Slaveholders Listed on This Page
- Baker, Adam (Enslaved persons listed: Un-named man)
- Bicking, Frederick (Enslaved persons listed: Caleb Brown)
- Brooke, Rachel (Enslaved persons listed: Caesar)
- Brooks, Benjamin (Enslaved persons listed: Elija Domanic)
- Currie, William (Enslaved persons listed: Unnamed teenaged girl)
- Davis, John (Enslaved persons listed: Unnamed female)
- Edwards, John (Enslaved persons listed: Pompey)
- Farmer, Edward (Enslaved persons listed: James Earle, a.k.a. "Yellow Jim")
- Farmer, Justice (Enslaved persons listed: Gloster)
- George, George (Enslaved persons listed: Tom)
- Gmelin, Matthias (Enslaved persons listed: Jack Tross)
- Graeme, Dr. Thomas (Enslaved persons listed: Will)
- Hamer, John (Enslaved persons listed: Jupiter, a.k.a. Moeyen or Oantee)
- Hillegas, Catharina (Enslaved persons listed: Unnamed woman)
- Jones, John (Enslaved persons listed: Kent)
- Jones, John, Manor of Moreland (Enslaved persons listed: Un-named woman and male child, Hagar, un-named mulattoe child)
- Jones, Morris (Enslaved persons listed: Peter Commings)
- Keith, Governor William (Enslaved persons listed: Various)
- Knox, David (Enslaved persons listed: Stiffany, and child)
- Maybury, Sophia (Enslaved persons listed: Ned, Mona, Booner)
- McCall, Archibald (Enslaved persons listed: Ned, Five "forge negroes")
- Nash, S. (Enslaved persons listed: Unnamed "Negro Girl")
- Pawling, Henry Enslaved persons listed: Cuffy, Jack, Bess, Cate, Oliver, Jane, Tom, Tim, Bet)
- Pawling, John Enslaved persons listed: Tony)
- Potts, Joseph Enslaved persons listed: Violet)
- Reiff, Jacob Sr. Enslaved persons listed: Joe)
- Rittenhouse, Benjamin Enslaved persons listed: Chloe)
- Shippen, Edward, Jr. (Enslaved persons listed: Will)
- Trump, Jesse (Esnlaved persons listed: Bill Bing)
- Wentz, Peter (Esnlaved persons listed: Jack)
- Wills, Thomas (Esnlaved persons listed: Un-named man)
Enslavement Data
- Slaveholder Name: Baker, Adam
City or Township: Cheltenham Township
County: Montgomery
Occupation:
Notes: Part of Philadelphia County when the news article below was published.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given, but described as a "man."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Enslaved for life; escaped by committing suicide
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: This un-named enslaved man committed suicide to escape enslavement. News item below.
PHILADELPHIA, March 4.
On Wednesday last a Negro man, belonging to Mr. Adam Baker, in Cheltenham township, was found hanging on a tree by some women who were passing along the road. He hung himself, is is supposed, thinking that he would go back to his own country, having given that as a reason for a former attempt, when the rope breaking, prevented his intention.
Date of Record: 04 March 1775
Sources: The Pennsylvania Evening Post (Philadelphia, PA), 4 March 1775
- Slaveholder Name: Bicking, Frederick
City or Township: Lower Merion Township
County: Montgomery
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Caleb Brown
Sex: Male
Age: 16a
Date of Birth: 1779 (calculated)
Status: Runaway slave
Description: "Negro lad"
Notes: Ran away on 15 March 1795, returned or was captured, but ran away again on 10 May 1795. Bicking placed this ad in May (which was almost identical to the ad placed in March):
Twenty Dollars Reward.
RAN AWAY on Saturday, the 10th inst. from the subscriber, living in Lower Merion township, Montgomery county, a Negro LAD, about 16 years of age, and goes by the name of CALEB BROWN, about 5 feet 5 or 6 inches high, has a round face, and somewhat of a down look, a mark near one of his temples, speaks coarse, and leans forward in his walk; had on when he went away, a blue sailor jacket lined with white flannel, a linsey under jacket, striped brown linsey trowsers, Russia sheeting shirt, two pair of stockings, one pair blue, the other brown, calfskin shoes, and an old wool hat. Whoever secures said Negro in any gaol, so that his master gets him again, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by FREDERICK BICKING. May 13, 1795.
N.B. All masters of vessels, and others, are forbid to harbour or carry him off at their peril.
Date of Record: 20 May 1795; this ad was still being published through July 1795.
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 18 March 1795; 20 May 1795
- Slaveholder Name: Brooke, Rachel
City or Township: Limerick Township
County: Montgomery
Occupation:
Notes: Widow of William Brooke. William's estate inventory upon his death in October 1763 included "a Negro man Named Seacer" and "a Negro woman Named Quatto." Caeasar, below, escaped from the newly widowed Rachel the same month that William died.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Caesar
Sex: Male
Age: "about 30 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1733
Status: Escaped slave
Description: "New Negroe Man"
Notes: Caesar escaped from Brooke on October 13, 1763. She placed the following escape ad to try to recover him:
RUN away from the Subscriber, living in Limerick Township, Philadelphia County, on the 13th inst. October, a likely new Negroe Man, nam'd Caesar, about 30 Years of Age, 5 feet 6 inches high, speaks bad English: Had on, when he went away, a Felt Hat, a light Cloth Coat, halfworn, with white Metal Buttons, a Linsey Jacket, Tow Shirt, old Leather Breeches, made with a Flap, a Pair of Shoes and Stockings, about halfworn, with Shoe Buckles; he also has taken with him, a black bald faced Mare, is wall eyed, and has two or three white Feet. Whoever takes up and secures the said Negroe, so that his Mistress may have him again, shall have Forty Shillings Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by
RACHEL BROOKE.
N.B. All Masters of Vessels are forbid to carry him off at their Peril.
The description "New Negroe" indicates that Caesar has been newly brought into Pennsylvania, either directly from Africa or from a Caribbean plantation. She notes he "speaks bad English," indicating he knows a little bit of English, which may mean he spent time enslaved on a Caribbean island as opposed to being brought directly from Africa.
Date of Record: 20 October 1763
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 20 October 1763.
