Philadelphia County Slaveholders C - D

Slaveholders Listed on this Page

Enslavement Data

A Note on Slave Numbers

• Slaveholder Name: Caldwell, Andrew
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Merchant, privateer, smuggler, naval officer
  Notes: Wealthy merchant and privateer Andrew Caldwell was appointed commodore of the Pennsylvania Navy in 1776. He engaged several British warships in battle on the Delaware River in May 1776.
  Source: Rouillac Auctions, "Unpublished Letters from the American War of Independence," 04 October 2020, online at https://www.rouillac.com/en/news-2451-unpublished_letters_from_the_american_war_of_independence, accessed 09 December 2024.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Will
     Sex: Male
     Age: Age not indicated in escape notice, but described as a "man."
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated in August 1780
     Description: "Negro Man"
     Notes: Will escaped from Caldwell on August 19, 1780. Caldwell placed the following escape notice about one week after his escape:

     Two Dollars Reward.
     RAN-AWAY from the subscriber on the 19th instant, a NEGRO MAN, named WILL; a likely well set fellow, about 5 feet 6 inches high, is marked on the side of his face with his country mark. viz. three scars: had on when he went away, a grey coat with yellow cape and cuffs, brown waistcoat and breeches, thread stockings, and good shoes, with plated buckles. The above reward will be paid on bringing him to the subscriber, or securing him in gaol. All persons are forwarned against harbouring or carrying off said Negro.
     ANDREW CALDWELL, Chesnut street.
     N.B. It is supposed he is lurking about town with some of the free negroes. August 26.

     Will bore tribal markings, described by Caldwell as three scars on each side of his face. Caldwell's remarked that these were Will's "country marks," an acknowledgment that such tribal markings were not uncommon among locally enslaved persons and that Philadelphians understood the markings to be cultural idenifiers.
     Caldwell's ad is also another example of a freedom seeker finding refuge among free Blacks in Philadelphia.
     Date of Record: 26 August 1780
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Packet, 22 September 1780.

• Slaveholder Name: Campbell, Edward
  City or Township:
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes: Located "over the Drawbridge, Philadelphia, near the Sign of the Leopard."

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
     Sex: Female
     Age: "about Twenty-four Years of Age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1739
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Wench"
     Notes: Advertised for sale in February 1763. Text of ad:

     TO BE SOLD,
     A VERY likely Negroe Wench, about Twenty-four Years of Age, has had the Small-pox and Measles, and is fit for either Town or Country Business, and is a good Cook. Enquire of Edward Campbell, over the Drawbridge, Philadelphia, near the Sign of the Leopard.

     Date of Record: 17 February 1763
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 17 February 1763.

• Slaveholder Name: Campbell, Robert, Captain
  City or Township:
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes:

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Jack
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about twenty-four years of age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1755
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro Man"
     Notes: Escaped from Captain Campbell on 5 August 1779.

     Philadelphia, August 6.
     Two Hundred Dollars Reward.
     RAN AWAY last night, a likely Negro Man, named JACK, about twenty-four years of age, five feet seven or eight inches high, has a wound in his left hand which has disfigured two of his fingers, speaks good English, reads and writes, and is very active; had on a short blue coat, white woollen waistcoat, linen overalls, new shoes, and a soldier's hat with white loops and band. Whoever secures said Negro so that the owner may have him again, or brings him to Philadelphia, shall have the above reward, with reasonable charges, paid by Capt. ROBERT CAMPBELL, IN Philadelphia. N.B. All masters of vessels are forewarned not to take him on board.

     Date of Record: 6 August 1779
     Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 7 August 1779.

• Slaveholder Name: Carpenter, Samuel, Senior
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Merchant, Justice of the Peace for Philadelphia County, and member of the Philadelphia Assembly from 1720-1722.
  Notes: Son of Samuel Carpenter of England and Barbados, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1683. The elder Samuel Carpenter built the first wharf in Philadelphia, which was named Carpenter's Wharf and which is named in numerous entries in this database.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Jack
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about 50 Years of Age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1675
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Man"
     Notes: Escaped from Samuel Carpenter along with Rachel and her 7-year-old son on 13 June 1725.

     Run away the 13th of this Inst. June, from Samuel Carpenter, Sener; Three Negroes, the one is a Negroe Man, nam'd Jack, a Tall slender Fellow, about 50 Years of Age; he has pretty good Cloaths, and bad Teeth: The other is a lusty Negroe Woman, call'd Rachel, Aged about 40 Years, and is of a Tawney Complection; having on a Suit of Calico, very gay; and a Negroe Boy, about 7 Years of Age, of a Tawney Complection, being the Negroe Woman's Son. Whoever takes up the said Runaway's, and secures them so that their said Master may have them again, shall have 40 Shillings as a Reward, paid by me
     Samuel Carpenter, Sener.

     Date of Record: 17 June 1725
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 17 June 1725.

  2. Enslaved Person's Name: Rachel
     Sex: Female
     Age: "Aged about 40 Years"
     Date of Birth: circa 1685
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Woman"
     Notes: Escaped from Samuel Carpenter along with Jack and her 7-year-old son on 13 June 1725. See the full text of the runaway ad placed by Carpenter, above.
     Date of Record: 17 June 1725
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 17 June 1725.

  3. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about 7 Years of Age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1718
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Boy"
     Notes: Escaped from Samuel Carpenter along with Jack and his mother Rachel on 13 June 1725. See the full text of the runaway ad placed by Carpenter, above.
     Date of Record: 17 June 1725
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 17 June 1725.

• Slaveholder Name: Carpenter, Stephen
  City or Township: Northern Liberties
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes:

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in notice
     Sex: Female
     Age: "about 45 Years of Age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1718
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Woman"
     Notes: Escaped from Stephen Carpenter on February 6, 1763.

     RUN away, the 6th inst. from Stephen Carpenter, in the Northern Liberties, a lusty Negroe Woman, about 45 Years of Age, and looks very gray: Had on when she went away, a black, red and white striped Linsey-woolsey short Gown, and Petticoat, a light coloured Cloth short Cloak, with a small Leghorn Hat, and Check Apron. It is supposed she is in Town, as she has a Husband a Baker by Trade. Whoever takes up and secures said Negroe Woman in the Workhouse, so as her Master may have her again, shall have Twenty Shillings Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by STEPHEN CARPENTER, in the Northern Liberties aforesaid.

     Date of Record: 17 February 1763
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 17 February 1763.

• Slaveholder Name: Carre, M.
  City or Township:
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes: Associated with the office of the French Minister in Philadelphia. Need more information on who this person is.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Duke
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about 35 years old"
     Date of Birth: circa 1745
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Man"
     Notes: "Formerly belonging to M. Dollinson, now the property of the Minister of France." Escaped on 6 October 1780.

     Four Hundred Dollars Reward.
     RAN AWAY on Wednesday the 6th instant, a NEGROE MAN, named DUKE, about 35 years old, formerly belonging to M. Dollinson, now the property of the Minister of France. He is about five feet four inches high, strong and lusty, has broad shoulders, is remarkably thick lipped and has lost almost all his foreteeth; had on a coarse yellow linen jacket and trowsers, the jacket quite new, is supposed to have taken with him a pair of grey cloth overalls, almost new, and a large linen frock. Whoever apprehends said Negroe, shall, on delivering him to M. Carre, at the house of the Minister of France, receive the above reward.

     Date of Record: 17 October 1780
     Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 17 October 1780.

• Slaveholder Name: Casdorp, Thomas
  City or Township: Southwark
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes:

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Richard Buts
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about twenty-eight years of age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1747
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Mulatto man"
     Notes:

     SIX DOLLARS REWARD.
     RAN AWAY about the 20th inst. (July) from the subscriber, in the district of Southwark, RICHARD BUTS, a mulatto man, about twenty-eight years of age, six feet high, and very lusty, slow of speech, has a heavy look, with either a slit in one year or a piece cut off; had on an oznabrigs shirt and trowsers, fearnought jacket, weth an old hat and shoes; he plays on the violin. It is supposed he is lurking about the neighborhood. Whoever secures the said fellow, and delivers him to Mr. WHITEHEAD, overseer of the Work-house, or to the subscriber, shall have the above Reward, paid by
     THOMAS CASDORP.

     Date of Record: 17 July 1775
     Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 17 July, 28 August 1775.

• Slaveholder Name: Cavenough, William
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Notary, clerk, broker: Cavenough and Hart, Intelligence and Broker's Office
  Notes: Advertised to purchase an enslaved woman, probably acting as a broker for a client: "Wanted to purchase for a term of years, a healthy Negro or Mulatto Woman, between 18 and 30 years of age. Inquire at the Intelligence-Office. The Cash will be paid down. November 3d, 1788."

• Slaveholder Name: Chancellor, William
  City or Township: Philadelphia city
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes:

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Nan
     Sex: Female
     Age: "aged about 32 Years"
     Date of Birth: circa 1691
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro Woman"
     Notes: Nan escaped from Chancellor on October 17, 1723. He placed the following ad for her capture after waiting about one month to see if she would return on her own:

     RUN away the 17th of this Instant October, from William Chancellor of the City of Philadelphia, a Negro Woman named Nan, aged about 32 Years, having on a Stuff Gown and a new Bonnett Lined with red Silk; She is supposed to be about the said City. Whosoever takes up the Negro, and brings her to her said Master, shall have Thirty Shillings as a Reward and all Reasonable Charges.

     Note: A "Stuff Gown" is one made of a woven fabric other than silk. During this time period, a stuff gown was probably made of wool or linsey-woolsey.
     Date of Record: 21 November 1723
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 21 November 1723.

• Slaveholder Name: Chevalier, John
  City or Township: Philadelphia city
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes:

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Jupiter, a.k.a. Juba
     Sex: Male
     Age: "near twenty-five years of age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1752
     Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated March 1777
     Description: "Negro Man"
     Notes: Jupiter escaped from Chevcalier in March 1777. Chevalier placed the following ad for his capture, noting that he was probably traveling with a white woman:

     RAN away from the subscriber, a NEGRO MAN named Jupiter alias Juba, about five feet seven inches high, well made, and near twenty-five years of age, has on his forehead two lumps nearly above each eye, and is a little pitted with the smallpox. He had on when he went away, a brown bearskin coatee and jacket, and old pair of leather breeches, dark grey yarn stockings, two odd yellow metal buckles in his shoes, and a new oznabrug shirt that had never been washed -- As he took with him sundry other wearing apparel, viz. a blue cloth coatee, a pair of black plush breeches and white linen shirt, &c. he may possibly be seen wearing them. The said Negro went off with a white girl (English) about twenty-two years of age, fresh coloured.
     Whoever takes up and brings said Negro to the subscriber, or secures him in any jail, shall have Four Dollars reward, and reasonable charges.
     Philad. March 20. JOHN CHEVALIER.
     N.B. All masters of vessels are requested to secure said Negro, if he should offer himself to serve on board.

     Date of Record: 20 March 1777
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Evening Post, 25 March 1777.

• Slaveholder Name: Chew, Benjamin
  City or Township: Philadelphia city
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Attorney, Attorney General for Pennsylvania, Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Supreme Court
  Notes: Builder of Cliveden, the Chew House, in Germantown.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Richard a.k.a. Rev. Richard Allen
     Sex: Male
     Age:
     Date of Birth: 14 February 1760
     Status: Slave for life; purchased his freedom from enslaver Stokeley Sturgis in 1790.
     Description:
     Notes: Chew, then living in the Pennsylvania Lower Counties, now Delaware, in 1768 sold Richard, his siblings and parents to neighbor Stokeley Sturgis. Richard purchased his freedom from Sturgis in 1790 and in 1794 established the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia.
     Date of Record:
     Sources: Allen, Richard, The Life Experience and Gospel Labours of the Right Reverend Richard Allen, New York: Abingdon Press.

  2. Enslaved Person's Name: William Clark
     Sex: Male
     Age: "aged about 35 years"
     Date of Birth: circa 1754
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro Man"
     Notes: Clark escaped from Chew on June 7, 1789. Chew published the following escape notice in Philadelphia newspapers:

     Twenty Dollars Reward.
     RAN-AWAY on the 7th instant, from the subscriber, a Negro MAN, named William Clark, aged about 35 years, 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, square and well made, wears his hair queued, curled at the sides and tupeed before: he had on a dark brown superfine broadcloth coat with white buttons, a striped Manchester waistcoat, a round beaver hat and buckskin breeches; and took with him, among other things, a dark brown surtout coat of second cloth, with three capes to it and white buttons, a superfine blue cloth coat, double breasted, with plain yellow gilt buttons, an olive coloured corduroy coat and breeches almost new, with white buttons, several fashionable waistcoats, black silk breeches, a variety of plain and coloured silk stockings, a pair of good boots, plated spurs and large plated showebuckles: he is an artful, sensible fellow, reads, writes and cyphers, an excellent waiter, shaves and dresses well, a tolerable cook, can drive a carriage and take good care of horses, and is well provided with money. It is supposed he was seduced from his master by a white woman with whom he was connected, and who went off with him. Whoever apprehends the said Negro, and brings him to his master, or secures him so that his master shall have him again, shall receive the above Reward. All masters of vessels here, at New York and elsewhere, are warned not to carry him beyond sea.
     BENJAMIN CHEW.
     Philadelphia, June 9.

