Slaveholders Listed on this Page
- Anonymous Slaveholder (Enslaved persons: Zenno)
- Anonymous Slaveholder (Enslaved persons: Cyrus)
- Anonymous Slaveholder (Enslaved persons: Carolina)
- Anonymous Slaveholder (Enslaved persons: Dinah)
- Adderly, Abraham (Enslaved persons: Ben)
- Allaire, Alexander (Enslaved persons: Henry, Will)
- Allder, James (Enslaved persons: Un-named man)
- Allen, Edward (Enslaved persons: Hamot)
- Allen, Joseph (Enslaved persons: Un-named woman)
- Allen, Thomas (Enslaved persons: Un-named boy)
- Allen, William (Enslaved persons: Several imported enslaved persons)
- Anthony, Stephen (Enslaved persons: Un-named man)
- Apty, Thomas (Enslaved persons: Lucy, alias Peg Walker, un-named man)
- Arnold, Benedict (Enslaved persons: Punch)
- Astin, Thomas (Enslaved persons: Un-named male)
- Attwood, William (Enslaved persons: Un-named man)
- Austin, Samuel (Enslaved persons: London)
- Baily, John, Shoemaker (Enslaved persons: Corke)
- Baily, John, Goldsmith (Enslaved persons: three un-named young men)
- Ball, John (Enslaved persons: Un-named boy)
- Ball, William (Enslaved persons: Un-named man and young woman, Tom, Toney, Jacob)
- Barclay, John (Enslaved persons: Dinah)
- Barry, John, Commodore (Enslaved persons: James, Harry, Jude or Judith)
- Bartholomew, Thomas (Enslaved persons: Harry, Joseph Boudron, un-named men, a woman and a boy)
- Barton, Robert (Enslaved persons: Un-named woman and child)
- Basden, William (Enslaved persons: Un-named young woman and 2-year-old boy)
- Bavington, Jonathan (Enslaved persons: Tom)
- Bayard, John Bubenheim (Enslaved persons: Toby)
- Beach, Edmond (Enslaved persons: Un-named young man and teenaged girl)
- Belin (Enslaved persons: Sylvie, Joseph)
- Bell, William (Enslaved persons: Un-named men, a woman and her son)
- Benezet, James (Enslaved persons: Jack)
- Benezet, Mr. (Enslaved persons: Caro)
- Benoist (Enslaved persons: Un-named man)
- Best, Joseph (Enslaved persons: Un-named young man and woman)
- Bingham, James (Enslaved persons: Un-named "lad")
- Bingham, William (Enslaved persons: Trim)
- Biles, Jonathan (Enslaved persons: Henry)
- Bird, Widow (Enslaved persons: Un-named man)
- Bird, William (Enslaved persons: Cato, a.k.a. Fife)
- Bispham, William (Enslaved persons: Un-named girl)
- Bisset, David (Enslaved persons: Un-named woman)
- Blackadore, John (Enslaved persons: Primis)
- Blaine, Ephraim (Enslaved persons: Sam, un-named man and woman)
- Blake, Charles (Enslaved persons: Thomas Tamerlane)
- Bland, Theophilus (Enslaved persons: Isaac, Kit)
- Bleakley, John (Enslaved persons: Un-named teenaged girl and her child)
- Blyth, Joseph (Enslaved persons: Pierce)
- Bogart, Mary (Enslaved persons: Un-named young boy)
- Bond, Elijah (Enslaved persons: Lott)
- Bond, Thomas, Dr. (Enslaved persons: Stephen)
- Bood, John (Enslaved persons: Un-named young woman)
- Bowes, Francis (Enslaved persons: Un-named young woman and her child)
- Bowes, Hugh (Enslaved persons: John, Plato)
- Bowland, Thomas, Capt. (Enslaved persons: Un-named man)
- Bradford, Andrew (Enslaved persons: Un-named men, women, boys and girls)
- Bradford, William (Enslaved persons: Un-named young boy, Molly)
- Branson, William (Enslaved persons: Hagar)
- Breintnal, John (Enslaved persons: Un-named girl)
- Bridges, Robert (Enslaved persons: Pitt)
- Britton, Benjamin (Enslaved persons: Un-named female)
- Broadfield, Edward (Enslaved persons: Un-named female)
- Broadhurst, Benjamin (Enslaved persons: Castalio)
- Brookes, Thomas (Enslaved persons: Un-named man)
- Brotherson, Peter (Enslaved persons: James Powell)
- Brown, Dr. (Enslaved persons: Stephen)
- Brown, Edward (Enslaved persons: Joe)
- Brown, Mary (Enslaved persons: Un-named man)
- Brown, Samuel M. (Enslaved persons: Bob, Molly)
- Brown, Valentine (Enslaved persons: Two pregnant women and three children)
- Budd, Henry (Enslaved persons: Dorus)
- Budd, Levi (Enslaved persons: Jenny)
- Burcham, Mr. (Enslaved persons: un-named teenaged girl -- possibly an apprenticeship)
- Burrows, Stephen (Enslaved persons: Un-named woman)
- Burton, Thomas (Enslaved persons: Un-named boy)
- Byrne, Patrick (Enslaved persons: Un-named woman, un-named man)
Enslavement Data
A Note on Slave Numbers
The listings below represent an ongoing effort to identify slaveholders with an emphasis on documenting as many details about their enslaved persons as possible. This is, however, only a small fraction of Philadelphia's slaveholders and enslaved persons. Published studies by prominent historians reveal that Philadelphia was home to thousands of enslaved people in the colonial period.
Historian Gary B. Nash estimated the total enslaved population of Philadelphia and Southwark during it's peak slaveholding years of 1767-1775, using tax asssessments, census records, burial records and comparisons with other reliable datasets from New York City and Boston, to come up with the following estimates of total enslaved persons in Philadelphia and Southwark in these years:
1767: 1392
1769: 1270
1772: 1069
1773: 945
1774: 869
1775: 672
The figures above clearly show that the listings on this page are far from complete. They also show a steady decline in the rate of slaveholding in Philadelphia due to increased abolition activity and sentiment, a significant increase in the importation of white redemptioners and indentured servants into the province after the Seven Years War, and the combination of a very high mortality rate and very low birth rate among enslaved Blacks.
Source: Nash, Gary B. “Slaves and Slaveowners in Colonial Philadelphia.” The William and Mary Quarterly 30, no. 2 (1973): 223–56. https://doi.org/10.2307/1925149.
- Slaveholder Name: Anonymous Slaveholder
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Zenno
Sex: Male
Age: Not known; described as a "Man"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated July 1768
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Zenno escaped from his enslaver on July 28, 1768. His enslaver, who did not identify himself, believed he did not leave the city::
RUN away, on Thursday, the 28th of July last, a likely, stout, tall, young Negroe Man, called ZENNO; he has on a blue coat, with Metal Buttons, long Trowsers, made of striped Cotton, and took other Clothes with him: He speaks good English, and is very lively. Whoever secures him, or brings him to the Printers hereof, shall have Twenty Shillings reward, if taken about Town, or Forty Shillings, if any considerable Distance; he is supposed to be lurking about Town.
Date of Record: 04 August 1768
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 04 August 1768.
- Slaveholder Name: Anonymous Slaveholder
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Cyrus
Sex: Male
Age: "about twenty-five years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1753
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated early 1778
Description: "Negro Fellow"
Notes: Cyrus escaped from his enslaver, probably during the late winter of 1777-1778. His enslaver published this escape notice in February 1778:
RAN away from the subscriber a NEGRO FELLOW named CYRUS, short and thick set, about twenty-five years of age, speaks indifferent English, and has reddish eyes. He had on, when he went away, a brown upper jacket, trowsers of the same kind, blue waistcoat, and a cocked hat. Wheover secures the above negro, so that his master gets him again, shall have a GUINEA reward. Apply to the printer.
N.B. All masters of vessels and others are forbid to harbour him at their peril.
Date of Record: 05 February 1778 (Note, this was during the British occupation of Philadelphia)
Sources: The Pennsylvania Evening Post, 05 February 1778.
- Slaveholder Name: Anonymous Slaveholder
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Connected with the sloop Merlin, from which the enslaved man Carolina escaped in May 1781 while it was docked at Philadelphia.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Carolina
Sex: Male
Age: Not known; described as a "Man"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated May 1781
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Carolina escaped from the docked ship Merlin on May 16, 1781. His enslaver does not reaveal his name in a published escape ad, below:
EIGHT hard Dollars Reward.
RAN away from the sloop Merlin, on Wednesday, the 16th instant, A NEGRO MAN, who goes by the name of CAROLINA; about five feet high, a personable Negroe, and of a jett black, is remarkable for red eyes, and his legs a little crooked. He has been used to wait on a Gentleman, and can dress hair.
Had on when he went away a pair of spotted breeches, a waistcoat without sleeves, and a large round hat. --
Any person will bring the said Negroe to the aforementioned sloop, or to the Printer hereof, shall receive the above Reward.
N.B. All masters of vessels and others, are hereby requested not to harbour the said Negroe at their peril. If he will return he will be graciously received by his master, and no punishment inflicted on him.
Date of Record: 19 May 1781
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 19 May 1781.
- Slaveholder Name: Anonymous Slaveholder
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Dinah
Sex: Female
Age: "about 21 years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1760
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated November 1781
Description: "Negro Wench"
Notes: Dinah escaped from her enslaver in November 1781. Her enslaver does not reaveal his name in a published escape ad, below:
Twenty Shillings Reward.
RAN-AWAY, a Negro WENCH named DINAH, about 21 years old, is about 5 feet 6 inches high, fat and well made, of a yellow complexion, has remarkable eyes, as she never looks any one straight in the face; is much given to drink, and calls herself a free woman. She has been roving about the town near three weeks past, and is supposed to be now in it. She has with her a small figured purple calico short gown and petticoat, a blue and white linsey coat, blue baize short gown, and sundry other cloaths. Whoever will bring her to the Printer of this paper shall have the above Reward.
Dec. 8.
Date of Record: 08 December 1781
Sources: The Pennsylvania Packet, 15 December 1781.
- Slaveholder Name: Adderly, Abraham
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Ship's Captain
Notes: Generally listed as "A. Adderly" in reports of ship arrivals and departures between 1760 and 1787.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Ben
Sex: Male
Age: "about 19 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1763
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated May 1782
Description: "Negro lad"
Notes: Born in Bermuda. Ben escaped from Adderly on Thursday, 23 May 1782. A few days later Adderly placed the following escape notice in Philadelphia newspapers:
TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD.
RAN AWAY on Thursday last, from the subscriber, a Negro lad, named BEN, born in Bermuda, about 19 years of age, has a full eye, and is a smart looking fellow; he is about five feet one or two inches high, had on a light blue cloth coat, osnabrig trownsers, a black silk handkerchief round his neck, and a sailor's hat. Whoever apprehends the said Negro, and delivers him to Capt. FRANCIS KNOX, in Second-street, below Chesnut-street, shall have the above reward.
ABRAHAM ADDERLY. May 24, 1782.
Date of Record: 24 May 1782
Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal or Weekly Advertiser, 25 May 1782.
- Slaveholder Name: Allaire, Alexander
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Purchased the enslaved boy Henry from Jonathan Biles for thirty pounds, in June 1756.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Henry
Sex: Male
Age: Not known; described as a "Boy"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Sold by Jonathan Biles to Alexander Allaire in June 1756.
Date of Record: 01 June 1756
Sources: Bill of Sale between Jonathan Biles and Alexander Allaire for Negro Henry, 01 June 1756.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Will
Sex: Male
Age: Age not specified, but described as a man in Tench Coxe's escape ad.
Date of Birth: 1764 (Registered in 1780 at age 16 by Jacob Vandyke of Southampton, Bucks County.
Status: In his published notice of escape, Tench Coxe describes Will as "an indented Negro Man," suggesting a slave for a term of years;" Coxe notes that Will was "lately a slave to Mr. Alexander Allair." The change of enslavers may have resulted in a change of status from enslaved for life under Allair to enslaved for a term of years under Coxe.
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Per Tench Coxe, Will was born in Bucks County and previously enslaved by Alexander Allair. He was acquired by Tench Coxe, from whom he escaped on the evening of November 20, 1787. Coxe placed a detailed escape notice and offer of reward in the Pennsylvania Packet newspaper.
Date of Record: 21 November 1787
Source: Pennsylvania Packet, 22 November 1787.
- Slaveholder Name: Allder, James
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Residing at "Messrs. Peyton, and Adcock's, at the Corner of Market-street."
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Male
Age: "about 21 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1742
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Offered for sale in August 1763: "TO BE SOLD, A STOUT likely young Negroe Man, about 21 Years of Age. For further Particulars enquire of James Allder, at Messrs. Peyton, and Adcock's, at the Corner of Market-street."
Date of Record: 18 August 1763
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 18 August 1763.
- Slaveholder Name: Allen, Edward
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Residence on "Second-street, one door from Pine-street"
- Enslaved Person's Name: Hamot
Sex: Female
Age: about sixteen years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1768
Status: Slave for life; Self emancipated
Description: "Negro girl"
Notes: Hamot escaped from Allen on the morning of Tuesday, August 31, 1784. Text of advertisement placed by Allen to recover her:
Four Dollars Reward
RAN away from the subscriber, on Tuesday morning last a negro girl, of the Moco country, named Hamot, she is about sixteen years of age, not very tall, but thin, and sprightly, has her country mark very visible, resembling two cuts on each cheek. She came from the Island of Jamaica, to this city last may, speaks but indifferent English and had on when she went away, a flowered callico short gown, and red callimanco pettycoat; whoever detains or harbours her after Advertisement, shall be prosecuted with the utmost rigor of the law. And whoever will bring her to the House of the Subscriber, in Second-street, one door from Pine-street, shall receive the above reward and all reasonable charge from
EDWARD ALLEN.
N.B. She was seen the morning of her departure, about two miles from this city on the German Town road.
