: Runaway--captured
Slave Description: Mulatto Woman
Slave Notes: Text of runaway ad:
"ON the seventh of April last was committed to the Goal of York County, on Suspicion of her being a Slave, a Mulatto Woman, who calls herself Ann Thornton, and has with her a Female Child, about two Years old, she says she was born in Baltimore County, near Deer Creek. Any Person having any Claim to her, is hereby notified to come, pay her Prison Fees, and take her away, in four Weeks from this Date, otherwise she will be discharged, paying her Fees. JACOB GRAYBELL, Goaler.
York County, June 4, 1763."
Date of Record: June 16, 1763
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette
Slave Name: ?
Slave Gender: Female
Slave Age: 2 years old
Slave Date of Birth: 1761 (calculated)
Slave Status: Runaway--captured
Slave Description: Female Child
Slave Notes: Daughter of Ann Thornton, captured with her mother as a runaway and jailed in York County. See the text of the runaway ad, above.
Date of Record: June 16, 1763
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette
Slave Name: Doyle, Thomas
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: 25a
Slave Date of Birth: 1746 (calculated)
Slave Status: Runaway--captured
Slave Description: "Negroe man"
Slave Notes: Text of runaway ad:
York Goal, June 1, 1771.
COMMITTED to my custody, the 28th day of May last, a Negroe man, who calls himself Thomas Doyle, about 5 feet 8 inches high: had on, when committed, an old castor hat, a greyish double breasted coat, with metal buttons, and leather breeches; he has a mark, occasioned by the flash of powder, under his right eye, and is about 25 years of age; his master is desired to come, pay charges, and take him away. As also one Richard Healy, who was taken out of this goal, about three weeks ago, by his master, who said he would take him to Virginia and sell him there, was afterwards taken up at WrightFerry, on Sasquehanna river, with a bay Horse, with a snip on his nose; had also with him, a blue broadcloth coat, with silver twist buttons, supposed to be stolen; any person claiming the same, may be informed, by the goaler, where they are. Also Henry Steuard, about 17 years of age; who says he belongs to William Steel, in Conegocheague, near ChambersTown; had on, when committed, a blanket coat, and an iron collar about his neck. Their masters are desired to come, pay the charges, and take them away.
JACOB GRAYBIL, Goaler.
Date of Record: July 11, 1771
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

Slaveholder Name: Graybell, Michael
City or Township: York Borough
County: York
Occupation: Jailer, York County
Notes: County jailers often became temporary slaveholders, acting as agents for the county in disposing of slaves who went unclaimed by their owners. (see also, Graybell, Jacob, above)

Slave Name: John
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: not specified
Slave Date of Birth: not known
Slave Status: Runaway--captured
Slave Description: "Negroe man"
Slave Notes: Text of runaway ad:
York Town Goal, May 12, 1776.
WAS committed to my custody the following persons, ... A Negroe man, named John, who is a slave to a certain Mr. Bogle, of Cumberland county, formerly belonging to Joseph Simons, of the borough of Lancaster. Also a Negroe woman, who calls herself Sally, and is suspected to be a runaway, having lost her left eye. Their masters are desired to come in three weeks from the date hereof, pay charges, and take them away, otherwise they will be discharged for their fees. MICHAEL GRAYBILL, Goaler.
Date of Record: 22 May 1776
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

Slave Name: Sally
Slave Gender: Female
Slave Age: not specified
Slave Date of Birth: not known
Slave Status: Runaway--captured
Slave Description: "Negroe woman"
Slave Notes: For the text of runaway ad, see "John," above.
Date of Record: 22 May 1776
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

Slave Name: Harry or Negroe Harry
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: "about twenty two years of age"
Slave Date of Birth: 1759 (calculated)
Slave Status: Runaway--captured
Slave Description: "Negroe"
Slave Notes: Text of runaway ad:
York Town Goal, October 11, 1781.
WAS committed into my custody on the 13th day of September last past, a certain NEGROE HARRY, who confesseth himself to be a slave to Nicholas Casey, of the State of Virginia, he is about five feet seven inches high, a likely fellow; had on an old felt hat, a torn shirt and trowsers, speaks tolerable good English, and says he was born in the State of New York, in West Chester; about twenty two years of age; his master is desired to come, pay the charges and take him away, with the space of four weeks, or he will be sold.
MICHAEL GRAYBILL, Goaler.
Date of Record: 11 October 1781
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