- Slaveholder Name: Brooks, Benjamin
City or Township: Gulph Mills
County: Montgomery
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Elija Domanic
Sex: Male
Age: Not stated
Date of Birth: Not stated
Status: Escaped slave
Description: "Black boy"
Notes: Escaped on 20 July 1801
Date of Record: 25 July 1801
Source: Lancaster Journal
- Slaveholder Name: Currie, William
City or Township: Plymouth Township
County: Montgomery
Occupation: Episcopalian Minister
Notes: Born c1708 in Scotland, educated in Virginia. A detailed biography of the Rev. William Currie may be found at https://www.tehistory.org/hqda/html/v33/v33n2p061.html.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Female
Age: "about 15 years of age"
Date of Birth:circa 1734
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe girl"
Notes: Advertised for sale as part of a larger liquidation of Currie's country estate in Plymouth Township, then Philadelphia County.
TO BE SOLD
A Plantation, in the township of Plymouth, and county of Philadelphia, 15 miles from the city, containing 222 acres of land, well timber'd, about 70 acres of corn land, lately clear'd, 20 acres of meadow, and more may be made; a new stone house, new barn and stables, a large bearing orchard, mostly grafted fruit. This plantation being in prime order, well water'd, adorn'd with variety of fruit trees, and having a healtful situation, is fit for a citizen's country seat. Whoever has a mind to purchase, may apply to William Currie, on the premises, or to John Ross, Esq; in Philadelphia, and know the title and terms of sale.
N.B. Said Currie has a likely negroe girl to be dispos'd of, about 15 years of age. Enquire at Thomas Williams's, in Second Street.
Date of Record: 7 September 1749
Source: Pennsylvania Gazette, 7 September 1749
- Slaveholder Name: Davis, John
City or Township: Montgomery Township
County: Philadelphia County (now Montgomery)
Occupation: Innkeeper
Notes: Daniel McDonald purchased an enslaved female of John Davis, but discovered that the "title" to the person was flawed and he had signed a bond to Davis of forty pounds but was not legally entitled to own the person. McDonald's notice of "injury" below, was published in Philadelphia newspapers.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided in notice
Sex: Female
Age: Age is not provided in the notice. The descriptive term "wench" could refer to a female aged anywhere from a very young teen to an aged woman. The stated price of the sale, forty pounds, indicates a person valued less than an adult woman in her prime working years.
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Wench"
Notes: McDonald believed he was legally purchasing this person from John Davis of Montgomery Township (now county), but the title to ownership was, per McDonald, flawed. and he published a notice that he would not honor the debt if he could legally avoid doing so:
Philadelphia, November 1, 1762.
WHEREAS John Davis, of the Township of Montgomery, and County of Philadelphia, hath bargained and sold to me a Negroe Wench, for which I have executed a Bond for the Sum of Forty Pounds, dated in July last past; but forasmuch as I find that the Title to said bargained Wench was not as said John Davis engaged, whereby I am grievously wronged, I design to try all Means and Methods in Law or Equity, to avoid Payment of said Bond yet out-standing; therefore all Manner of Persons are forewarned and requested not to take an Assignment thereon, and oblige their injured Friend,
DANIEL M'DONALD.
The notice above illustrates an issue that would become increasingly common, that of enslaved persons being "sold" to unknowing purchasers by sellers who did not legally own them. Although McDonald does not state the exact problem with this person's title of ownership, the most likely reason is that she was either free, or enslaved by another person. Either instance, if true, would implicate Davis as a kidnapper. In this instance, Davis appears to be a respected individual within his community, and the problem with the woman's ownership may be only a misunderstanding. Within a few decades, however, the kidnapping of free Blacks to be sold as enslaved persons would become epidemic in Philadelphia and spread throughout south central Pennsylvania and eventually most of the Middle Atlantic states.
Date of Record: 01 November 1762
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 04 November 1762.
- Slaveholder Name: Edwards, John
City or Township: New Providence Township
County: Montgomery
Occupation:
Notes: Identified by captured man Pompey as his owner.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Pompey
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given, but described as a "man."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Captured and jailed
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Captured and jailed in Philadelphia as a suspected escaped slave.
COMMITTED to my custody, in the gaol of the city and county of Philadelphia, a NEGRO MAN, named POMPEY, with an iron collar about his neck; says he belongs to John Edwards, in New-Providence township. His master is desired to come and pay charges and take him away.
Sept. 20. JOHN REYNOLDS, gaoler.
Date of Record: 20 September 1783
Source: Poulson's American Daily Advertiser (Philadelphia), 20 September 1783.
- Slaveholder Name: Farmer, Edward
City or Township: Whitemarsh Township
County: Montgomery (then Philadelphia County)
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: James Earle, a.k.a. Yellow Jim
Sex: Male
Age: "about 25 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: Circa 1712
Status: Runaway slave
Description: "Mulatto Man"
Notes: Earle escaped from Farmer in April 1737. Farmer placed the following ad in local newspapers to recover him:
RAN-away from Edward Farmer of Whitemarsh, in Philad. County, about the 12th of April, a Mulatto Man named James Earle, alias Yellow Jim. He is a lusty Fellow, about 25 Years of Age; has a full Face, wide Mouth, thick Lips, large Hands and Feet, and a small Scar over his left Eye. He had on when he went away, a new Oznabrigs Shirt, a pair of good Buck-skin Breeches, good yarn Stockings, and half worn Shoes. He can do all manner of Husbandry Work; but has been chiefly kept to drive a Team, which he understands very well.
Whoever shall take him up and bring him to his said master, shall have Three Pounds Reward if taken in this Province, or Five Pounds if taken in any other Province in America, and Ten Pounds if taken in Europe, beside reasonable Charges, paid
By Edward Farmer.
Date of Record: 21 April 1737
Source: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 21 April 1737.
- Slaveholder Name: Farmer, Justice
City or Township: Whitemarsh Township
County: Montgomery
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Gloster
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given in ad, but described as a man
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Runaway slave
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Gloster escaped from Farmer as part of a mass escape of enslaved persons from numerous other area owners on October 6, 1733. The slaveholders who lost slaves advertised collectively, posting rewards:
RUN away from Justice Farmer of Whitemarsh, a Negroe Man named Gloster; from John Petty, Indian Trader, a Negroe Man and Woman; from John Baily of Philadelphia Shoemaker, a Negroe Man named Corke, from the Widow Bird of Philadelphia, a Negroe Man, and from John Noble of Philadelphia, a Negroe Man called Bristol. They all went away last Saturday, and took Guns with them, and have been seen going up Perkiomy Road last Monday Night. Whoever takes up the said Negroes or any of them so that they may be had again, shall have from Justice Farmer Five Pound, from the Widow Bird Three Pounds, and from the other Two Pounds, and reasonable Charges paid by Justice Farmer, John Petty, John Baily, Widow Bird, and John Noble.