Hamot was brought to Philadelphia from Jamaica in May 1784. The term "Moco country" may refer to origins in western Africa, where the orisha Moko watches over villages. Enslaved peoples in the Caribbean created the tradition of Moko Jumbies, costumed stilt-walkers that performed at festivals representing mythical spirits that walked across the Atlantic accompanying enslaved Africans to protect them in the Americas.
Note that Hamot bears "country marks...resembling two cuts on each cheek."
Date of Record: 04 September 1784
Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser (Philadelphia), 4 September 1784. The ad ran through September 18, 1784.
- Slaveholder Name: Allen, Joseph
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Located on Front Street
- Enslaved Person's Name: Not given in ad
Sex: Female
Age: Age not given in ad, but described as a "woman."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Woman"
Notes: Offered for sale: "A Likely Negro Woman to be sold: She can Wash and Iron very well, and do House-work. Enquire of Joseph Allen in Front-street."
Dates of Records: 25 June 1730
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 25 June 1730.
- Slaveholder Name: Allen, Thomas
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Chimney Sweep Service, located on "Dock, near Spruce street"
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Not given in ad
Sex: Male
Age: "about twelve years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1788
Status: Slave for a term of years (probably for 28 years)
Description: "Mulatto Boy"
Notes: Un-named in the ad, this enslaved child, employed as a chimney sweep, was either taken by his overseer or left of his own choice. The overseer, Peter Canfield, apparently was a free Black working for Allen.
Ten Dollars Reward.
RAN AWAY from the subscriber, on Tuesday the 4th instant, a Mulatto Boy, (a chimney sweeper) about twelve years of age, light complexion, and grey eyes; had on his working dress and blanket, and took with him a brush, scraper and cap; supposed to have been enticed away by his overseer, a black man, about five feet 7 or 8 inches high, who calls himself Peter Canfield, who absconded from the service of the subscriber at the same time.
Whoever will return the boy shall receive the above reward.
THOMAS ALLEN.
Dock, near Spruce street.
February 11.
The disappearance of this young boy, aside from his escape from an enslaver, may have sinister implications worse than his term enslavement, as it coincides with the frequent disappearance from the streets of Philadelphia of many other young African American children, mostly free-born pre-teen boys and younger. The disappearances were tied to kidnappings by persons who sold the children to slave dealers in the deep South.
Dates of Records: 11 February 1800
Sources: Gazette of the United States and Daily Advertiser (Philadelphia), 11 February 1800
- Slaveholder Name: Allen, William
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant, slave trader, iron forge owner (Union Forge, Hunterdon County, New Jersey), politician, Chief Justice of colonial Pennsylvania Supreme Court
Notes: See the page on Slave Traders for more on the firm of Turner and Allen. William Allen built the estate Mount Airy. Founder of present day Allentown, Pennsylvania. Allen laid out the town in 1762 on land purchased from Joseph Turner and named it Northampton Town.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Not given in ad
Sex: Male and female
Age: Ages not specified in ad, but probably a mixture of adults and young persons.
Date of Birth: Not known, varies
Status: Slaves for life
Description: "Negroes," "Negro Women"
Notes: Allen, along with Alexander Woodrop and Joseph Turner, offered the following enslaved persons for sale in May 1736:
JUST arrived from Barbadoes, several likely Negroes; among which are two likely Women bred to House-work. To be Sold by Alexander Woodrop, William Allen and Joseph Turner.
Dates of Records: 06 May 1736
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 06 May 1736
- Slaveholder Name: Anthony, Stephen
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Second Street
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
Sex: Male
Age: "about 30 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1719
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe man"
Notes: Offered for sale in September 1749: "TO BE SOLD, A Likely Negroe man, about 30 years of age, a skinner by trade, and understands his business well, a very honest fellow. Enquire of Stephen Anthony, in Second-street."
Date of Record: 28 September 1749; this ad ran through October 12, 1749.
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 28 September 1749.
- Slaveholder Name: Apty, Thomas
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Work House Keeper
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Male
Age: "about thirty-two years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1746
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Advertised for sale in December 1778: "TO BE SOLD, A NEGRO MAN about thirty-two years of age, a stout, able, healthy fellow, this country born, understands the farming business in all its branches, and is sold by his master for want of employ. Enquire of THOMAS APTY, Keeper of the Work-house."
Apty may not be the actual owner of this person. Enslaved persons placed up for sale were sometimes imprisoned in the Work House as a holding location until a sale could be arranged. If that is the case, the owner is not identified in the ad.
Date of Record: 24 December 1778
Sources: Dunlap and Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser (Philadelphia), 24 December 1778
- Enslaved Person's Name: Lucy, alias Peg Walker
Sex: Female
Age: "about twenty-two or twenty-three years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1756 or 1757
Status: Imprisoned as a runaway slave
Description: "Negro Wench"
Notes: Imprisoned in the Philadelphia Work House on suspicion of being a fugitive slave:
Philadelphia, April 27.
NOW in the Work-house of this city on suspicion of being a run-away, a Negro Wench who is supposed to have come into this city with the British army, or about that time, and has gone by the name of LUCY, alias PEG WALKER; about twenty-two or twenty-three years of age, short and well set, round smooth faced, says she came to town about two years ago with her master, Joseph England, and his wife, from Kent upon Delaware, and that they died soon after in this city without leaving any one to take care of their effects or of her, whereby she thought herself to be free. Any person to whom she may belong is hereby notified to come, pay charges and take her away in two months from this date, otherwise she will be sold out for the same, by
THOMAS APTY, Work-house Keeper.
Date of Record: 27 April 1779; If not claimed by an owner by June 27, this person would be sold back into slavery.
Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 04, 08 May 1779.
- Slaveholder Name: Arnold, Benedict
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Soldier, General
Notes: Named by George Washington as military commander of Philadelphia after the June 1778 departure of British occupying troops. While in Philadelphia met and in April 1779 married the teenaged Peggy Shippen, daughter of Judge Edward Shippen. Arnold's wife had been courted by British officers during their earlier occupation of the city and maintained contact with some of them. When Arnold revealed to his new bride his dissatisfaction at his treatment and impending trial by Pennsylvania authorities on charges of incompetence, she put him in touch with a former suitor, British Major John Andre. Arnold hatched a scheme to turn over the fortified Patriot position at West Point to British forces. Arnold convinced Washington to appoint him commander of West Point and left Philadelphia in early August 1780 to take command there. His scheme fell apart a month later when Andre, along with incriminating papers, was captured by Patriot soldiers following his secret meeting with Arnold regarding turning over the fort. Andre was hanged, Benedict Arnold, and eventually his wife Peggy, escaped to British lines in New York.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Punch
Sex: Male
Age: 'about 23 years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1757
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated June 1780
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Punch escaped from the Arnold household on June 1, 1780. Arnold placed the following escape notice in the Pennsylvania Packet, along wtih a notice of a stray cow, offering rewards for both:
Philadelphia, June 2, 1780.
Five Hundred Dollars Reward.
RAN AWAY on Thursday morning the first instant (June) from the Subscriber in Philadelphia, a Negroe Man, named PUNCH, about 23 years old, 5 feet 9 inches high, handsome, stout and very well made, his legs some-what bowing, wears his wool tupeed, lived in New England from a child, and speaks that dialect, reads and writes tolerably, is left handed: Took with him a variety of cloaths, &c among which are the following articles: -- 1 blue cloth coat, superfine, red collar and cuffs, 1 ditto coarser, 1 plain blue ditto, 1 crimson coloured great coat, milled baize, much faded, several white and blue cloth waistcoats and breeches, several striped and white linen waistcoats and breeches, 1 pair new buckskin breeches, 1 pair boots almost new, linen overalls, several coarse and fine shirts, hoes, &c. one good hat, and one old round ditto. It is supposed he will endeavor to get to New-York or go to sea. All masters of vessels are forbid to carry him off. Whoever returns said Negroe to me shall receive the above reward, and all reasonable charges, paid by
BENEDICT ARNOLD.
N.B. Strayed away, the 29th of May, a pale red COW, about ten years old, very poor, small horns, a white face and belly, the hair on her tail cut short; the person who will return her or inform where she is shall be well rewarded.
Punch's escape occurred even as Benedict Arnold was already preparing to betray the Patriot cause. By August, Benedict and Peggy Arnold would move their household to West Point so that he could take command of the fortress. It is not known if Punch was recovered by the Arnolds before the move from Philadelphia.
Date of Record: 02 June 1780
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 20 June 1780.
- Slaveholder Name: Astin, Thomas
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given but described as a "fellow," most likely an adult
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe fellow"
Notes: Offered for sale in July 1756: "To be SOLD, A LIKELY able Negroe fellow, fit for town or country business. Enquire at the house of Thomas Astin, near John Palmer's, on Society-Hill."
Date of Record: 08 July 1756
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 08, 22 July 1756.
- Slaveholder Name: Attwood, William
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant, trader and importer
Notes: Front Street. Attwood also dealt in English servants "imported" from England. See The Pennsylvania Gazette, 26 July 1744, page 4.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given but described as a man
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Offered for sale in November 1737: "TO BE SOLD, BY WILLIAM ATTWOOD, in Front-street, Philadelphia, on reasonable Terms, a likely Negroe Man, fit to be imploy'd in Country Business."
Date of Record: 24 November 1737
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 24 November 1737.
- Slaveholder Name: Austin, Samuel
City or Township: Philadelphia, New Ferry
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Ferry operator
Notes: Died in September 1767
Source: Pennsylvania Gazette, 24 September 1767
- Enslaved Person's Name: London
Sex: Male
Age: Not given; described as a "Man"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Ran away in May 1764. Austin placed the following advertisement to locate him:
Philadelphia, May 28, 1764.
RUN-AWAY from the New-Ferry, a Negroe Man, named London, about 5 Feet 3 Inches high, Barbados born; Had on when he went away, a striped Holland jacket, striped trowsers, Ozenbrigs Shirt, a coarse Hat, cock'd, with a white Button, good Shoes and Stockings; he is very apt to hire himself on board of Vessels, in order to make his Escape. Whoever takes up said Negroe, or informs his said Master of any Person that has hired him, shall receive Eight Dollars from
SAMUEL AUSTIN, at the New-Ferry.
Although captured and returned, London escaped again in October 1765:
Philadelphia, October 20 1765.
RUN away from the New Ferry, a Negroe Man, named London; he is about 5 Feet 3 Inches high, was born in Barbadoes; Had on a red under Jacket, without sleeves, striped Linen Trowsers, a pretty good Hat, and good Shoes and Stockings; took with him a grey Cloth Coat, a Velvet Jacket, without Sleves, and other Things, tied in a Handerchief. He is apt to hire himself on board of Vessels. Whoever takes up and secures the said Negroe, so that his Master may have him again, shall receive Forty Shillings from SAMUEL AUSTIN, living at the New Ferry.
N.B. All Masters of Vessels, and others, are forbid to harbour or carry him off.
London was captured and returned to Austin, but escaped yet again. An ad appeared in November 1766 advertising for his capture, very similar to the following ad that appeared in April 1767. It is not clear if this refers to the same escape, or if London ran away in November 1766, was captured and ran away for a fourth time in February 1767:
Philadelphia, February 23, 1767.:br>
RUN away from the NEW FERRY, a Negroe Man, named LONDON; about five Feet three Inches high, Barbados born; Had on, when he went away, a white Shirt, light coloured Jacket, a red double-breasted under Jacket, red Trowsers, and good Shoes and Stockings; he is apt to say that he is a free Man, and hire himself as such; is remarkable for having a large Nose, and a smiling Look. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and brings him to the New Ferry, shall have EIGHT DOLLARS Reward, paid by
SAMUEL AUSTIN.
An advertisement that appeared in January 1767, similar to the one above, had an additional detail. It noted that London had "an iron about his leg, which he is apt to hide." This reveals an extreme measure by Austin to try to keep London: chaining him.
Date of Records: 28 May 1764; 20 October 1765; November 1766; 18 January, 23 February 1767
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 14, 21 June 1764; 31 October 1765; 13 November 1766; 5 February, 2 April 1767;
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given, but likely London, above, who began making multiple escape attempts (see above)
Sex: Male
Age: "about 21 Years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1741
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Advertised for sale in 1762: "There is now at the Lower End of Arch-street, at the New Ferry, to be sold, a likely stout Negroe Man, about 21 Years old, born in Barbados, supposed to be honest, and not given to Drink. He is fit for most Sorts of Business, being very strong."
Date of Records: 2 December 1762
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 2 December 1762
- Slaveholder Name: Baily, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia
Occupation: Shoemaker
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Corke
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given in ad but described as a man
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life -- runaway
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: This person escaped from Baily 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
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 18 October 1733.
- Slaveholder Name: Baily, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia
Occupation: Goldsmith, silversmith, shop on Front Street
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Names: Names not given in ad
Sex: Male
Ages: Ages not given in ad but described as "lads."
Dates of Birth: Not known
Status: Slaves for life
Description: "Negroe Lads"
Notes: Three enslaved young men scheduled to be auctioned off on April 6, 1763 along with some of John Baily's other possessions.
To be SOLD,
ON Wednesday, the Sixth of April next, at Eleven o'clock in the Forenoon, at the House of JOHN BAILY, Goldsmith, in Front-street, A large Assortment of Plate, Gold and Silver Watches, one good fashionable Eight Day Clock, one Chamber Clock, which repeats the Quarters on eight Bells every Quarter, Toys, Trinkets, &c. A good single Horse Chair, and Harness, and a riding Horse. Also three healthy Negroe Lads, that have had the Small-pox, two of which can work at the Goldsmith's Trade.
Date of Record: 10 March 1763
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 March 1763.
- Slaveholder Name: Ball, John, Captain
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia
Occupation: Ship's Captain
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given in ad but described as a "boy"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Boy"
Notes: Offered for sale in October 1730: "To Be SOLD. BY Capt. John Ball, on board the Ship John Galley, lying at the Widow Hun's Wharf, a very likely Negroe Boy, and good Muscovado Sugar, Reasonable."