Slaveholder Name: Harnett, Cornelius
City or Township: York Borough
County: York
Occupation:
Notes:

Slave Name: Sawney
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: 35a
Slave Date of Birth: 1743 (calculated)
Slave Status: Runaway
Slave Description: "Mulatto slave"
Slave Notes: Text of runaway ad:
"York Town, February 26, 1778.
RUN away from the subscriber about three weeks ago, a Mulatto slave, named SAWNEY, well known in this town, he is well built, about 35 years of age, 5 feet 5 inches high, a taylor by trade, dark complexion, a small face and much pitted with the smallpox; had on when he left, an old brown Bath coating surtout, oznabrig shirt, thin jacket, linen breeches, yarn stockings, shoes, and an old beaver hat, &c. Whoever apprehends said slave, and delivers him to the Goaler of York Town, taking his receipt, shall receive TWENTY DOLLARS if taken in the town, or within twenty miles of it, if upwards of twenty miles, THIRTY DOLLARS, and all reasonable charges, paid by CORNELIUS HARNETT."
Date of Record: February 28, 1778
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

Slaveholder Name: Hoke, Peter
City or Township: Manchester Township
County: York
Occupation:
Notes:

Slave Name: George
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: "about 30 years of age"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1767
Slave Status: Self-emancipated in July 1797
Slave Description: "Negro Man"
Slave Notes: George escaped from Hoke on July 9, 1797. Hoke waited several weeks, then placed the following runaway ad:
Forty Dollars Reward.
RAN-AWAY from the subscriber living in Manchester Township, York County, on the 9th inst. a Negro Man named George, about 30 years of age, very black, 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high, strong, well set, and has a remarkable round head, very flat and thick nose, stammers in his Speech if angry or confused; he took a number of good cloaths with him, so that his dress cannot be particularly described.
Whoever apprehends said NEGRO, and secures him so that I get him again, shall receive the above reward, and reasonable charges if brought home.
PETER HOKE.
July 29th, 1797.
Date of Record: 29 July 1797
Source: Lancaster Intelligencer and Journal, 29 July 1797

Slaveholder Name: Jameson, David
City or Township: York Borough
County: York
Occupation: Merchant
Notes:

Slave Name: Cato
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: ? (adult in 1772)
Slave Date of Birth: ?
Slave Status: Runaway
Slave Description: "Negroe slave"
Slave Notes: Formerly owned by Brisbane, Chester County, and Hieronimus Echman, Lancaster County. Escaped from Jamison on August 20, 1772. Text of runaway ad placed by Jamison:
"RUN AWAY from the subscriber, the 20th day of August last, a NEGROE slave, called CATO, middle sized, bow legged, and speaks good English. The said Negroe was formerly in the possession of ---- Brisbane, of Chester county, and afterwards of Hieronimus Echman, of Lancaster county, and is a great rogue, having committed several daring burglaries. He is supposed to have broke into the shop of the subscriber since he absconded, and to have stolen from thence 3 Half Johannes, and other money, a silver watch seal, and several paste or stone buttons, set in silver. Whoever apprehends the said Negroe, and delivers him to the Goaler of York county, shall receive FOUR POUNDS reward, and reasonable charges, and One Third the value of the money or things stolen, as they shall secure for the owner.
York Town, Sept. 30, 1772.DAVID JAMESON.
*** The said Negroe broke into a house in York Town, an stole from thence upwards of Ninety Pounds, belonging to Nicholas Shaffer, who has offered a very considerable reward for apprehending him."
Date of Record: October 14, 1772
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 28 October 1772.

Slaveholder Name: Jones, Robert
City or Township: York Borough
County: York
Occupation: Jailer, York County
Notes: Jones is not a regular slaveholder, but became one temporarily when two runaways turned up on his farm near York. The runaways had apparently escaped in the confusion of a British advance during the war.

