Slaveholders Listed on this Page
- Hall, John Cooper (Enslaved persons: Un-named woman, un-named boy)
- Hall, John Innkeeper, Oxford Twp (Enslaved persons: Un-named man, five un-named girls)
- Hall, Joseph (Enslaved persons: Two un-named woman, un-named girl)
- Hamilton, Andrew (Enslaved persons: James Green)
- Hand, Elias (Enslaved persons: Anna, John Greenvillan)
- Harbison, Benjamin (Enslaved persons: Robert Wright, a.k.a. Bob)
- Harding, Aaron (Enslaved persons: Un-named man)
- Harding, George (Enslaved persons: Un-named young woman and two children)
- Harris, Elizabeth (Enslaved persons: Un-named man)
- Harris, Francis (Enslaved persons: Un-named man, John Morris, a.k.a. Jack)
- Harris, William and John (Enslaved persons: Un-named girl or woman)
- Harrison, John (Enslaved persons: Tom, un-named young female)
- Harrison, John, L.M. (Enslaved persons: Bob)
- Hart, Thomas (Enslaved persons: Two un-named men)
- Hartt, Mary (Enslaved persons: Un-named man and teenaged girl)
- Hasell, Samuel (Enslaved persons: Un-named girl, men and a boy)
- Hasleton, William (Enslaved persons: Cicero)
- Haynes, Richard (Enslaved persons: Un-named young woman)
- Hazelwood, John (Enslaved persons: Phoebe and daughter)
- Henderson, William (Enslaved persons: Un-named man, woman and child)
- Hill, William (Enslaved persons: Un-named boy, un-named girl)
- Hilton, Henry (Enslaved persons: Mingo Mitchel)
- Hodge, William (Enslaved persons: Un-named man)
- Hodges, James (Enslaved persons: Jeremiah Robin, Nehemiah Robin)
- Hooper, Matthew (Enslaved persons: Three un-named women)
- Hooper, Robert Lettis, Jr. (Enslaved persons: Un-named female)
- Howell, Mrs. (Enslaved persons: Un-named man)
- Hubley, Adam (Enslaved persons: Farmer)
- Hulbeart or Hulbert, Philip (Enslaved persons: Un-named man, Will)
- Hull, Anthony (Enslaved persons: Caesar, Violet)
- Hume, James (Enslaved persons: Various un-named men, women, boys and girls)
- Hunter, James (Enslaved persons: Hett)
- Hurtel, J. F. (Enslaved persons: James)
- Ibison, William (Enslaved persons: Advertised to purchase "parcels" of enslaved men)
- Inglis, John (Enslaved persons: Un-named woman and girl, un-named mother and daughter)
- Irwin, Dunnin (Enslaved persons: Hett)
- Irwin, Robert (Enslaved persons: Stanhope)
- Jackon, Benjamin (Enslaved persons: Un-named man, Friday)
- Jackon, John (Enslaved persons: Modo)
- Jackon, Samuel (Enslaved persons: Caesar)
- Jackon, William (Enslaved persons: Un-named boy, un-named woman, un-named girl)
- James, Daniel (Enslaved persons: Un-named boy)
- James, Howell (Enslaved persons: Jim)
- James, Thomas, Captain (Enslaved persons: Un-named "Spanish Indian Woman")
- Jeans, James (Enslaved persons: Cuff)
- Jenkins, Mary (Enslaved persons: Un-named young woman)
- Jennings, Henry, Capt. (Enslaved persons: Un-named man)
- Johnston, John (Enslaved persons: Un-named pregnant woman)
- Jones, Edward (Enslaved persons: James, Jack Jones)
- Jones, Humphrey (Enslaved persons: Bess)
- Jones, John (Enslaved persons: Phillis)
- Jones, John (2) (Enslaved persons: Newry, Fortune, un-named female and child)
- Jones, John (3) (Enslaved persons: Un-named girl)
- Josiah, Emanuel (Enslaved persons: Un-named young pregnant woman)
Enslavement Data
A Note on Slave Numbers
The listings below represent an ongoing effort to identify slaveholders with an emphasis on documenting as many details about their enslaved persons as possible. This is, however, only a small fraction of Philadelphia's slaveholders and enslaved persons. Published studies by prominent historians reveal that Philadelphia was home to thousands of enslaved people in the colonial period.