Date of Record: 08 October 1730
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 08 October 1730.
- Slaveholder Name: Ball, William
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia
Occupation: Goldsmith, silversmith and jeweler
Notes: "Front-street, between Black horse-alley and Chestnut-street." (1750s); "Market-street, three doors below Messieurs Hall and Seller's Printing-Office" (1770s);
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given in ad but described as a "man"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Offered for sale in July 1754:
To be SOLD,
A LIKELY Negroe-man, who understands carting, and all manner of country work, being brought up to it from a child. Enquire of WILLIAM BALL, goldsmith in Front-street, between Black horse-alley and Chestnut-street.
Date of Record: 18 July 1754
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 18 July 1754.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Female
Age: Age not given in ad but described as a young woman
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Woman"
Notes: Offered for sale in August 1772. After the description of the woman, the sale ad continued on with a long list of silver goods, jewelry, tools, and other goods for sale:
To be SOLD, A LIKELY young NEGROE Woman, used to all sorts of house work, will suit town or country; enquire of WILLIAM BALL, living in Market-street, three doors below Messieurs Hall and Seller's Printing-Office.
Date of Record: 26 August 1772
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 26 August 1772.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Tom
Sex: Male
Age: "about 36 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1742
Status: Slave for life; Escaped to British lines
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Tom is one of three men enslaved by William Ball, all of whom escaped to the British army some months or even a year prior to publication of the ad below. The British occupied Philadelphia from September 1777 to June 1778:
ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD.
RAN AWAY from the subscriber, of the city of Philadelphia, and went to the British army, three Negro Men, viz. TOM, by trade a silversmith, about 36 years of age, about five feet eight inches high, thick and well set, round full face, thick lips, affects to speak good English, is slow and fair of speech, limps a little in his walk, occasioned by his ancle being burnt: He was on board the Delaware frigate, Capt. Watt, 'till February last, when he left her, and has been at Christiana Bridge the beginning of last May.
It is supposed he is to the southward, and will call at the silversmith shops.
TONEY, a farmer, about 30 years of age, five feet seven inches high, well set, round, full, smooth and black face, thick lips, speaks fair and good English, and is a smart likely fellow: He was protected from his master by a Capt. Averne of the British grenadiers, on whom he waited last winter, and since by Capt. Cannon, of the 57th grenadiers.
JACOB, is a labourer, 40 years of age, about five feet seven inches high, thick and well set, marked with the small-pox, speaks indifferent English, can thrash, cut wood, and has some time worked with a carpenter. It is thought the said Negroes have or will leave the British army and strole about for work as freemen. Whoever apprehends either of said Negroes and secures them in any gaol, so that I may have them again, shall receive Forty Dollars for Tom, Forty Dollars for Toney, and Twenty Dollars for Jacob, paid by
WILLIAM BALL.
N.B. Masters of vessels and others are requested not to harbour or take any of them off at their peril.
Date of Record: 01 September 1778
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 01 September 1778.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Toney
Sex: Male
Age: "30 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1748
Status: Slave for life; Escaped to British lines
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Toney is one of three men enslaved by William Ball, all of whom escaped to the British army some months or even a year prior to publication of the ad above. The British occupied Philadelphia from September 1777 to June 1778.
Date of Record: 01 September 1778
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 01 September 1778.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Jacob
Sex: Male
Age: "about 40 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1738
Status: Slave for life; Escaped to British lines
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Jacob is one of three men enslaved by William Ball, all of whom escaped to the British army some months or even a year prior to publication of the ad above. The British occupied Philadelphia from September 1777 to June 1778.
Date of Record: 01 September 1778
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 01 September 1778.
- Slaveholder Name: Barclay, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia
Occupation: Importer and merchant, Barclay & Company.
Notes: In an ad dated January 31, 1783, Barclay had the following goods for sale: "TO BE SOLD, BY John Barclay & Co., At their STORES, the southside of Spruce-street Wharf, A LARGE and general assortment of dry GOODS, Cordage and bar Lead, West India Rum, and Imported Salt of the best quality. Jan. 31."
- Enslaved Person's Name: Dinah
Sex: Female
Age: "about 30 years of age"
Date of Birth: Circa 1753
Status: Slave for life; Escaped
Description: "Mulatto Woman"
Notes: Dinah escaped from Barclay on January 31, 1783. He ran the following ad to recover her:
Eight Dollars Reward.
RAN-AWAY from the subscriber, a Mulatto WOMAN, named DINAH: She is of the middle size, and about 30 years of age. The above reward will be given to any person who will discover where she is harboured, so that she may be had again.
Jan. 31. JOHN BARCLAY.
Date of Record: 31 January 1783
Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 25 February 1783.
- Slaveholder Name: Barry, John, Commodore
City or Township: Northern Liberties
County: Philadelphia
Occupation: Continental Navy Commodore
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: James
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given in register but described as an adult
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Adult, slave" "Negro Man"
Notes: Baptized in St. Joseph's Church, Philadelphia as an adult, on July 16, 1776. Sponsor was "Hannah, slave of N. White." James was one of two enslaved persons listed in the will of John Barry (see below).
Date of Record: 16 July 1776
Sources: “LIST OF BAPTISMS REGISTERED AT ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA. (SECOND SERIES.) FROM JANUARY I, 1776, OCTOBER 21, 1781.” Records of the American Catholic Historical Society of Philadelphia, vol. 2, 1886, pp. 225–75. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44207452. Accessed 29 Jan. 2024.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Harry
Sex: Male
Age: "about thirty-eight years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1739
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated August 1777
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Barry acquired Harry from Ann Humphreys sometime prior to 1777. Harry escaped from Barry on August 12, 1777. Barry published the following escape notice:
RAN away from the subscriber on the 12th inst. (August) a Negro man named HARRY, who formerly belonged to the widow Ann Humphreys in Market-street, about thirty-eight years of age, and six feet high. Whoever gives information, or secures him so that the owner gets him again, shall have Four Dollars reward.
JOHN BARRY.
N.B. All persons are forbid to harbour him at their peril.
Date of Record: 16 August 1777
Sources: The Pennsylvania Evening Post, 16 August 1777.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Judith or Jude
Sex: Female
Age: Age not given in will
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Mulatto woman"
Notes: Baptized on August 19, 1779. Listed in will of John Barry as below:
Item, I give and bequeath my negro man James and my mulatto woman Jude to my beloved wife Sarah during her widowhood, or natural life, and at her marriage or death which ever may first happen, the said negro man and mulatto woman shall be free and my executors shall pay to each of them from the time of their becoming respectively free as aforesaid, for their support during life an annuity of twenty pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania in four equal quarterly payments in each year, during their respective lives.
Item, at or immediately after the death of my said negro man (if my said wife shall be then dead, but if she shall not then, when my said wife shall afterwards die, I give the principal sum hereinafter mentioned from which annuity hereby bequeathed to my said negro man is to be raised to the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Society worshiping at the church of St. Mary in the City of Philadelphia for the use and benefit of the poor school of said church.
Item, From and immediately after the death of my said mulatto woman whether she shall become free or not, I give and bequeath the principal sum from which the annuity hereby given to her is directed to be raised to Eleanor Dowlin the daughter of my late sister Margaret, who lived in the County of Wexford in Ireland.
Item, For the punctual payment of the annuities aforesaid, I order and direct my executors to provide a fund or funds
in such manner as they may think proper, out of my estate real and personal, sufficient to raise an income interest and profit, adequate to pay and discharge the said annuities in manner aforesaid, and when the same shall cease and determine by the death or deaths of the said James and Jude or either of them, then to pay and apply the principal sum or sums in manner aforesaid.
Date of Record: 29 September 1803 (Will)
Sources: GRIFFIN, MARTIN I. J., and Francis T. Furey. “THE HISTORY OF COMMODORE JOHN BARRY. A. D. 1745-1803 (Continued).” Records of the American Catholic Historical Society of Philadelphia, vol. 8, no. 3, 1897, pp. 257–93. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44207623. Accessed 29 Jan. 2024.
- Slaveholder Name: Bartholomew, Thomas
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia
Occupation: Real estate speculator, Tavern Keeper, The King Hendrick, Arch Street (1760s); The White Horse, Market Street, with stables in Elbow Lane (1750s)
Notes: Lived 1718-1766. In addition to running the White Horse as a tavern, Thomas Bartholomew also used the facilities and stables as a place to help secure captured runaway slaves and servants, and to house the enslaved people he placed up for sale.
Sources: Independence Historic Research Study, National Park Service, "Chapter 2, Early Speculators and Settlers, 1757-1775," webpage accessed online 1 November 2023 at https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/inde/hrs/hrs2.htm.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Harry
Sex: Male
Age: 25a
Date of Birth: 1731 (calculated)
Slave Status: Runaway
Slave Description: "Mulattoe slave"
Notes: Bartholomew purchased Harry from Samuel Cookson, of Caernarvon Township, Lancaster County. Harry was transferred or sold between at least five owners, and he ran away from the fifth, who placed the ad here. Text of runaway advertisement placed in the Pennsylvania Gazette by Thomas Bartholomew of Philadelphia:
"Philadelphia, August 9, 1756
THIS day absented himself from his masters service, a
Mulattoe slave, named Harry, about five feet six inches high, a broad well set fellow, speaks good English, and Dutch: had on when he went away, a blue cloth coat, with flat metal buttons, old check shirt, white tow trowsers, good shoes, and an old hat; chews Tobacco much, is a nimble lively fellow, about 25 years of age. He formerly belonged to George Johnson, in Frederick county in Virginia; from thence assigned to one John Lindsay; from thence to John Clark, of Lancaster; from thence to one Cookson, and from thence to the subscriber.
Whoever secures said Harry, in any goal, or brings him to his master, if taken in or near Philadelphia, shall have Four Dollars reward, if more than 20 miles, shall have Ten Dollars, and reasonable charges, paid by THOMAS BARTHOLOMEW.
N.B. he pretends to be a free man, and to have great friends in Maryland and Virginia. All masters of Vessels, and others, are forbid to carry him off at their peril."
The ad above only hints at Harry's history of escapes. See the entry under John Clark, of Lancaster County for a more detailed account.
Date of Record: August 12, 1756
Source: Accessible Archives--Pennsylvania Gazette, August 12, 1756, Item #19826.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
Sex: Male
Age: Not stated, but described as a "boy"
Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Slave for life
Slave Description: "Negro boy"
Notes: Advertised for sale along with other goods in February 1760:
To be sold by THOMAS BARTHOLOMEW, At his house, at the upper end of Arch street, near the sign of King Hendrick
Choice Madeira and Tenereiffe wiine, all sorts of shop goods, a likely Negro boy, suitable to wait on a gentleman, a large quantity of Carolina leather, in whole hides, two good saddle horses, suitable to go in chairs, to be sold reasonable for ready money or short credit.
Date of Record: 07 February 1760
Source: Pennsylvania Gazette, 7 February 1760.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
Sex: Female
Age: Not stated, but described as a "young woman"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Woman"
Notes: Advertised for sale along with other goods in July 1761:
To be sold by the Subscriber, living in Arch-street, near the Church Burying-ground, a likely young Negroe Woman, very fit for House-work, can cook well, wash and iron. Also a Quantity of good fresh Rice, some Indigo and Deer-skins. And some Myrtle Wax, and sundry other Goods, at reasonable Rates.
THOMAS BARTHOLOMEW.
Other Notes: Myrtle wax was used to make bayberry-scented soap. It could also be used in candle-making.
Date of Record: 30 July 1761
Source: Pennsylvania Gazette, 30 July 1761.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
Sex: Male
Age: Not stated, but described as a "man."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe man"
Notes: Advertised for sale at the very end of a long list of imported goods in October 1761: "He also has a Negroe Man to dispose of."
Date of Record: 1 October 1761
Source: Pennsylvania Gazette, 01, 15 October 1761.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
Sex: Male
Age: Not stated, but described as a "man."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe man"
Notes: Advertised for sale between a real estate offer and a list of imported and domestic goods in July 1762:
TO BE LETT,
THE House and stables where Musgrove Evans now lives, in Arch-street, hath been these many Years a well accustomed Tavern; to be entered on in ten Days, by me THOMAS BARTHOLOMEW.
N.B. He has also to sell, a likely Negroe Man, and a Parcel of South-Carolina Soal Leather, Myrtle Wax, and Myrtle Wax Candles, &c.
Date of Record: 15 July 1762
Source: Pennsylvania Gazette, 15 July 1762.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
Sex: Male
Age: "24 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1727
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe man"
Notes: Advertised for sale along with other goods in October 1751: "To be SOLD, A Likely Negroe man, 24 years of age, fit for plantation business. Enquire at Thomas Bartholomew's, in Market-street, at the sign of the White Horse."
Date of Record: 17 October 1751
Source: Pennsylvania Gazette, 17 October 1751.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Joseph Boudron
Sex: Male
Age: "about 23 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: 1739 (calculated)
Status: Runaway
Description: "Mulattoe Man Slave"
Notes: Joseph Boudron escaped from Thomas Bartholomew on August 23, 1762. As a fugitive slave, he had several advantages: he escaped with a complete wardrobe, he spoke four languages, and had familiarity with large towns and cities. As an experienced seaman, he had good chances of hiring out on an outbound vessel, despite Bartholomew's warning to local captains:
Philadelphia, August 24, 1762.
RUN away from the Subscriber Yesterday, a Mulattoe Man Slave, named Joe, alias Joseph Boudron, a middle-sized Man, a brisk lively Fellow, about 23 Years of Age, was born at Guadaloupe, has lived some Time in New-York, and Charles-Town, in South-Carolina, speaks good English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese; Had on when he went away, an old whitish coloured Broadcloth Coat, faced with Plush, and Metal Buttons, a Calicoe Jacket, black knit Breeches, blue Worsted Stockings, new Shoes, with large Brass Buckles, Check Shirt, an old laced Hat, and has other Things not known; he is a good Cook, and much used to the Seas, where it is thought he intends, or for New-York.
