Chester County, Pennsylvania Slaveholders E-G

Enslavement to freedom
	A series of pages exploring various aspects of enslavement in Pennsylvania
Chester County, Pennsylvania Slaveholders E - G

Slaveholders Listed on this Page

Evans, Evan (Enslaved persons: Rachel, Cesar, Sue, Samp, Frank, Sal)

Evans, Jesse (Enslaved persons: Amelia Sergant)

Evans, John, London Britain (Enslaved persons: Ireland, Benjamin, Rago, Cesar, Bob, Nanny, Sal, Phebe, Grace)

Evans, John, Uwchlan (Enslaved persons: Bob)

Evans, Levi (Enslaved persons: Joe Lawson Derry)

Evans, Philip, Heirs of (Enslaved persons: Dinah, Adam, Abb, Sylvia)

Evans, Thomas (Enslaved persons: Sam, Bett, Dinah, Lydia, Sall, George)

Finney, John (Enslaved persons: Cubina)

Fleming, John (Enslaved persons: Un-named girl)

Ford, Philip (Enslaved persons: Un-named man)

Foster, William, Rev. (Enslaved persons: James, Violet, Will, Jean)

Frazer, Persifor (Enslaved persons: Isaac, Rachel, Peg)

Futhey, Samuel (Enslaved persons: Jinn, Dinah, Sal, Jenny)

Garrett, Mary (Enslaved persons: Sue, Rina, Margery)

German, John (Enslaved persons: Venus)

Gibbons, Joseph (Enslaved persons: Phebe)

Gibbs, Gilbert (Enslaved persons: Hagor, Phillis)

Gibson, Andrew (Enslaved persons: Nees Cooper)

Gill, David (Enslaved persons: Hercules)

Gillylen, John (Enslaved persons: Un-named boy, un-named girl)

Godfrey, William (Enslaved persons: Un-named boy)

Grace, Rebecca (Enslaved persons: Rose, Nelly, Phillis)

Graham, James (Enslaved persons: Tobe)

Graham, James, Sr. (Enslaved persons: Geno, Sall, Nance, Jack, Bill)

Graham, John (Enslaved persons: Sall)

Graham, Michael (Enslaved persons: Nancy)

Greggo, Moses (Enslaved persons: Hayree)

Griffith, Isaac (Enslaved persons: Sam)

Gronow, Lewis (Enslaved persons: York, Moses, Aaron, Simon, Amos)

Enslavement Data

Slaveholder Name: Evans, Evan
City or Township: London Britain Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Esquire
Notes: Evan Evan's slaves are listed on page 25 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Rachel
Sex: Female
Age: 38
Date of Birth: 1742 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro woman"
Notes: Registered as "A negro woman named Rachel aged thirty eight years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.
Enslaved Person's Name: Cesar
Sex: Male
Age: 16
Date of Birth: 1764 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Mulatto Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A mulatto Boy named Cesar aged sixteen years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.
Enslaved Person's Name: Sue
Sex: Female
Age: 13
Date of Birth: 1767 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro girl"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro girl named Sue aged thirteen years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.
Enslaved Person's Name: Samp
Sex: Male
Age: 9
Date of Birth: 1771 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A negro Boy named Samp aged nine years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.
Enslaved Person's Name: Frank
Sex: Male
Age: 7
Date of Birth: 1773 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A negro Boy named Frank aged seven years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.
Enslaved Person's Name: Sal
Sex: Female
Age: 4
Date of Birth: 1776 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Mulatto Female Child"
Notes: Registered as "A mulatto Female Child named Sal aged four years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.

Slaveholder Name: Evans, Jesse
City or Township: Downingtown
County: Chester County
Occupation:
Notes:

Enslaved Person's Name: Amelia Sergant
Sex: Female
Age: Age not specified in notice, but described as a "girl."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for a term of years; self-emancipated May 1813
Description: "Dark mulatto Girl"
Notes: Sergant escaped from Evans on the night of May 8, 1813. Evans placed the following notice for her capture in a Wilkes-Barre newspaper:
Thirty dollars Reward.
RAN AWAY from the subscriber, living in Downingtown, Chester county, Pennsylvania, on the night of the 8th of May, a dark mulatto Girl; named Amelia Sergant, who has a term of years to serve; she is of a middle size, slim made, thin visage, thick lips, down look, very fond of talking to white people, and fond of liquor. Stole and took with her a dark suit of home-made flannel, one green calico frock, one pink muslin do. a straw bonnet trimmed with green ribband, and a number of other clothes.
It is thought she is gone in company with a white negro man; he is of full negro features and curley wool, thought nearly white, some small black spots on his face at a small distance resembling a fly. The above reward will be given for securing her in any jail in the United States, so that I can get her again.
Jesse Evans.
Downingtown, May 11.
Date of Record: 11 May 1813 (published through June 25, 1813)
Source: The Gleaner (Wilkes-Barre), 11 May 1813.