     Date of Record: 09 June 1789
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Packet, and Daily Advertiser, 10 June 1789.

• Slaveholder Name: Christian, Benjamin, Captain
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Ship's captain
  Notes:

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
     Sex: Female
     Age: "about 16"
     Date of Birth: circa 1718
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro Girl"
     Notes: Offered for sale in July 1734. Text of sale ad placed by Byrne: "TWO likley Negro Girls, one about 16, the other about 20. To be sold by Capt. Benjamin Christian in Water-Street."
     Date of Record: 04 July 1734; the ad ran through 1 August 1734.
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 4 July, 1734.

  2. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
     Sex: Female
     Age: "about 20"
     Date of Birth: circa 1714
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro Girl"
     Notes: Offered for sale in July 1734. Text of sale ad placed by Byrne: "TWO likley Negro Girls, one about 16, the other about 20. To be sold by Capt. Benjamin Christian in Water-Street."
     Date of Record: 4 July 1734; the ad ran through 1 August 1734.
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 4 July, 1734.

• Slaveholder Name: Clark, Michael
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Innkeeper, Sign of the Blue Ball tavern
  Notes: Surname also spelled Clarke, in some documents.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Bet
     Sex: Female
     Age: Age not stated, but described as a "young woman."
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for life in Maryland; Escaped while working in Philadelphia
     Description: "Young Negro woman"
     Notes: Bet, enslaved by Maryland delegate to the Congressional Congress Thomas Stone, escaped from Stone's household on October 3, 1776. Stone advertised for her, and enlisted the aid of innkeeper Michael Clark as his Philadelphia agent after Stone returned to his plantation in Charles County, Maryland later in October.

     FIVE POUNDS Reward.
     WENT away yesterday evening, a young Negro woman named BET, of middling stature, fat and likely. She had on a blue shalloon jacket and petticoat, white linen handkerchief and apron, black leather high heel shoes, silver buckles, and blue worsted stockings with clocks. She took with her a new check black and yellow stuff jacket and petticoat, a white jacket and petticoat, a blue and white stamped cotton ditto, with sundry other clothes, and has had her ears bored for ear-rings. The said Negro belongs to a gentleman of Maryland, and it is supposed she is concealed in this city. Whoever brings her to me, at the sign of the Blue-Ball in Chesnut-street, Philadelphia, shall have the above Reward.
     MICHAEL CLARKE.

     Thomas Stone also placed a runaway ad. See the entry for Thomas Stone for more details.
     Date of Record: 26 October 1776
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Ledger, or the Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey Weekly Advertiser, 26 October 1776., 26 October 1776.

  2. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
     Sex: Male
     Age: "aged twenty-one years"
     Date of Birth: circa 1758
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro Man"
     Notes: Clark placed this man in the Philadelphia workhouse prior to offering him for sale. It has been documented that the Charlston, South Carolina workhouse was used to house enslaved persons while awaiting sale, but whether the Philadelphia workhouse was used in some instances for that same reason has not been established. Text of sale ad placed by Clark:
     "TO BE SOLD, For Gold only, in the country, A LIKELY healthy Negro Man, has had the small-pox and measles, aged twenty-one years. Enquire at MICHAEL CLARK'S, at the sign of the Blue Ball in Chestnut-street, or at the Work-house in Philadelphia."
     This ad ran the entire month of January. In the last week, Clark changed the desired payment from "Gold" to "Continental Money."
     Date of Record: 12 January 1779
     Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet & General Advertiser, 12 January 1779.

• Slaveholder Name: Claypoole, James
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes:

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
     Sex: Female
     Age: "about 25 Years of Age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1717
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro Woman"
     Notes: Advertised for sale in December 1742 by Claypoole: "To be SOLD, A Likely Negro Woman, about 25 Years of Age, fit for Town or Country; by James Claypoole, in Walnut Street, Philadelphia."
     Date of Record: 21 December 1742
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 21 December 1742.

• Slaveholder Name: Clifton, John
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes:

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about 16 Years of Age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1722
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro Boy"
     Notes: Advertised for sale in 1738 along with a teenaged girl. Text of sale ad placed by Clifton:

     A NEGRO Boy, about 16 Years of Age, that can Plow and do most Sorts of Country Work; and a Girl about 19 Year[s] old, that can do all sorts of House-Work; and is fit for Town or Country. To be sold by JOHN CLIFTON, at 6 or 8 Months Credit on good Security, or for Country Produce.

     Date of Record: 21 September 1738
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 21, 28 September 1738.

  2. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
     Sex: Female
     Age: "about 19 Year old"
     Date of Birth: circa 1719
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro Girl"
     Notes: Advertised for sale in 1738 along with a teenaged boy. Text of sale ad placed by Clifton is above.
     Date of Record: 21 September 1738
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 21, 28 September 1738.

• Slaveholder Name: Clow, Andrew, and Company
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes: Andrew Clow & Company was a mercantile and import business between 1783 and 1793. Andrew Clow and his firm partner David Cay both died in 1793 in Philadephia of Yellow Fever.
  Source: The Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and Printed Ephemera, The Winterthur Library, Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum, Winterthur, Delaware.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Juan Francisco
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about 20 years of age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1768
     Status: Slave for life; escaped from anchored ship
     Description: "Negro Lad"
     Notes: Francisco escaped from the brigantine Sacra Familia on the nigh tof August 5th or 6th, while it was anchored on the Delaware:

     Twelve Dollars Reward.
     WHEREAS a NEGRO LAD, a Slave, named JUAN FRANCISCO, ran away from the Spanish Brigantine the Sacra Familia, Captain De Landa, in the night of the 5th or 6th insant, as she lay at anchor in the bay of Delaware, a little below Bombay-Hook, and took with him the YAWL of the said Brigantine, and four oars, with which he effected his escape, but it is not known on which side of the river he landed.
     The said Negro, Juan Francisco, is a native of the Spanish West-Indies, and speaks only the Spanish language: he is about 20 years of age, of a middle size, stout and well made, with a broad face and flat nose.
     Whoever will bring the said Negro to the subscriber, or give them information where he may be found, shall receive Eight Dollars Reward and all reasonable expences. Any person harbouring him will be prosecuted.
     The BOAT is Spanish built, long, narrow and sharp, with three lockers in the stern. Four Dollars Reward will be paid to any person bringing it and the oars to us, at Philadelphia.
     ANDREW CLOW & CO. Aug. 11.

     Date of Record: 11 August 1788
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Packet, and Daily Advertiser, 12 August 1788.

• Slaveholder Name: Clymer, Margaret
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes:

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
     Sex: Female
     Age: "about 15 years of age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1737
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro wench"
     Notes: Offered for sale by Clymer in April 1752:

     To be sold by the subscriber, living in Arch-street, at the corner of Moravian-alley, a likely Negroe-wench, about 15 years of age, fit for town or country, this country born, has had the small-pox, can wash, iron, sew, and cook tolerably. MARGARET CLYMER.
     N.B. To be lett, a good new stable and chaise house, in Elfreth's alley.

     Date of Record: 16 April 1752
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 16 April 1752.

• Slaveholder Name: Coates, Abraham
  City or Township: Northern Liberties, Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Tanner
  Notes: Enslaved persons below are listed as belonging to the Estate of Abraham Coates.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
     Sex: Male
     Age: Age not mentioned in ad, but described as a "man"
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe man"
     Notes: In the possession of widow Susannah Coates and tanner Isaac Snowden, estate executors, who were attempting to sell him, another man and a woman for the estate of Abraham Coates. Text of ad:

     ALL Persons indebted to the Estate of Abraham Coates, late of the Northern Liberties, Tanner, deceased, are desired to pay; and those who have any Demands, to apply to SUSANNAH COATES, EMANUEL AIRES, and ISAAC SNOWDEN, Execut.
     N.B.* Two Negroe Men, Tanners, and a Negroe Wench, to be sold.

     Date of Record: 02 August 1764
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 02 August 1764.

  2. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
     Sex: Male
     Age: Age not mentioned in ad, but described as a "man"
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe man"
     Notes: In the possession of tanner Isaac Snowdon, who was attempting to sell him and a woman for the estate of Abraham Coates. Text of ad:

     All persons who are indebted to the estate of Abraham Coates, of the Northern Liberties, tanner, deceased, are once more desired to pay off their balances by the first of May, for they may not expect any farther indulgence. The house and tan-yard of the deceased to be lett and entered on immediately. A negroe man, a tanner by trade, and a negroe woman, to be sold. Enquire of the executors, SUSANNAH COATES, EMANUEL AIRES, or ISAAC SNOWDEN.

     Date of Record: 21 March 1765
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 21 March 1765.

  3. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
     Sex: Female
     Age: "about 45 Years of Age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1720
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Woman"
     Notes: In the possession of tanner Isaac Snowdon, who was attempting to sell her for the estate of Abraham Coates. Text of ad:

     To be LETT, A HOUSE in Spruce-street, opposite Mr. Samuel Neave's Garden. Enquire of ISAAC SNOWDON, Tanner, in Second-street; who has a Negroe Woman, about 45 Years of Age, belonging to the Estate of Abraham Coates, deceased, to dispose of.

     Date of Record: 04 July 1765
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 21 March, 04 July 1765.

• Slaveholder Name: Coats, Isaac
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Brickmaker
  Notes: Died 1786. Master builder, a member of the Carpenter's Company.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Silas
     Sex: Male
     Age: "16 years old"
     Date of Birth: circa 1755
     Status: Slave for life; multiple escape attempts
     Description: "Negro Slave"
     Notes: Silas, or Si, made several escapes from Coats. The first in mid-March 1770. Coats placed the following escape notice in a Philadelphia newspaper:

     RUN-AWAY, About four weeks since, from the subscriber, living in Vine street; A Negro Lad, about the age of seventeen years, named SILAS, he is of a yellow cast, and by trade a chimney sweep; he is well set, about five feet high, was lately seen loitering about the streets of the city of Burlington, in company with several negro lads, also chimney sweeps: He had on a homespun jacket, a pair of blue trowsers with his blanket, and is an oily tongu'd chap very apt to drink. Whoever will secure the said fellow, and send him to me, shall receive a reward to FIFTEEN SHILLINGS, and all reasonable charges.
     April 19. ISSAC COATS. Brickmaker.

     It is likely Coats captured him, as no additional ads appear until August 1770, when Coats again published an escape notice for Silas. This mentions different clothing and does not make reference to Silas working as a chimney sweep in Burlington, New Jersey, making it likely this is a second escape:

     RUN AWAY from the subscriber, living in Vine street, a Negro boy, named SY, of a yellow cast, about 5 feet high, well set and active, chews tobacco, and loves strong drink: Had on when he went away, a tow shirt and trowsers, and a blue woollen cap; he has been a chimney sweep, and it's very like he may take up that trade again. Whoever takes up and secures said Negro, so that his master may have him again, shall have TWO DOLLARS reward, and reasonable charges, paid by ISAAC COATS brick maker, in Vine-street. August 23.

     We do know that Coats captured Silas sometime after August 1770, because the enslave man again escaped, this time in January 1771. Coats waited several weeks, probably hoping to track down Silas on his own, but in mid-February 1771 placed the following notice of escape::

     TWO DOLLARS Reward.
     RUN-AWAY, on the 29th of January last from the subscriber, living in VINE-STREET, a Negro Boy named SAY, of a yellow cast about 16 years of age, 5 feet high this country born, by trade a Chimney Sweeper; chews Tobacco, and loves Rum. He was seen last Saturday in Burlington and very like he may go towards Princeton as he has been that road before. Whoever takes up the above described Negro boy and secures him so that his Master may have him again, shall have the above Reward and all reasonable Charges paid by me ISAAC COATS.