Any Person that takes up said Runaway, and brings him to me, or secures him in any Goal in this Province, shall have Two Pistoles Reward, and if in any other Province, Four Pistoles, and reasonable Charges, paid by me
THOMAS BARTHOLOMEW, junior.
N.B. All Masters of Vessels and others are desired not to carry him off, or harbour him, on any Account.
Date of Record: August 24, 1762
Source: Pennsylvania Gazette, 26 August 1762
- Slaveholder Name: Barton, Robert
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Furniture maker, joiner, chair maker
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
Sex: Female
Age: Not known; described as a "Woman"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Woman"
Notes: Offered for sale in August 1739 along with her one-and-one-half-year-old child:
MADE and SOLD
By Robert Barton, near the POST-OFFICE in Philadelphia,
at the most reasonable Rates,
WAlnut, Mohogony, Easy, Close-stool and Ship-Chairs, and Stools, Couches and Settees, Backgammon Tables, with Men, Boxes, and Dies. Who has a likely Negro Woman fit for Town or Country Business, with a Child about one Year and an half old, to dispose of. Also right good Neatsfoot Oyl for Coach and Chaise Leather and Harnesses to sell reasonably by the Gallon or larger Quantity.
Date of Record: 02 August 1739
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 02 August 1739.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
Sex: Sex not specified in ad
Age: "about one Year and an half old"
Date of Birth: circa February 1738
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Child"
Notes: Offered for sale in August 1739 along with its mother. See above for text of ad.
Date of Record: 02 August 1739
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 02 August 1739.
- Slaveholder Name: Basden, William
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
Sex: Female
Age: Not known; described as a "Woman"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Woman"
Notes: Offered for sale in December 1736 along with a two-year-old boy, presumably her son: "To be Sold, A Very likely breeding Negroe Woman, and a Boy about two Years old. The Woman is fit for any Business either in Town or Country. Enquire of William Basden, over against the Coffee-House in Front Street."
Date of Record: 9 December 1736
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 9 December 1736
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
Sex: Male
Age: "about two Years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1734
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Boy"
Notes: Advertised for sale in December 1736 along with his mother. See text of ad above.
Date of Record: 9 December 1736
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 9 December 1736
- Slaveholder Name: Bavington, Jonathan
City or Township: Oxford Township
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Tom
Sex: Male
Age: "22 or 23 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1752 or 1753
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Advertised for sale in August 1775:
TO BE SOLD,
A NEGROE MAN, named TOM, 22 or 23 years of age, can talk English and Dutch, has had the small-pox and measles; he can plough, sow, reap and mow, and can do as much in a day as any man that I have seen.
To be SOLD, or RENTED,
And may be entered on the 10th of October next,
That old accustomed TAVERN, known by the name of the Rising Sun, where the Widow West, deceased, lately dwelt, on the post road. Whoever inclines to purchase the Negroe, or to buy or rent the House, may apply to the subscriber, in Oxford township, 8 miles from the city of Philadelphia, on the Busseltown road.
JONATHAN BAVINGTON.
The Rising Sun Tavern was run by Elizabeth West, and per a 1774 ad, had been operating under that name as a tavern for forty years.
Date of Record: 30 August 1775
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 24 August 1774, 30 August 1775.
- Slaveholder Name: Bayard, John Bubenheim
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant, politician
Notes: Born in Maryland, John Bayard settled in Philadelphia circa 1756 and established a mercantile business. He supported American Independence during the Revolution and served in the Provincial Conference that declared Pennsylvania's independence from Great Britain, mobilized the Pennsylvania militia and drafted the Pennsylvania Constitution. Bayard was elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly and served as Speaker. As an "Associator," he also saw military service at the Battle of Princeton, January 3, 1777.
Source: "John Bubenheim Bayard," Penn Libraries, University of Pennsylvania Archives and Records Center, https://archives.upenn.edu/exhibits/penn-people/biography/john-bubenheim-bayard/, accessed 15 June 2025.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Toby
Sex: Male
Age: No age specified in escape ad, but described as a "boy."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated summer 1770
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Toby escaped from Bayard in summer, 1770. Bayard placed the following escape notice in a Philadelphia newspaper::
July 5.
RUN AWAY from the subscriber, living in Second-street, between Market and Arch streets; a Negro Boy named TOBY, a likely fellow, smooth faced, about 4 feet 8 or 9 inches high, well set and active, very talkative and complaisant, especially when in liquor: Had on when he went away, an old beaver hat, a striped linen jacket, white shirt, buckskin breeches, white thread stockings & pinchbeck buckles in his shoes. Whoever takes up said negro, if in or about town, shall have TEN SHILLINGS, if at a distance, THIRTY and reasonable charges, paid by JOHN BAYARD.
N.B. It is likely, if he is gone into the country, he will change his name and pretend to belong to some other person.
Date of Record: 05 July 1770
Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal or Weekly Advertiser, 05 July 1770.
- Slaveholder Name: Beach, Edmond
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Cooper
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
Sex: Male
Age: Not known; described as a "Young Man"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Young Negroe Man"
Notes: One of two persons advertised for sale in November 1768: "To be Sold for CASH only, by the subscriber, living in Front-street, next door but one to Race-street, A LIKELY YOUNG NEGROE MAN, by trade a cooper, and a very good workman. Likewise a NEGROE WENCH, about 14 years of age, well grown, fit for town or country business. For further particulars, enquire of EDMOND BEACH. N.B. Said BEACH has to sell, a very fine HORSE, travels easy under the saddle, and trots well in a chair."
Date of Record: 10 November 1768
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 November 1768
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
Sex: Female
Age: "about 14 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1754
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Wench"
Notes: One of two persons advertised for sale in November 1768: "To be Sold for CASH only, by the subscriber, living in Front-street, next door but one to Race-street, . . . Likewise a NEGROE WENCH, about 14 years of age, well grown, fit for town or country business. For further particulars, enquire of EDMOND BEACH."
Date of Record: 10 November 1768
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 November 1768
- Slaveholder Name: Belin
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Only the surname is recorded on this record.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Sylvie
Sex: Female
Age: "about 24 years old"
Date of Birth: Circa 1768
Status: Slave for life; Escaped
Description: "Mulatto Woman"
Notes: French Creole woman who escaped from Belin, in Philadelphia, along with the 15-year-old Joseph on 29 August 1792. Belin immediately advertised for their return, offering four dollars for each:
RAN AWAY, the 29th inst. a Mulatto Woman, named Sylvie, about 24 years old, of a low stature, dressed in the West-India creole manner; had a handkerchief round her head, and wears ear-bobs: Took with her a Negro Boy, called Joseph, about 15 years old, of a down look, very black, and has bandy legs. Neither of them speak English, their dialect being the French creole.
Whoever secures said Runaways, and brings them home to their master, shall receive Four Dollars reward for each, together with reasonable charges paid by
BELIN, No. 138, north Front-street.
(Message repeats in French)
Le 31 Août, 1792.
Four months later, neither Sylvie nor Joseph had been returned, so Belin ran another ad in The Pennsylvania Gazette. This ad was updated slightly, using the same wording as the first ad but increasing the reward to forty dollars, and adding to the physical description of Sylvie: "with a flat belly, and a mark on both sides of her breast."
Date of Record: 31 August 1792 (original ad); 02 January 1793 (updated ad)
Sources: General Advertiser (Philadelphia), 4 September 1792; The Pennsylvania Gazette, 02 January 1793
- Enslaved Person's Name: Joseph
Sex: Male
Age: "about 15 years old"
Date of Birth: Circa 1777
Status: Slave for life; Escaped
Description: "Negro Boy;" "Very Black"
Notes: French Creole boy who escaped from Belin, in Philadelphia, along with the 24-year-old Sylvie on 29 August 1792. Belin immediately advertised for their return, offering four dollars for each. He increased the reward to forty dollars in an updated ad published in January 1793. See above for text of ads.
Date of Record: 31 August 1792 (original ad); 02 January 1793 (updated ad)
Sources: General Advertiser (Philadelphia), 4 September 1792; The Pennsylvania Gazette, 02 January 1793
- Slaveholder Name: Bell, William
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant
Notes: Store on or near Powell's Wharf
- Enslaved Person's Name: Names not given
Sex: Male
Age: Ages not given in ad, but described as "young men."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Young Negro Men"
Notes: Offered for sale in July 1739, along with several other people:
To be SOLD,
By WILLIAM BELL, near Powell's Wharff:
ANchors, Cables, the best LONDON Cordage of all Sizes, Russia and English Sail Duck, white Bolt Rope and Twine, Ifinghams, Garlix, and Selesias very Cheap; variety of other dry Goods: Likewise choice Jamaica Rum, Sugar, and Molasses, Madeira Wine, and two likely young Negro Men, who speak pretty good English, and a likely Negro Woman about 25 Years of Age, lately imported from Bermuda, with her Child, a Boy, about 2 Years old.
Date of Record: 12 July 1739
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury, 12 July 1739.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
Sex: Female
Age: "about 25 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1714
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Woman"
Notes: Brought into Pennsylvania from Bermuda. Offered for sale in July 1739, along with her 2-year-old son and two young men. See above for complete text of ad (partial ad below):
To be SOLD,
By WILLIAM BELL, near Powell's Wharff:
... and two likely young Negro Men, who speak pretty good English, and a likely Negro Woman about 25 Years of Age, lately imported from Bermuda, with her Child, a Boy, about 2 Years old.
Date of Record: 12 July 1739
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury, 12 July 1739.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
Sex: Male
Age: "about 2 Years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1737
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Child"
Notes: Brought into Pennsylvania from Bermuda. Offered for sale in July 1739, along with his mother and two young men. See above for complete text of ad (partial ad below):
To be SOLD,
By WILLIAM BELL, near Powell's Wharff:
... and two likely young Negro Men, who speak pretty good English, and a likely Negro Woman about 25 Years of Age, lately imported from Bermuda, with her Child, a Boy, about 2 Years old.
Date of Record: 12 July 1739
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury, 12 July 1739.
- Slaveholder Name: Benezet, James
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Owned a "plantation" of about 65 acres in Oxford Township. Brother of Anthony Benezet. See also James Benezet, Bucks County.
Sources: "Draft of James Benezet's Plantation and Tract of 64-3/4 Ac's. land situate in Oxford Township in the County of Philadelphia as survey'd. June 1764 and 1765 by (signed) (copy) Silas Watts. [Second survey dated 1785; "Traced by E.R.S. 1-4-09"], 1785," Greater Philadelphia GeoHistory Network, https://www.philageohistory.org/rdic-images/view-image.cfm/SD5th-034.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Jack
Sex: Male
Age: 22 years old at time of escape from Patton.
Date of Birth: circa 1743
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Fellow"
Notes: Benezet was named by John Patton of Reading in Berks County as a former owner of Jack, who escaped from Patton in June 1765. John Patton further noted in the runaway ad that Jack "was lately the Property of Mr. James Keimer, of Lancaster County."
Date of Record: 26 June 1765
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 4 July 1765.
- Slaveholder Name: Benezet, Mr.
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Identified as the previous enslaver of the man Caro, noted below.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Caro
Sex: Male
Age: "about 36 to 40 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1740-1744
Status: Slave for life in Maryland; self-emancipated July 1781
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Sold by a Mr. Benezet of Philadelphia to Charles Crookshanks in 1773. Caro escaped from Crookshanks' residence in Oxford, Maryland, on 28 July 1781. Crookshanks placed the following escape notice in several Philadelphia newspapers to recover him. He listed merchant George Meade as a local contact in the city.
Three Pounds Reward.
RAN-AWAY, the 28th ultimo, from the subscriber, living in Oxford, Maryland, a NEGRO MAN, named CARO, about 36 to 40 years of age, a Barbadian born, 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high, respectful in his behaviour, has a small halt at times in his gait, arising from rheumatic pains when exposed for many days to bad weather; was purchased from a Mr. Benezet, of Philadelphia, in 1773: His cloaths are computed to be nearly as follows -- Two coarse linen shirts, one pair trowsers, one coat, about half worn, lead coloured cassimere, packets on the inside of the skirts, one large blue cloth sailor's jacket with horn buttons, one scarlet vest twilled coating, half worn, one pair of black knit breeches, &c. Whoever will bring home said Negroe shall have the above Reward and reasonable charges, or it taken and delivered to GEORGE MEADE and Company, of Philadelphia, they will pay the Reward.
CHARLES CROOKSHANKS. August 8.
Date of Record: 08 August 1781
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 18 August 1781.
- Slaveholder Name: Benoist
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Located on New Street.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in source
Sex: Male
Age: "18 years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1779
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Escaped from Benoist on June 19, 1797. The following escape notice and promise of reward was published by the enslaver, "Benoist:"
Ran Away, FROM the SUBSCRIBER, on the 19th inst. a bound NEGRO MAN, 18 years old, about five feet two inches high, has a round face and remarkably small ears. He had on when he went away, a check shirt, and black breeches, but neither stockings nor shoes. Whoever secures the said runaway, so that the Subscriber may have him again, shall be handsomely rewarded.
BENOIST,
No. 79, NEW-STREET. June 23.
Date of Record: 23 June 1797
Sources: Aurora General Advertiser, 29 June 1797.
- Slaveholder Name: Best, Joseph
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Goldsmith
Notes: Shop on High Street
Sources:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given in ad, but described as a "young man."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Young Negro Man"
Notes: Advertised for sale in August 1723: "THere is to be sold by Joseph Best Goldsmith in High Street Philadelphia a young Negro Man and Woman any Persons disposed to buy both or either of them may apply to their said Master.
Date of Record: 15 August 1723
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 15 August 1723.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Female
Age: Age not given in ad, but described as a "young woman."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Young Negro Woman"
Notes: Advertised for sale in August 1723: "THere is to be sold by Joseph Best Goldsmith in High Street Philadelphia a young Negro Man and Woman any Persons disposed to buy both or either of them may apply to their said Master.