Slaveholder Name: Evans, John
City or Township: London Britain Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Esquire
Notes: John Evan's slaves are listed on page 22 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Ireland
Sex: Male
Age: 70
Date of Birth: 1710 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro man named Ireland aged seventy years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.
Enslaved Person's Name: Benjamin
Sex: Male
Age: 35
Date of Birth: 1745 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro man named Benjaⁿ aged thirty five years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.
Enslaved Person's Name: Rago
Sex: Male
Age: 30
Date of Birth: 1750 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro man named Rago aged thirty years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.
Enslaved Person's Name: Cesar
Sex: Male
Age: 19
Date of Birth: 1761 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro man named Cesar aged nineteen years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.
Enslaved Person's Name: Bob
Sex: Male
Age: 16
Date of Birth: 1764 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A negro Boy named Bob aged sixteen years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.
Enslaved Person's Name: Nanny
Sex: Female
Age: 78
Date of Birth: 1702 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro woman"
Notes: Registered as "A negro woman named Nanny aged seventy eight years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.
Enslaved Person's Name: Sal
Sex: Female
Age: 18
Date of Birth: 1762 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro woman"
Notes: Registered as "A negro woman named Sal aged eighteen years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.
Enslaved Person's Name: Phebe
Sex: Female
Age: 14
Date of Birth: 1766 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro girl"
Notes: Registered as "A negro girl named Phebe aged fourteen years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.
Enslaved Person's Name: Grace
Sex: Female
Age: 3
Date of Birth: 1777 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro girl"
Notes: Registered as "A negro girl named Grace aged three years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.

Slaveholder Name: Evans, John
City or Township: Uwchlan Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Innholder
Notes: John Evan's slave is listed on page 26 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Bob
Sex: Male
Age: 24
Date of Birth: 1756 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Man named Bob aged twenty four years a slave for life." Bob ran away in 1784 following the death of John Evans the year before. The estate administrators placed the following ad to recover him:
July 13, 1784
RUN away, last night, from the Adminstrators to the estate of John Evans, of Uwchland, deceased, a Negroe man, named BOB, about 38 years old, imported from Guinea, and marked in his face, of a middle stature, has learned the tanning business, and is very handy at farming, says that his late master promised he should be set free; had on, when he went away, a tow shirt and trowsers, a new wool hat, and a pair of good shoes with strings. Whoever takes up said Negroe and secures him in any goal, so that the subscribers may him get again, shall have Three Pounds reward, and reasonable charges, if brought to DANIEL EVANS of Uwchland, Chester county, or to EDWARD CARTER of Chester, or JEREMIAH EVANS of East Nantmell, in said county, Administrators.
N.B. It is supposed that there is a Negroe woman with him, as they went both together.
The death of a slaveholder frequently triggers an escape by one or more slaves in the household, no doubt caused by the expected disruption in their lives due to the settlement of the estate. Many slaves feared, and justly so, being sold and separated from friends, family and home. In this case, it appears that John Evans promised Bob his freedom upon his death, but failed to put that promise in writing. Bob, faced with continued bondage, chose to take his freedom.
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780; (Runaway ad) July 28, 1784
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; The Pennsylvania Gazette, July 28, 1784, in Accessible Archives, www.accessible.com/

Slaveholder Name: Evans, Levi
City or Township: West Whiteland Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Farmer
Notes:

Enslaved Person's Name: Joe Lawson Derry
Sex: Male
Age: "between seventeen and eighteen years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1793 or 1794
Status: Slave to age 28
Description: "mulatto boy, or mustee"
Notes: Escaped from Evans on August 25, 1811.
TEN DOLLARS REWARD.
RAN away from the subscriber, on the 25th instant, a mulatto boy, or mustee, named JOE LAWSON DERRY, between seventeen and eighteen years of age -- five feet seven or eight inches high, black hair cut short, flat nose with a small scar on it. Had on and took with him on flaxen shirt, one tow ditto, one pair striped trowsers, one pair tow ditto, olive colour, one roundabout, of plad linen, one cloth vest, one ditto calico, an old hat, and old shoes. Any person taking up said runaway and securing him so as his master may get him again shall have the above reward, and if brought home all reasonable charges paid by
LEVI EVANS.
West Whiteland, Chester county, Aug. 27th, 1811.
Date of Record: 27 August 1811
Source: Lancaster Intelligencer, 06 September 1811.