October 11, 1733.
Date of Record: 11 October 1733
Source: Pennsylvania Gazette, 18 October 1733.
- Slaveholder Name: George, George
City or Township: Upper Merion Township
County: Montgomery (then Philadelphia County)
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Tom
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given in ad, but described as a "lad."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Self-emancipated, March 1765
Description: "Negroe Lad"
Notes: Tom escaped from George on March 14, 1765. George published the following escape notice and reward::
RUN away, on the 14th of March inst. from George George, of Upper Merion, Philadelphia County, a Negroe Lad, named Tom, about five Teet six Inches high, Pock-marked: Had on when he went away, a blue Jacket, good Buckskin Breeches, old Shoes and Stockings, and a good Felt Hat. Whoever takes up and secures said Negroe, so as his Master may have him again, shall have Twenty Shillings Reward, paid by GEORGE GEORGE.
Date of Record: 21 March 1765
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 21 March 1765.
- Slaveholder Name: Gmelin, Matthias
City or Township: Methacton, Worcester Township
County: Montgomery
Occupation: Glazier
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Jack Tross
Sex: Male
Age: "aged about 38 years"
Date of Birth: circa 1709
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Tross escaped from Gmelin on April 12, 1747. Gmelin placed the following ad to recover him:
Philadelphia, May 14. 1747.
RUN away on the 12th of April last, from Matthias Gmelin, glazier, in the township of Worcester, at Matachen, Philadelphia county, a Negro man, named Jack Tross, aged about 38 years, of middle stature, a big head, speaks good English, and some Dutch, and is left-handed: Had on when he went away, a striped callimanco jacket, new check trowsers, blue stockings, two shirts, one fine and the other coarse, good hat, and shoes with white metal buckles in them. Whoever takes up the said Negro Man, and secures him, so that his master may have him again, shall have Forty-shillings, if taken in Pennsylvania, and if taken in any other province, Three Pounds reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
MATTHIAS GMELIN.
Date of Record: 14 May 1747
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia), 21 May 1747.
- Slaveholder Name: Graeme, Doctor Thomas
City or Township: Horsham Township
County: Montgomery (Philadelphia, at time of the ad, below)
Occupation:
Notes: The plantation mentioned in the runaway ad for Will, below, is Graeme Park, an historic site in Horsham, Pennsylvania. The Keith House, on the grounds, was built in 1722 and served as a summer residence for Sir William Keith, a colonial Governor of Pennsylvania. Dr. Thomas Graeme purchased the estate in 1739. Graeme Park has remained largely unchanged since colonial times, is open for tourists, and hosts many historical events each year. https://www.graemepark.org/
For more information on enslaved persons at Graeme Park, see Keith, William, Governor.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Will
Sex: Male
Age: "about 29 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1723
Status: Escaped slave
Description: "Molatto slave"
Notes: Will escaped from Graeme's plantation with the help of a hired hand white man named Thomas Stillwell. Graeme believed that Stillwell helped the escape and was further aiding Will by posing as his owner during their travels:
RUn away from doctor Thomas Graeme's plantation, in Horsham township, Philadelphia county, a Molatto slave, named Will, about 29 years of age, approaching very near the Negroe complexion, being of a Negroe father, and Indian mother, about five feet eight inches high, of an open bold countenance, somewhat pitted with the small-pox, speaks both English and Dutch, and is a very cunning sensible fellow. There went with him, a labouring man, that work'd by the day or month, called Thomas Stillwell, a tall smooth fac'd fair complexion'd fellow, with pale strait hair, and may be farther known by a sore not quite heal'd on one of his shins; he has been at sea, and pretends to be a sailor. The said Stillwell is supposed to countenance the escape of the Molatto, by assuming the character of his master, or some such false pretence.
Whoever apprehends said Molatto, either with or without Stillwell, and secures him in any goal, or brings him to Philadelphia, shall have Five Pounds reward, and reasonable charges, paid by his master,
THOMAS GRAEME.
N.B. It is supposed he is gone towards New-York: All masters of vessels are forbid to carry him off at their peril.
Date of Record: 12 October 1752
Source: Pennsylvania Gazette, 12 October 1752.
- Slaveholder Name: Hamer, John
City or Township: Providence Township
County: Montgomery
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Jupiter, a.k.a. Moeyen or Oantee
Sex: Male
Age: Age not mentioned in ad, but described as a "man."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life; escaped
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Moeyen escaped from Hamer on September 23, 1763. Hamer ran the following ad:
RUN away, on the 23d of September last, from the Subscriber, living in New-Providence Township, Philadelphia County, a lusty Negroe Man, of a very black Colour, speaks very little English: Had on, when he went away, a brownish coloured Cloth Coat, with a Patch of Linsey in one of the Corner Skirts before, a lightish coloured Cloth Jacket, Tow Trowsers, old Shoes, and an old Felt Hat. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and secures him, so as his Master may have him again, shall have Thirty Shillings Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by
JOHN HAMER.
N.B. The said Negroe is named Jupiter, though it is likely he may call himself by his Negroe Name, which is Moeyen, or Oantee.
Date of Record: 27 October 1763
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 27 October 1763.
- Slaveholder Name: Hillegas, Catharina
City or Township: Upper Hanover Township
County: Montgomery
Occupation: Widow of Adam Hillegas
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Female
Age: 22a
Date of Birth: 1770 (calculated)
Status: Runaway slave
Description: "Negro Wench"
Notes: Ran away on 14 September 1792. Widow Hillegas notes "'tis supposed she was taken away by a free Negroe man."
RUN AWAY from Catharina Hillegas, widow of Adam Hillegas, late of Upper Hanover township, in the county of Montgomery, yeoman, deceased, on the night of Friday the 14th instant, a NEGRO WENCH, about 22 years old, had on when she went away, two half linen petticoats, two cotton short gowns, besides a half linen one, a pair of new shoes, and a man's white wool hat; has lost one of her eyes; 'tis supposed she was taken away by a free Negroe man. Whoever takes up and secures said wench, so that the owner may get her again, shall have EIGHT SPANISH DOLLARS reward, and reasonable charges if brought home, paid by
CATHARINA HILLEGAS, Upper Hanover, September 17, 1792.
Date of Record: 19 September 1792
Source: Pennsylvania Gazette, 19 September 1792
- Slaveholder Name: Jones, John
City or Township: Lower Merion Township
County: Montgomery
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Kent
Sex: Male
Age: "about 19 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1767
Status: Slave for life; escaped
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Kent escaped from Jones on June 15, 1786. Jones ran the following ad to recover him:
EIGHT DOLLARS Reward.