Date of Record: 15 August 1723
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 15 August 1723.
- Slaveholder Name: Biles, Jonathan
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: House carpenter
Notes: Sold the enslaved boy Henry to Alexander Allaire for thirty pounds in June 1756.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Henry
Sex: Male
Age: Not known; described as a "Boy"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Sold to Alexander Allaire in June 1756.
Date of Record: 01 June 1756
Sources: Bill of Sale between Jonathan Biles and Alexander Allaire for Negro Henry, 01 June 1756.
- Slaveholder Name: Bingham, James
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Male
Age: Not known; described as a "Lad"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Lad"
Notes: Offered for sale in July 1746: "TO BE LETT, A House in Second street near the Baptist Meeting, in which William Bingham now lives. Enquire of James Bingham. N.B. The said James Bingham has good Muscovado Sugar, also a likely Negro Lad to dispose of."
The William Bingham noted above is probably the father of the William Bingham listed below.
Date of Record: 31 July 1746
Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal or Weekly Advertiser, 31 July 1746.
- Slaveholder Name: Bingham, William
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant, trader, politician, founder of the Bank of North America, first chartered bank in the United States.
Notes: Lived 1752-1804. Worked in the firm Willing, Morris and Company, and married Anne Willing, daughter of Thomas Willing.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Trim
Sex: Male
Age: 18
Date of Birth: circa 1763
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated September 1781
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Trim escaped from Bingham on September 5, 1781 by making off with French soldiers. Bingham placed the following ad in the Philadelphia newspapers to attempt to recover him. Note that Bingham offered his reward in "specie," (gold or silver coins) since the paper Continental dollar was nearly worthless by this time due to rampant wartime inflation.
Six Pounds Specie Reward.
RAN AWAY, on Wednesday, the fifth instant, a Negro BOY named TRIM, 18 years old, has a scar on his forehead, is about five feet five inches high and well made: He took with him a course brown cloth coat, a green coatee, lined with scarlet Durant; and sundry other wearing apparel, which very probably he may change, as well as his name. He was met on Thursday morning on the road to Chester, with the second division of the French troops, which it is expected he will accompany to Virginia, as he speaks a little French, and was several times seen skulking about their encampment.
Whoever will apprehend and secure said Negro, so as the subscriber may have him again, shall receive the above reward, and all reasonable charges.
Sept. 10. WM. BINGHAM.
In August 1781, a combined army of American Continental soldiers and French national troops some 15,000 strong departed New York to lay siege to British troops commanded by Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia. The American soldiers passed first through Philadelphia with the last French units reaching the city on September 5. It was on that day that the enslaved Trim made his escape and was spotted on the road accompanying the French troops to Virginia.
Date of Record: 10 September 1781
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 25 September 1781.
- Slaveholder Name: Bird, Widow
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Widow
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given in ad but described as a man
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life -- runaway
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: This person escaped from Bird 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
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 18 October 1733.
- Slaveholder Name: Bird, William
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Relocated to Virginia by 1782. This appears to be Col. William Bird, son of Berks County ironmaster William Bird.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Cato, a.k.a. Fife
Sex: Male
Age: "17 or 18 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1763-1764
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated December 1781
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Cato escaped from Bird in October 1781. Bird published the following escape ad and offer of reward, instructing persons to contact James Watson in Philadelphia:
An Half Johannes Reward.
RUN away from the subscriber, on the 8th instant, a NEGRO BOY named Cato (alies fife) about five feet four inches high, 17 or 18 years of age, he is a likely well set fellow, appears very innocent, but is much addicted to stealing. He had on and took with him a small round hat, a green sailor's jacket, a fine homespun blanketing coat, lappel'd and bound with blue ferret, 2 or 3 good homespun shirts, a drab coloured waistcoat half worn, with skirts and flowered plated buttons, a pair of good leather breeches, one pair light coloured cloth, good shoes, pinchbeck buckles & several pair of stockings; he is supposed to be loitering about the city. Whoever will secure the said Negro in any jail on the continent, shall receive the above reward with reasonable charges by applying to James Watson esq; in Philadelphia.
WILLIAM BIRD.
In a December and all later versions of this ad, the contact name was changed to James Wilson, esq. In March 1782. Bird was still having the ad published in an attempt to find Cato. He increased the reward to 20 Spanish Dollars, and added that he might be contacted in Alexandria, Virginia. The ad was published through 10 April 1782, a good indication that Bird never recovered Cato.
Date of Record: 14 November 1781
Sources: The Freeman's Journal, or The North American Intelligencer, 14 November 1781; Pennsylvania Packet, 28 March 1782.
- Slaveholder Name: Bispham, William
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Residing over the Middle Ferry in Schuylkill
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed teenaged girl
Sex: Female
Age: "about nineteen years of age"
Date of Birth: Circa 1752
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Wench"
Notes: Advertised for sale in August 1771: "TO BE SOLD, A NEGRO WENCH, about nineteen years of age; can cook, wash and do all kinds of housework, fit for either town or country; She is sold for no fault. For further particulars enquire of William Bispham, over the Middle Ferry, Schuylkill."
Date of Record: 31 August 1771
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 31 August 1771
- Slaveholder Name: Bisset, David
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Post Rider
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed in ad
Sex: Female
Age: Age not given in notice, but described as a "woman."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Woman"
Notes: Legal notice to settle estate includes advertisement of public auction of estate property, including this woman:
ALL persons Indebted to the Estate of David Bisset, the late Philadelphia Post-Rider, deceas'd, are desired forthwith to come and pay the same to Thomas Boore and Margaret Bisset, Executors of the said deceas'd; and all such as have Demand on said Estate are desired to bring in their Accompts to said Executors, in Order to have them adjusted.
There is to be Sold on the 28th of June next at Vendue, a like Negroe Woman, Horses, Cattle, Hogs, a new Cart, and Houshold Goods; they that buy less than 20s. worth to pay ready Money, above 20 s. in six Months Credit if required, by
Thomas Boore and Margaret Bisset.
Date of Record: 25 May 1727
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 25 May 1727
- Slaveholder Name: Blackadore, John
City or Township: Not determined
County: Not determined
Occupation: Ship's Captain, frequently sailing out of Philadelphia for the Caribbean
Notes: "Blackadore" appears frequently 1730s lists of captains outbound from Philadelphia for the West Indies.
- Enslaved person's name: Primis
Sex: Male
Age: "about twenty-five years of age" (at time of 1747 escape)
Date of Birth: circa 1722
Status: Slave for life -- escaped from John Fox of Kensington, Philadelphia
Description: "Negroe man"
Notes: Soldby John Blackadore to John Fox, date uncertain. Primis escaped from Fox on July 8, 1747. Fox placed the following ad to try to recover him:
Philadelphia, July 9, 1747.
RUN away last Night, from John Fox, of Kensington, shipwright, a Negroe man, named Primis, about twenty-five years of age, five feet ten inches high, pretty well made, and speaks but indifferent English. Had on when he went away a good brown kersey jacket, tow shirt and trowsers, and good felt hat.
Whoever takes up said Negroe, and brings him to his master, or secures him, so as he may be had again, shall have Twenty Shillings reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by John Fox.
N.B. He was bought of John Blackadore.
Date of Record: 09 July 1747
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 23 July 1747.
- Slaveholder Name: Blaine, Ephraim, Colonel
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia
Occupation: Commisary General for the Continental Army during the Revolution
Notes: Died 1804. See also the listings for his widow, Sarah, in Cumberland County.
Sources: Dalena Collins, "Ephraim Blaine, 1741-1804," Pennsylvania Center for the Book, Spring 2025, online at https://pabook.libraries.psu.edu/literary-cultural-heritage-map-pa/bios/blaine, accessed 11 April 2025.
- Enslaved person's name: Sam
Sex: Male
Age: "twenty two years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1758
Status: Slave for life; self emancipated July 1780
Description: "Negroe man"
Notes: Sam escaped from Blaine on July 5, 1780 while Blaine was stationed in Philadelphia. Blaine immediately had the following escape notice and offer of reward published:
Five Hundred Dollars Reward.
RUN AWAY on the fifth instant, a Negroe man named SAM, twenty two years of age, five feet ten inches high, a stout well made fellow, speaks good English, and plays on the violin, has been bred to farming business. Whoever delivers him to the subscriber shall be entitled to the above reward.
July 6. EPHRAIM BLAINE.
Date of Record: 06 July 1780
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 15 July 1780.
- Enslaved person's name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Male
Age: Age not specified in ad, but described as a "man."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life;
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Offered for sale along with a woman in December 1784: "FOR SALE, A Negro Man and Woman: they are valuable slaves; the woman capable of any kind of house work; the man is well acquainted with all kind of farming business; they are both registered according to law. For terms apply to the Printers, or EPHRAIM BLAINE. Dec. 7."
Date of Record: 07 December 1780
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser, 08 December 1784.
- Enslaved person's name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Female
Age: Age not specified in ad, but described as a "woman."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life;
Description: "Negroe Woman"
Notes: Offered for sale along with a man in December 1784: "FOR SALE, A Negro Man and Woman: they are valuable slaves; the woman capable of any kind of house work; the man is well acquainted with all kind of farming business; they are both registered according to law. For terms apply to the Printers, or EPHRAIM BLAINE. Dec. 7."
Date of Record: 07 December 1780
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser, 08 December 1784.
- Slaveholder Name: Blake, Charles
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Ship's captain
Notes: Located "at the Sign of the Brigantine in Water-street."
- Enslaved Person's Name: Thomas Tamerlane
Sex: Male
Age: "about 23 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1707
Status: Slave for a term of years; escaped
Description: "East Indian Man"
Notes:Tamerlane escaped from Blake on the night of June 15, 1730 in company with John Tyler, a white indentured servant enslaved by James Brendly. Blake and Brendly placed the following ad to recover the pair:
RUN away on Sunday Night the 15th of June, from James Brendly of this City, a Servant Man named John Tyler, by Trade a Hatter, aged about 22 Years, middle Stature, pale Complexion, dark short Hair shav'd about 4 Months since, grey Eyes and an impudent Look; hath a brown Pea Jacket scarce long enough for him, a half-worn white Shirt, one Pair of Leather Breeches and two Pair of ozenbrig Breeches, a strip'd flannel Waistcoat, and an ozenbrig Jacket over it, black worsted Stockings, half-worn wooden-heel'd Shoes and a Felt Hat.
RUN away at the same time from Charles Blake, at the Sign of the Brigantine in this City, a Servant Man named Thomas Tamerlane, an East Indian, by Trade a Rigger, about 23 Years of Age, small of Stature with round Shoulders, no Hair, speaks and writes good English: Had on a speckled Shirt, strip'd blue and white flannel Jacket, Tarry Trowsers, good Shoes, and a Felt Hat. 'Tis supposed they are both gone together.
Whoever secures the abovesaid Servants, so that they may be had again, and gives Notice to their said Masters, shall have Forty Shillings Reward for each, and reasonable charges paid, by James Brendly, and Charles Blake.
More than three months passed and Blake placed a follow-up ad in the American Weeky Mercury with a shorter description of Tamerlane. Note that by this time he had halved the amount of reward money offered for the capture of Tamerlane.
RUN away from Charles Blakey, at the Sign of the Brigantine in Water-street, an East Indian Man, named Thomas Tamerlin, has on a Pea-Jacket, a Leather Pair of Breeches; and an Ozenbriggs Pair of Trowsers over them, a good Raccoon Hat; He is of small Stature, round Shouldered, speaks and writes good English. Whoever secures the said Runaway so that his Master may have him again shall have Twenty Shillings Reward, and reasonable charges paid by
Charles Blakey.
This documentation of the enslaved Thomas Tamerlin is a reminder of the role of the British East India Company in the East India slave trade. Huge numbers of peoples native to that region of the world were enslaved and many were eventually shipped to ports in the Americas, including Philadelphia. This slave trade occurred concurrently with the African slave trade. Tamerlane was described by Blake as a "rigger." This suggests Tamerlane was one of a class of enslaved labor from the Indian subcontinent known as lascars. Many lascars served terms as seamen about ships of the British East India Company, bound for terms of years, and could be involuntarily transferred from ship to ship. Many were paid, but at wages half of white seamen, and fed poor and inadequate rations. Many more were enslaved for life in the Americas.
Date of Record: 25 June 1780 (initial ad); 08 October 1730 (follow-up ad).
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 25 June 1730; The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 08 October 1730.
- Slaveholder Name: Bland, Theophilus
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Isaac, a.k.a. White
Sex: Male
Age: "about twenty-five year old"
Date of Birth: Circa 1756
Status: Slave for life; repeated escapes
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Born in Virginia. Isaac escaped from Bland at least twice. The first was on February 24, 1781. Bland immediately advertised his escape and offered a reward for his return:
Four Hundred Dollars Reward.
Philadelphia, February 25, 1781.
ABSCONDED yesterday, a NEGRO MAN, named Isaac, and calls himself White, about twenty-five year old, has been used to drive a chariot, both on the box and as postiliion, is also a tolerable good gardiner, and a pretty good cook, in some of which capacities he may attempt to hire himself: He is loose jointed about the knees, has a remarkable walk, smooth face, hair long (for a Negroe) a small pouting mouth, speaks low and in a hoarse grumbling tone. Had on, when he absconded, a spotted swan skin waistcoat, leather breeches, blue or white yarn stockings, dark brown coat faced with green, and made in the form of regimentals: Has taken with him, also, a white coat with green cape and cuffs, a black velvet cap with a silver tassel and band: He was born in Virginia, and has a small scar on one of his cheek bones. Whoever brings him to me, at Mr. Randolph's, in Chesnut-street, Philadelphia, shall receive the above reward.
THEOPHILUS BLAND.
N.B. He had with him a blue cloak, five or six shirts, and sundry other articles of apparel, which he may appear in or offer for sale.
All masters of vessels are hereby warned not to carry him out of the country.