Slaveholder Name: Evans, Philip, Heirs of
City or Township: Ashton Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Deceased
Notes: Evan's slaves are listed on page 11 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Dinah
Sex: Female
Age: 27
Date of Birth: 1753 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro Woman"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Woman named Dinah aged twenty seven years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.
Enslaved Person's Name: Adam
Sex: Male
Age: 6
Date of Birth: 1774 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Boy named Adam aged six years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.
Enslaved Person's Name: Abb
Sex: Female
Age: 4
Date of Birth: 1776 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro girl"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro girl named Abb aged four years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.
Enslaved Person's Name: Sylvia
Sex: Female
Age: 2
Date of Birth: 1778 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro girl"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro girl named Sylvia aged two years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.

Slaveholder Name: Evans, Thomas
City or Township: Uwchlan Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Yeoman
Notes: Thomas Evan's slaves are listed on page 42 of the 1780 register. In 1764, Thomas Evans was taxed 9 shillings on his ownership of two negroes, one man and one woman. Since slaves younger than twelve years of age were usually not considered taxable property, the slaves referred to could have been Sam and Bett, who would have been 15 and 12, respectively, in 1764. (Source: "Landowners in Uwchlan taxed for owning 'Negro slaves,' " PA-Roots.com, http://www.pa-roots.com/~chester/uwchlan1764Slaves.htm, accessed November 11, 2005)

Enslaved Person's Name: Sam
Sex: Male
Age: 31
Date of Birth: 1749 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Registered as "A negro man named Sam aged thirty one years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.
Enslaved Person's Name: Bett
Sex: Female
Age: 28
Date of Birth: 1752 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro woman"
Notes: Registered as "A negro woman named Bett aged twenty eight years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.
Enslaved Person's Name: Dinah
Sex: Female
Age: 24
Date of Birth: 1756 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro woman"
Notes: Registered as "A negro woman named Dinah aged twenty four years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.
Enslaved Person's Name: Lydia
Sex: Female
Age: 20
Date of Birth: 1760 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro woman"
Notes: Registered as "A negro woman named Lydia aged twenty years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.
Enslaved Person's Name: George
Sex: Male
Age: 5
Date of Birth: 1775 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A negro Boy named George aged five years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.

Slaveholder Name: Finney, John
City or Township: London Derry Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Cooper
Notes: John Finney' slave is listed on page 50 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Cubina
Sex: Male
Age: 42
Date of Birth: 1738 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro man named Cubina aged forty two years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.

Slaveholder Name: Fleming, John
City or Township: New London Township
County: Chester County
Occupation:
Notes:

Enslaved Person's Name: No name recorded
Sex: Female
Age: "young wench"
Date of Birth:
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe wench"
Notes: Offered for public auction on October 8, 1771. In addition to his plantation and other items for sale that day, Fleming also notes: "N.B. There is a young Negroe wench to be sold said day."
Date of Record: September 26, 1771
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, September 26, 1771.

Slaveholder Name: Flower, Samuel
City or Township: Reading Furnace
County: Chester County
Occupation: Iron master
Notes: Reading Furnace was built by William Branson in 1736. Samuel Flower had married William's daughter Rebecca in 1730. Branson, in 1740, began breaking up his iron holdings among his daughters and sons-in-law. Samuel Flowers assumed management of the Reading Furnace about that time. Samuel Flower was also in a partnership with George Taylor of Durham Iron Works in Bucks County. That partnership was dissolved in 1764.
After retiring from the iron industry, Samuel Flower moved to Philadelphia and maintained a residence on Race Street..

Enslaved Person's Name: Sam
Sex: Male
Age: "aged about 40 years"
Date of Birth: circa 1713
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Sam escaped from Reading Furnace on 20 July 1753 in company with fellow enslaved man James. Flower notes that Sam was formerly enslaved by John Trapnall in Philadelphia. Samuel Flower placed the following ad to try to recover the two men:
Philadelphia, July 26, 1753.
RUN away on the 20th inst. from Reading Furnace, Two Negro men; one named Sam, who formerly lived with John Trapnall, of Philadelphia, Blacksmith, aged about 40 years, an able bodied fellow, very talkative, and subject to laugh at his own discourse. The other named James, he formerly lived with Mr. Edward Jones, of Philadelphia, aged about 28 years, a stout able bodied fellow, his knees are much bending forwards; their cloathing is unknown. Whoever takes up and secures the said Negroes in any goal in this province, or brings them to Reading furnace, shall have Three Pounds reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
SAMUEL FLOWER.
Date of Record: 26 July, 1753
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 16 August 1753.
Enslaved Person's Name: James
Sex: Male
Age: "aged about 28 years"
Date of Birth: circa 1725
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: James escaped from Reading Furnace on 20 July 1753 in company with fellow enslaved man Sam. Samuel Flower placed an ad to try to recover them (full text of ad above). Flower notes that James was formerly enslaved by Edward Jones in Philadelphia.
Date of Record: 26 July, 1753
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 16 August 1753.