RAN away from the subscriber, in Lower Merion township, Montgomery county, state of Pennsylvania, on the 15th of this instant, a NEGRO MAN, named Kent, a well made likely young fellow, about 19 years of age, 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high, he is rather impudent, born in North-Carolina: had on when he went away a light coloured homespun jacket, much worn, ticklenburg tow linen shirt and trowsers, a felt hat much worn, an old waistcoat of superfine cloth, the skirts cut short.
Whoever secures the said negro in any gaol, so that the subscriber may have him again, shall have the above reward and reasonable charges.
JOHN JONES.
June 20th, 1786.
N.B. All master of vessels, and others are forbid to carry him off at their peril.
Date of Record: 20 June 1786
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 21 June 1786.
- Slaveholder Name: Jones, John
City or Township: Manor of Moreland
County: Montgomery
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Female
Age: "about twenty-nine years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1723
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe woman"
Notes: Advertised for sale in September 1752 along with a one-year-old boy.
To be SOLD,
A LIKELY Negroe woman, about twenty-nine years of age, has had the small-pox, and understands country business well: Also a Negroe child, a boy, one year old. Any person inclining to purchase, may apply to John Jones, in the Manor of Moreland, Philadelphia county, near the Crooked Billet.
Date of Record: 21 September 1752
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 21 September 1752.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Male
Age: "one year old"
Date of Birth: circa 1751
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe child"
Notes: Advertised for sale in September 1752 along with a twenty-nine-year-old woman.
To be SOLD,
A LIKELY Negroe woman, about twenty-nine years of age, has had the small-pox, and understands country business well: Also a Negroe child, a boy, one year old. Any person inclining to purchase, may apply to John Jones, in the Manor of Moreland, Philadelphia county, near the Crooked Billet.
Date of Record: 21 September 1752
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 21 September 1752.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Hagar
Sex: Female
Age: Age not specified in escape notice.
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated September 1756
Description: "Negroe Wench"
Notes: Escaped from Jones along with a Mulattoe child:
RUN away from John Jones, of the Manor of Mooreland, and county of Philadelphia, a likely Negroe Wench, named Hagar, and has taken with her a Mulattoe child, turned of three years old. Whoever takes them up, and delivers them to their master, or puts them into the Workhouse in Philadelphia, shall have Ten Shillings reward, and reasonable charges, paid by JOHN JONES.
N.B. She formerly lived with William Branson, and is supposed to be in Philadelphia.
Date of Record: 30 September 1756
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 30 September 1756.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in escape notice
Sex: Sex not indicated in escape notice
Age: "turned of three years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1753
Status: Slave for life;
Description: "Mulattoe child"
Notes: Escaped from Jones along with the adult female Hagar. See above for text of escape notice.:
Date of Record: 30 September 1756
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 30 September 1756.
- Slaveholder Name: Jones, Morris
City or Township: Providence
County: Montgomery
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Peter Commings
Sex: Male
Age: 17a
Date of Birth: 1781 (calculated)
Status: Runaway; it is undetermined whether Peter Commings is a term slave or a true indentured servant. The low amount of the reward suggests the latter status.
Description: "Negro lad"
Notes: Ran away on 4 April 1798
Twenty Five Cents Reward.
RAN away on the 4th instant from the subscriber, living in Providence township, Montgomery county, an indented negro lad, a cordwainer by trade, named PETER COMMINGS, about seventeen years of age, five feet six or seven inches high; took with him all his clothes, so that it is impossible to describe the dress he may have on when taken. Whoever will apprehend said lad, and bring him home to me, shall receive the above reward, but no charges paid.
MORRIS JONES.
April 17, 1798.
Date of Record: 18 April 1798
Source: Pennsylvania Gazette, 18 April 1798.
- Slaveholder Name: Keith, William, Governor
City or Township: Horsham Township
County: Montgomery
Occupation: Colonial Governor of Pennsylvania
Notes: Governor William Keith kept thirteen slaves at his summer residence in Horsham. This property is now known as Graeme Park, for its later owner, Dr. Thomas Graeme.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Various
Sex: Male and female
Age: Various
Date of Birth:
Status: Slaves for life
Description:
Notes: William Keith kept 13 slaves at his summer estate between 1722 and 1739. The following was posted on the Graeme Park Facebook page, 19 June 2022:
On Juneteenth, we'd like to acknowledge the enslaved individuals who labored at Graeme Park in the 18th century. They were William, Jane, and their son Will; Mercury, Diana and their son Andrew; Ceasar, Maria, Robert, Sarah, Harrington, Oronooke, Charity, Brutus, Alexander, and Mars. We have very few details on the lives of these individuals. Will and Mars sought, and probably obtained, their freedom when they ran away from Graeme Park; Alexander may have been freed by Elizabeth after the Revolution; Jane was a Native American child of 12 when she is first mentioned as property of the Governor; Lady Keith had Charity, a mulatto, baptized; most were sold by Governor Keith to his son-in-law Dr. Graeme before he left America; at least two, possibly three, family units were maintained.
Date of Record:
Source: https://www.facebook.com/GraemeParkHorsham/
- Slaveholder Name: Knox, David
City or Township: Whitpaine Township
County: Montgomery
Occupation:
Notes: Whitpaine Township was part of Philadelphia County in 1778. David Knox was born in Antrim, Ireland in 1700, emigrated in 1732 to Whitpaine Township, and died there in 1780. Father of Andrew Knox of Revolutionary War fame.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Stiffany
Sex: Female
Age: "about 26 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1752
Status: Escaped slave
Description: "Mulatto Wench", probably traveling with a child.
Notes: Escaped from Knox on 26 September 1777. She had been at large about a year when this ad was published.
TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD.
RAN AWAY from the subscriber, living in Whitpaine township, Philadelphia county, on the 26th day of September last, a Mulatto Wench named STIFFANY, about 26 years of age, middle sized, a smart, active, handy wench; had on and took with her, a black silk bonnet, a calico long gown, four striped linen and lincey short gowns, five lincey petticoats, three shifts, two yards and a half of home made linen, one or two pair of stockings, a pair of shoes, and sundry other wearing apparel. She likewise stole and took with her, a black Horse, five years old, near fifteen hands high, paces and trots, shod before, a star in his forehead, short thick neck, his mane inclining to hand on both sides of his neck. Whoever apprehends and secures said wench, so that her master may get her and the horse again, shall have the above reward, or SIXTEEN DOLLARS for the wench and FOUR DOLLARS for the horse, and reasonable charges, paid by DAVID KNOX.