Bland apparently recovered Isaac, but the man, along with fellow enslaved man Kit, made a second escape three months later on May 26:
Eloped from my service, on the 26th instant at night,
TWO NEGRO MEN, both born in Virginia, and both of them about 26 years of age. They will probably take the rout to Virginia (perhaps by the way of the Eastern Shore) or attempt to get to New-York, as they have been lately heard to express their desire of getting to the enemy: if this is not their intention, it is conjectured they may endeavor to pass themselves for freemen, and ship themselves on board some vessel. Their names are ISAAC and KIT; the former, ISAAC, is rather slender made, loose jointed about the knees, and when he walks fast has a remarkable wriggle in his gait; he is of the middle stature, thin faced, a small pouting mouth, and a grumbling tone of voice when he speaks, large eyes, and addicted to a broad stare when taxed with any fault, or examined with regard to his conduct; he has a scar under his left eye, on the cheek bone, occasioned by an imposthume, and a mark just over his right eye. He took with him sundry apparel, the principal part of which was, one or two suits of olive coloured linnen Summer cloaths, a blue cloth cloak with a slit in each side, five or six shirts, three cotton, two dowlas, and one fine white linnen, some stockings and shoes and a hat, but will probably attempt to change his dress: he is a coachman, understands the care of horses and a garden perfectly well, and is a tolerable cook.
KIT is a stout, well made, middle sized Negro, his complexion rather inclined to the mulatto, plays a little on the fiddle, is fond of whistling marches, which he does to great perfection, is remarkably active, of a modest deportment and smooth spoken, has a scar on each of his legs occasioned by blisters. Had on and took with him apparel nearly similar to that of Isaac. He is an excellent house servant, and understands the care of horses, and driving as a postilion.
Whoever will deliver the said Negroes to me, or will secure them in any goal, so that I may recover them, shall have TWO GUINEAS reward for either of them, or FOUR GUINEAS for both, or if they return of their own accord, they shall be pardoned by
THEOPHILUS BLAND.
Philadelphia, May 28, 1781.
Date of Record: 25 February 1781 (first escape); 28 May 1781 (second escape; this second escape ad ran through July 7, 1781)
Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal or Weekly Advertiser, 28 March 1781; Pennsylvania Packet, 02 June 1781.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Kit
Sex: Male
Age: "about 26 years of age"
Date of Birth: Circa 1755
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated in May 1781
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Born in Virginia. Kit escaped from Bland along with a fellow enslaved man, Isaac, who had made a previous unsuccessful escape attempt three months prior. Bland immediately advertised the escape of the men and offered a reward for their return. For the full text of Kit's escape notice, see "Isaac," above. It is not known if Bland recovered Kit and Isaac after their May escape.
Date of Record: 28 May 1781 (this ad ran through July 7, 1781 in The Pennsylvania Journal)
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 02 June 1781.
- Slaveholder Name: Bleakley, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant
Notes: Shop on Water Street. Died circa 1764.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed teenaged girl
Sex: Female
Age: "about eighteen Years of Age"
Date of Birth: Circa 1743
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Woman"
Notes: Advertised for sale along with her two-month-old child in July 1761: "To be SOLD for no Fault, A LIKELY Negroe Woman, and Female Child; the Woman about eighteen Years of Age, and the Child about two Months. Enquire of John Bleakley."
Date of Record: 30 July 1761
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 30 July, 13 August 1761.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
Sex: Female
Age: "about two Months" of age
Date of Birth: May or June 1761
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Child"
Notes: Advertised for sale along with her mother in July 1761: "To be SOLD for no Fault, A LIKELY Negroe Woman, and Female Child; the Woman about eighteen Years of Age, and the Child about two Months. Enquire of John Bleakley."
Date of Record: 30 July 1761
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 30 July, 13 August 1761.
- Slaveholder Name: Blyth, Joseph
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Pierce
Sex: Male
Age: "about 19 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1776
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Pierce escaped from Mary Withy's Tavern in Chester borough on 24 September 1795. Blyth placed the following ad to recover him:
One Hundred and Fifty Dollars REWARD,
FOR apprehending a Negro Boy named PIERCE, about 19 years of age, 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, speaks good English, but rather hesitates a little before he answers a question -- very fat and round in the face, a person being very near to him may perceive a scar on his left cheek, has also a scar from a wound on the back of one of his legs, a little above the heel, but always wears stockings or boots. Had on when he went away (from Mrs. Withy's at Chester, on the night of the 24th ult.) a half-worn green coatee and overalls, an old leather hat torn on one side, and a pair of half-worn boots; but took with him shoes, stockings, and a variety of other clothing tied up in a red striped handkerchief.
He is a hair-dresser and barber, and took with him razors, powder and pomatum. He is very handy about house, or at taking care of horses; he reads, and commonly carries a spelling-book in his pocket -- had an old purse with money in it. Whoever delivers him to John Wilcocks, Esq. No. 30, North Third-street, Philadelphia, shall receive the above reward.
JOSEPH BLYTH.
Oct 8.
Blyth earlier placed a less detailed ad in Philadelphia papers, offering fifty dollars as a reward. It directed anyone to return Pierce to him at 29 North Third Street. By the second week in October he had increased the reward and directed people to return Pierce to his next-door neighbor, merchant John Wilcox, at 30 North Third Street. This seems to indicate that Blyth was leaving town temporarily.
Date of Record: 8 October 1795
Sources: Aurora General Advertiser (Philadelphia), 8 October 1795; Dunlap and Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser, 2 October 1795.
- Slaveholder Name: Bogart, Mary
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Male
Age: ge not given in ad, but described as a "young boy."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life if he is older than five years old.
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Advertised for private sale as part of the estate of Mary Bogart. Sale notice:
Philadelphia, March 18th, 1785.
At the Cross-Keys Tavern, the corner of Third and Chesnut streets will be exposed to SALE,
At Public Vendue,
On Monday the 28th of March Instant,
ALL the Houshold and Kitchen Furniture of Mrs. Mary Bogart, deceased; (the articles too numerous to be inserted in an advertisement,) among which are feather beds and bedding, mahogany and walnut tables, chairs, desks, &c. & c. an excellent eight day clock, two good milch cows, a quantity of hay, oats, &c. &c.
JAMES GRIER, WILLIAM OLIPHANT, Executors.
N.B. A young, healthy Negro Boy to be sold at private sale.
Note that the boy is to be sold at private sale, rather than being exposed to a crowd at a public auction.
Date of Record: 18 March 1785
Sources: Dunlap and Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser, 24 March 1785.
- Slaveholder Name: Bond, Elijah
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Lott
Sex: Male
Age: "about 24 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1727
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated, May 1751
Description: "Negroe fellow"
Notes: Lott escaped from Bond on May 7, 1751. Bond placed the following escape notice in the Philadelphia newspapers to recover him:
Philadelphia, May 23, 1751.
RUN away on the 7th ult. A likely young Negroe fellow, named Lott, about 24 years of age, 5 feet 8 inches high, or thereabouts: Had on when he went away, an old brown coat, mended with white patches, a linnen striped jacket, leather breeches, old stockings, good shoes, and an old hat. Whoever takes up the said Negroe, and secures him, so as his master may have him again, shall have Forty Shillings reward, and reasonable charges, paid by ELIJAH BOND.
N.B. All masters of vessels and others are desired not to carry him off at their peril.
Date of Record: 23 May 1751
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 30 May 1751.
- Slaveholder Name: Bond, Thomas, Dr.
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Physician and surgeon
Notes: Founder of Pennsylvania Hospital in 1751, and served on its first medical staff between its founding in 1751 until he died in 1784. Bond also helped found and was a trustee of the College of Philadelphia, (now Universtity of Pennsylvania). During the Revolutionary War, Dr. Bond was instrumental in setting up medical services for the Continental Army. Per the advertisement cited below, "Dr. Thomas Bond, of Philadelphia" is noted as a previous enslaver of Stephen, who escaped from George Rock in April 1747.
Dr. Bond maintained a residence in Philadelphia for his medical practice, and also owned a 120-acre estate in the Northern Liberties "near the Falls of Schuylkill." Tax rolls of 1772 show two slaves as belonging to that estate.
Sources: "Dr. Thomas Bond," in History of Pennsylvania Hospital, Penn Medicine, online at https://www.uphs.upenn.edu/paharc/timeline/1751/tline2.html. Accessed 11 September 2024. "Doctor Thomas Bond," biography, Maryland State Archives, online at https://msa.maryland.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc3500/sc3520/002100/002185/notes/steele.dir/parsonstech/genealogy/trees/jgordon/d1897.htm. Accessed 11 September 2024.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Stephen
Sex: Male
Age: No age is given in the description, but he is described as a "man."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life; escaped
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Stephen escaped from Christiana Bridge in Delaware on April 23, 1747. George Rock placed the following ad to recover him:
Philadelphia, May 14, 1747.
RUN away from Mr. John Read's, at Christine Bridge, on Thursday the 23d of April, a negro man, call'd Stephen, late the property of Dr. Thomas Bond, of Philadelphia: He is of a middle size, well set, and hath a sower countenance. Had on when he went away, a cloth colour'd kersey jacket, lined with red, a pair of leather breeches, and very large pewter buckles in his shoes. He was seen to go towards Philadelphia.
Whoever takes and delivers him to Mr. James Mathews, in Chester, or to Mr. Shelley, at the work-house, in Philadelphia, shall have Ten Shillings, and reasonable charges, paid by
GEORGE ROCK.
George Rock was an ironmaster who built Rock Forge in Stafford, Harford County, Maryland, in 1749. John Read is Colonel John Read, early merchant and prominent citizen of Christiana Bridge.
Date of Record: 14 May 1747
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 21 May 1747.
- Slaveholder Name: Bood, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Died in 1748. His estate included at least one enslaved person, a young woman, as below. Gertrude Bood and Robert Greenway were estate executors.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in source
Sex: Female
Age: Age not given, but described as a young woman
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro woman"
Notes: Advertised for sale in order to settle the estate: "[Description of the estate of John Bood, deceased] Also a likely young negro woman, who can do all sorts of house work, to be sold by said Robert Greenway."
Date of Record: 2 June 1748
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 2 June 1748.
- Slaveholder Name: Bowes, Francis
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Residence on Water Street. Died circa 1750. His estate was auctioned off in spring 1750.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in source
Sex: Female
Age: Age not given, but described as a young woman
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe woman"
Notes: Advertised for sale along with her child in order to settle the estate: "[Description of the estate of Francis Bowes, deceased] Also to be sold at publick vendue, on Thursday, the first day of March, at the above said dwelling house . . .a likely young Negroe woman, about 21 years old, and a child, about 16 months old."
Date of Record: 6 February 1750
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 6 February 1750.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in source
Sex: Gender not indicated in ad
Age: "about 16 months old"
Date of Birth: circa November 1748
Status: Slave for life
Description: "child"
Notes: Advertised for sale along with its mother in order to settle the estate: "[Description of the estate of Francis Bowes, deceased] Also to be sold at publick vendue, on Thursday, the first day of March, at the above said dwelling house . . .a likely young Negroe woman, about 21 years old, and a child, about 16 months old."
Date of Record: 6 February 1750
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 6 February 1750.
- Slaveholder Name: Bowes, Hugh, Captain
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Ship's Master, 1740s and 1750s
Notes: Store located "between Plumsted's and Sim's Wharffs" (1766). In 1774 he advertised his location as "Water-street below the Drawbridge." In addition to the enslaved John and Plato, below, Bowes also had several indentured white servants escape in the 1760s. Bowes died in 1776.
- Enslaved Person's Name: John
Sex: Male
Age: "about 35 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1727
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Bowes purchased John from someone named Denny. John escaped from Hugh Bowes in the summer of 1762. Text of runaway ad placed by Bowes:
THREE POUNDS Reward.
RUN away from Hugh Bowes, of Philadelphia, a Negroe Man, named JOHN, a slim middle-sized Fellow, about 35 Years of Age, speaks good English, but when surprized or talks fast, stutters very much; Had on when he went away, an old Check Shirt, a blue Pea Jacket, with Pieces stitched on the Elbows, such as Sailors wear, a Pair of brown Thickset Breeches, old Shoes, with large carved white Metal Buckles; generally carries a Piece of Rope with him, pretending to look for a strayed bay Horse; says his Master's Name is Denny, which is the Person that sold him to the Subscriber; supposed either to have gone over Schuylkill or towards New-York, as he was up the Road near the Robin Hood Tavern two Weeks, but has not been seen there since Friday last. Whoever takes up and secures the said Negroe Man, so that his Master may have him again, shall have the above Reward, paid by
HUGH BOWES.
N.B. All Masters of Vessels, and all Ferry-men, are forbid to carry him off.
Date of Record: 26 August 1762
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 26 August 1762
- Enslaved Person's Name: Plato
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given, but described as looking "very old"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Plato escaped from Hugh Bowes in May of 1766. Text of runaway ad placed by Bowes:
RUN away, on Sunday, the 18th Instant, from Hugh Bowes, a Negroe Man, named Plato, speaks bad English, and has a very bad Look; he is a thin Fellow, and looks very old, has a remarkable Tuft of white Hair on his Forehead, just under the Hat, supposed, when he went away, to have on either a Check, white, or Ozenbrigs Shirt, a Cloth coloured Jacket, with red Flannel Lining, and under Jacket, much worn, with white Metal Buttons, old Stockings, and Shoes, with Iron Buckes, but whether he had Breeches or Trowsers, is not known, having both on when he went away. Whoever takes up and secures the said Negroe Man, so that his Master may have him again, shall have Thirty Shillings Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by
HUGH BOWES.
N.B. All Masters of Vessels are forbid to carry him off.
Date of Record: 22 May 1766
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 22 May 1766
- Slaveholder Name: Bowland, Thomas, Captain
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Bowland named Thomas Mullan, keeper of the Tun Tavern, as a secondary contact. Bowland was most likely the slaveholder, though.