Slaveholder Name: Ford, Philip, Estate of
City or Township:
County: Chester County
Occupation: Sheriff of Chester County
Notes: Died circa 1767

Enslaved Person's Name: No name recorded
Sex: Male
Age: "Young man"
Date of Birth:
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe man"
Notes: Offered for sale by the executors of the estate of Philip Ford, Margaret Ford and John Morton:
"To be sold by said Executors, a young Negroe man, who understands farming work well, and has had the small pox."
Date of Record: January 15, 1767
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, January 15, 1767

Slaveholder Name: Foster, William, Reverend
City or Township: Sadsbury Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Clergyman, Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church
Notes: Rev. Foster's slaves are listed on page 25 of the 1780 register. He died 30 September 1780 and is buried in the church burial ground.

Enslaved Person's Name: James
Sex: Male
Age: adult male
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro James"
Notes: Appraised for £1200 as part of Rev. Foster's estate upon his death. James was not one of the enslaved persons registered by Foster per law in 1780.
Date of Record: 1780.
Source: Historical Discourse Delivered on the Occasion of the One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church: Chester County, Pennsylvania, September 14, 1870, J. Smith Futhey, Philadelphia, 1870, p. 85.
Enslaved Person's Name: Violet
Sex: Female
Age: 24
Date of Birth: 1756 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro woman"
Notes: Registered as "A negro woman named Violet aged twenty four years a slave for life." Upon the death of Foster in September 1780, "Violet and her child" were valued at £4,200. This child may be "Jean," listed below as born the previous year.
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Historical Discourse Delivered on the Occasion of the One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church: Chester County, Pennsylvania, September 14, 1870, J. Smith Futhey, Philadelphia, 1870, p. 85.
Enslaved Person's Name: Will
Sex: Male
Age: 14
Date of Birth: 1766 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A negro Boy named Will aged fourteen years a slave for life." Appraised for £2700 as part of Rev. Foster's estate upon his death.
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Historical Discourse Delivered on the Occasion of the One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church: Chester County, Pennsylvania, September 14, 1870, J. Smith Futhey, Philadelphia, 1870, p. 85.
Enslaved Person's Name: Jean
Sex: Female
Age: 1
Date of Birth: 1779 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Female Negro Child"
Notes: Registered as "A Female Negro Child named Jean aged one year a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.

Slaveholder Name: Frazer, Persifor
City or Township: Thornbury Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Farmer and iron maker
Notes: Married Polly Taylor in 1766. Read more about Polly Frazer.

Enslaved Person's Name: Isaac
Sex: Male
Age: 26a
Date of Birth: 1742 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Ran away on June 19, 1768. Ad placed by Persifor Frazer to find him:
RUN away, from the Subscriber, living in Thornbury, Chester County, on the 10^th of June inst. a Negroe Man, named Isaac, 5 Feet 10 or 11 Inches high, about 26 Years of Age, speaks good English, being this Country born, and is a well made strong active fellow; had on, when he went away, a good blue Broadcloth Jacket, without Sleeves, lines with red striped Callimancoe, an old fine Linen Shirt, leather Breeches, and good Felt Hat, but may have other clothes with him; he is much marked with the Small pox; it is likely he may be either in Pequea, or about Wilmington, having lived near both those Places; he understands the Coaling Business, having been employed therein for 3 or 4 Years at Sarum Forge. Whoever secures said Negroe, in any Goal in this province, and informs the Subscriber immediately, shall receive Twenty Shillings Reward, and reasonable Charges, from PERSIFOR FRAZER.

Date of Record: June 23, 1768
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, June 23, 1768
Enslaved Person's Name: Rachel
Sex: Female
Age: 30a or 32a
Date of Birth: 1748 or 1746 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Mulatto woman"
Notes: Ran away on March 8, 1778. Ad placed by Persifor Frazer to find her:
RUNAWAY on the night of the 8th of March from the subscriber, of Thornbury township, Chester county, Pennsylvania, a mulatto woman named RACHEL, of a middle size, about 30 years of age. Had on and took with her one black bonnet, 4 gowns, 3 of which were short, the other a popling long gown, the color of them as follows, viz. one a white home made dimity, with a petticoat of the same, one of striped yellow linsey, with a petticoat partly the same, one of black linsey, with a petticoat of the same, three pair of shoes, one pair with leather heels, the other two wooden heels, the upper leather of one pair was of black grained calf skin, and silver plated buckles, the plating nearly worn off. Whoever apprehends said servant and secures her, so that her master may have her again, shall receive Ten Dollars reward, and reasonable charges if brought home, paid by PERSIFOR FRAZER.
Frazer had not yet recaptured Rachel by December, so he ran another ad which mentions an additional escaped slave, Peg (see below):
A Mulatto Wench named RACHEL, about 32 years old, middle sized, one arm shorter than the other; and a Negro Wench named PEG, about nineteen years of age, very fat and lusty, ran away about the middle of March and first of April last, and were seen in Philadelphia. As it is very probable one or both of them may have become weary of their acquaintance in the British army, and may be strolling somewhere in this or the neighbouring States, any person who shall take up and secure either or both of them, so that they may be had again, shall receive FORTY DOLLARS Reward for each and reasonable charges if brought home, on applying to PERSIFOR FRAZER.