     Note that in this third ad, Coats revised his estimate of Silas' age downward, describing him now as "about 16 years of age." Another month passed and in March, Coates increased his offered reward from two dollars to six dollars. This much more detailed ad provided sightings of Silas and followed him on his bid for freedom from place to place. Silas had also obtained a forged pass stating he was a free man:

     SIX DOLLARS REWARD. SY, a Negro slave, of a yellow or copper-coloured complexion, having been RUN AWAY from the subscriber, his master, in Philadelphia, for about eight weeks past, part of which time he has been sweeping chimneys or lurking about Burlington, and since in other places in the Jerseys, and was at Trenton at the house of Richard Tennent, inn-keeper, on or about the 9th or 10th of last month, from whence he proceeded on towards New-York, and said he would go through New-Brunswick, having with him a forged pass setting forth his being born free, and at present a freeman: THEREFORE the above reward shall be paid to any person or persons that will secure the said slave in any of his Majesty's gaols, or otherwise send him to his master in Philadlephia, together with reasonable charges. All persons are forbid to harbour the said slave, masters of vessels and others are forwarned not to take him away, as they will answer the same according to law.
     ISAAC COATS, Brick-maker, Living in Vine-street, Philadelphia. March 7.

     Coats was again successful in capturing Silas, but could hold him for only a few months, as Silas made another escape attempt, this time in mid-June 1771. Coats, by this time, had placed an iron collar, a torture device used to attempt to force discipline on enslaved persons, around Silas's neck as punishment for his repeated escapes:

     TWO DOLLARS REWARD.
     RUN AWAY last Monday morning, from ISAAC COATS, a Negro Slave, of a yellow or copper-coloured complexion, 16 years old, 5 feet high, well set, this country born, chews tobacco, and loves strong liquor; had on when he went away an iron collar, which he endeavours to hide with a striped lincey jacket, tow shirt and trowsers: He has been seen lurking about town. Whoever secures the said negro, so that his master may have him again, shall have the above reward, and all reasonable charges. ISAAC COATS, Brick-maker, in Vine-street, Philadelphia.
     N.B. All persons are forbid to harbour him, and masters of vessels and others are forewarned not to carry him off at their peril.

     No further notices appear in Philadelphia area newspapes, so it is uncertain whether Coats ever recovered Silas after the June 1771 escape. Date of Record: 19 Apirl 1770; 23 August 1770; 07 March 1771; 27 June 1771
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal or Weekly Advertiser, 19 April, 1770; 14 February 1771; 07 March 1771; 27 June 1771.

• Slaveholder Name: Cochran, James
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Merchant, with storefront on one of the wharves.
  Notes:

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about twenty-nine years of age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1743
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro Man"
     Notes: Cochran placed his enslaved man in the Philadelphia Work House prior to offering him for sale in January 1772:

     TO BE SOLD,
     A LIKELY, HEALTHY NEGRO MAN,
     about twenty-nine years of age. He is well acquainted with farming in all its branches. For further particulars enquire of Mr. James Whitehead, work house keeper, or to Mr. James Cochran, near Willing and Morris's wharf.

     Date of Record: 27 January 1772
     Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 27 January, 17 February 1772.

  2. Enslaved Person's Name: Harry
     Sex: Male
     Age: Age not specified in escape ad, but described as a "man."
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated March 1781
     Description: "Negro Man"
     Notes: Harry escaped from Cochran in March 1781. Cochran placed the following escape ad in local newspapers:

     Twenty Four Hard Dollars REWARD.
     RAN-AWAY, on the nineteenth Inst. from the subscriber, a NEGRO MAN, named HARRY, has very black thick lips, with a red spot on the inner side of his lower one; Had on when he went away, a coarse homespun shirt, a black cloth waistcoat, yellow breeches, blue stockings mended with white yarn, coarse trowsers and a sailors frock; he is about 5 feet 10 inches high. Whoever brings home said Negroe shall have the above Reward.
     JAMES COCHRAN.
     N.B. All masters of vessels and others are requested not to harbour said Negroe.

     Date of Record: 31 March 1781
     Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 31 March 1781.

• Slaveholder Name: Coleman, William
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Merchant, lawyer and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
  Notes: Lived 1706-1769. Founded the College of Philadelphia, now University of Pennsylvania; built his mansion "Woodford" in what is now Fairmount Park. Coleman was on the commission that hired surveyors Mason and Dixon to survey the boundary between Pennsylvania and Maryland in 1768.
  Sources: "Penn & Slavery Project,"

  1. Enslaved Person Names: Not named
     Sex: Not stated
     Ages: Children
     Dates of Birth: Not known
     Status: To be term slaves
     Description: "Young Negro Children"
     Notes: Upon his death, William Coleman stipulated in his will that his enslaved children should be bound out for terms of years, until aged 20 or 24 years, instead of remaining slaves for life.

     SEVERAL young NEGROE CHILDREN are to be bound out to the Ages of 20 and 24, in Pursuance of the Will of William Coleman, Esq; Application to be made to HUGH ROBERTS, or GEORGE CLYMER, EXECUTORS.

     Date of Record: 6 July 1769
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 06 July 1769.

• Slaveholder Name: Connolly, Mrs.
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Sources:

  1. Enslaved Person Names: Not named
     Sex: Female
     Ages: "18 Years of Age"
     Dates of Birth: circa 1719
     Status: Slave for Life
     Description: "Negroe Wench"
     Notes: Advertised for sale in June 1737:

     TO BE SOLD,
     A LIKELY young Negroe Wench 18 Years of Age, Creole Born, and understands any kind of Houshold Work. Enquire at Mrs. CONNOLLY'S in Water-Street.
     At the same Place is very good Mellasses, to be sold.

     The description "Creole Born" indicates that this person was born in the West Indies. This ad ran through July 21, 1737. See also the ad below, placed by William Connoly in May 1736. Possibly the same enslaved woman?
     Date of Record: 30 June 1737
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 30 June 1737.

• Slaveholder Name: Connoly, Deborah
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Merchant
  Notes:

  1. Enslaved Person Names: Not named
     Sex: Male
     Ages: Not named in ad, but described as a "man.".
     Dates of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for Life
     Description: "Negro Man"
     Notes: Advertised for sale in April 1737: "TO BE SOLD, By DEBORAH CONNOLY, VEry good Muscovado Sugar, by the Barrel or Hundred Weight; also Rice, Ginger, and a likely Negro Man who has had the Small Pox."
     Date of Record: 07 April 1737
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 07 April 1737.

  2. Enslaved Person Names: Not named
     Sex: Female
     Ages: Not named in ad, but described as a "woman.".
     Dates of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for Life
     Description: "Negro Woman"
     Notes: Advertised for sale in April 1738: "To be SOLD by Deborah Connoly, Near Market-street Wharf, A LIKELY Negro Woman, Bermuda Born: Also very good Chocolate very Cheap for ready Money."
     Date of Record: 13 April 1738
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 13 April 1738.

  3. Enslaved Person Names: Not named
     Sex: Female
     Ages: Not named in ad, but described as a "woman." She has a child so is of childbearing age.
     Dates of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for Life
     Description: "Negro Woman"
     Notes: Advertised for sale in February 1741 along with her child:

     To be SOLD, by Deborah Connoly,
     At the Market-street Wharf.
     A Very likely Negro Woman, fit for either Town or Country Business; she can Wash and Iron very well, is a good Cook, and Works well with her Needle. She has a young Child about fifteen Months old, which will be also sold with her.

     Date of Record: 18 February 1741
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 18 February 1741.

  4. Enslaved Person Names: Not named
     Sex: Sex not stated in ad
     Ages: "about fifteen Months old"
     Dates of Birth: circa September 1739
     Status: Slave for Life
     Description: "Young Child"
     Notes: Advertised for sale in February 1741 along with the mother. For text of sale ad, see entry above.
     Date of Record: 18 February 1741
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 18 February 1741.

• Slaveholder Name: Connoly, William
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes: William Connolly is listed as a vestryman in the Vestry Minutes of Christ Church, Philadelphia, Easter Sunday, April 1736.
  Sources: Vestry minutes, Christ Church, v. 1, 1717-1760, Online at https://www.philageohistory.org/rdic-images/view-book.cfm/ChristChurch.MinuteBooks_v1. Accessed 01 May 2024.
  
  1. Enslaved Person Names: Not named
     Sex: Male
     Ages: Age not given in this ad. Advertised as a boy.
     Dates of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for Life
     Description: "Negro Boy"
     Notes: Advertised for sale in July 1735:

     For St. Christophers directly,
     THE Sloop Tamsin, John Godfrey Master, will sail in 3 Weeks at farthest. For Freight agree with said Master on board the Sloop at T. Masters's Wharff, or with William Connoly in Water-street, Philadelphia.
     N.B. A likely Negro Boy to be sold by said Connoly.

     Date of Record: 24 July 1736
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury, 24 July 1735.

  2. Enslaved Person Names: Not named
     Sex: Female
     Ages: Age not given in this ad. Advertised as a young woman.
     Dates of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for Life
     Description: "Negro Woman"
     Notes: Advertised for sale in May 1736: "TO BE SOLD, A Very likely young Negro Woman. Inquire of Wm. Connoly in Water-street, Philadelphia." See also the ad above, placed by Mrs. Connolly in June 1737. Possibly the same enslaved person?
     Date of Record: 20 May 1736
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury, 20 May 1736.

• Slaveholder Name: Connor, John
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Merchant; frequently advertised various lots of enslaved men, women and children.
  Notes: Shop on Chestnut Street

  1. Enslaved Person Names: Not named
     Sex: Females and males
     Ages: Ages not given in ad
     Dates of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slaves for life
     Description: "Negroes"
     Notes: Offered for sale in May 1729: "A Parcel of very likely Negroes of both Sexes to be Sold very reasonable for ready Money or Country produce by John Connor in Chestnut-street Philadelphia."
     This ad appeared in the newspaper directly below a similar ad offering a "parcel" of enslaved persons being sold by George McCall, indicating the increasing supply of enslaved Black persons being brought into Philadelphia at this time.
     Date of Record: 14 May 1729
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 14 May 1729.

  2. Enslaved Person Names: Not named
     Sex: Females
     Ages: Age not given, but described as "Young Women"
     Dates of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slaves for life
     Description: "Young Negroe Women"
     Notes: Offered for sale in November 1729 along with a boy: "To be SOLD, TWO likely young Negroe Women and a Boy, all which speaks good English, and well acquainted with House-Work, very reasonable, for Cash or Credit (if required) by John Connor, at the lower End of Chesnut-street, Philadelphia."
     Date of Record: 13 November 1729
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 13 November 1729.

  3. Enslaved Person Names: Not named
     Sex: Male
     Age: Age not given, but described as a "Boy"
     Dates of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slaves for life
     Description: "Negroe Boy"
     Notes: Offered for sale in November 1729 along with two young women: "To be SOLD, TWO likely young Negroe Women and a Boy, all which speaks good English, and well acquainted with House-Work, very reasonable, for Cash or Credit (if required) by John Connor, at the lower End of Chesnut-street, Philadelphia."
     Date of Record: 13 November 1729
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 13 November 1729.

  4. Enslaved Person Names: Not named
     Sex: Male
     Age: Ages not given, but described as "young men"
     Dates of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slaves for life
     Description: "Young Negro Men"
     Notes: Offered for sale in August 1734 along with property and a young women: "To be SOLD, BY John Connor in Chestnut-street, Philadelphia, two small Tracts of Lands, each containing about 400 Acres, lying on the Creek commonly call'd Mother Creek, in Kent County. Also young Negro Men, and a very likely Negro Girl about 16 Years of Age, perfectly acquainted with House Business, very reasonably for ready Money, or good Pipe-Staves as pay for the Negros."
     Date of Record: 01 August 1734; 05 September 1734
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury, 01 August 1734; 05 September 1734.

  5. Enslaved Person Names: Not named
     Sex: Female
     Age: "about 16 Years of Age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1718
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro Girl"
     Notes: Offered for sale in August 1734 along with property and a lot of young men: "To be SOLD, BY John Connor in Chestnut-street, Philadelphia, two small Tracts of Lands, each containing about 400 Acres, lying on the Creek commonly call'd Mother Creek, in Kent County. Also young Negro Men, and a very likely Negro Girl about 16 Years of Age, perfectly acquainted with House Business, very reasonably for ready Money, or good Pipe-Staves as pay for the Negros."
     Date of Record: 01 August 1734; 05 September 1734
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury, 01 August 1734; 05 September 1734.

• Slaveholder Name: Conyers, Widow
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes: Identified by Henry Elwes as the enslaver of the wife of Sam, who escaped from Elwes in June 1753.