Slave Name: ?
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: ? (adult in 1779)
Slave Date of Birth: ?
Slave Status: Runaway--captured
Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
Slave Notes: Text of runaway ad:
"CAME to the plantation of Robert Jones, near York Town, in the State of Pennsylvania, a NEGROE man and woman, can speak but very bad English, so as they cannot be well understood, but from what can be gathered from their dialect, it is apprehended they left some part of Maryland or Virginia about the time the enemy made their last excursion into the said States. Whoever owns the said Negroes, by applying to ROBERT JONES aforesaid, on his plantation, proving property, and paying charges, may have him again."
Date of Record: July 28, 1779
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette
Slave Name: ?
Slave Gender: Female
Slave Age: ? (adult in 1779)
Slave Date of Birth: ?
Slave Status: Runaway--captured
Slave Description: "Negroe woman"
Slave Notes: Partner of the man discussed in the runaway advertisement above.
Date of Record: July 28, 1779
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

Slaveholder Name: Kelly, James
City or Township: York Borough
County: York
Occupation:
Notes:

Slave Name: Bill
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: Age not indicated in ad, but described as a "man."
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Self-emancipated in June 1798
Slave Description: "Negro man"
Slave Notes: Bill escaped from Kelly in on June 24, 1798 in company with a man named Clem, who was claimed by a Maryland slaveholder.
Twenty Dollars Reward.
RAN AWAY last Sunday night, from the subscriber living in the borough of York, a negro man named BILL, about 5 feet 5 inches high, thick and strong made, marked with the small-pox, and halts a little as he walks, owing to an injury he has received in one of his knees. He is an artful fellow, can speak the German language, and is fond of spirituous liquors. Had on when he went away, coarse working cloaths, but would probably obtain others. It is said that a negro, who calls himself CLEM, is gone with him; he has worked about York for some time past, in the character of a freeman; but is the property of a certain Philip Chamberlain, of Maryland, who has offered 100 dollars for taking him up. It is supposed they will attempt to go on board of a ship, at Philadelphia, or some other sea port. Any person securing Bill, so that the subscriber may get him again, shall have 10 dollars, if within 30 miles from home; if above 30 and not more than 80, 15 dollars, and if above 80, the above reward, and all reasonable charges if brought home.
JAMES KELLY.
York, June 27, 1798.
N.B. -- Clem is about 5 feet 6 inches high, is very black, has a flat nose, small legs, and large feet.
See also the enslaved person Priscilla, with slaveholder John Die, who was also advertised as escaping in company with the man named Clem.
Date of Record:
Source: The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, 4 July 1798

Slaveholder Name: McAllister, Richard
City or Township: Hanover
County: York
Occupation:
Notes: Egle's Notes and Queries lists a short genealogy of McAllister along with the names of the following enslaved persons and to whom they were bequeathed upon his death in August, 1795.

Slave Name: Cato
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: ? (adult in 1795)
Slave Date of Birth: ?
Slave Status: Slave for life.
Slave Description: "Negro"
Slave Notes: Father of Jack, below. Bequeathed by Richard McAllister to his son Archibald. See that entry for the text of the will pertaining to these slaves.
Date of Record: August, 1795
Source: William Henry Egle, Notes and Queries, Fourth Series, Volume 1
Slave Name: Jack
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: ?
Slave Date of Birth: ?
Slave Status: Slave for life.
Slave Description: "Negro"
Slave Notes: Son of Cato, above. Bequeathed by Richard McAllister to his son Archibald. See that entry for the text of the will pertaining to these slaves.
Date of Record: August, 1795
Source: William Henry Egle, Notes and Queries, Fourth Series, Volume 1
Slave Name: Poll
Slave Gender: Female
Slave Age: ?
Slave Date of Birth: ?
Slave Status: Not determined.
Slave Description: "Negro girl"
Slave Notes: Bequeathed by Richard McAllister to his daughter Nancy, wife of Patrick Hays.
Date of Record: August, 1795
Source: William Henry Egle, Notes and Queries, Fourth Series, Volume 1
Slave Name: Grate
Slave Gender: Female
Slave Age: ? (adult in 1795)
Slave Date of Birth: ?
Slave Status: Slave for life.
Slave Description: "Negro wench"
Slave Notes: Bequeathed by Richard McAllister to his daughter Jane. Grate was the mother of Jack, listed below. McAllister also bequeathed the "negro boy" Jonathan to Jane, but does not name Jonathan's mother.
Date of Record: August, 1795
Source: William Henry Egle, Notes and Queries, Fourth Series, Volume 1
Slave Name: Jack
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: ?
Slave Date of Birth: ?
Slave Status: Not determined.
Slave Description: "son" (of "Negro wench" Grate)
Slave Notes: Bequeathed by Richard McAllister to his daughter Jane. Jack was the son of Grate, listed above. McAllister also bequeathed the "negro boy" Jonathan to Jane, but does not name Jonathan's mother.
Date of Record: August, 1795
Source: William Henry Egle, Notes and Queries, Fourth Series, Volume 1
Slave Name: Jonathan
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: ?
Slave Date of Birth: ?
Slave Status: Not determined.
Slave Description: "Negro boy"
Slave Notes: Bequeathed by Richard McAllister to his daughter Jane.
Date of Record: August, 1795
Source: William Henry Egle, Notes and Queries, Fourth Series, Volume 1