Date of Record: April 1, 1778; December 12, 1778
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, April 1, 1778, December 12, 1778
Enslaved Person's Name: Peg (Polly King)
Sex: Female
Age: 19a
Date of Birth: 1755-1759 (calculated)
Status: Runaway slave -- Joined British in Philadelphia, went to Nova Scotia and freedom
Description: "Negro Wench"
Notes: Ran away in April 1778. For the ad placed by Persifor Frazer to find her, see Rachel, above. Peg is described as "a Negro Wench named PEG, about nineteen years of age, very fat and lusty." Frazer notes that she was seen with Rachel in Philadelphia and both apparently had business or friends with the occupying British army there. He ran another ad solely devoted to finding Peg, in July 1779:
RUN away about 14 months ago, and went into Philadelphia, whilst the British troops were there, a young negroe Wench, named PEG, about 20 years old, very lusty of her age, was born in Chester county, there is a great reason to believe she is in, or at no great distance from Philadelphia, possibly in the Jerseys, as she was seen last winter in the market. Whoever takes up and secures said Wench, so that I may have her again, shall have One Hundred Dollars Reward, and all reasonable charges paid, on applying to Colonel WILLIAM HENRY, in Philadelphia, or the subscriber, in Thornbury, Chester county. PERSIFOR FRAZER.
Any person who harbours or conceals her may depend upon the severest prosecution.
Note that the reward offered by Frazer has increased substantially, from forty dollars, in December 1778, to one hundred dollars, in July 1779, evidence of the inflationary pressures caused by the war.
Peg stayed with the British forces for at least five years. Her name appears on the document "Inspection Roll of Negroes, Taken on Board Sundry Vessels at Staten Island and Bound for Nova Scotia," dated 1783. Historian Debra L. Newman culled the names of Philadelphia women identified in that list for her article "They Left with the British: Black Women in the Evacuation of Philadelphia, 1778" (Pennsylvania Heritage, 4:1 [December 1977], 20-23). One of the entries Newman found is for "Polly King, 28, stout wench, formerly slave to Fraser of Chester County, Pennsylvania. Left him about five years ago. Robert King, 4, born free within British lines."

Polly (Peg) was considered free with the British. She bore a son, Robert King, about a year after her escape from Persifor Frazer, but her husband is not identified in the records. In the article, Newman wrote "Between the 1778 evacuation of Philadelphia and 1783, these women, as did many hundreds more, travelled with the British troops. They were employed in various service details, such as washing, cooking, sewing, and cleaning for the troops...After following the British for five years, these Black women moved to Nova Scotia. The British authorities gave some land grants in Shelborne Township, and some continued to serve as servants, but for new masters. Many found Nova Scotia winters harsh and farming difficult, so in 1792 and again in 1800 a number of these same men and women moved to Sierra Leone." (page 23).
Dates of Records: December 12, 1778; July 7, 1779; 1783
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, December 12, 1778, July 7, 1779

Slaveholder Name: Futhey, Samuel
City or Township: West Fallowfield Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Farmer
Notes: Born 1725, son of Robert Futhey. Married Ruth Steel in 1750. Died January 27, 1790.