  1. Enslaved Persons Name: Not named in source
     Sex: Female
     Age: Age not specified in source, but an adult female and wife in 1753
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Man"
     Notes: Wife of Sam, a 27-year-old enslaved sailor who jumped ship in Philadelphia. Sam's enslaver, Henry Elwes, believed he was being hidden by his wife, who was living with ship's captain William Condy at the time. Her actual enslave was identified by Elwes as "the widow Conyers."
     Date of Record: 05 July 1753
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 05 July 1753.

• Slaveholder Name: Cook, Mark
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Biscuit Baker
  Notes: Named as a former enslaver of the man Tom, noted below by Ann Reardon.
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 02 August 1770.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Tom
     Sex: Male
     Age: Age not given in ad, but described as a "man"
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for life; frequent escape attempts
     Description: "Negroe man"
     Notes: Tom escaped from Ann Reardon in mid May 1770. In her published escape notice, she identified several former enslavers of Tom, noting: "was formerly the property of Mark Cook, biscuit baker, of Parson Sturgeon, and John Elton, carpenter; he was accustomed to elope, when he followed whitewashing."
     Date of Record: 16 July 1770
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 02 August 1770.

• Slaveholder Name: Cook, Nathan
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Possibly a tanner, as some of his servants and slaves "understand the Skinner's Trade." Also see note below.
  Notes: Line from Account Book of Thomas Penn: "1749, July 10, Nathan Cook, making Thos. Penn's negro Caesar 1 pr. breeches, 1.7.0."
  Sources: "Notes and Queries," The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. 38, No. 2 (1914), p. 244.

  1. Enslaved Persons Name: Not named
     Sex: Male
     Age: "Man"
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Man"
     Notes: Husband to the woman listed below. Offered for sale in December 1761: "To be SOLD, TWO honest, sober Negroes, a Man and his Wife; he is a good Farmer, and the Woman understands all Country Work. They can both be well recommended. Enquire of NATHAN COOK. N.B. The above Negroes are to be sold, because the Plantation is to be lett."
     Date of Record: 17 December 1761
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 17 December 1761.

  2. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
     Sex: Female
     Age: "Woman"
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Woman"
     Notes: Wife to the man listed above. Offered for sale in December 1761. See text of ad above.
     Date of Record: 17 December 1761
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 17 December 1761.

  3. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
     Sex: Male
     Age: "Man"
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Man"
     Notes: Offered for sale in May 1769 along with an indentured white servant. Text of ad placed by Cook: "TO BE SOLD, TWO MEN; one a healthy Negroe Man, in the Prime of Life, very fit to wait on a Gentleman, or for any other Employment; he understands the Skinner's Trade well. The other a white Man, who has about 4 Years to serve, a strong young Fellow, fit for country Business; he also understands the Skinner's Trade. Whoever has a Mind for either of them, may apply to NATHAN COOK. Philadelphia, May 30."
     Date of Record: 30 May 1769
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 29 June 1769.

• Slaveholder Name: Cooper, Daniel
  City or Township: Ferry opposite Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Ferry man
  Notes: Operated the Ferry in what is now Camden, New Jersey. Lived 1721-1776.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Cuff
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about 30 years of age" (1751 ad)
     Date of Birth: circa 1721
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro man"
     Notes: Cuff escaped from Cooper on 18 September 1751. Below is the ad placed by Daniel Cooper in the fall of 1751:

     RUN away from Daniel Cooper, at the ferry, opposite to Philadelphia, on the 18th of September last, A Negroe man, named Cuff; he belonged near two years ago to Anthony Morris, junior, he is about 30 years of age, a middling lusty fellow, pitted about the nose with the small-pox; He took with him two jackets, of a black and white twilled homespun, the back of the upper one is lined with tow cloth, a pair of good leather breeches, a pair of trowsers, and a pair of shoes. Whoever secures said Negroe, so that his master may have him again, if within 5 miles from home, shall have Twenty Shillings reward, and if farther off, Thirty Shillings, and reasonable charges, paid by DANIEL COOPER.

     Cuff must have been captured, but ran away again sometime in 1753, taking mostly the same clothing. Text of runaway ad placed by Cooper in 1753:

     RUN away from Daniel Cooper, at the Ferry opposite to Philadelphia, a Negroe man, named Cuff, he formerly lived with one Scogan, a bricklayer, and since with Anthony Morris, junior; Had on when he want away, two black and white homespun twill'd jackets, the upper one has round skirts, and lined in the back with tow cloth, a pair of leather breeches, black and white yarn stockings, an old hat and cap. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and brings him to his master, shall have Twenty Shillings reward, and reasonable charges, paid by DANIEL COOPER.
     N.B. All persons are forbid to harbour or conceal him.

     Note that runaway slave ads in the early 1750s were already carrying warnings against providing shelter to freedom seekers, indicating the availability of aid from those sympathetic to enslaved persons.
     Date of Records:10 October 1751, 17 May 1753
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette,10 October 1751; 26 April, 10, 17 May 1753.

• Slaveholder Name: Cooper, Samuel
  City or Township: West New Jersey (modern Camden)
  County:
  Occupation: Ferryman
  Notes:

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided in ad
     Sex: Female
     Age: "About 14 Years of Age"
     Date of Birth: Circa 1751
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Girl"
     Notes: Offered for sale in July 1765: "To be SOLD for no Fault, A Likely Negroe Girl, about 14 Years of Age, has had the Small-Pox. The Purchaser may have twelve Months Credit, or a longer Time, giving Security, if required. She is now at Samuel Cooper's Ferry, opposite Philadelphia."
     Date of Records: 04 July 1765
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 20 June 1765.

  2. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided in ad
     Sex: Male
     Age: "About ten Years of Age"
     Date of Birth: Circa 1755
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Boy"
     Notes: Offered for sale in July 1765: "TO BE SOLD, A Likely healthy Negroe Boy, Country born, has had the Small-Pox, about ten Years of Age, now at Samuel Cooper's Ferry. For terms enquire of said Samuel Cooper."
     Date of Records: 04 July 1765
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 04 July 1765.

• Slaveholder Name: Cooper, William
  City or Township: West New Jersey (Camden)
  County:
  Occupation: Ferryman in west New Jersey, now Camden
  Notes: Possibly same person as William Beavan Cooper, listed below.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Names not provided in ad
     Sex: Male
     Age: Ages not provided in ad, but described as "men."
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slaves for life
     Description: "Negroe Men"
     Notes: Offered for sale in December 1727: "TWO very likely Negroe Men to be sold, (they are at William Coopers in New-Jersey, over against Philadelphia) Inquire of Andrew Bradford."
     Date of Records: 19 December 1727
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 19 December 1727

• Slaveholder Name: Cooper, William Beavan
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes: Possibly the ferryman William Cooper of New Jersey, above.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided in ad
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about 14 Year of Age"
     Date of Birth: Circa 1714
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Boy"
     Notes: Offered for sale in April 1728: "A Very likely Negroe Boy about 14 Year of Age, he speaks good English to be Sold enquir of Andrew Bradford or Wm. Beavan Cooper."
     Date of Records: 4 April 1728
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 4 April 1728

• Slaveholder Name: Copson, John
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Merchant
  Notes: John Copson sold Andrew Bradford's American Weekly Mercury at his store on Market Street in 1719 and on High Street beginning in 1720. He also issued insurance policies and kept books for merchants, goods and ships from his High Street location.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided in ad
     Sex: Male
     Age: Age not indicated in ad, but described as a "boy."
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro Boy"
     Notes: Offered for sale in March 1720: "A Negro Boy to be Sold by John Copson in High Street Philadelphia."
     Date of Records: 01 March 1720
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 01, 17 March, 05 May 1720.

  2. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided in ad
     Sex: Male
     Age: Age not indicated in ad, but described as a "young man"
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Young Negroe Man"
     Notes: Offered for sale in October 1720: "To be Sold, a very likely young Negro Man: Enquire of John Copson."
     Date of Records: 27 October 1720
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 20, 27 October 1720.

  3. Enslaved Person's Name: Names not provided in ad
     Sex: Male
     Age: Ages not indicated in ad, but described as a "young men"
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slaves for life
     Description: "Young Negro Men"
     Notes: Offered for sale in February 1721: "Two very likely young Negro Men to be sold. Enquire of John Copson."
     Date of Records: 21 February 1721
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 21 February 1721.

  4. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided in ad
     Sex: Male
     Age: Age not indicated in ad, but described as a "man"
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro Man"
     Notes: Offered for sale in March 1721: "A Very likely Negro Man to be sold. Enquire of John Copson."
     Date of Records: 02 March 1721
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 02 March 1721.

  5. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided in ad
     Sex: Female
     Age: Age not indicated in ad, but described as a "young woman"
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro Woman"
     Notes: Offered for sale in December 1721: "ADVERTISEMENT. TO be Sold by John Copson, Merchant in the Market-Street, Philadelphia, A very likely young Negro Woman."
     Date of Records: 07 December 1721
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 07 December 1721.

• Slaveholder Name: Correy, Jane
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes: "In Third-street, near Market-street"

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided in ad
     Sex: Female
     Age: Age not provided in ad, but described as a "wench," indicating a young woman or older teenaged girl.
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro Wench"
     Notes: Offered for sale along with a younger female in September 1780: "TO BE SOLD, A VERY good NEGRO WENCH, well acquainted with doing housework; and a NEGRO GIRL. For particulars enquire of JANE CORREY, In Third-street, near Market-street, Philadelphia."
     Date of Records: 26 September 1780
     Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 26 September 1780.

  2. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided in ad
     Sex: Female
     Age: Age not provided in ad, but described as a "girl," indicating a teenaged or younger girl.
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro Girl"
     Notes: Offered for sale along with an older female in September 1780: "TO BE SOLD, A VERY good NEGRO WENCH, well acquainted with doing housework; and a NEGRO GIRL. For particulars enquire of JANE CORREY, In Third-street, near Market-street, Philadelphia."
     Date of Records: 26 September 1780
     Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 26 September 1780.

• Slaveholder Name: Corry, William
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes: "Living in Front-street, near Carpenter's Wharf." Corry advertised a group of six enslaved persons, two men and two women, plus two children of one of the women, to be sold for "ready money."

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Names not provided in ad
     Sex: Male and female
     Ages: Ages for the adults not provided in ad, but described as "men" and "women." The two children are 14 months and 4 weeks old.
     Date of Birth: Not known (adults); January 1740 (one child); February 1741 (one child)
     Status: Slaves for life
     Description: "Negro Men," "Negro women"
     Notes: Offered for sale in March 1741: "To be SOLD by WILLIAM CORRY, Living in Front-street, near Carpenter's Wharf. TWO Negro Men and two Negro Women. One of the Women has two Chidren, one of 14 Months old, the other is 4 Weeks. They will be sold reasonably for ready Money."
     Date of Records: 11 March 1741
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 11 March 1741.

• Slaveholder Name: Coultas, James, Colonel
  City or Township: "Whitby Hall," Blockley Township
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Horse Breeder; Ferry operator (Middle Ferry), Justice of the Peace, High Sheriff of Philadelphia (1755-1758); Judge (Orphans Court, Quarter Sessions and Common Pleas);
  Notes: At the Middle Ferry on Schuylkill. Coultas advertised several enslaved people for sale, or published notices of escapes, during his life. Upon his death in 1768, his executors held a large public sale to settle the estate. Two enslaved families, numbering six persons, were held back from the indignity of a public auction but offered for private sale in the spring of 1768. The sale notice below gives a good idea of the size of Coultas's business and farm. The notice of sale for the enslaved families comes at the end of the advertisement::

  ON Thursday, the 7th of April next, at 9 o'clock in the Morning, at the plantation late James Coultas's, Esq; in Blockley, will be sold, by public vendue, all the stock, carriages and implements of husbandry, consisting of horses, mares and colts, milch cows, and store cattle; a very large bull, 20 fine sheep, some of the English breed, with lambs; waggons, carts and geers, plows, harrows and slay [sleigh?]; carpenter's tools; a quantity of wheelwright stuff, well seasoned; and a variety of very good houshold and kitchen furniture, some plate, and many other things, not particularly mentioned. Three months credit, giving security, if required, and attendance given, by the executors,
  ELIZABETH COULTAS, and GEORGE GRAY.
  N.B. To be sold at private sale 6 Negroes, viz. a Negroe man, a cooper by trade, a very good workman; his wife, a very good house wench, with one female child, two years old; one other Negroe woman, a good house and dairy maid; likewise two twins, a boy and Girl, ten years old, smart lively children.