N.B. it is very probable she may have a child.
Date of Record: 15 September 1778
Source: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 15 September 1778
- Slaveholder Name: Maybury, Sophia
City or Township: Green Lane Forge
County: Montgomery
Occupation: Iron Mistress; widow of Thomas Maybury
Notes: Green Lane Forge was abandoned circa 1749.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Ned
Sex: Male
Age: "about 18 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1730
Status: Slave for life; Runaway
Description:"Negro lad"
Notes: Ned escaped from Green Lane Forge on July 17, 1748. Sophia Maybury placed the following ad seeking the return of Ned as well as of male slave Mona, who escaped a few days later:
Philadelphia, July 28, 1748.
RUN away from the subscriber, on the 17th instant, a Negroe lad, called Ned, about 18 years of age, 5 feet 7 inches high, speaks pretty good English, but thick, has very thick lips, and is much pitted with the small-pox; Had on when he went away an ozenbrigs shirt, tow trowsers, striped woolen cap, and new shoes.
Also run away the 20th instant from the subscriber, a Spanish Negroe man, called Mona, about 28 or 30 years of age, 4 feet 8 inches high, speaks broken English, a very bragging fellow, given much to flattery, is very well set, something of a stoop in his shoulders, which are very round, and has a down, designing look; Had on when he want away, an ozenbrigs shirt, tow trowsers, felt hatand old woolen cap; he carried off a blanket, a pair of buckskin breeches, and some other things; and is the same Negroe which the subscriber's late husband, Thomas Maybury deceased, advertized about a year ago.
Whoever takes up said Negroes, or either of them, and apprizes the subscriber thereof, who lives at Green Lane Forge, Philadelphia county, or Michael Hillegas, merchant in Second-street, a little above Arch-street, Philadelphia, shall have Twenty Shillings reward for each, and reasonable charges, paid by said HILLEGAS, or SOPHIA MAYBURY.
N.B. As the subscriber is certain there are people that encourage her Negroes, by giving them liquor, and harbouring them in their houses, to her great detriment and loss; and as she hath forewarned them of such underhand dealings by advertisement, published in Dutch and English some time ago; She hereby now offers a reasonable reward to any one who will make information, or discover to her the name or names of such persons, who act in so unjustifiable a manner, that she may prosecute them according to law.
Date of Record: 28 July 1748
Source: Pennsylvania Gazette, 4, 11 August 1748.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Mona
Sex: Male
Age: "about 28 or 30 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1718 or 1720
Status: Slave for life; Runaway
Description:"Spanish Negroe man" (see notes for "Booner/Mooner" below)
Notes: Mona escaped from Green Lane Forge on July 20, 1748. Sophia Maybury placed the following ad seeking the return of Mona as well as of the teenaged Ned, who escaped a few days prior:
Philadelphia, July 28, 1748.
RUN away from the subscriber, on the 17th instant, a Negroe lad, called Ned, about 18 years of age, 5 feet 7 inches high, speaks pretty good English, but thick, has very thick lips, and is much pitted with the small-pox; Had on when he went away an ozenbrigs shirt, tow trowsers, striped woolen cap, and new shoes.
Also run away the 20th instant from the subscriber, a Spanish Negroe man, called Mona, about 28 or 30 years of age, 4 feet 8 inches high, speaks broken English, a very bragging fellow, given much to flattery, is very well set, something of a stoop in his shoulders, which are very round, and has a down, designing look; Had on when he want away, an ozenbrigs shirt, tow trowsers, felt hatand old woolen cap; he carried off a blanket, a pair of buckskin breeches, and some other things; and is the same Negroe which the subscriber's late husband, Thomas Maybury deceased, advertized about a year ago.
Whoever takes up said Negroes, or either of them, and apprizes the subscriber thereof, who lives at Green Lane Forge, Philadelphia county, or Michael Hillegas, merchant in Second-street, a little above Arch-street, Philadelphia, shall have Twenty Shillings reward for each, and reasonable charges, paid by said HILLEGAS, or SOPHIA MAYBURY.
N.B. As the subscriber is certain there are people that encourage her Negroes, by giving them liquor, and harbouring them in their houses, to her great detriment and loss; and as she hath forewarned them of such underhand dealings by advertisement, published in Dutch and English some time ago; She hereby now offers a reasonable reward to any one who will make information, or discover to her the name or names of such persons, who act in so unjustifiable a manner, that she may prosecute them according to law.
Date of Record: 28 July 1748
Source: Pennsylvania Gazette, 4, 11 August 1748
- Enslaved Person's Name: Booner, a.k.a. Mooner
Sex: Male
Age: Age not reported in this ad, but described as a "man."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life; Runaway
Description:"Spanish Negro man"
Notes: Booner escaped from Maybury on May 5, 1749. Compare this person with "Mona," above. Similar name, and both were "Spanish" men. There is a significant difference in their heights, but "Mona," whom Sophia Maybury described as being only 4 feet 8 inches high, was described by her husband Thomas in 1746 as being of "middle stature," and "apt to laugh," which more closely describes the person here named Booner/Mooner. There is a strong likelihood that Mona and Booner/Mooner are the same person.
Run away from Mrs. Maybury, of Cushahopen, in Marlborough township, Philadelphia county, on Friday, the 5th instant, a Spanish Negro man, named Booner, alias Mooner, is about 5 feet 6 inches high, of a yellowish hue, has a down-look, and has a very foolish laugh: Had on when he went away, a light coloured kersey jacket, a pair of tow linnen trowsers, very good shoes, an ozenbrigs shirt, new cotton cap, and new felt hat. Whoever takes up and secures said Negro, so as his mistress may have him again, shall have Twenty shillings reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
Mrs. MAYBURY.
Date of Record: 11 May 1749
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 11, 18 May 1749
- Slaveholder Name: McCall, Archibald
City or Township: Glasgow Forge, also called McCall's Forge
County: Montgomery
Occupation: Ironmaster, merchant
Notes: Glasgow Forge was built by George McCall. Upon his death in 1740 he bequeathed it to sons Alexander, Archibald and Samuel, who continued its operation. The forge received pig iron from Thomas Potts, Jr.'s Colebrookdale Furnace, and Potts helped manage it. Per the entry below, the McCalls sold their enslaved forgemen in 1769 in anticipation of shutting down operations.