- Enslaved Person's Name: No name given
Sex: Male
Age: "aged about 21 Years"
Date of Birth: Circa 1721
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Man Slave"
Notes: Advertised for sale by Bowland in October 1742: "To be Sold, A Likely Negro Man Slave, aged about 21 Years, and can work at the Taylors Trade. Inquire of Capt. Thomas Bowland at the Sign of the Rose in Arch-street, or of Thomas Mullin at the Tun in Water-street."
Date of Record: 14 October 1742
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 14 October 1742.
- Slaveholder Name: Bradford, Andrew
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Printer, publisher
Notes: Opened a print shop in Philadelphia in 1712. Printed and published the first newspaper in Philadelphia, The American Weekly Mercury, beginning in 1719 and in 1741 the first magazine in America, called The American Magazine. He employed Benjamin Franklin in the printing business when Franklin came to Philadelphia.
Uncle to printer William Bradford, who published The Pennsylvania Journal.
On the ads below, Bradford published many advertisements to sell enslaved persons but was probably not the actual enslaver, instead acting as an intermediary between seller and purchaser.
- Enslaved Person's Name: No name given
Sex: Male
Age: "between Twelve and Thirteen Years of Age"
Date of Birth: Circa 1709 and 1710
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Advertised for sale, among other merchandise, by Bradford in November 1722: "A Very hansome Negro Boy, between Twelve and Thirteen Years of Age, to be Sold. Enquire of Andrew Bradford.
Very good Chocolate to be sold by Andrew Bradford in the Second Street, Philadelphia. Very good Lamp-black to be sold by Andrew Bradford and Charles Read in Philadelphia, by Wholesale and Retail, very reasonable. Very good English Pease and Spanish Snuff, to be sold by Andrew Bradford."
Date of Record: 15 November 1722.
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 15 November 1722
- Enslaved Person's Name: No name given
Sex: Female
Age: Age not given in ad, but described as a "woman"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Woman"
Notes: Advertised for sale by Bradford in December 1722: "TO be Sold, a very likely Negro Woman fit for all Manner of House Work, as Washing, Starching, Ironing, &c. Enqiure of Andrew Bradford."
Date of Record: 31 December 1722.
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 31 December 1722
- Enslaved Person's Name: No names given
Sex: Female, and child
Age: Age not given in ad, but described as a "woman" and old enough to bear a child
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slaves for life
Description: "Negroe Woman and Child"
Notes: Advertised for sale by Bradford in May 1724: "A Very likely Negroe Woman and Child to be Sold, Inquire of Andrew Bradford."
Date of Record: 28 May 1724.
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 28 May 1724
- Enslaved Person's Name: No name given
Sex: Male
Age: "about 20 years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1704
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Advertised for sale by Bradford in June 1724: "A Very likely Negroe Man about 20 years of Age, to be Sold, Inquire of Andrew Bradford."
Date of Record: 11 June 1724
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 11 June 1724.
- Enslaved Person's Name: No name given
Sex: Male
Age: "aged about 25 Years"
Date of Birth: Circa 1700
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Advertised for sale by Bradford in December 1725: "A Likely Negroe Man, aged about 25 Years, speaking good English, and is fit for all Manner of Labouring Work: To be Sold, Enquire of Andrew Bradford."
Date of Record: 02 December 1725
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 02 December 1725
- Enslaved Person's Name: No name given
Sex: Female
Age: "about Twelve or Thirteen Years of Age"
Date of Birth: Circa 1712 or 1713
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Girl"
Notes: Advertised for sale by Bradford in December 1725: "A Very likely Negroe Girl, about Twelve or Thirteen Years of Age to be sold, Enquire of Andrew Bradford."
Date of Record: 02 December 1725.
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 02 December 1725
- Enslaved Person's Name: No name given
Sex: Female
Age: "about 27 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: Circa 1700
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Woman"
Notes: Advertised for sale by Bradford in August 1727: "TO be Sold, a very likely Negroe Woman, about 27 Years of Age, fit for either City of Country Business. Enquire of Andrew Bradford."
Date of Record: 31 August 1727.
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 31 August 1727
- Enslaved Person's Name: No name given
Sex: Male
Age: Age not stated in ad, but described as a "man."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Advertised for sale by Bradford in April 1728: "A Very lusty likely Negroe Man fit for Country Business, to be Sold. Inquire of Andrew Bradford."
Date of Record: 25 April 1728.
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 25 April 1728
- Enslaved Person's Name: No name given
Sex: Female
Age: Age not given, but described as a "woman." Old enough to have a 2-3 year old son.
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Woman"
Notes: Advertised for sale by Bradford in April 1730 along with her male child:
THERE is to be Sold very reasonable; a very likely Negroe Woman, who has lived in Philadelphia, from her Childhood, and speaks very good English, she can do all Sorts of House Work, as Washing of a House, Washing of Cloaths, Starching, Ironing, Scouring Pewter, and the like; she can Knit and Sow, Sping Flax, Cotton, Worsted and Wool, very well.
There is to be Sold with her, a very likely Negroe Boy, between Two and Three Years Old. Enquire of Andrew Bradford and know further.
This ad very closely resembles one placed by an anonymous seller in The Pennsylvania Gazette, three years later. The very unusual descriptive phrase "who has lived in this City/Philadelphia from her Childhood" appearing in both. It also mentions children to be sold with or without her, one of which is a six-year-old boy, possibly the same boy from the above ad who was "between two and three years old" at that time:
THERE is to be sold a very likely Negro Woman aged about Thirty Years who has lived in this City, from her Childhood, and can wash and iron very well, cook Victuals, sew, spin on the Linen Wheel, milk Cows, and do all Sorts of House-work very well. She has a Boy of about Two Years old, which is to go with her. The Price as reasonable as you can agree.
And also another very likely Boy aged about Six Years, who is Son of the abovesaid Woman. He will be sold with his Mother, or by himself, as the Buyer pleases. Enquire of the Printer.
Date of Record: 09 April 1730 (first ad); 03 May 1733 (second ad)
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 09 April 1730; The Pennsylvania Gazette, 03 May 1733.
- Enslaved Person's Name: No name given
Sex: Male
Age: "between Two and Three Years Old"
Date of Birth: circa 1727-1728
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Boy"
Notes: Advertised for sale by Bradford in April 1730 along with his mother. See above for text of ad.
Date of Record: 09 April 1730
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 09 April 1730.
- Slaveholder Name: Bradford, William
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Printer, The Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser (begun in December 1742)
Notes: William Bradford apprenticed under his uncle, Andrew Bradford, publisher of The American Weekly Mercury. He then began his own newspaper, The Pennsylvania Journal, in December 1742. William Bradford advertised in his own newspaper, The Pennsylvania Journal, to hire a teenaged enslaved boy: "ANY Person who has, a likely negro boy, about 14 years old to hire for 7 years, may hear of a Master, by applying to William Bradford. (The Pennsylvania Journal or Weekly Advertiser, 28 October 1756.) He may have been advertising on behalf of a newspaper client.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Molly
Sex: Female
Age: "about 32 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1724
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated November 1756
Description: "Negro woman"
Notes: Molly escaped from enslavement sometime in November 1756. Though her enslaver is not named in the escape notice below, there is a connection to William Bradford, in whose newspaper the notice was published. Bradford opened the London Coffee House in 1754, which is given as a place of contact.
RUN-away, a negro woman named Molly, about three weeks out of the small-pox. Is about 32 years of age, born and bred in the Island of Bermuda, speaks good English, and has been used to the House, its supposed she went in to the Jerseys, any person that will deliver the said negro wench in the the work-house at Philadelphia, or give certain information that she may be had again, shall have Twenty Shililngs reward, paid at the London Coffee-House.
Date of Record: 02 December 1756
Source: The Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, 02 December 1756.
- Slaveholder Name: Branson, William
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Industrialist, iron magnate
Notes: Residence on Second Street. Listed as the former enslaver of Hagar, below, who escaped from John Jones at the Manor of Moreland. Business partner in the iron industry with Samuel Nutt, both owning Reading Furnace and Warwick Furnace.
- 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 from Montgomery County September 1756
Description: "Negroe Wench"
Notes: Escaped from John Jones in the Manor of Moreland 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.
- Slaveholder Name: Breintnal, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Shop on Chestnut Street
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Female
Age: "about 16 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1719
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Girl"
Notes: Advertised for sale in May 1735:
WEST-India Cowskin WHIPS of the best Sort, from 15d. to 2s. price, by the single Whip, sold by John Breintnal, in Chesnut-Street. Also a likely NEGRO Girl about 16 Years of Age, Barbadoes born, and speaks good English, to be sold at the same Place.
Date of Record: 01 May 1735
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 01 May 1735.
- Slaveholder Name: Bridges, Robert
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Located on Penn Street.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Pitt
Sex: Male
Age: "about 23 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1759
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Pitt escaped from Bridges in the winter of 1781-1782. Bridges placed the following escape notice in the newspapers:
Philadelphia, January 2, 1781.
RAN away from the subscriber, living in Penn-street, a Negro MAN, named PITT, smooth faced, about 23 years of age, 5 feet 3 inches high, had on when he went away, a light coloured fine cloth frock coat, scarlet plush waistcoat and breeches, a pair of new mottled knit stockings and good boots. He lately belonged to Mr. Matthew Irwin, merchant. Whoever takes up and brings the said Negro man home to me, shall have Four Dollars reward, paid by
ROBERT BRIDGES.
N.B. Masters of vessels are forbid to carry off the above mentioned negro man, and all others from harbouring him, as they will answer at their peril.
Date of Record: 02 January 1782
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 03 January 1782.
- Slaveholder Name: Britton, Benjamin
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Baker
Notes: Located on Chestnut Street.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Female
Age: "about 20 or 21 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1726 or 1727
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro wench"
Notes: Advertised for sale in December 1747: "To be SOLD, A likely Negroe wench, about 20 or 21 years of age, fit for town or country business, Enquire of Benjamin Britton, baker, in Chestnut-street, the corner of Fourth-street."
Date of Record: 15 December 1747
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 15 December 1747.
- Slaveholder Name: Broadfield, Edward
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Producer and vendor of preserved fish
Notes: Emigrated from England circa 1752 and began pickling sturgeon in Bordentown, New Jersey. About 1754 he moved to Trenton and eventually established a sturgeon fishery near Trenton Ferry. Became known for his pickled sturgeon, sold in Philadelphia and New York City. An official resident of Trenton, Broadfield probably also maintained a residence in Philadelphia to tend to his local market vendors, as he received mail at the Philadelphia post office and had an enslaved woman seized by Philadelphia authorities for non-payment of import duties (see below). He experienced financial distress in 1765 and by 1766 had moved his operation to Kensington, in northeast Philadelphia.
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 07 June 1753, 06, 30 May 1754, 08 May 1766.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in notice
Sex: Female
Age: Age not stated in ad, but described as a "wench." The term was applied to enslaved females in a wide range of ages.
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life, recently brought into Pennsylvania, per the notice
Description: "Negroe Wench"
Notes: Female sold by innkeeper Thomas Norris of Bristol, Bucks County, to Edward Broadfield of Philadelphia in December 1762. Neither man paid the £10 duty levied by the Pennsylvania legislature in 1761 on enslaved Blacks brought into Pennsylvania. As a result, when Broadfield placed the woman up for public auction in the summer of 1763, she was seized by port authorities for non-payment of the tax.
July 4, 1763.
WHEREAS I the Subscriber, did, in December last, purchase of Mr. Thomas Norris, of Bristol, a Negroe Wench, for whom I gave my Bill for 50 l., payable the first of this inst. and as she did not suit me, I thought myself sufficiently authorized, by my Bill of Sale, to sell her again, if I thought proper:
Therefore being ignorant that said Negroe was liable to any Duty, by being purchased, and so'd within the Province of Pennsylvania, offered her to Sale by Auction; and as by Means of Mr. Norris neglecting to enter said Negroe, and pay the Duty, according to Act of Assembly, to which he must know she was obnoxious, and I did not, the Negroe was forcibly seized, and taken from me, by Mr. Thomas Coombe, Collector of the Duties on Negroes.
I beg Leave to appeal to any candid and impartial Person, whether I have not a Right to complain of Mr. Norris, for vending to me, as a Property, what by Law neither he nor I had a Right to hold. In order therefore to prevent any Person from taking an Assignment of said Bill, I do declare I look upon it as null and void, and that I will not pay the same, except by Law obliged.
EDWARD BROADFIELD.
Date of Record: 04 July 1763.
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 14 July 1763.
- Slaveholder Name: Broadhurst, Benjamin
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Possibly a ship's captain. Ship arrivals and departures in the mid-1770s to mid-1780s include "Broadhurst" among named captains.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Castalio
Sex: Male
Age: Age not stated in ad, but described as a "boy."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated March 1782
Description: "Negro boy"
Notes: Escaped from Broadhurst about March 1782. Broadhurst's published escape notice is below:
RAN AWAY from the Subscriber,
A LIKELY Negro boy, named CASTALIO: had on when he ran away, a purple over jacket, blue under ditto, brown cloth breeches, gray ribbed stockings, square plated shoe buckles, and oznabrig shirt; has a small impediment in his speech. All masters of vessels are required not to carry him off. A reward of Five Dollars will be given to whoever will inform the owner where he may be found, at Mr. Daniel Van Voorhis, in Market-street, or the Printers.
BENJAMIN BROADHURST.
Date of Record: 27 March 1782; this ad ran through 20 April 1782.
Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal or Weekly Advertiser, 27 March 1782.
- Slaveholder Name: Brookes, Thomas
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Bricklayer
Notes: Estate notice published August 1768 included sale of an enslaved man trained as a bricklayer's helper.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided in source
Sex: Male
Age: Age not stated in ad, but described as a man
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Offered for sale to settle the estate of Thomas Brookes. See legeal notice below:
THIS is to give Notice to all Persons indebted to the Estate of Thomas Brookes, late of the City of Philadelphia, Bricklayer, deceased, that they are desired to make speedy Payment; and those that have any Demands against said Estate, are desired to bring in their Accounts, that they may be adjusted and paid by MARTHA BROOKES, Administratrix, or ABRAHAM CARLISLE, and JOHN ELTON, Administrators.