  It is not certain if any of these listed enslaved persons are the same as any of those listed individually below.
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 24 March 1768; Robert Pattison Robins, M.D., "Colonel James Coultas, High Sheriff of Philadelphia, 1755-1758," The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. 11, No. 1 (Apr., 1887), pp. 50-57.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
     Sex: Female
     Age: "about 15 years of age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1731
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro girl"
     Notes: Advertised for sale by Coultas in February 1746:

     To be SOLD,
     A Likely negro girl, about 15 years of age, this country born, fit for town or country business, and has had the small pox. Enqire of James Coultas, at the Middle Ferry, on Schuylkill.
     Philadelphia, February 25, 1745,6.

     Date of Records: 25 February 1746
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 25 February 1746.

  2. Enslaved Person's Name: Tom
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about 40 years of age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1708
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe man"
     Notes: Probably born in Africa. Had tribal scarification marks on face. Previously owned by Samuel Swift of Smithfield (possibly present day Monroe County?). Escaped from Coultas on 17 September 1748. Coultas placed the following ad to recover him:

     FORTY SHILLINGS Reward.
     Philadelphia, September 22, 1748.
     RUN away, on tuesday last from James Coultas, at the Middle Ferry on Schuylkill, a Negroe man, call'd Tom, about 40 years of age, five feet ten inches high, and square sett, a surly ill natured fellow, hath some scars in his face, customary to Guinea Negroes; he formerly belonged to Samuel Swift, of Smithfield; had on a striped jacket, fustian breeches, with tow trowsers, limps a little, having lately had a sore foot. Who ever takes up the said Negroe, and secures him in any goal, so that his master may have him again, shall have Forty Shillings reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
     James Coultas.

     Date of Records: 22 September 1748
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 20 October 1748.

  3. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided in ad
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about one or two and twenty Years of Age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1741-1742
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Man"
     Notes: Advertised for sale in September 1763:

     TO BE SOLD,
     A Likely, active, young Negroe Man, about one or two and twenty Years of Age; hath had the Small-pox and Measles; well acquainted with the laborious Branches of Husbandry, and a tolerable Carter. A Negroe Woman, about 35 Years of Age, fit for Town or Country, hath been used to field Work, and in the House, having cooked for a large Family these three Years past.
     Two good riding Chairs, and Geers with or without Horses, a few good Saddle and Draft Horses, breeding Mares, with this Spring's Colts, and again with Foal by the besrt blooded Horses in these Parts, and a full blooded Stone Horse, six Years old, 15 Hands high. For further Particulars enquire of William Ibison, Merchant, in Water-street, or Jacob Hiltsheimer, at his Stables, between Market and Chestnut Streets.
     JAMES COULTAS.

     Date of Records: 22 September 1763
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 22 September 1763.

  4. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided in ad
     Sex: Female
     Age: "about 35 Years of Age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1728
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Woman"
     Notes: Advertised for sale in September 1763. See above for full text of ad.
     Date of Records: 22 September 1763
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 22 September 1763.

• Slaveholder Name: Cox, Thomas
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes: Located at the Indian Queen Tavern on Fourth Street.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: James
     Sex: Male
     Age: "aged 24 years"
     Date of Birth: circa 1757
     Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated November 1781
     Description: "Negro Fellow"
     Notes: James and another enslaved man escaped from Cox on 03 November 1781. Cox placed the following escape notice and offer of reward for their capture in local newspapers:

     Six Pounds Reward.
     RAN away from the subscriber, last evening, a Negro Fellow named JAMES, aged 24 years, five feet six or seven inches high, pitted with the small pox, has an impediment in his speech, a native of New-York; had on when he went away, a black jacket, and blue woollen trowsers. It is supposed that he will endeavor to get to New-York, as he was taken some time ago in a vessel from that place.
     Likewise, a slave of the Sambo colour, about five feet eight or nine inches high, being about 19 or 20 years of age, smooth faced, and thick lipped; had on when he went away, a brown woollen jacket, and blue woollen trowsers. It is supposed he will make the best of his way to New-York, as he is a native of that place, and taken some time ago in a vessel from thence.
     Whoever will bring the said slaves to the subscriber, at Mr. Francis Lee's, at the indian queen in Fourth-street, shall receive above reward and reasonable charges, or three pounds for each, in specie.
     THOMAS COX. Nov. 4.

     Date of Records: 04 November 1781
     Sources: The Freeman's Journal, or The North American Intelligencer, 26 December 1781.

  2. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in source
     Sex: Male
     Age: "being about 19 or 20 years of age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1761 or 1762
     Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated November 1781
     Description: "Slave"
     Notes: This man, not named in the ad, escaped along with another enslaved man named James, from Cox on 03 November 1781. Both enslaved men came from New York. Cox placed an escape notice and offer of reward for their capture in local newspapers. Text of notice above.
     Date of Records: 04 November 1781
     Sources: The Freeman's Journal, or The North American Intelligencer, 26 December 1781.

• Slaveholder Name: Cox, William
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Merchant
  Notes: Died in 1745. His estate administrator was George Rock. See the Pennsylvania Gazette, 5 September 1745, page 3, for Rock's notice of administration.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Sam
     Sex: Male
     Age: Age not specified, but described as a man.
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Man"
     Notes: Advertised for sale in December 1745 by George Rock, the administrator of his estate: "To be SOLD, A Negroe Man call'd Sam, that belong'd lately to Mr. Cox; Enquire of the Administrator, George Rock, when in Town."
     Date of Records: 10 December 1745; this ad appeared through December 31, 1745.
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 December 1745.

• Slaveholder Name: Coxe, Tench
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Merchant, writer, politician, economist
  Notes: Delagate for Pennsylvania to the Continental Congress in 1788 and 1789. Appointed Assistant Secretary of the US Treasury under Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton. In 1792 he was appointed revenue commissioner by President George Washington.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Will
     Sex: Male
     Age: Age not specified, but described as a man. From his Registration in Bucks County in 1780, we know he was about 23 years old when he escaped from Coxe.
     Date of Birth: 1764 (Registered in 1780 at age 16 by Jacob Vandyke of Southampton Township, Bucks County).
     Status: 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: Will was born in Bucks County and registered by Jacob Vandyke of Southampton. Vandyke sold him to Alexander Allair. He was acquired from Allair by Tench Coxe, from whom he escaped on the evening of November 20, 1787. Coxe placed the following escape notice and offer of reward in the Pennsylvania Packet newspaper:

     Ten Dollars Reward.
     RAN AWAY about 8 o'clock last night, an indented NEGRO MAN, named WILL. He is strong built, about 5 feet 9 inches high, stoops a little, speaks very good English, but has not a clear voice, fond of pleasure and company, has a long standing cough, though not very violent, was born in Bucks county, and was lately a slave to Mr. Alexander Allair. He took with him an old brown cloth coat with buttons of the colour, and a light coloured superfine cloth coat with pearl buttons pierced in stars, and having four small buttons on each sleeve, a black cloth waistcoat, a white swanskin ditto with gilt buttons, a fine silk shag and sattin striped Manchester waistcoat, a fustian ditto, a pair corduroy breeches, a pair of nankeen ditto, two white shirts, a cocked beaver hat, thread stockings, plated shoebuckles, a pair of gloves, a pair of womens ruffles, and probably some other articles. Whoever will deliver him to the subscriber shall receive the above Reward.
     TENCH COXE.
     His is supposed to have gone to sea.
     Philadelphia, November 21.

     Date of Record: 21 November 1787
     Source: Pennsylvania Packet, 22 November 1787.

• Slaveholder Name: Craddock, William, Estate of
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes:

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about 14 Years of Age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1745
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro Boy"
     Notes: Advertised for sale in September 1759 as part of the estate of William Craddock:

     ALL Persons indebted to the Estate of WILLIAM CRADDOCK, deceased; are desired to Pay, and those who have any Demands against the said Estate, are desired to send in their Accounts to
     JANE CRADDOCK, Executrix.
     N.B. To be Sold a Negro Boy about 14 Years of Age, by the said CRADDOCK.

     Date of Records: 13 September 1759
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal or Weekly Advertiser, 13 September 1759.

• Slaveholder Name: Craig, William
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Merchant; shop located "In Second-street, near the English Church, the second Door above William Whitebread's, at the King's Arms."
  Notes:

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Peter
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about 26 Years of Age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1736
     Status: Slave for life; self emancipated December 1762
     Description: "Negroe Man"
     Notes: Peter escaped from Craig on December 9, 1762. Craig advertised his escape and offered a reward for his capture a few weeks later:

     Philadelphia, December 20, 1762.
     RUN away from William Craig, of this City, on the 9th Instant, a Negroe Man, named Peter, about 26 Years of Age, about 5 Feet 3 Inches high, his Teeth thin, and very sharp:
     Had on when he went away, a blue Bloadcloth Coat, light coloured short under Vest, black Stocking Breeches, blue Worsted Stockings, plain Silver Buckles, has several white Shirts, a dark colkoured Bearskin Great-coat, and an half-worn Beaver Hat; he had also a dark Snuff coloured Broadcloth Coat, Olive coloured Cotton Velvet Jacket and Breeches, almost new, and several Pices of Gold, and other Money. Whoever takes him up and secures him, so as he may be had again, if taken ten Miles from Philadelphia, shall have Thirty Shillings Reward, and if further, Forty Shillings, and reasonable Charges, paid by
     WILLIAM CRAIG.
     N.B. It is supposed he is harboured by some free Negroes about this City.

     Note that Craig describes Peter's teeth as "thin, and very sharp," a clue that Peter had traditional African cultural body modifications.
     The escape ad was published only once. Within a month, Craig advertised to sell a man of the same age as Peter:

     TO BE SOLD,
     A Likely Negroe Man, about 26 Years of Age, fit for Town or Country Business. Enquire of WILLIAM CRAIG, near the Church, in Second-street.
     N.B. Also to be sold by said Craig, West-India Rum, and choice Bohea Tea.

     This is a strong indication that Craig recovered Peter almost immediately, and as a punishment, placed him up for sale.
     Date of Records: 20 December 1762 (escape ad); 20 January 1763 (sale ad).
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 23 December 1762, 20 January 1763.

  2. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
     Sex: Male
     Age: Age not specified, but described as a "man."
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Man"
     Notes: Advertised for sale in March 1763, listed at the end of a long description of other merchandise recently imported: "Also a Negroe Man." This may or may not be Peter, who was placed up for sale two months earlier, above.
     Date of Records: 17 March 1763
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 17 March 1763.

• Slaveholder Name: Cresson, John
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes: Strawberry Alley

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Judith
     Sex: Female
     Age: "about 25 years of age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1723
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Molattoe woman"
     Notes: Escaped from Cresson on January 5, 1748:

     Philadelphia, January 12, 1747-8.
     RUN away from John Cresson, in Strawberry-Alley, on the 5th instant, a Molattoe woman, named Judith, about 25 years of age, lusty, and well-set. Had on when she went away, a green jacket, a blue petticoat, old shoes, and grey stockings, and generally wears silver bobbs in her ears. She took with her a new green gown, and probably may wear it, a new shift, and two ozenbrigs aprons. Whoever secures her, so as she may be had again, shall have Forty Shillings reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
     JOHN CRESSON.
     N.B. All masters of vessels, and others are forbid to harbour her at their peril.

     Date of Record: 12 January 1748
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 16 April 1748

• Slaveholder Name: Crimshier, John Dutton
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Notary Public, lawyer; formerly practiced in New York.
  Notes: Office on Front Street, between Chestnut and Walnut Streets. (Advertisement in The Freeman's Journal, or the North American Intelligencer, 17 October 1781.) John Dutton Crimshier served in the Revolutionary War as Paymaster of the 2nd Regiment of the Continental Artillery. He was an original member of the New York Society of the Cincinnati.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Peg
     Sex: Female
     Age: "29 Years of Age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1753
     Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated 1782
     Description: "Negro Wench"
     Notes: At some point Peg was sold to or acquired by Philadelphia newspaper publisher Eleazer Oswald. As both Crimshier and Oswald both had New York connections, it is possible they were acquaintances. Peg escaped from Eleazer Oswald in August 1782. Oswald placed the following escape ad in a Philadelphia newspaper. In the ad, Oswald identifies Crimshier as the most recent of two former enslavers of Peg:

     RAN-AWAY
     A NEGRO WENCH, named PEG, who formerly lived with Justice Campbell, at the Short-Hills, in New-Jersey, and lately with Mr. John D. Crimshier, in Philadelphia.
     She is 29 Years of Age, low of Stature, and strong made; she had on when she went away, a blue Petticoat, striped Short Gown, a new black Bonnet with red Lining, and a Pair of Men's Shoes. It is presumed that she is gone to Chatham, in Jersey, or else is concealed in this City, or some Place near it, by some free Negroes or others, who wish to avail themselves of the Services of other People's Servants. All Persons are therefore strictly forbid to harbour the said Wench, or employ her, as they will not only be prosecuted for keeping her, but be sued for her Work and Labour. Whoever takes up the said Wench, and secures her, so that she may be had again, shall receive a suitable Reward, and all Expences, by applying to ELEAZER OSWALD, next Door to the Coffee-House, in Market-street. Philadelphia, August 26, 1782.