Enslaved Person's Name: Jinn
Sex: Female
Age: "aged twenty years"
Date of Birth: 1760 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "mulatto woman"
Notes: Registered as: "A mulatto woman named Jinn aged twenty years a slave for life." In the estate inventory of Samuel Futhey, taken upon his death, Jinn is listed at a value of 30.
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780; (Estate Inventory) 1790.
Sources: History of Chester County, Pennsylvania, With Genealogical and Biographical Sketches, by J. Smith Futhey and Gilbert Cope (Philadelphia, 1881), p. 558-559; 1780 Register of Slaves in Chester County, November 1, 1780.
Enslaved Person's Name: Dinah
Sex: Female
Age: "aged one year and three quarters"
Date of Birth: 1779, February (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "mulatto girl"
Notes: Registered as: "A Mulatto girl named Dinah aged one year and three quarters a slave for life." In the estate inventory of Samuel Futhey, taken upon his death, Dinah is not listed, indicating that she was no longer part of his property. She may have died, or was sold or given away.
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780; (Estate Inventory) 1790.
Source: History of Chester County, Pennsylvania, With Genealogical and Biographical Sketches, by J. Smith Futhey and Gilbert Cope (Philadelphia, 1881), p. 558-559; 1780 Register of Slaves in Chester County, November 1, 1780.
Enslaved Person's Name: Sal
Sex: Female
Age: Not known
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Not determined
Description:
Notes: In the estate inventory of Samuel Futhey, taken upon his death, Sal is listed and valued at 7 and10 shillings, about half the value of the thirty year-old Jinn. This may indicate that Sal was a young girl, probably under twelve years of age.
Date of Record: (Estate Inventory) 1790.
Source: History of Chester County, Pennsylvania, With Genealogical and Biographical Sketches, by J. Smith Futhey and Gilbert Cope (Philadelphia, 1881), p. 558-559.
Enslaved Person's Name: Jenny
Sex: Female
Age: Not known
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Not determined
Description:
Notes: In the estate inventory of Samuel Futhey, taken upon his death, Jenny is listed and valued at 5, one sixth the value of the thirty year-old Jinn. This indicates that Jenny was a very young child, capable of minimal work, probably less than six years of age.
Date of Record: (Estate Inventory) 1790.
Source: History of Chester County, Pennsylvania, With Genealogical and Biographical Sketches, by J. Smith Futhey and Gilbert Cope (Philadelphia, 1881), p. 558-559.

Slaveholder Name: Garrett, Mary
City or Township: Goshen Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Farmer
Notes: Mary Garrett's slaves are listed on page 28 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Sue
Sex: Female
Age: 35
Date of Birth: 1745 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro woman"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro woman named Sue aged thirty five years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.
Enslaved Person's Name: Rina
Sex: Female
Age: 4
Date of Birth: 1776 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro girl"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro girl named Rina aged four years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.
Enslaved Person's Name: Margery
Sex: Female
Age: "aged two years and six months"
Date of Birth: May 1778 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro girl"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro girl named Margery aged two years and six months a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.

Slaveholder Name: German, John
City or Township: Newtown Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Yeoman
Notes: John German's slave is listed on page 36 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Venus
Sex: Female
Age: 32
Date of Birth: 1748 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro woman"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro woman named Venus aged thirty two years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.

Slaveholder Name: Gibbons, Joseph
City or Township: Springfield Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Innholder
Notes: Joseph Gibbon's slaves are listed on page 11 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Phebe
Sex: Female
Age: 8
Date of Birth: 1772 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro girl"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro girl named Phebe aged eight years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780, page 2.

Slaveholder Name: Gibbs, Gilbert
City or Township: West Caln Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Farmer
Notes: Gilbert Gibb's slaves are listed on page 35 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Hagor
Sex: Female
Age: 23
Date of Birth: 1757 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro woman"
Notes: Registered as "A negro woman named Hagor aged twenty three years a slave for Life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.
Enslaved Person's Name: Phillis
Sex: Female
Age: 3
Date of Birth: 1777 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro Girl"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Girl named Phillis aged three years a slave for Life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.

Slaveholder Name: Gibson, Andrew
City or Township: West Fallowfield Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Fuller
Notes: Andrew Gibson's slave is listed on page 48 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Nees Cooper
Sex: Male
Age: 20
Date of Birth: 1760 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro man named Nees Cooper aged twenty years a slave for Life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.

Slaveholder Name: Gill, David
City or Township: East Caln Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Blacksmith
Notes: David Gill's slave is listed on page 33 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Hercules
Sex: Male
Age: 17
Date of Birth: 1763 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Boy named Hercules aged seventeen years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780.

Slaveholder Name: Gillylen, John
City or Township: East Caln Township
County: Chester County
Occupation:
Notes: Gillylen sold his farm and slaves in 1765:

To be SOLD by the Subscriber, A Plantation, and tract of land, situate on the great road, in East Caln, Chester county, containing 468 acres, with the allowance, 113 acres cultivated; the whole plantation is plentifully stored with springs and streams of water, one of the forks of Brandywine runs near a mile through the land; an orchard of 9 acres with near 500 of the best fruit trees. Any person inclining to purchase, may view the premises, and know the terms of sale, by applying to the subscriber, living on the place. The land is all new, the crop that is now in the ground is but the third, The purchaser may enter on the place in two weeks. He has likewise to sell, a negroe boy, aged 13, and a negroe girl, aged 15, both have had the small pox, and sold for no fault. I design to pay all my debts, and forewarn any person or persons from cutting hoop poles, or any timber or carrying or hauling on or off my land. JOHN GILLYLEN.