N.B. A Negroe Man to be sold, that has been brought up to work as a Bricklayer's Labourer, and understands something of Stone work. Enquire as above.
Date of Record: 04 August 1768
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 04 August 1768.
- Slaveholder Name: Brotherson, Peter
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: In September 1747 Brotherson advertised to sell "Two likely Negro men, fit for town or country business." (The Pennsylvania Gazette, 03, 10 September 1747)
- Enslaved Person's Name: James Powell
Sex: Male
Age: Age not stated in ad, but described as a man
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life -- Escaped slave
Description: "Negroe man"
Notes: Escaped from Brotherson in November 1749. Text of runaway ad placed by Brotherson:
WHereas a Negroe man, named James, of middle stature, small eyes, and a down-look, who speaks very good English, and calls himself James Powell, belonging to Peter Brotherson, has absented himself from his said master's service; these are to give notice to any person, who will apprehend the said Negroe, and bring him to his said master, or secure him, till he can send for him; he shall receive Three Pounds reward, from Peter Brotherson.
N.B. He is a very sensible fellow.
Date of Record: 23 November 1749; this ad continued through December 5, 1749.
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 23 November 1749
- Slaveholder Name: Brown, Dr.
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Physician
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Stephen
Slave Gender: Male
Age: Age not given in runaway ad but described as a man
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for live -- escaped
Description: "Negroe man"
Notes: Stephen escaped from William Peters of Concord, Delaware County on July 16, 1749. Peters placed the following runaway slave ad, in which he identified a former owner of Stephen as "Dr. Brown" of Philadelphia:
Philadelphia, July 20. 1749.
RUn away, on the 16th instant, from William Peters, fuller, of Concord, Chester county, a Negroe man, named Stephen, who formerly liv'd with Dr. Brown, of this city, is a tall slim fellow, long visag'd, speaks pretty good English: Had on when he went away, a light colour'd linsey jacket, with pewter buttons, an ozenbrigs shirt, tow trowsers, a red and white worsted cap, half worn felt hat, and new shoes. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and secures him, so that his master may have him again, shall have Forty Shillings reward, and reasonable charges, paid by William Peters aforesaid, or Joseph Coburn, in Philadelphia.
N.B. 'Tis thought he wants to get away in some vessel, therefore all masters of vessels are desired not to harbour or conceal him at their peril.
Date of Record: 20 July 1749
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 3 August 1749.
- Slaveholder Name: Brown, Edward
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Blacksmith
Notes: Identified by the Chester County jailer as the owner of a captured runaway slave.
- Slave Name: Joe
Slave Gender: Male
Slave Age: Age not given, but described as a "young fellow" and a "man."
Slave Date of Birth: Not known
Slave Status: Jailed as suspected escaped slave
Slave Description: "Negroe Man"
Slave Notes: Captured in Chester County along with another man and jailed as a suspected runaway. Told jailer Samuel Raine that he was enslaved by Edward Brown, of Philadelphia.
Committed to Chester Goal, two Negroe Men; one named Sam, appears to be aged 30 Years or upwards; speaks bad English, says he has been 7 Moons from home; the other says his Name is Joe, a young Fellow, has a Rupture, and he says he belongs to Edward Brown, Blacksmith, in the City of Philadelphia.
SAMUEL RAINE, Goaler.
Date of Record: 03 November 1763
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 03 November 1763.
- Slaveholder Name: Brown, Mary
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Residence on Market Street
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Male
Age: Age not specified in ad, but described as a "man."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Advertised for sale in January 1783, in an ad also advertising several properties just outside of Philadelphia city:
TO BE SOLD,
[Detailed description of a "plantation" in Lower Dublin Township containing the inn known as the "Sign of the Huntsman Leaping a Five Bar Gate," and another smaller nearby property]
Likewise a hearty NEGROE MAN, by trade a biscuit-baker; he understands all kinds of houshold business, and is an excellent cook; he speaks pretty good French and Spanish, and is sold for no fault, but want of employment. For terms, enquire of MARY BROWN, in Market-street, nearly opposite the Court-House.
Date of Record: 01 January 1783; this advertisement was published through March 5, 1783.
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 01 January 1783.
- Slaveholder Name: Brown, Samuel M
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Bob
Sex: Male
Age: "about eleven years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1770
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Escaped from Brown in December 1781. Text of runaway ad placed by Brown:
Twelve Dollars Reward,
RAN away from the subscriber, a Negro BOY, named BOB, about eleven years old; Had on when he went away, a blue frize jacket and trowsers;
Also a Negro GIRL, about 12 years old, named MOLLY, dressed in blue frize. They are lately from St. Thomas and both speak bad English, it is apprehended they are harboured by free Negroes in the city. Whoever will return them to JOHN PRINGLE, in Front-street, near the Draw-bridge, shall receive for the former Eight, and the latter Four Dollars Reward.
SAMUEL M. BROWN.
Date of Record: 1 December 1781
Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser, 1 December 1781.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Molly
Sex: Female
Age: "about 12 years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1769
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Girl"
Notes: Escaped from Brown in December 1781. See above for the text of runaway ad placed by Brown.
Date of Record: 1 December 1781
Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser, 1 December 1781.
- Slaveholder Name: Brown, Valentine
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Names not given in ad
Sex: Females
Age: Ages not given, but described as "Women." Also of childbearing age.
Date of Birth: circa 1770
Status: Slaves for life
Description: "Two Negro Women that are with Child"
Notes: Advertised by Brown in March 1735, along with three young children: "TWO Negro Women that are with Child, and three Negro Children near four Years of Age to be sold by Valentine Brown, next Door to Mr. Edward Nichols in Chestnut-Street."
Date of Record: 27 March 1735. This ad ran through 01 May 1735.
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 27 March 1735.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Names not given in ad
Sex: Sex not indicated in ad
Age: "near four Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1731
Status: Slaves for life
Description: "Three Negro Children"
Notes: Advertised by Brown in March 1735, along with two pregnant women: "TWO Negro Women that are with Child, and three Negro Children near four Years of Age to be sold by Valentine Brown, next Door to Mr. Edward Nichols in Chestnut-Street."
Date of Record: 27 March 1735. This ad ran through 01 May 1735.
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 27 March 1735.
- Slaveholder Name: Budd, Henry
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Dorus
Sex: Male
Age: "about sixteen years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1763
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro boy"
Notes: At age 14 or 15, Dorus was captured and impressed into service as a laborer with the British army. While in that role in Philadelphia, he escaped into Bucks County. Henry Budd advertised for his recovery about eighteen months after he was taken by the British.
Philadelphia, July 23, 1779.
One Hundred and Fifty Dollars Reward.
WHEREAS the subscriber's Negro boy, named DORUS, now about sixteen years of age, of a yellow complexion, middling chunky built, was pressed with a team of Mr. Benjamin Gibb's, near Bordentown, State of New-Jersey, in December 1776, by the British and Hessian troops, who kept and carried him with them to the city of Philadelphia, from whence he made his escape, and was seen at Bristol in April 1778.
The subscriber has reason to think he is in some of the back counties of the State. Whoever will take up said Negro boy and deliver him to me in this city, shall have the above reward, or if secured in any gaol, so that he may be had again, Seventy-five Dollars, besides reasonable charges, paid by
HENRY BUDD.
Date of Record: 23 July 1779
Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 27 July 1779.
- Slaveholder Name: Budd, Levi
City or Township: Northern Liberties
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Master Builder
Notes: Member of The Carpenters Company
- Enslaved Person's Name: Jenny
Sex: Female
Age: "about 20 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1762
Status: Slave for life -- escaped
Description: "Mulatto Girl," "Wench"
Notes: Jenny escaped from Levi Budd on December 4, 1782 with an extensive supply of clothing. He placed the following ad to recover her:
Philadelphia, December 5, 1782.
Sixteen Dollars Reward.
RAN-AWAY, about nine o'clock last evening, A MULATTO GIRL, named JENNY, about 20 years of age, smart and likely, country born; she took with her a bundle of cloaths, consisting of one light chintz gown, a small figure with red stripes; one dark ditto with a large flower and yellow stripes, seven yards of new stamped linen, a purple flower and stripe, a pink coloured moreen petticoat, a new black peelong bonnet, a chip hat trimmed with gauze and feathers, four good shifts, two not made up and two a little wore, four aprons, two white and two check, one pair of blue worsted shoes with white heels. She is very fond of dress, particularly of wearing queen's nightcaps. She had in her shoes a large pair of silver buckles. It is probable that she has gone either to New-York or Baltimore. Whoever secures the said Wench, so that her master may have her again, shall have the above Reward and all reasonable charges paid by DAVID C. CLAYPOOLE, Printer in Market-street, or the subscriber in the Northern Liberties.
LEVI BUDD.
Date of Record: 5 December 1782
Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 7 December 1782.
- Slaveholder Name: Burcham, Mr.
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: A "Mr. Burcham, of Philadelphia" was identified by an imprisoned Black teenager in Bucks County as the person to whom she was apprenticed. There may or may not be truth to that claim. See the entry below for details. There were several prominent business persons named Burcham or Bircham in Philadelphia in 1786.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in jailer ad
Sex: Female
Age: "about 16 years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1770
Status: Not determined; see notes below
Description: "Negro Girl"
Notes: Imprisoned as a suspected escaped slave; She claims to be a free apprenticed servant to a Mr. Burcham, of Philadelphia. Text of Bucks County jailer's notice, below:
Newtown, Bucks county, July 17, 1786.
WAS committed to the gaol of this county, a NEGRO GIRL, about 16 years old. The owner or master is hereby desired to come, prove property, pay charges and take her away, or she will be sold for her fees within three weeks from this date, by
PATRICK HUNTER, Gaoler.
N.B. She is supposed to be an apprentice, to a Mr. Burcham, of Philadelphia.
Date of Record: 17 July 1786
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 02 August 1786. This ad ran through September 6, 1786.
- Slaveholder Name: Burrows, Florentine
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Associated with shipping and the Sloop Diamond in 1736. Florentine is typically considered a female name, and the ad below does not identify this person as the ship's master or captain. In that another person of the same surname, Stephen Burrows, was the captain of a sloop that in 1738 advertised an enslaved Caribbean woman for sale while tied up at a city wharf, could Florentine be a wife or sister of the below listed Stephen Burrows? It was not unheard of for a captain to have a wife or even family on board a ship while it was in harbor.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
Sex: Male
Age: "about 18 Years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1718
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negre Boy"
Notes: Offered for sale in May 1736. Text of ad placed by Florentine Burrows: "TO BE SOLD reasonably, A Likely Negro Boy, about 18 Years of age. Any Person inclining to purchase him may apply to Florentine Burrows, on board the Sloop Diamond, now lying at the Wharfe of Mr. Morris the Baker.
If any Gentlemen, or others, have occasion for Freight or Passage to the Island of Jamaica, in the said Diamond Sloop, I am ready to serve them."
Date of Record: 06 May 1736.
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury, 6 May 1736.
- Slaveholder Name: Burrows, Stephen
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Ship's captain
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
Sex: Female
Age: "aged about 30 Years"
Date of Birth: circa 1708
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Woman"
Notes: Born in Bermuda. Offered for sale in March 1738. Text of ad placed by Burrows: "TO BE SOLD, ON board the Sloop Delight, Stephen Burrows Master, lying at Mr. Allen's Wharff: A likely Bermudian Negroe Woman, aged about 30 Years, fit for any sort of Houshold work either in Town or Country, by the said Stephen Burrows."
Date of Record: 14 March 1738; this ad ran through April 6, 1738.
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 14 March 1738.
- Slaveholder Name: Burton, Thomas
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
Sex: Male
Age: "about seventeen or eighteen years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1756 or 1757
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Mulatto boy"
Notes: Escaped from Thomas Burton in 1774. Text of runaway ad placed by Burton:
EIGHT DOLLARS REWARD.
RAN AWAY from the subscriber, living in Philadelphia, a mulatto boy, about seventeen or eighteen years of age, with straight black hair which he dresses; he is tall and slim, has a little blemish in one of his eyes, has been lately cured of a sore on one of his great toes, and one on his shin bone a little above the instep; he is a barber by trade, dresses hair very well, is fond of strong liquor, and was some time in Bristol waiting on the subscriber; He took with him a read coat turned up with white cape and cuffs, a black, a white and a blue ditto, a red, a black, and a white waistcoat, and white Russia breeches. Whoever will apprehend him, and bring him to Messrs. FULLER and FISHER in Philadelphia, or secures him in any of his Majesty's goals, shall have a Reward of FOUR DOLLARS if within fifty miles, and if further oft the above Reward, and all charges, paid by
THOMAS BURTON.
Date of Record: 28 November 1774
Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet & General Advertiser, 28 November 1774.
- Slaveholder Name: Byrne, Patrick
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Located "the corner of Front and Walnut-streets"
- Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
Sex: Female
Age: "about eighteen years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1760
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Wench"
Notes: Offered for sale in July 1778. Text of sale ad placed by Byrne: "TO BE SOLD, A STRONG, healthy, likely Negro Wench, fit for town and country, about eighteen years of age, this country born, has had the small-pox. Enquire of PATRICK BYRNE, in Front-street, Philadelphia."
Date of Record: 16 July 1778
Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet & General Advertiser, 16, 25 July 1778.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
Sex: Male
Age: "about twenty-five years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1754
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Offered for sale in October 1779. Text of sale ad placed by Byrne: "TO BE SOLD, A LIKELY NEGRO MAN, about twenty-five years of age, a good servant, and very fit for any kind of house-work. Enquire at PATRICK BYRNE'S, the corner of Front and Walnut-streets, Philadelphia."
Date of Record: 14 October 1779
Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet & General Advertiser, 14 October 1779.
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Enslavement