Historian Gary B. Nash estimated the total enslaved population of Philadelphia and Southwark during it's peak slaveholding years of 1767-1775, using tax asssessments, census records, burial records and comparisons with other reliable datasets from New York City and Boston, to come up with the following estimates of total enslaved persons in Philadelphia and Southwark in these years:
1767: 1392
1769: 1270
1772: 1069
1773: 945
1774: 869
1775: 672
The figures above clearly show that the listings on this page are far from complete. They also show a steady decline in the rate of slaveholding in Philadelphia due to increased abolition activity and sentiment, a significant increase in the importation of white redemptioners and indentured servants into the province after the Seven Years War, and the combination of a very high mortality rate and very low birth rate among enslaved Blacks.
Source: Nash, Gary B. “Slaves and Slaveowners in Colonial Philadelphia.” The William and Mary Quarterly 30, no. 2 (1973): 223–56. https://doi.org/10.2307/1925149.
- Slaveholder Name: Hall, John, Cooper
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Cooper
Notes: Front Street between Race and Vine. See also John Cooper, Innkeeper in Oxford Twp, below, and John Hall of Oxford, Chester County, from this time period.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed girl
Sex: Female
Age: "18 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1743
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Wench"
Notes: Advertised for sale in September 1761: "To be SOLD, A LIKELY HEALTHY NEGROE WENCH, 18 Years of Age, has had the Small-Pox, and speaks good English. Enquire of JOHN HALL, in Front-street, between Race and Vine-streets."
Date of Record: 03 September 1761. Advertisement ran through October.
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 3 September 1761.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed teenaged boy
Sex: Male
Age: "19 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1750
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Boy"
Notes: Advertised for sale in July 1769: "TO BE SOLD, A Likely, healthy young Negroe Boy, 19 years of age, has had the small-pox and Meazels. Enquire of John Hall, cooper in Water-street, between Race and Vine-streets, Philadelphia. N.B. Said boy would suit a miller well, he being an excellent cooper, and bred to the business since he was 11 years of age."
Date of Record: 27 July 1769
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 27 July 1769.
- Slaveholder Name: Hall, John, Innkeeper
City or Township: Oxford Township
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Innkeeper, Wheat Sheaf
Notes: Located at the Sign of the Wheat Sheaf in Oxford Twp. See also John Hall, Cooper, on Front Street, above.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
Sex: Male
Age: "about 30 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1730
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Man"
Slave Notes: Advertised for sale in March 1760:
Philadelphia March 27, 1760.
TO be sold by JOHN HALL, of Oxford, Tavern keeper, a stout likely Negro Man, about 30 Years of Age, has had the Small Pox and Measles, can drive a Team and understands all Manner of Farmer's Work well. For Terms of Sale apply to RICHARD MORRIS, Distiller, in Market-street, Philadelphia, or JOHN HALL, the Owner.
N.B. There is at the Plantation of the said HALL a small white Horse; the Owner proving his Property, and paying Charges, may have him again.
Date of Record: 27 March 1760
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 27 March 1760.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
Sex: Female
Age: "about 19 Years old"
Date of Birth: 1742 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Girl"
Slave Notes: Advertised for sale in February 1761:
To be SOLD,
A NEGROE GIRL, Country born, about 19 Years old, has had the Small-Pox and Measles, fit for Town or Country, as she has been used to House Work. Enquire of Mr. Richard Morris, Distiller, in Market-street; or of the Owner, John Hall, in Oxford, Tavern keeper.
Date of Record: 5 February 1761
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 05 February 1761.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed girl
Sex: Female
Age: "20 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1742
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Woman"
Notes: Advertised for sale in November 1762: "To be SOLD, TWO likely healthy Negroe Women, one 20, the other 15 Years of Age, and have both had the Small-pox and Measles, well acquainted with House-work, and are very fit for Town or Country Business. For further Particulars, enquire of John Hall, at the Wheat Sheaf, or of Richard Morris, near the Court-House, Philadelphia."
Date of Record: 25 November 1762
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 25 November 1762.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed girl
Sex: Female
Age: "15 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1747
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Woman"
Notes: Advertised for sale in November 1762: See above for text of advertisement.