- Slave Names: Ned
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given in notice, but described as a "man."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Ned escaped from the forge on September 5, 1767. Forge manage John Fegan placed the following notice to try to recover him:
September 24.
RUN AWAY,
From Glasgow Forge, the 5th inst. September, 1767:
A Negro Man named NED, about five feet five inches high, speaks broken English, and French likewise, is a Hammerman by trade; he had on when he went away a light coloured broadcloth coat full trimmed, striped linsey jacket, a fine white shirt, and on check ditto, buckskin breeches, new shoes and large brass buckles with tongues and anchors of the same. Whoever takes up said negro and secures him in any of his Majesty's goals in America, shall have FORTY SHILLINGS reward, paid by the subscriber living at said forge, or by ARCHIBALD McCALL in Philadelphia. JOHN FEGAN.
N.B. He was seen within twelve miles of Philadelphia the day he set off; all masters of vessels are forbid to carry him off at their peril.
Date of Record: 24 September 1767
Source: The Pennsylvania Journal or Weekly Advertiser, 24 September 1767.
- Slave Names: Not named
Sex: Male
Age: Various, all adults
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slaves for life
Description: "Forge Negroes"
Notes: Five enslaved skilled forge workers were advertised for sale in February 1769 in advance of the spring shutdown of Glasgow Forge:
To be SOLD,
FIVE FORGE NEGROES, that have been Ten Years at the Business, and are Master Workmen; three of which are HAMMERMEN, and two FINERS. Enquire of ARCHIBALD M'CALL, in Philadelphia, or JOHN FEGAN, at Glasgow Forge.
N.B. The Reason of their being sold is, that the Forge is not to be carried on longer than next Spring.
Date of Record: 23 February 1769 (ad ran through June 1769)
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 23 February 1769.
- Slaveholder Name: Nash, S.
City or Township: White Marsh
County: Montgomery
Occupation: Dairy farmer
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
Sex: Female
Age: Not stated but described as a "girl." If held for the usual 28 years and having six years remaining in her enslavement, she would be about 22 years old.
Date of Birth: Not known; possibly circa 1794 (see notes on her age, above).
Status: Slave for a term of years
Description: "Negro Girl"
Notes: This person was advertised for sale in July 1816:
FOR SALE,
THE unexpired time of a NEGRO GIRL, who has nearly six years to serve. She is healthy, robust and industrious -- has been brought up on a large farm, and is perfectly accustomed to the concerns of an extensive dairy, making cheese, &c. -- is sold for no fault. Farther particulars may be obtained by adressing a line to Mr. S. NASH, White Marsh, Montgomery County.
July 29
Date of Record: 29 July 1816
Source: United States Gazette for the Country (Philadelphia, PA), 14 August 1816.
- Slaveholder Name: Pawling, Henry
City or Township: Perkiomen Township
County: Montgomery
Occupation: Farmer
Notes: Died 30 August 1739; Estate inventory included eight enslaved people. Cuffy, who escaped the year prior to Pawling's death, was not among those inventoried.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Cuffy
Sex: Male
Age: "aged about 40 Years"
Date of Birth: circa 1698
Status: Escaped slave
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Cuffy escaped from Pawling on May 20, 1738:
Philad. May 22. 1738.
RUN away on Tuesday last, from Henry Pawling of Perkiomun in Philadelphia County; a Negroe Man named Cuffy, aged about 40 Years, short of Stature, yellow fac'd with two blue Strokes on his Temples. had on, a linnen Jacket and Breeches, a blue Broad-Cloth Jacket with Brass Buttons, an new Felt hat with a piece burnt out of it; and took with him an old Felt Hat, an old light-colour'd great Coat, and a small Pocket Pistol.
Whoever secures the said Negroe, so that his Master may have him again, shall have Forty Shillings Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by Henry Pawling.
Note that Pawling included the remark that Cuffy had "two blue Strokes on his Temples," the sign of African tribal markings, possibly tattoos.
Date of Record: 22 May 1738
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 1 June 1738.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Jack
Sex: Male
Age: Age not recorded, described as a man
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Listed in Henry Pawling's estate inventory as "To a negro man named Jack £25.0.0"
Date of Record: August 1739
Source: Henry Pawling and Some of His Descendants, Katherine Wallace Kitts, Sharon Hill, PA, 1903.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Bess
Sex: Female
Age: Age not recorded, described as a woman
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro woman"
Notes: Listed in Henry Pawling's estate inventory as "To a negro woman named Bess £20.0.0"
Date of Record: August 1739
Source: Henry Pawling and Some of His Descendants, Katherine Wallace Kitts, Sharon Hill, PA, 1903.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Cate
Sex: Female
Age: Age not recorded, described as a girl
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro gerl"
Notes: Listed in Henry Pawling's estate inventory as "To a negro gerl named Cate £30.0.0"
Date of Record: August 1739
Source: Henry Pawling and Some of His Descendants, Katherine Wallace Kitts, Sharon Hill, PA, 1903.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Oliver
Sex: Male
Age: Age not recorded, described as a boy
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro boy"
Notes: Listed in Henry Pawling's estate inventory as "To a negro boy named Ollever £37.0.0"
Date of Record: August 1739
Source: Henry Pawling and Some of His Descendants, Katherine Wallace Kitts, Sharon Hill, PA, 1903.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Jane
Sex: Female
Age: Age not recorded, described as a girl
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro girl"
Notes: Listed in Henry Pawling's estate inventory as "To a negro girl named Jane £28.0.0"
Date of Record: August 1739
Source: Henry Pawling and Some of His Descendants, Katherine Wallace Kitts, Sharon Hill, PA, 1903.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Tom
Sex: Male
Age: Age not recorded, described as a boy
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro boy"
Notes: Listed in Henry Pawling's estate inventory as "To a negro boy named Tom £20.0.0"
Date of Record: August 1739
Source: Henry Pawling and Some of His Descendants, Katherine Wallace Kitts, Sharon Hill, PA, 1903.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Tim
Sex: Male
Age: Age not recorded, described as a boy
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro boy"
Notes: Listed in Henry Pawling's estate inventory as "To a negro boy named Tim £20.0.0"
Date of Record: August 1739
Source: Henry Pawling and Some of His Descendants, Katherine Wallace Kitts, Sharon Hill, PA, 1903.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Bet
Sex: Female
Age: Age not recorded, described as a girl
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro gearl"
Notes: Listed in Henry Pawling's estate inventory as "To a negro gearl named Bet £12.0.0"
Date of Record: August 1731
Source: Henry Pawling and Some of His Descendants, Katherine Wallace Kitts, Sharon Hill, PA, 1903.