Slaveholder Name: McClellan, Robert
City or Township: York Borough
County: York
Occupation: Printer and publisher of the York Recorder newspaper
Notes:

Slave Name: Isaac Williams
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: "upwards of 18 years of age"
Slave Date of Birth: Circa 1789
Slave Status: Exact status not stated, but likely a slave for a term of years; Runaway. His companion, Thomas Wilson, is white and described as an apprentice, but Isaac is described only as a "Negro boy." In addition, the reward for Isaac is fifty-percent larger than the reward for the white apprentice Wilson, indicating the higher value attached to an enslaved person.
Slave Description: "Negro boy"
Slave Notes: Isaac escaped from McClellan on Saturday, August 8, 1807, in company with a white apprentice boy, Thomas Wilson. Both boys packed considerable extra clothing, which seems to imply they planned in advance. The advertisement for their capture seems to imply that they split up after leaving, as Wilson is "supposed" to have joined up with a person named Kelly. Text of runaway advertisement placed by McClellan:
25 Dollars Reward.
ABSCONDED from my service, on Saturday night last, THOMAS A. WILSON (an apprentice to the Printing business) and a Negro boy called ISAAC WILLIAMS.
Wilson is between 17 and 18 years of age, about 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, has no particular marks that are recollected. He had on and took with him a brown cloth coatee, a blue and yellow striped home made cotton waumus, 1 pair yellow nankeen, 1 pair cotton cassimere, 1 pair velvet, and 1 pair of striped cotton pantaloons, 3 shirts, several jackets, handkerchiefs, &c. the particular colours not recollected, and a good roram hat.
Isaac is upwards of 18 years of age, about 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high, a homely, but a very active artful fellow. -- He has formerly followed the business of chimney sweeping, and was sometimes employed in a Hatter's shop, something of which business he also understands. He had on and took with him a dark blue chambray waumus, a striped cotton jacket, a pair of tow linen trowsers, a pair of fancy-cord pantaloons, 2 new shirts, a pair of boots, a silk handkerchief, &c.
Both the above described boys are much attached to liquor, as well as some other vices. -- Printers are cautioned against employing Wilson, as he is not only addicted to drunkenness, but I have every reason to believe him dishonest.
It is supposed Wilson went off with a certain fellow who calls himself Kelly, who pretends to be a Farrier, but of whom a particular description cannot be given.
Whoever will take up the above runaways and secure them so that I get them again, shall receive the above Reward, or TEN Dollars for Wilson, and FIFTEEN for Isaac, with reasonable charges if brought home.
ROBERT McCLELLAN.
York, August 12, 1807.
Date of Record: 12 August, 1807
Source: Franklin Repository (Chambersburg, PA), 01 September 1807.

Slaveholder Name: McClellan, William
City or Township: York Borough
County: York
Occupation:
Notes:
Source:

Slave Name: Michael, a.k.a Jem
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: Age not indicated in ad, but described as a "man."
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Self-emancipated in May 1797
Slave Description: "Negro Man"
Slave Notes: Michael escaped from McClellan several times, once in winter 1794/1795, and again on May 28, 1797. McClellan placed the following ad to recover him:
Fifty Dollars Reward.
RAN-AWAY from the subscriber of the Borough of York, the 28th inst. a Negro man named MICHAEL he is about 5 feet 9 inches high, stout made, broad shouldered, thick jawed, bandy legged, and stoops considerably when walking; has lost 2 or 3 of his fore teeth, is somewhat dull of hearing and seldom speaks unless spoken to. Had on and took with him a grey coloured cloth coat, a jacket and overalls of drab color, 1 pair of nankeen overalls, 1 pair of striped trowsers, 1 fine shirt, and 1 or two coarse ditto, 1 pair of new shoes. The said Negro was raised near Princetown in New-Jersey, by captain Albert Scank, and it is probable he may attempt to return there; he ran-away about two years and a half since, and lived some time near Reading in this State, where he obtained a pass which carried him to Trentown in Jersey, & there had it countersigned by a Justice Anderson, from whence he went to New-York, and returned to Trentown; at which place I apprehended him last Winter, in the service of Mr. Vanbertle a Foreign Minister, at that time he was called by the name of Jem. Whoever takes up said Negro and secures him in any goal, so that I may get him again, shall receive the above Reward.
WILLIAM M'CLELLAN.
York, Pennsylvania, May 31 1797.
Date of Record: 31 May 1797
Source: Lancaster Intelligencer and Journal, 3 June 1797

Slaveholder Name: Rankin, James
City or Township: York Township
County: York
Occupation:
Notes: James Rankin, along with his brother John, was involved with a Loyalist conspiracy plot in Newberry Township. Pennsylvania State Archive records show that he was "Attainted for treason and all property confiscated. June 16 1778 inventory includes 'One Negro Man his Wife & 3 children' appraised at 550 pounds. (PA Archives, Ser. 6, Vol XIII, pp. 40-41)

"June 16 1778 auction (at which Godfried Lonberger was paid 3 pounds, 15 shillings for "crying the vendue") included sale of 'one Negro man his Wife & 3 Children' for 745 pounds - George Stevenson was the buyer. (ibid., pp. 40, 138)."
Source: Research by Fred Kelso, correspondence to Afrolumens Project December 2, 2003.

Slave Name: ?
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: ? (adult in 1778)
Slave Date of Birth: ?
Slave Status: Slave for life; sold to George Stevenson on June 16, 1778.
Slave Description: "Negro Man"
Slave Notes: This man was sold along with the rest of his family, a wife and three children, when James Rankin's property was confiscated as a result of his implication in a Loyalist conspiracy in York County.
Date of Record: July 16, 1778
Source: Correspondence, Fred Kelso to Afrolumens, December 2, 2003.
Slave Name: ?
Slave Gender: Female
Slave Age: ? (adult in 1778)
Slave Date of Birth: ?
Slave Status: Slave for life; sold to George Stevenson on June 16, 1778.
Slave Description: "Wife"
Slave Notes: See the notes for the slave at number 1, above.
Date of Record: July 16, 1778
Source: Correspondence, Fred Kelso to Afrolumens, December 2, 2003.
Slave Names: ? (Three unnamed children)
Slave Gender: Not specified
Slave Ages: ? ("children" in 1778)
Slave Dates of Birth: ?
Slave Status: Slaves for life; sold to George Stevenson on June 16, 1778.
Slave Description: "3 children"
Slave Notes: See the notes for the slave at number 1, above.
Date of Record: July 16, 1778
Source: Correspondence, Fred Kelso to Afrolumens, December 2, 2003.

Slaveholder Name: Rankin, John
City or Township: Newberry Township
County: York
Occupation:
Notes: John Rankin, along with his brother James, was involved with a Loyalist conspiracy plot in Newberry Township. Pennsylvania State Archive records show that he was "Attainted for treason and all property confiscated." This property included an adult male slave named Ralph. Fred Kelso writes "September 25 1779 - His slave Ralph petitioned that he had been manumitted by John prior to attainder for treason. It was determined that the manumission service of March 7, 1778 at the Warrington Friends Monthly Meeting was not fully performed and that a mtg of April 11, 1778 was unsuccessful because John had already joined the enemy in Philadelphia - Ralph presented a manumission with allegedly fraudulent date and was discovered. (PA Archives, Min Sup Ex Counc PA, Vol XII, p. 113)

"Ralph was purchased by John Rankin about 1769 from Robert Power of Chester County (PA Archives, Ser. 6, Vol XIII, p. 94)

"Newberry Friends Meeting noted in their minutes of May 9 1771 that John had purchased a slave. (Abstracts of Warrington MM Records, Gilbert Cope, 1877)"

Slave Name: Ralph
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: ? (adult in 1778)
Slave Date of Birth: ?
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negro Man"
Slave Notes: Purchased by Rankin from Robert Power of Chester County about 1769. It appears that Rankin, a Quaker, may have intended to manumit Ralph about 1778, but the Pennsylvania court did not recognize the manumission because it occurred after Rankin had "joined the enemy." Ralph allegedly altered his manumission papers with a fraudulent date but "was discovered."
Date of Record: September 25, 1779
Source: Correspondence, Fred Kelso to Afrolumens, December 2, 2003.