In 1769, John Gilleylen advertised to sell a 16-year old boy, very possibly the same boy advertised in 1765. For some reason, the ad specifies only one person for sale, yet the description is in the plural tense:

East Caln township, Chester county, October 23, 1769
TO BE SOLD, A NEGROE BOY, 16 years of age, I have had them ever since[,] been brought up to every kind of house work, and country business; they are healthy, sound valuable NEGROES, and sold for no fault; but, as I am in debt, to enable me to pay the same; they are not in the least addicted to any spirituous liquors. JOHN GILLEYLEN.

Enslaved Person's Name: No name recorded
Sex: Male
Age: 13
Date of Birth: 1752 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negroe boy"
Notes: Offered for sale in 1765 (see ad, above)
Date of Record: April 25, 1765
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, April 25, 1765, in Accessible Archives, www.accessible.com/. The second ad ran in the Pennsylvania Gazette, November 2, 1769.
Enslaved Person's Name: No name recorded
Sex: Female
Age: 15
Date of Birth: 1750 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negroe girl"
Notes: Offered for sale in 1765 (see ad, above)
Date of Record: April 25, 1765
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, April 25, 1765, in Accessible Archives, www.accessible.com/

Slaveholder Name: Godfrey, William
City or Township: Tredyffrin Township
County: Chester County
Occupation:
Notes:

Enslaved Person's Name: No name recorded
Sex: Male
Age: 16
Date of Birth: 1755 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Boy"
Notes: Offered for sale by Godfrey in 1771. Text of ad:
To be SOLD by the SUBSCRIBER, Living in Tredyffrin Township, Chester County, A LUSTY healthy NEGROE BOY, 16 Years of Age, this Country born, has had the Smallpox, is fit for any Country Business. Enquire of WILLIAM GODFREY.
Date of Record: October 3, 1771
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, October 3, 1771

Slaveholder Name: Grace, Rebecca
City or Township: Coventry Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Seamstress
Notes: Rebecca Grace's slaves are listed on page 2 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Rose
Sex: Female
Age: "aged fifty years"
Date of Birth: 1730 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro Woman"
Notes: Registered as "Negro Woman named Rose Aged fifty years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780, page 2.
Enslaved Person's Name: Nelly
Sex: Female
Age: "aged twenty two years"
Date of Birth: 1758 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro Woman"
Notes: Registered as "Negro Woman named Nelly Aged twenty two years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780, page 2.
Enslaved Person's Name: Phillis
Sex: Female
Age: "aged fourteen years"
Date of Birth: 1766 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro girl"
Notes: Registered as "Negro girl named Phillis aged fourteen years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780, page 2.

Slaveholder Name: Graham, James
City or Township: West Nantmeal Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Yeoman
Notes: James Graham's slaves are listed on page 29 of the 1780 register. See also James Graham, Sr., below.

Enslaved Person's Name: Tobe
Sex: Male
Age: "aged thirteen years"
Date of Birth: 1767 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Boy named Tobe aged thirteen years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780

Slaveholder Name: Graham, James, Senr.
City or Township: West Nantmeal Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Yeoman
Notes: Graham's slaves are listed on page 27 of the 1780 register. See also James Graham, above.

Enslaved Person's Name: Geno
Sex: Male
Age: "aged forty years"
Date of Birth: 1740 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Registered as "A negro man named Geno aged forty years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780
Enslaved Person's Name: Sall
Sex: Female
Age: 32
Date of Birth: 1748 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro woman"
Notes: Registered as "A negro woman named Sall aged thirty two years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780
Enslaved Person's Name: Nance
Sex: Female
Age: 14
Date of Birth: 1766 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro girl"
Notes: Registered as "A negro girl named Nance aged fourteen years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780
Enslaved Person's Name: Jack
Sex: Male
Age: 8
Date of Birth: 1772 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A negro Boy named Jack aged Eight years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780
Enslaved Person's Name: Bill
Sex: Male
Age: "aged two years and five months"
Date of Birth: May 1780 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A negro Boy named Bill aged two years and five months a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780

Slaveholder Name: Graham, John
City or Township: West Nantmeal Township
County: Chester County
Occupation:
Notes:

Enslaved Person's Name: Sall
Sex: Female
Age: 30a
Date of Birth: 1753 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Wench"
Notes: Ran away in 1783; see runaway ad placed by John Graham, below:
West Nantmill township, Chester county, May 2, 1783.
EIGHT DOLLARS Reward. RUN away from the subscriber, living in West Nantmill township, Chester county, State of Pennsylvania, on the first instant, a Negroe Wench named SALL, about 30 years of age, tall and slender of stature, says she was born in Georgia; had on and took with her two linsey petticoats, striped blue and white, two linen shifts, one blue and white striped linsey bed gown, one copperas coloured ditto, one white ditto, both linen, one pair of new shoes made manfashion, and without straps. It is supposed she has carried off some of her mistress clothes, which are not here described. Whoever takes up said negroe, and secures her in any goal, so that her master may have her again, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by JOHN GRAHAM.
Several weeks later, having been recaptured, Sall ran away again and Graham placed the following ad containing additional information:
EIGHT DOLLARS Reward. RUN AWAY from the subscriber, living in West Nantmill township, Chester county, State of Pennsylvania, on the 20th of May last, a likely, tall, striat and slender made Negroe Wench named SAL, about 30 years of age, says she was born in Augusta, in the State of Georgia, but lately from the State of New Jersey and Philadelphia; had on and took with her, a striped blue and white linsey petticoat, one striped tow ditto, one striped linsey short gown, the sleeves pieced with a different kind of striped cloth, one linen striped copperas coloured ditto, one white ditto, one check apron, one tow ditto, a pair of new shoes made mens fashion, had neither hat nor bonnet when she went away, but a blue and white checked handkerchief which she wore about her head, will endeavour to pass for a free woman, pretty eloquent in speaking, very positive, and much addicted to lying. Whoever takes up and secures her, so as the owner may get her again, shall receive the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by JOHN GRAHAM. June 8.
Date of Record: May 7, 1783; June 11, 1783
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, May 7, 1783, June 11, 1783, in Accessible Archives, www.accessible.com/

Slaveholder Name: Graham, Michael
City or Township:
County: Chester County
Occupation:
Notes:

Enslaved Person's Name: Nancy
Sex: Female
Age: 20a
Date of Birth: 1740 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negroe Woman"
Notes: Ran away about 1760; see runaway ad placed by Michael Graham, below:
July 21, 1760.
RUN away from Michael Graham, of Chester County, a Negroe Woman named Nancy:
Had on, when she went away, a striped Linsey Petticoat, Two Shift, Apron of the same, and also a white Linen Apron; she is about 20 Years of Age, and has three Scars on each Cheek. Whoever takes up and secures the said Negroe, so that her Master may have her again, shall have Twenty Shillings Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by me MICHAEL GRAHAM.
Date of Record: July 31, 1760
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, July 31, 1760, in Accessible Archives, www.accessible.com/

Slaveholder Name: Greggo, Moses
City or Township: West Nantmeal Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Farmer
Notes: Moses Greggo's slave is listed on page 48 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Hayree
Sex: Male
Age: 9
Date of Birth: 1771 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A negro Boy named Hayree aged nine years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780

Slaveholder Name: Griffith, Isaac
City or Township: Willistown Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Storekeeper
Notes: Griffith's slave is listed on page 28 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Sam
Sex: Male
Age: "aged six years"
Date of Birth: 1774 (calculated)
Status: "A slave for life."
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Boy named Sam aged six years a slave for life."
Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780

Slaveholder Name: Gronow, Lewis
City or Township: Tredyffrin Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Yeoman
Notes: Gronow's slaves are listed on page 4 of the 1780 register.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: York
  Sex: Male
  Age: "aged thirty two years"
  Date of Birth: 1748 (calculated)
  Status: "A slave for life."
  Description: "Negro man"
  Notes: Registered as "A negro man named York aged thirty two years a slave for life."
  Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
  Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780
2. Enslaved Person's Name: Moses
  Sex: Male
  Age: "aged twelve years"
  Date of Birth: 1768 (calculated)
  Status: "A slave for life."
  Description: "Negro boy"
  Notes: Registered as "A negro boy named Moses aged twelve years a slave for life."
  Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
  Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780
3. Enslaved Person's Name: Aaron
  Sex: Male
  Age: "aged fourteen years"
  Date of Birth: 1768 (calculated)
  Status: "A slave for life."
  Description: "Negro boy"
  Notes: Registered as "A negro boy named Aaron aged fourteen years a slave for life."
  Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
  Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780
4. Enslaved Person's Name: Simon
  Sex: Male
  Age: "aged ten years"
  Date of Birth: 1770 (calculated)
  Status: "A slave for life."
  Description: "Negro boy"
  Notes: Registered as "A negro boy named Simon aged ten years a slave for life."
  Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
  Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780
5. Enslaved Person's Name: Amos
  Sex: Male
  Age: "aged three years"
  Date of Birth: 1777 (calculated)
  Status: "A slave for life."
  Description: "Negro boy"
  Notes: Registered as "A negro boy named Amos aged three years a slave for life."
  Date of Record: (Registration) 1780;
  Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780

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Chester County, Pennsylvania Slaveholders E - G

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