- Slaveholder Name: Pawling, John
City or Township: Perkiomen Township
County: Montgomery
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Tony, also spelled Toney
Sex: Male
Age: "about 24 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1721
Status: Escaped slave
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Tony escaped from Pawling on May 2, 1746:
Philadelphia, May 29, 1746.
RUN away the 2d Instant, from John Pawling, at Perkiomen, a likely, lusty, Negroe Man, named TONEY, 6 Foot high, about 24 Years of Age, and speaks good English and High Dutch. Had on when he went away, a striped Linsey Woolsey Jacket, Tow Shirt and Trowsers, and old Felt Hat. Whoever takes up and secures said Negroe, so that his Master may have him again, shall have Twenty-five Shillings Reward, and reasonably Charges, paid by
JOHN PAWLING.
Pawling was able to recover him in June, but Tony escaped again a few weeks later:
Philadelphia, July 31, 1746.
RUN away, about 3 Weeks ago, from John Pawling, of Parqueoman, a Negroe man, named Tony, about 24 years of age, tall and well set, and can talk good English and High Dutch. He has with him several sorts of clothes, so that it is not certain which of them he will wear; he wears a very old felt hat, good stockings, and shoepacks. Whoever takes up said negroe, and secures him, so as he may be had again, shall have thirty shillings reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
JOHN PAWLING.
Date of Records: 29 May 1746; 31 July 1746
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 12 June 1746, 7 August 1746.
- Slaveholder Name: Potts, Joseph
City or Township: Plymouth Township
County: Montgomery
Occupation: Ironmaster, Mount Joy Forge (Valley Forge)
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Violet
Sex: Female
Age: "aged about twenty six years"
Date of Birth: circa 1766
Status: Manumitted, November 1792
Description: "Negro Woman"
Notes: Purchased by Potts at a sheriff sale of William Dewees' possessions. Three days after the sale, Potts manumitted Violet:
Joseph McClellen Esquire high sheriff of the County of chester by Virture of a writ of Fiere Facias to him directed proceeded to sell a certain Negro Woman named Violet as the property of William Dewees of said County – which sale was held the ninth of the Eleventh Month 1792. And Joseph Potts the subscriber hereto became the purchaser therefore be it known to all person to whom these presents may come. That I Joseph Potts of Plymouth township in the County of Montgomery in the state of Pennsylvania Do manumise and sett free from Slavery the aforesaid Negro Woman Violet aged about twenty six years form me my heirs or assigns and any other person claiming under me, and I do hereby declare for myself or any person claiming under me shall not under any pretext whatsoever molest nor anyways deprive the said Negro woman Violet of the full free and uninterrupted enjoyment of her liberty, or any property she may acquire – Witness my hand & Seal this 12th day of the 11mo 1792
Joseph Potts Witness James Shoemaker Thom. Craig
Recorded the 20th day of November Anno Domini 1792
As the Potts and Dewees families shared strong business and family ties -- William Dewees and Joseph Potts at one time shared ownership of Mount Joy Forge and William's first wife was Sarah Potts, daughter of Thomas Potts, Jr. -- there is a strong likelihood that Joseph Potts' purchase and manumission of Violet was done as a personal favor to Dewees.
Date of Record: 12 November 1792
Source: "Manumition [sic] Joseph Potts to Negroe Violet," Deeds, 1688-1903, Chester County, Pennsylvania, page 329; Chester County Courthouse, West Chester, PA.
- Slaveholder Name: Reiff, Jacob, Sr.
City or Township: Lower Salford Township
County: Montgomery
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Joe
Sex: Male
Age: 23
Date of Birth: May 1771 (calculated)
Status: Escaped slave
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Joe escaped on Christmas Day, 1794:
Four Dollars Reward.
RAN AWAY from the subscriber, on Thursday the 25th of December, living in Lower Salford township, Montgomery county, a Negro MAN, named JOE, about 5 feet 5 inches high, was 23 years of age last May, walks lame, has a piece of his little finger cut off; had on and took with him, a new mixture linsey coat, and under jacket of the same, a striped jacket of line, blue and white stripes, two pair of trowsers, a pair of yellow linsey, and a pair of striped cassimer, two pair of stockings, one pair of pale blue yarn, ribbed, the other black woolen yarn, a new pair of shoes, a new high crowned hat bound with black tape. Whoever takes up said Negro, and secures him in any jail, so that his master may get him again, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges if brought home, paid by JACOB REIFF, Senior,
January 8, 1795.
Date of Record: 14 January 1795
Source: Pennsylvania Gazette, 14 January 1795
- Slaveholder Name: Rittenhouse, Benjamin
City or Township: Worcester Township
County: Montgomery
Occupation: Clockmaker, Surveyer, Associate Judge of Montgomery County.
Notes: Younger brother of David Rittenhouse.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Chloe
Sex: Female
Age: "nearly 22 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1765
Status: Escaped slave
Description: "Mulatto Wench"
Notes: Chloe escaped from Rittenhouse in early August 1787:
Twenty Dollars Reward.
RAN-AWAY from the subscriber, living in Worcester township, Mongomery county, on Tuesday night last, a Mulatto WENCH, named CHLOE; took with her a blue and white striped long gown, one calico ditto, two calico and one white short gown, a good black silk bonnet, a red calimanco skirt, aprons and handkerchiefs, &c. She is a stout, well featured Wench, nearly 22 years of age, a countenance rather resembling an Indian than a Negro, has a remarkable spot or scar under one of her eyes, black curly hair, generally frized up to imitate a cushion; she has been taught to read, and is a plausible, cunning hussy; when she smiles or laughs an extravagant degree of pleasure diffuses itself over her face; she has been registered according to law: it is suspected she has come to this city, and that some of the Negroes in the suburbs will endeavor to secret her. All masters of vessels are forbid to carry her off at their peril. Any person apprehending the said Wench, and securing her so that her master may get her again, by giving information to David Rittenhouse, esquire, or the subscriber, shall receive the above Reward, paid by
BENJAMIN RITTENHOUSE.
Aug. 16.
Date of Record: 16 August 1787
Source: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet, the General Advertiser, 29 August 1787.
- Slaveholder Name: Shippen, Edward, Jr.