     Date of Record: 26 August 1782
     Sources: The Independent Gazetteer (Philadelphia), 31 August 1782.

• Slaveholder Name: Crosby, Joshua
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes:

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Frank
     Sex: Male
     Age: Age not given in ad, but described as a "young man"
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for life, escaped
     Description: "Negroe Man"
     Notes: Escaped from Crosby on August 6, 1753 but was captured and returned. He escaped again a few days after being returned:

     Philadelphia, September 6, 1753.
     A NEGROE MAN, NAMED FRANK,
     who run away from JOSHUA CROSBY on the 6th of last month, was brought home on the twenty-fifth, but, by breaking open a door, got away, and continues absent ever since: He is a lusty tall young man, born in Jamaica, drives a coach, and is well known about the city: He took with him, A reddish spotted silk handkerchief, new pumps, coarse white shirt and trowsers, and a whitish duffield jacket, besides a red jacket, and a duffield riding coat he had before. Whoever brings him to his said master, shall receive TWENTY SHILLINGS reward, from JOSHUA CROSBY.

     Date of Record: 06 September 1753
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 06 September 1753

• Slaveholder Name: Cullen, Thomas
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Merchant
  Notes: Cullen's stock was auctioned off on several days in 1785, and notices of the settlement of his estate were published in 1786.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Phoebe
     Sex: Female
     Age: "about 28 or 30 years of age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1752 or 1754
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro Wench;" "Most people take her for a Mulatto"
     Notes: Escaped on Sunday, June 2, 1782 with her 2 or 3 year-old daughter. Cullen believed she was being sheltered by free Blacks in the city and placed the ad below:

     Eight Dollars Reward.
     RAN-AWAY last Sunday evening from the subscriber, a Negro Wench, named PHEBE, is about 28 or 30 years of age, she is very lusty, and most people take her for a Mulatto; she is full faced, and has a forbidding countenance, she took with her a lusty, fat female Mulatto child, between 2 or 3 years old, she was seen last Monday morning, between Second-street bridge and the Draw-bridge, and is no doubt concealed by some free Negroes, in or about the town. Whoever secures her so that the subscriber can get her again, shall have the above reward and reasonable charges, paid by
     THOMAS CULLEN.
     June 4.

     However by November 1782 Cullen had still not found her and believed she had escaped out of Philadelphia. He placed a follow-up ad, increasing the reward and adding more details:

     Forty Dollars Reward.
     RAN-AWAY last June from the subscriber, A NEGRO WENCH, named PHOEBE, is about 28 or 30 years of age; she is lusty, remarkably full faced, has a forbidding countenance, and most people take her for a Mulatto: she took with her a lusty, fat Female Mulatto CHILD, between two and three years old, named FLORA; she was seen the day after seh went away near the Draw-bridge; it is needless to describe her cloathing, she having different changes of her own, beside stealing many things belonging to the family; it is very probable she will get conveyed to the Jerseys, as she was brought up part of her time near Salem, or some place on Salem creek, and lived last in Springfield, Burlington county; no doubt she will attempt to pass for a free woman, part with her child and change their names, in order to effect her escape; there is great reason to imagine that she and the child has been secreted by some people in this city, in order that they might escape; she has been advertised ever since she went off, with only Eight Dollars Reward, imagining that she would have been secured in a few days. The above Reward will be paid to any person that will only give information where she and teh child is, so that they may be had, or Thirty Dollars for the Wench and Ten for the Child, paid by
     THOMAS CULLEN.
     Philadelphia, Nov. 7th, 1782.
     N.B. The Child, when it was taken off, had a scar down its right cheek, close by its ear, occasioned by its falling on a andiron.

     Date of Record: 6 June 1782; 7 November 1782
     Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 7, 30 November 1782.

  2. Enslaved Person's Name: Flora
     Sex: Female
     Age: "between 2 or 3 years old"
     Date of Birth: circa 1779 or 1780
     Status: Undetermined, depending upon acutal date of birth.
     Description: "Mulatto child"
     Notes: Escaped on Sunday, June 2, 1782 with her Mother Phoebe. Cullen believed the pair was being sheltered by free Blacks in the city. However by November he had still not found them, making it likely they had escaped out of Philadelphia. See the full text of the runaway ads with "Phoebe," above.
     Date of Record: 6 June 1782; 7 November 1782
     Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 7, 30 November 1782.

  3. Enslaved Person's Name: Tom
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about 20 years of age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1764
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Mulatto Man"
     Notes: Escaped on Tuesday, May 11, 1784. Cullen placed the following ad to recover him:

     Twenty Dollars Reward.
     Philadelphia, May 17.
     RAN-AWAY last Tuesday morning from the subscriber, a Mulatto MAN, named TOM: he is about 20 years of age, lusty and well made, 5 feet 10 or 11 inches high; had on when he went away, a claret coloured cloth coat, olive coloured corduroy breeches, the rest of his dress unknown; there is not the least doubt but he will endeavor to pass for a freeman; he has been seen after night, in the streets, with other negroes, since he went off, and is by them now concealed. Any person securing him in any gaol in this state, shall be entitled to the above reward, or if taken and secured in any other state, so that the subscriber gets him again, Thirty Dollars, and all reasonable expences paid, by
     THOMAS CULLEN.
     N.B. it is very likely he will do his utmost to get off in some vessel, therefore all masters of vessels, and others, are desired, at their peril, not to harbour, conceal, or carry him off.

     Date of Record: 17 May 1784
     Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 20 May 1784.

• Slaveholder Name: Cuthbert, Thomas
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Shipwright; Vestryman and Warden of Christ Church.
  Notes: Lived 1713-1781. Living on Penn Street "a few doors below Messrs. Willing and Morris's store."

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about nineteen years of age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1754
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro Lad"
     Notes: Offered for sale in January 1773:

     TO BE SOLD,
     A HEALTHY country bred NEGRO LAD, about nineteen years of age, who is well acquainted with all kinds of country work. Any person inclined to purchase said negro, may know the terms by applying to the subscriber in Penn-Street, a few doors below Messrs. Willing and Morris's store.
     THOMAS CUTHBERT.

     Date of Record: 25 January 1773
     Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 25 January 1773

• Slaveholder Name: Cutman, John
  City or Township: Lower Dublin Township
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes:

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
     Sex: Male
     Age: 25
     Date of Birth: circa 1756
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Man"
     Notes: Offered for sale in December 1781:

     To be sold, an healthy Negroe MAN, 25 years old; is a compleat Farmer, understands the management of Horses, and is a good servant. For further information, apply to JOHN CUTMAN, in Lower Dublin township, near the Nine Mile Stone, or JAMES GREGORY, the corner of Stamper's Alley, Philadelphia.

     Date of Record: 20 December 1781
     Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 20 December 1781.

• Slaveholder Name: Danby, John
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Distiller
  Notes: Located on Third Street.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
     Sex: Female
     Age: Age not specified in sale ad, but identified as a "young woman."
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Young Breeding Negro Woman"
     Notes: Offered for sale in July 1734, along with various brewer's tools:

     To be SOLD,
     A Very likely young Breeding Negro Woman fit for Town or Country Business, she has had the Small-Pox, likewise to be Sold a Mill for Grinding Malt, also a Screen for cleaning Malt or any other Grain, Inquire of John Danby in Third-street, and know the Price, all the above will be Sold very reasonable for ready Money.

     Date of Record: 18 July 1734; ad ran through August 22, 1734.
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury, 18 July 1734.

• Slaveholder Name: Daubney, Lloyd
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes: A 1774 runaway slave ad published by John Williams Sanders of Princeton, New Jersey, mentioned Lloyd Daubney of New York City as a contact for anyone locating or capturing his escaped slave Constant. This placed Daubney in New York a few years prior to the ad below. (New-York Gazette and the Weekly Mercury, 07 November 1774.)

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about fourteen years of age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1764
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro Boy"
     Notes: Offered for sale in May 1778:

     To be SOLD,
     A Likely NEGRO BOY, about fourteen years of age, had had the small pox and measles, been used in a family and on board a ship; he is sprightly and handy, and in full health. The only motive the owner disposes of him is his going to London. Inquire at Mr. Loyd Daubney's, five doors from the Coffee-house in Front-street.

     Date of Record: 20 May 1778
     Sources: Pennsylvania Ledger or the Philadelphia Market-Day Advertiser, 20 May 1778.

• Slaveholder Name: Davenport, Mr.
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Business located on Third Street
  Notes: Acting as a local agent to sell an enslaved boy for the slaveholder residing in England.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named in ad
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about 15 Years old"
     Date of Birth: circa 1754
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro Boy"
     Notes: Davenport offered this boy for sale on behalf of the owner, who was in England, in October 1769:

     To be SOLD for Sixty Pounds Currency,
     A SMART likely NEGROE BOY, about 15 Years old, Duty paid, and has had the Small-pox; he can wait on a Table exceedingly well. The only Reason of his being sold, is, an Order from his Master, who is now in England, not to return to America. He may be seen at Mr. DAVENPORT'S, in Third-street.
     N.B. If more convenient for the Purchaser, a good Bill of Forty Pounds Sterling will be taken for him.

     Date of Record: 26 October 1769
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 26 October 1769.

• Slaveholder Name: David, Issachar
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: City Jailer (1760)
  Notes: Surname also spelled Davids in some ads.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named in ad
     Sex: Male
     Age: Age not stated, but described as "appears to be of a middle Age."
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for life, jailed
     Description: "New Negroe Man" (newly imported into colony)
     Notes: Captured and jailed in Philadelphia on June 16, 1760 as a suspected escaped slave.

     Philadelphia, June 26, 1760.
     WHEREAS a new Negroe Man was committed to the Goal of the City, the 16th Instant, who talks no English, and is much disordered in Body: He is about five Feet six Inches high, thin visaged, has sharp Teeth, and appears to be of a middle Age. And whereas no Information can be had, by Enquiry, to whom he belongs, any Person who has lost such a Negroe, by applying to the Subscriber hereof, and proving his Property, is desired to take him away, and pay the Costs, otherwise he will be sold out at public Sale, in two Weeks from this Date, in order to pay the Cost, by me
     ISSACHAR DAVIDS, Goaler.

     From the jailer's description, this appears to be a man newly imported from Africa into Philadelphia, as was commonly happening during this time period. He speaks no English and is physically "disordered," probably indicating unwashed, perhaps bruised and scratched, showing signs of living outside without resources for a period of time, as might characterize a person who escaped from a ship or dock into a vastly unfamiliar culture and landscape. He "has sharp teeth," which is a traditional body modifications among some cultures in Africa.
     Date of Record: 26 June 1760
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 26 June 1760.

  2. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
     Sex: Female
     Age: "about 18 Years of Age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1745
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Wench"
     Notes: Offered for sale by the city jailer in April 1763:

     TO BE SOLD,
     A Likely Negroe Wench, about 18 Years of Age, has had the Small-Pox, as she says herself, and to all Appearance it is so. Enquire of ISSACHAR DAVID, over the Drawbridge, at the Sign of the Leopard, in Philadelphia.

     This girl may be a jailed inmate, incarcerated weeks before as a suspected runaway slave. Such prisoners were typically advertised by county jailers to alert their enslavers to claim them. If no one showed up to claim the prisoner, the jailer, being responsible to the local government for all of the costs of jailing, feeding and advertising such persons, placed them up for public sale as a way to reclaim costs. See the entry above for an example of a jailer's ad to find an owner of a suspected escapee.
     Clues that Issachar David is selling her on behalf of the city and is not her enslaver are his ignorance of her small pox status, taking her word that she has had the disease and is no longer susceptible to infection, something an enslaver would have an invested interest in knowing, and the lack of any list of skills or work experience.
     Date of Record: 14 April 1763
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 14 April 1763.

• Slaveholder Name: Davis, George, Captain
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes: Chestnut Street

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
     Sex: Female
     Age: "about 18 Years of Age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1725
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Wench"
     Notes: Offered for sale in March 1743:

     To be SOLD,
     A Likely strong Negro Wench, about 18 Years of Age, this Country born, and has had the Small-Pox. Enquire at Capt. George Davis's in Chesnut-Street, Philadelphia.

     Date of Record: 10 March 1743
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 March 1743.