Slaveholder Name: Sample, Cunningham, Esquire
City or Township: Peach Bottom
County: York
Occupation: Justice of the Peace
Notes:

Slave Name: Jack
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: "40 years of age"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1750
Slave Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated in July 1790
Slave Description: "Negro Man"
Slave Notes: Jack escaped from Sample on July 5, 1790.
Thirty Shillings Reward.
RAN-AWAY on the 5th instant, from the subscriber, near Peachbottom Ferry, a Negro Man, named JACK, about five feet six inches high, and 40 years of age, is a thin spare fellow, and very black: He had on and took with him when he went away a pair of tow trowsers and shirt of the same; also a Holland shirt, red jacket, white linsey coat, and an old felt hat: -- He is a French Negro, and speaks but bad English. Whoever secures said Negro in York gaol, shall have twenty shillings, and if brought home to his master, the whole reward will be paid.
CUNNINGHAM SAMPLE.
July 27, 1790.
Per a later ad, Jack seems to have gone into Maryland and settled "near Elk" indicating somewhere near the Elk River or possibly near Elkton.
Date of Record: 27 July 1790
Source: The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, 28 July 1790
Slave Name: Caesar
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: "aged about 36 years"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1757
Slave Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated in July 1793
Slave Description: "Negro Man"
Slave Notes: Caesar escaped from Sample sometime in June or July 1793.
Eight Dollars Reward for either, or Sixteen for both,
RAN away from the subscriber, a well set negroe man, named CAESAR, about five feet four or five inches high, of a grim aspect, pitted with the small pox, aged about 36 years, fond of spirits. He is supposed to have fled to a negroe man that ran away from the same neighborhood about two years ago, about fifty years of age, slender built, very black aspect, can speak the French language well, speaks the English broken, suspected to reside, since his flight, near Elk. Whoever takes up one or both, and secures them for their masters, shall have the above reward, as proposed, with reasonable expences.
CUNNINGHAM SAMPLE.
JAMES RAMSEY.
Fawn township, York county, July 3, 1793.
See the listing for Jack, above, who seems to be the man who escaped from Sample a few years earlier. The ad for Ceasar, who Sample believes is seeking to join Jack, suggests that Jack is now claimed by another slaveholder, possibly James Ramsey, listed below Sample's name at the end of the ad.
Date of Record: 3 July 1793
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 July 1793
Slave Name: Cash
Slave Gender: Female
Slave Age: "about 28 years of age"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1779
Slave Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated in October 1797
Slave Description: "Negro Wench"
Slave Notes: Cash escaped from Sample at Peach Bottom Ferry in October 1797. She was pregnant and believed by Sample to be attempting to join her husband, a freeman, in York.
6 Dollars Reward.
RAN away from the Subscriber, living at Peach-bottom Ferry, on the Susquehanna, that latter end of October last, a Negro Wench named CASH, about 28 years of age, rather above the middle size, embarrassed when spoken to; she took with her a variety of cloathing, stuff and calico, was supposed to be with child, which is the only cause known for her elopement. It is supposed, that she is gone after a Negro fellow, who says he is a free Negro, and lives in or near York-town, and was much attached to her. If said Negro CASH will return to her Master, and hath any complaints and desires that are reasonble and just, they will be attended to. Whoever secures said Wench, so that her Master may get her again, shall receive the above reward, and reasonable charges, if brought home.
CUNNINGHAM SAMPLE.
Dec. 30,
N.B. Any Person harbouring, or enticing said Wench to absent herself from her Master's service, shall be dealt with according to the extent of the Law.
Sample placed another ad in The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser in January 1798 for her return. It provided different details and listed her as 23 years of age insted of 28, which may be an error:
RAN-AWAY from the subscriber, living in Fawn township, York county, a Negro Woman named CASH, about 23 years of age, about 5 feet high, of a dark complexion, somewhat out-mouth'd, has a large lump on the back of her neck, and is supposed to be with child -- She had on and took with her a new calico gown, a red stuff-petticoat, velvet shoes, new stockings, and a new wool hat. Whoever takes up said Negro, and secures her in any goal, so that her Master may get her again, shall have the above Reward, and if brought home reasonable charges, paid by
CUNNINGHAM SAMPLE.
January 3, 1798.
Date of Record: 30 December 1797
Source: Lancaster Intelligencer and Journal, 6 January 1798; The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, 24 January 1798