City or Township: Upper Merion Township
County: Montgomery
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Will
Sex: Male
Age: 28a
Date of Birth: 1763 (calculated)
Status: Escaped slave
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Will escaped on 10 July 1791. Shippen placed the following ad:
Eight Dollars Reward.
RAN away from the subscriber, living in Upper Merion township, county of Montgomery, on the 10th instant, a Negro man, named WILL; he is a smart, active, well-made fellow, about 28 years of age, 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, has very red eyes, large lips and bad teeth, generally wears a false curl on the hinder part of his head; had on, or took with him, a round felt hat almost new, half-worn coatee, of a pearl coloured home-made coating, a scarlet flowered everlasting waistcoat with nankeen backs, white thread stockings, old shoes with brass buckles, two good shirts of flax and tow linen, and one pair of tow trowsers. Whoever apprehends the said fellow, and secures him, so that his master shall get him again, shall have the above reward. EDWARD SHIPPEN, jun.
Date of Record: 27 July 1791
Source: Pennsylvania Gazette, 27 July 1791
- Slaveholder Name: Trump, Jesse
City or Township: Whitemarsh Township
County: Montgomery
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Bill Bing
Sex: Male
Age: 13a
Date of Birth: 1784 (calculated)
Status: Runaway slave
Description: "Negro boy"
Notes: Ran away in March 1797. Trump placed the following ad:
Two Dollars Reward.
Ran away from the subscriber, living in Whitemarsh Township, Montgomery County and state of Pennsylvania, a Negro boy named Bill Bing, about thirteen years old, stout chunky fellow for the age a large mouth, and middling flat nose; he has had his right arm broken when he was young near the elbow, and never set right which causes it to be crooked. Had on when he went away, a drab cloth sailor jacket lined with strip'd linsey, almost new, an old under jacket of a lighter colour, patched with white linsey down, the foreparts light coloured clothe trowsers patched on the knees, an old hat somewhat mealy, a pair of old ribbed woolen stockings, with neat leather shoes tied with strings, and nails in the soals.
Whoever takes him up and secures him in any gaol, so that the owner may get him again, shall have the above reward paid by
Jesse Trump,
March 27.
Date of Record: 27 March 1797
Source: Pennsylvania Gazette and United States Daily Advertiser, 8 April 1797.
- Slaveholder Name: Wentz, Peter
City or Township: Worcester Township
County: Montgomery
Occupation:
Notes: The Peter and Rosanna Wentz farmstead in Lansdale, PA, including the c1758 Georgian style home, is preserved and on the National Register of Historic Places. Public tours are available. A 1767 tax assessment in Worcester Township lists Peter Wentz assessed for "1 Negro," valued at £4. This is probably the enslaved man "Jack," listed below.
Sources: Kenny Cooper, "Historic Montgomery County farmstead recognized as an Underground Railroad site," WHYY PBS, 30 May 2021, online at https://whyy.org/articles/historic-montgomery-county-farmstead-recognized-as-an-underground-railroad-site/, accessed 26 November 2024.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Jack
Sex: Male
Age: "about 26 years old" (1766); "about 34 or 35 years of age" (1770)
Date of Birth: circa 1740 (from 1766 escape notice), or circa 1735 or 1736 (from 1770 escape notice)
Status: Slave for life; escaped
Description: "Negroe man"
Notes: Jack escaped from Wentz on October 16, 1766. Wentz waited about two weeks before placing the following escape notice in local newspapers:
FORTY SHILLINGS Reward.
RUN away from the Subscriber, living in Worcester township, Philadelphia county, on Thursday, the 16th of October last, a Negroe man, named Jack, about 26 years old, about 5 feet 4 or 5 inches high, a thick set fellow; had on, when he went away, a light coloured lincey jacket, a striped lincey under jacket, without sleeves, tow trowsers, good shoes and stockings, a good felt hat, wears it cocked; one of his legs is thicker than the other from the ancle to the knee. Whoever takes up the said Negroe, and secures him in any goal, or brings him to the Subscriber, shall have the above Reward, besides Charges, from PETER WENTZ.
Jack headed east into western New Jersey, traveling about thirty miles until being captured near Burlington, where he was jailed. The Burlington jailer published the following notice of his capture:
Burlington, Nov. 10, 1766.
NOW in the custody of the subscriber, a certain Negroe man, who is advertised in last week's papers by the name of Jack, and says he belongs to Peter Wentz, of Worcester Township, and county of Philadelphia; this is to give notice, that except his master comes and pays charges, and takes him away, he will be sold out for the same, by
EPHRAIM PHILLIPS, goaler.
Jack was returned to the Wentz farmstead but escaped again from Wentz several years later, on December 25, 1769. Wentz placed the escape notice below. Observe that Wentz' 1770 description of Jack has added several additional years to the age first reported in his 1766 ad, as well as several additional inches to Jack's height. Such inconsistencies from slaveholders are not uncommon and illustrate the unimportance many attach to the vital details of the persons they enslave:
FOUR DOLLARS Reward.
RUN away, on Christmas day last, from the subscriber, living in Worcester township, Philadelphia county, a Negroe man, named JACK, about 34 or 35 years of age, about 5 feet 5 or 6 inches high, and his left leg much thicker than the right; had on, a new white linsey jacket, an under ditto, without sleeves, buckskin breeches, light blue yarn stockings, new shoes, with large brass buckles, and a good wool hat. He says he has liberty from me to look for another master. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and brings him to me, or secures him in any of his Majesty's goals, so that I may get him again, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by PETER WENTZ.
N.B. All Masters of Vessels are forbid to carry him off, at their peril.
Saanika Acharya, a student volunteer and curator at the Rosanna and Peter Wentz farmstead, created an exhibit, "Jack's Clothing Project: The Value of Perspective," showcasing the clothing Jack wore when he escaped on Christmas Day in 1769. The exhibit is featured online here: https://www.montgomerycountypa.gov/3646/Student-Curator-Corner.
Date of Record: 11 January 1770
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 06, 13 November 1766, 11 January 1770.
- Slaveholder Name: Wills, Thomas
City or Township: Lower Merion Township
County: Montgomery
Occupation:
Notes: Located "near John Roberts's mill"
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Male
Age: "about 22 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1732
Status: Enslaved for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Placed up for sale by Wills in May 1754. Text of sale ad: "To be SOLD, A Likely Negro man, about 22 years of age, and understands plantation work; he hath had the small-pox and measles. Enquire of Thomas Wills, of Lower-merion, near John Roberts's mill."
Date of Record: 27 March 1797
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 09 May 1754.
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Enslavement