• Slaveholder Name: Davis, Samuel
  City or Township: Southwark
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes:

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about 17 Years old"
     Date of Birth: circa 1747
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Lad"
     Notes: Offered for sale in April 1764:

     TO be sold by SAMUEL DAVIS, living in Southwark, near the Swedes Church, a Negroe Lad, about 17 Years old, Country bred, has had the Small-Pox and Measles, fit for Town or Country Business.

     Date of Record: 19 April 1764
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 19 April 1764.

• Slaveholder Name: Dawson, Widow
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes: Residence on Second Street

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
     Sex: Male
     Age: No age given, but described as a "man."
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe man"
     Notes: Offered for sale in December 1747: "To be SOLD, A Likely Negroe man, by trade a shoemaker. Enquire of the Widow Dawson, in Second-street, Philadelphia."
     Date of Record: 12 December 1747
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 12 December 1747.

• Slaveholder Name: Deacon, Gilbert
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Tanner
  Notes: Shop located near the drawbridge.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
     Sex: Male
     Age: 26
     Date of Birth: circa 1735
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Man"
     Notes: Offered for sale in March 1761:

     To be SOLD,
     A Negroe Man, 26 Years of Age, has had the Small-Pox and measles; is fit for Town or Country Work. He understands the Tanning Business well. Enquire at the New Printing-Office, or Gilbert Deacon, Tanner, near the Drawbridge.

     Date of Record: 12 March 1761
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 12 March 1761.

  2. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
     Sex: Male
     Age: 23
     Date of Birth: circa 1742
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Man"
     Notes: Offered for sale in May 1765:

     TO BE SOLD,
     A Likely healthy Negroe Man, 23 Years old, fit for Town or Country Work, he is sober and honest, has had the Small-Pox, can work at the Tanning Business, and is sold for no Fault, but for Want of Work. Enquire of Gilbert Deacon, near the blue Anchor, in Front-street, below the Drawbridge.

     Date of Record: 30 May 1765
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 30 May 1765.

• Slaveholder Name: Denny, Edward, Junior
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes:

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about Twenty-three Years of Age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1739
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Man"
     Notes: Offered for sale in November 1762: "To be SOLD by EDWARD DENNY, jun. Living at Capt. Horock's, at the Corner of Walnut and Second streets, A Likely Negroe Man, about Twenty-three Years of Age, and has had the Small=Pox -- He is to be seen at Cooper's Ferry."
     Date of Record: 04 November 1762
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 04 November 1762.
  

• Slaveholder Name: Devine, Magdalen
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Dry Goods Merchant, Second Street, between Market and Chestnut
  Notes: Devine began selling her enslaved persons in late 1769 in preparation for moving to Europe. She returned to business in Philadelphia a few years later but in 1774 was again announcing plans to leave for England the following year. She did not advertise any enslaved persons for sale at that time.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
     Sex: Female
     Age: "about 18 years old"
     Date of Birth: circa 1751
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe wench"
     Notes: Offered for sale in September 1769:

     WHOLESALE and RETAIL, by MAGDALEN DEVINE, Who has for sale, A LARGE assortment of dry GOODS, which she will sell on the lowest terms, for cash. All persons indebted to her by bond, note, or book debt, are desired to make speedy payment, to prevent trouble.
     N.B. She has a likely healthy Negroe wench, about 18 years old, to dispose of, having no cause to part with her but want of employment.

     Date of Record: 28 September 1769
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 28 September 1769.

  2. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about 18 Years old"
     Date of Birth: circa 1752
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Lad"
     Notes: Offered for sale in May 1770:

     MAGDALEN DEVINE,
     INTENDS shortly to embark for Europe, in Consequence is determined to have her Affairs settled, therefore once more earnestly requests all those indebted to her by Bond, Note, or Book Debt, to discharge their respective Ballances speedily, otherwise she will be under the disagreeable Necessity of putting such Matters in suit.
     N.B. She has a stout healthy NEGROE LAD to dispose of, about 18 Years old, who is fit for Town or Country Work.

     Date of Record: 15 May 1770
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 15 May 1770.

• Slaveholder Name: Dewees, Thomas
  City or Township: Northern Liberties
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Jailer
  Notes:

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Nann or Ann
     Sex: Female
     Age: Exact age not recorded in bill of sale, but described as a "wench," a term that covers a broad age range, from very young girl to about middle-aged woman. The Philadelphia capture notice from July 1778 describes her as "about twenty years of age."
     Date of Birth: circa 1758
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro Wench"
     Notes: Ann escaped from James Crawford of Lampeter Township, Lancaster County, in late spring or early summer of 1778 but was captured in Philadelphia and placed in the city jail. The capture notice below was published in a Philadelphia newspaper by Thomas Dewees as the city jailer:

     WAS committed to Philadelphia jail in June last, a Negro wench named ANN, about twenty years of age, on suspicion of being a runaway slave, and has confessed she belongs to a certain James Crawford living in Pequea township, Lancaster county; she likewise says that said Crawford bought her of a certain Benjamin Merrat, near Port Penn on Delaware. Her master is desired to apply to mr. John Reynolds, at the sign of the White Horse in Elbow-lane, or to the subscriber the upper end of Fourth-street, Northern Liberties.
     THOMAS DEWEES. July 23.

     Crawford, within a year of her capture, "granted, bargained and sold 1 Negro Wench" to Thomas Dewees (spelled "Dewers" in record), who in 1780 subsequently sold her to David Potts of Philadelphia. The Dewees and Potts families shared many family and business connections.
     Dates of Records: 25 July 1778 (Philadelphia capture notice); 24 July 1779 (Bill of sale, Crawford to Dewers (Dewees).
     Sources: Lancaster Historical Society, African American Records Collection, MG-240, Folder 5, "Bill of sale of Negro woman, Nann (Ann)," quoted in Historic Rock Ford, "Completing the Picture: Slavery and Servitude in Early Lancaster County," online at https://www.historicrockford.org/slavery-and-servitude-in-early-lancaster-county-copy, accessed 03 December 2024; The Pennsylvania Evening Post (Philadelphia), 25 July 1778.

• Slaveholder Name: Dickinson, John
  City or Township: Philadelphia (and Delaware--dual residency status as he owned property both places)
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Lawyer, politician
  Notes: Lived 1732-1808. A Founding Father of the United States, Dickinson's writings drove the revolution. Member of the 1st and 2nd Continental Congresses, and drafted the Articles of Confederation. One of the wealthiest men in British colonial America. Dickinson maintained a large plantation near Dover, Delaware and was that state's largest slaveholder. In 1777 he reduced the term of slavery for all of his Delaware enslaved persons from life to twenty-one years, and in 1786 manumitted all unconditionally, allowing any that wished to remain on the farm as paid workers.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Toney or Tony
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about 27 years of age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1754
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro man"
     Notes: Tony (Toney) appears in Dickinson plantation account books in 1761, 1762 and 1763, for clothing given to him. Dickinson sold Toney to Christopher Denny in Kent County, Delaware, from whom Toney escaped. See the runaway ad placed by Denny, below:

     January 26, 1773.
     FOUR DOLLARS REWARD.
     RUN AWAY from the subscriber, living in Kent county, Little Creek Hundred, a Negro man named TONEY, about 27 years of age, five feet seven or eight inches high; had on and took with him when he went away, a large light coloured jacket, made of Kersey, with white flannel lining, Buckskin breeches, a pair of blue duffil trowsers, an old blue coat, homespun shirt, coarse yarn stockings, old shoes, and an old felt hat; He plays well on the violin, is pretty talkative, and is addicted to drink. He formerly belonged to JOHN DICKENSON, Esq; of Philadelphia, and perhaps may pass himself for a freeman. Whoever takes up and secures said negro, so that his master may have him again, shall have the above reward and reasonable charges, paid by
     CHRISTOPHER DENNY.

     Date of Record: 26 January 1773
     Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 15 February 1773; Account Book, 1759-1764, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, R.R. Logan Collection of John Dickinson Papers (383), Series 1.d., Box 5, Folder 33, made available by the Plantation Stories Project, accessed online 18 October 2023 at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Kqfvj7lkNlllrSlC0QPssUrEWdmhgEIMy-tMsRZfaHs/edit#gid=250272788.

• Slaveholder Name: Doyle, John
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Block Maker
  Notes: Doyle made the nautical blocks required by sailing ships for their rigging. His shop was on Water Street.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about 20 Years of Age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1741
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Man"
     Notes: Offered for sale in August 1761. Text of advertisement placed by Doyle: "To be SOLD, A LIKELY NEGROE MAN, about 20 Years of Age. Enquire of the Printer, or of John Doyle in Water-street, near Race-street."
     Date of Record: 27 August 1761
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 27 August, 10 September 1761.

  2. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about 23 Years of Age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1738
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Man"
     Notes: Offered for sale in October 1761. Text of advertisement placed by Doyle: "To be SOLD, A Strong healthy Negroe Man, about 23 Years of Age, he has had the Small-pox, and seasoned to the Country. Enquire at the New Printing-Office, or JOHN DOYLE, Block-maker, in Water-street."
     Date of Record: 29 October 1761
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 29 October 1761.

  3. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
     Sex: Female
     Age: "about 18 Years of Age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1746
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Wench"
     Notes: Offered for sale in November 1764. Text of advertisement placed by Doyle: "To be SOLD, A Strong hearty Negroe Wench, about 18 Years of Age, has had the Small-pox, and is very fit for Country Business. Enquire of JOHN DOYLE, Block-maker, in Water-street, near Race-street, Philadelphia."
     Date of Record: 22 Novenmber 1764
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 22 November 1764.

• Slaveholder Name: Doz, Andrew
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Merchant (1760s and 1770s); City Assessor (see notes)
  Notes: Merchant shop on Front Street "near the drawbridge." During the revolution, Doz procured supplies for the Continental Army. Lived circa 1727-1788. This Andrew Doz was grandson to Andrew Doz, the French-born vigneron who established William Penn's vineyard at Fairmount. A Pennsylvania hybrid of Doz's original vines, decades later, led to the establishment of the first commercial winemaking operation in America.
  Sources: "Notes and Queries," The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. 5, No. 2 (1881), pp. 233-240; J. R. McGrew, "The Alexander Grape," American Wine Society Journal, Vol. 8, (1976), p 20.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Peter
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about 25 Years of Age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1732
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Molattoe Man"
     Notes: Peter escaped from Doz in early November 1757. See the runaway ad placed by Doz, below:

     Philadelphia, November 17, 1757.
     RUN away, on Friday last, from Andrew Doz, of this City, a Molattoe Man named Peter, about 25 Years of Age, a middle sized lusty Fellow, and speaks good English; Had on, when he went away, a green napt Jacket, Ozenbrigs Shirt and Trowsers, blue and white Yarn Stockings, odl Shoes, a Cotton Cap, and a Jockey Cap over it. Whoever takes up and secures said Molattoe, so that his Master may have him again, shall have Twenty Shillings Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by
     ANDREW DOZ.
     N.B. All Masters of Vessels are forbid to carry him off at their Peril.

     Date of Record: 17 November 1757
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 17 November 1757.

  2. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about thirty years of age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1746
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Molattoe slave"
     Notes: Offered for sale in October 1776:

     TO BE SOLD.
     A MULATTO slave, about thirty years of age, understands all plantation business, and is handy to mend any thing that breaks, he can hoop a tub, &c. upon occasion, or do any thing in the house. He is a healthy able bodied fellow, and very suitable for a farmer. Enquire of Mr. ANDREW HODGE, of Philadelphia, or Mr. ANDREW DOZ, of Mount-Holly.

     Date of Record: 09 October 1776
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal or Weekly Advertiser, 09 October 1776.

  3. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about 12 years of age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1769
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro Boy"
     Notes: Offered for sale in September 1781:

     TO BE SOLD, A Stout, well-set, Negro BOY,
     about 12 years of age, has had the small-pox and measels, is strictly honest, and will not drink strong liquor: The only reason that induces his master to dispose of him is, his fondness for play, and being constantly in the streets; he would make an excellent Servant to any person living in the country. For further particulars enquire of the subscriber, living in Third-Street, nearly opposite St. Paul's Church.
     September 11. ANDREW DOZ.

     Date of Record: 09 October 1776
     Sources: Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser, 11 September 1781.