Slaveholder Name: Scott, Joseph
City or Township: Fawn Township
County: York
Occupation: Tanner
Notes: The state of servitude of John Jones, below, is described as "indented apprentice to the tanning business," which may or may not be voluntary.

Slave Name: John Jones
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: described as "a boy"
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Indentured apprentice
Slave Description: "boy of colour"
Slave Notes: Ran away from his apprenticeship on 6 March 1827. His owner, Joseph Scott, advertised for his return. Text of runaway ad is below:
Six Cents Reward.
Ranaway from the subscriber, living in Fawn Township, York County, on the 6th inst. an indented apprentice to the tanning business, (a boy of colour) named
John Jones,
he is blind of one eye. The above reward will be paid for him but no charges; therefore I forwarn all persons from harboring or employing said runaway, as they will be dealt with according to law.
Joseph Scott.
March 20, 1827
Date of Record: 20 March 1827
Source: York Gazette, 17 April 1827, page 4.

Slaveholder Name: Swoope, Michael, Colonel, last name also spelled Swope.
City or Township: York
County: York
Occupation: Judge of Orphans Court in York County
Notes: A battalion commander in the Revolutionary War. Moved to Alexandria, Virginia in 1784.

Slave Name: Jack
Sex: Male
Slave Age: "about twenty-five years of age"
Slave Date of Birth: circa 1754
Slave Status: Slave for life -- escaped
Slave Description: "Negro Man"
Slave Notes: Escaped from Swoope on July 18, 1779 in company with Charles, enslaved by Valentine Grantz.
York Town, July 19.
ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD.
RAN AWAY last night from the subscriber, living in York-Town, a Negro Man named JACK, about twenty-five years of age, well set, knock-knee'd, and walks very slubberly; had on and took with him when he went away, a grey nap coat, a yellow and blue striped jacket, a fine pair of overalls, a good pair of buckskin breeches, new shoes, a fine hat, and sundry tow shirts. He plays on the violin and German flute. It is supposed he is in company with a Negro Man belonging to Valentine Grantz, named Charles, as he ran away the same night. Whoever takes up said Negro and secures him in any goal, so that his master may have him again, shall receive the above reward, paid by
MICHAEL SWOOPE.
Date of Record: 19 July 1779
Source: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 27 July 1779.

Slaveholder Name: Tamer, Elizabeth
City or Township:
County: York
Occupation: "Spinster"
Notes: The slave Sue was registered at Lancaster by John Boyd, of Drumore Township, Lancaster County. Her reason for registering in Lancaster County is not stated.

Slave Name: Sue
Sex: Female
Slave Age: 14
Slave Date of Birth: 1766 (calculated)
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negro girl"
Slave Notes: 1780 Slave Registration specifies status as "slave during life."
Date of Record: October 26, 1780
Source: "Slaves in Lancaster County in 1780"

Slaveholder Name: Worley, Joseph
City or Township: York
County: York
Occupation: Innkeeper, Black Horse Inn, Main Street, York Borough
Notes: Advertised in 1825 for the return of his runaway slave, James Cowey.
1. Slave Name: James Cowey
  Sex: Male
  Slave Age: about 19 or 20 years old
  Slave Date of Birth: 1805 or 1806 (calculated)
  Slave Status: Slave for a certain term of years
  Slave Description: "Black servant boy"
  Slave Notes: Ran away late May or early June, 1825. Text of runaway slave advertisement placed by Worley:
  Six Cents Reward.
  Ranaway from the subscriber several weeks ago, a black servant boy named
  James Cowey,
  aged about 19 or 20 years, about 5 feet 9 inches high and stout built, his clothes not recollected. The above reward but no charges will be given for his apprehension and delivery to the subscriber
  JOSEPH WORLEY.
  York, June 13, 1825.
  Date of Record: 13 June 1825
  Source: York Gazette, 14 June 1825, page 3; 12 July 1825, page 4.

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