• Slaveholder Name: Drewry, William
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes: Nephew of Captain William Spafford. In 1777, William Drewry was appointed by the Pennsylvania Board of War to a committee charged with moving and hiding provisions from possible British seizure, and securing them for use of the Continental Army.
  Sources:

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Harry Bedlow
     Sex: Male
     Age: Age not given, but described as a "man."
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated April 1773
     Description: "Negro Man"
     Notes: Harry escaped from Drewry on April 21, 1773. Drewry also suspects he stole and took with him a substantial sum of money, with the help of "accomplices," from John Hazelwood. Below is the escape ad and offer of reward published by Drewry and Hazelwood:

     FIVE POUNDS Reward.
     RUN-AWAY from the subscriber, last Wednesday, the 21st inst. a Negro man, named HARRY BEDLOW, 5 feet 6 inches high, well set, bow-leg'd, yellow faced, and has large full eyes on the red cast: Had on when he ran off, a short brown nap coattee, spotted swanskin waitscoat, buckskin breeches, white ribbed yarn stockings, &c. It is supposed he has changed his clothes, as there is great reason to suspect he was concerned in robbing Captain Hazelwood of ONE HUNDRED POUNDS, and as there has been some of the money found in the hands of one of his accomplices, we think he has still 15 half Joe's about him. Whoever apprehends, or takes him up, is desired to search him, and bring him to the Gaol or Work-house, when they shall receive the above reward, paid by
     WILLIAM DREWRY or JOHN HAZELWOOD.

     
     Date of Record: 05 May 1773
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal or Weekly Advertiser, 05 May 1773.

• Slaveholder Name: Duche, Anthony
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Ad below suggest Duche was a glove maker. Later ads (1740s) list him as a dyer and textile importer. Another ad lists imported rice for sale at his Front Street shop. These may also pertain to a son of the same name.
  Notes: Residence and/or shop on Front Street (1720s); Union Street (1777 during British occupation of Philadelphia)
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 8 September 1743 (Ad: "Anthony Duche, Dyer")

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about 25 Years Old"
     Date of Birth: circa 1696
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro Man"
     Notes: Advertised for sale in November 1721: "TO be Sold by Anthony Duche, Glover in the Front-Street, Philadelphia, A Lusty Negro Man, about 25 Years Old, talks good English, and is fit for any Business." Note that the adjective "lusty" here describes a healthy, robust man.
     Date of Record: 30 November 1721
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 30 November 1721.

  2. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
     Sex: Male
     Age: Age not given, but described as a "man."
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe Man"
     Notes: Advertised for sale in April 1728: "A Lusty Negroe Man to be sold. Inquire of Anthony Duche, (commonly called the French Glover) in the Front-street." Note that the adjective "lusty" here describes a healthy, robust man.
     Date of Record: 25 April 1728
     Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 25 April 1728.

  3. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
     Sex: Female
     Age: "about 17 or 18 years of age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1760 or 1761
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro Girl"
     Notes: Advertised for sale in December 1777: "TO BE SOLD, A Likely healthy NEGRO GIRL, about 17 or 18 years of age, has had the small-pox, has been brought up to all kinds of house work, and is a smart, active wench. Apply to ANTHONY DUCHE, in Union-street, near St. Peter's church."
     Date of Record: 17 December 1777
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Ledger, or the Philadelphia Market-Day Advertiser, 17 December 1777.

• Slaveholder Name: Duffield, John
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes:

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Tom
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about 19 years of age" (March and May 1777), "about twenty years of age" (August 1777)
     Date of Birth: circa summer of 1757
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negro lad"
     Notes: Tom escaped from Duffield on 12 March 1777. Duffield placed the following ad to recover him:

     Philadelphia, March 14th, 1777.
     TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD.
     RAN AWAY, on Thursday the 12th instant, from the subscriber, pitted with the small-pox, a scar on his lip, agaed about nineteen years; had on a dark brown regimental short coat, pretty much wore, with small metal buttons, a waistcoat of same colour, leather breeches, good new shoes, with yellow metal buckles, and white milled stockings. All Masters of vessels, and other, are forbid to carry him off. Whoever will secure him in the work house of this city, shall have the above reward, paid by
     JOHN DUFFIELD.

     The ad must have been effective, as Tom was captured and jailed in Trenton. He escaped again on May 4, 1777. See the runaway ad placed by Duffield, below:

     THIRTY DOLLARS REWARD.
     RAN AWAY last night from the subscriber, a negro lad named TOM, of a middle stature, about 19 years of age, has a cut on his under lip; Had on and took with him a good light colored cloth coat with yellow metal buttons, a red plush cape, and patched at the elbows, a dark brown cloth jacket, a white dimity ditto with a belt, a good pair of leather breeches, an old pair of black serge denim ditto, a small round hat, a good white homespun shirt, and sundry pairs of good stockings. As he is a tolerable good fifer, it is supposed he will attempt to pass for a free man, and endeavor to get employ as a fifer to a company, as he went to Trenton about six weeks ago with a soldier, as fifer, but was there apprehended and put into goal. All persons are forbid either to harbour or carry him off at their peril. --
     Any person that will secure him in the workhouse of this city, shall have TWENTY DOLLARS reward, and if taken out of the city, the above reward, paid by JOHN DUFFIELD.
     Philadelphia, May 5.

     Tom was again returned to Duffield, but was persistent in his desire to be a free man and an army fifer. He made his escape once more, on the morning of 30 August 1777. Duffield placed this third ad in the Pennsylvania Packet. Note that the reward has increased by ten dollars with each escape:

     Philadelphia, August 30, 1777.
     FORTY DOLLARS REWARD.
     RAN AWAY this morning, from the subscriber, a Negro fellow named TOM, about twenty years of age, of middle stature, and well made, has a scar on his lip, and a little pock-marked; Had on a dark brown homespun fustian suit of cloaths, almost new, the coat has a red plush collar, a white shirt, good silk or thread stockings, a small round hat pretty much wore; It is supposed he will make towards the British, or perhaps to our army, pass for a free man, and endeavor to get employ as a fifer, he being a tolerable good one. All persons are strictly forbid to harbour him at their peril. Any person that will secure him in the Work-house of this City, shall have the above Reward, and all reasonable charges, paid by
     JOHN DUFFIELD.

     Date of Record: 05 May 1777
     Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 18 March, 6 May, 02 September 1777.

  2. Enslaved Person's Name: Maria, a.k.a. Amoritta
     Sex: Female
     Age: "about 34 years of age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1746
     Status: Slave forl life; Self-emancipated December 1780
     Description: "Negro wench"
     Notes: Mother of Jane, listed below. Maria, or Amoritta, escaped with her four-year-old daughter Jane from Duffield on Christmas Day in 1780. Duffield advertised the escape and offered a reward for their return. He notes she came from New Jersey:

     TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS REWARD.
     PHiladelphia, December 25, 1780.
     RAN AWAY, this evening, from the subscriber, a NEGRO WENCH, named Maria, alias Amoritta; she is about 34 years of age, tall and well made, her face long, and features more regular than are common with her colour: She had on, or took with her, a pale blue and white fine short linsey gown and petticoat, almost new, a new petticoat of two linen, a pair of mens shoes, good shifts of brown homespun linen, and aprons of the same. It is supposed she will endeavor to get into the Jersies, as she came from thence, and once lived with Mr. Thomas Lowrey, of Flemmington; but it is suspected she is now lurking in this city, or concealed by some free Negroe; she also took with her -- her female child, named Jane, about 4 years old, well made, fat, round faced and lively: Had on or took with her, a blue and white linsey frock. Whoever will deliver the said wench and child to the subscriber, in Philadelphia, shall have the above reward.
     JOHN DUFFIELD.
     N.B. All persons are forbid to harbour her at their peril.

     The offered reward of two thousand dollars, which seems like a huge sum in comparison to the rewards offered in other ads, probably refers to Continental Dollars, currency issued by the Continental Congress and subject to intense inflationary pressures due to the war and to excessive printing of the dollars.
     Date of Record: 25 December 1780
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal or Weekly Advertiser, 03 January 1781.

  3. Enslaved Person's Name: Jane
     Sex: Female
     Age: "about 4 years old"
     Date of Birth: circa 1776
     Status: Slave forl life; Self-emancipated December 1780 with her mother
     Description: "Female child"
     Notes: Daughter of Maria, or Amoritta, who escaped with her from Duffield on Christmas Day in 1780. Duffield advertised the escape and offered a reward for their return. He notes that Maria came from New Jersey. See Maria, above, for the complete text of the escape ad.
     Date of Record: 25 December 1780
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal or Weekly Advertiser, 03 January 1781.

• Slaveholder Name: Dunand, M.
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation: Surgeon
  Notes:

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: L'Esperance (Hope)
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about 20 years of age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1777
     Status: Self-emancipated
     Description: "Negro Man"
     Notes: L'Esperance escaped from Dunand in December, 1797. See the runaway ad placed by Dunand, below:

     Ran Away
     FROM the SUBSCRIBER, an indented NEGRO MAN, named L'ESPERANCE; he is about 20 years of age; of the Mundingo nation; five feet two inches high; has an illegible stamp on his breast; his head is small and his features are tolerably handsome. He had on a blue waistcoat and pantaloon, and coarse new shoes.
     M. DUNAND, Surgeon,
     No. 16, Vine-street. Dec. 4.

     Date of Record: 04 December 1797
     Sources: Aurora General Advertiser, 28 December 1797.

• Slaveholder Name: Dunbar, John
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes:

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Jack
     Sex: Male
     Age: Age not given in ad, but described as a "young man."
     Date of Birth: Not known
     Status: Slave for life; escaped
     Description: "Young Negroe Man"
     Notes: Jack escaped from Dunbar on the night of April 30, 1780, making his getaway with one of Dunbar's horses. See the runaway ad placed by Dunbar, below:

     Three Hundred Dollars Reward.
     RAN AWAY the 30th of April at night, from the subscriber, a likely young NEGROE MAN, named JACK, about 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, has a very remarkable mark on his left hand, like a burn or scald; had on and took with him a short blue coat, white woolen jacket, buckskin breeches, new woolen stockings, and shoes almost new, a wool hat cut round, two tow shirts, and a tow frock; a roan Mare, about ten years old, shod all round, branded on the near buttock A. S. shaved with the breech-bands, about 15 hands high, trots well and paces a little, a new tow bag and bridle.
     He talks the German language, and can talk or read English tolerably well. Whoever takes up and secures said Mare and Negroe, so that the owner may get them again, shall have the above reward, or One Hundred and Fifty Dollars for each, and reasonable charges paid by
     JOHN DUNBAR.

     Date of Record: 09 May 1780
     Sources: The Pennsylvania Packet, 09 May 1780.

• Slaveholder Name: Dushane, Valentine Jr.
  City or Township: Philadelphia
  County: Philadelphia County
  Occupation:
  Notes: Also listed as residing in Red Lion Hundred, New Castle County, Delaware. Surname also spelled Dushane in later ads.

  1. Enslaved Person's Name: Dick, alias Harry
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about 40 years of age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1708
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe man"
     Notes: Dick escaped from Dushan on February 1, 1748. See the runaway ad placed by Dushan, below:

     Philadelphia, March 22. 1747-8.
     RUN away from the subscriber, on the first of February last, a negroe man, named Dick, or Harry, of low stature, pretty much bandy legged, about 40 years of age; Had on when he went away, two jackets, one of linsey, the other of cloth, lined, with brass buttons, light coloured cloth breeches, and old felt hat, and wosted stockings. 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 Valentine Dushan, junior.

     Dushane placed a follow-up ad, dated May 26, for Dick's February escape. He upped the reward to three pounds, and added that Dick "took with him a good ax, stamped on one side Wallace."
     A third runaway ad for this same enslaved person was published and dated 20 April 1749, noting Harry has escaped on April 6th of that year. That indicates he must have been returned to Dushane after the 1748 escape, but got away again. The third ad gave Dushane's residence as New Castle County, Delaware, and noted that Dick took a gun and ammunition with him. That escape notice was published in The Pennsylvania Gazette at least through mid-February 1750.
     Date of Record: 22 March, 26 May 1748, 20 April 1749
     Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 16 April 1748, 26 May 1748, 4 May 1749, 13 February 1750.

  2. Enslaved Person's Name: Tom
     Sex: Male
     Age: "about 22 years of age"
     Date of Birth: circa 1756
     Status: Slave for life
     Description: "Negroe man"
     Notes: Tom escaped from Dushan in Delaware in October 1777. See the runaway ad placed by Dushan, below:

     FORTY DOLLARS REWARD.
     RAN AWAY from the subscriber, living in Red-Lion Hundred, Newcastle county, last October, a Negro man named TOM, about 22 years of age, about 5 feet 8 inches high, the fingers of his right hand are stiff and bending into the palm; he has been seen and spoke with since the British army left Philadelphia. Whoever secures said Negro in any gaol on the Continent, giving the subscriber notice thereof, shall receive the above reward, and if delivered to him at St. Georges, reasonable charges, paid by VALENTINE DUSHANE.

     Date of Record: 15 September 1778
     Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 15 September 1778