Date of Record: 25 November 1762
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 25 November 1762.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Female
Age: "about 18 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1745
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Wench"
Notes: Advertised for sale along with a 6-year-old girl in September 1763:
TO BE SOLD,
A Young Negroe Wench, about 18 Years of Age, this Country born, has had the Small Pox, warranted healthy, and fit for any Business: Also a little Negroe Girl, about 6 Years of Age, has had the Small-Pox. Enquire of JOHN HALL, at the Sign of the Wheat Sheaff, Oxford Township, Philadelphia County.
Date of Record: 01 September 1763
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 01 September 1763.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Female
Age: "about 6 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1757
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Little Negroe Girl"
Notes: Advertised for sale along with an 18-year-old teenaged girl in September 1763. See above for text of ad.
Date of Record: 01 September 1763
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 01 September 1763.
- Slaveholder Name: Hall, Joseph
City or Township: Bustleton
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Tanner
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed woman
Sex: Female
Age: Age not given in ad. Described as a "wench."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Wench"
Notes: Advertised for sale in January 1734: "TO be Sold by Joseph Hall, Tanner, of Bussel-Town in Philadelphia-County, two likely Negroe Wenches and a Negroe Girl. Whoever inclines to purchase any of them may agree with said Hall on reasonable Terms."
Date of Record: 22 January 1734.
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 22 January 1734.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed woman
Sex: Female
Age: Age not given in ad. Described as a "wench."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Wench"
Notes: Advertised for sale in January 1734: "TO be Sold by Joseph Hall, Tanner, of Bussel-Town in Philadelphia-County, two likely Negroe Wenches and a Negroe Girl. Whoever inclines to purchase any of them may agree with said Hall on reasonable Terms."
Date of Record: 22 January 1734.
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 22 January 1734.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed girl
Sex: Female
Age: Age not given in ad. Described as a "girl."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Girl"
Notes: Advertised for sale in January 1734: "TO be Sold by Joseph Hall, Tanner, of Bussel-Town in Philadelphia-County, two likely Negroe Wenches and a Negroe Girl. Whoever inclines to purchase any of them may agree with said Hall on reasonable Terms."
Date of Record: 22 January 1734.
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 22 January 1734.
- Slaveholder Name: Hamilton, Andrew
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Son of Andrew Hamilton, the noted "Philadelphia Lawyer." Also known as Andrew Hamilton the younger.
- Enslaved Person's Name: James Green
Sex: Male
Age: "about 21 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1754
Status: Self-emancipated
Description: "Mulatto lad"
Notes: Green escaped from Hamilton in company with Rose, an Irish girl, on May 30, 1775:
SIX DOLLARS REWARD.
RAN AWAY on Tuesday last, the 30th of May, from the subscriber, living in Philadelphia, a likely mulatto lad, about 21 years of age, of the middle size, a little marked with the small pox, calls himself JAMES GREEN: Had on when he went away, a green cloth coat, with a red cape and white metal basket buttons, a fustian waistcoat and thickset breeches. It is supposed said servant is in company with a tall thin Irish girl, red haired, pitted with the small-pox, and calls herself ROSE, the thumb on one of her hands grows close to the palm. Whoever takes up the above described servant, so as his master may have him again, shall receive the above reward, and all reasonable charges, allowed by
ANDREW HAMILTON.
N.B. Said lad plays a little on the fife and fiddle. All masters of vessels are requested not to carry him off or harbour him at any rate.
Date of Record: 05 June 1775
Sources: The Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser, 05 June 1775.
- Slaveholder Name: Hand, Elias
City or Township:
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: John Greenvillan
Sex: Male
Age: About one year and ten months at baptism.
Date of Birth: February 1779
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Slave"
Notes: Child of Anna. From Register of baptisms in 1780 at St. Joseph's Church, Philadelphia:
Greenvillan, John, of Anna, slave of Elias Hand, born February 1779, baptized December 17th.
Date of Record: 17 December 1780
Sources: “List of Baptisms Registered at St. Joseph's Church, Philadelphia. (Second Series.) From January I, 1776 to October 21, 1781.” Records of the American Catholic Historical Society of Philadelphia, vol. 2, 1886, pp. 225–75. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44207452. Accessed 29 Jan. 2024.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Anna
Sex: Female
Age: Adult of childbearing age
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Slave"
Notes: Mother of John Greenvillan. From Register of baptisms in 1780 at St. Joseph's Church, Philadelphia (see entry above)
Date of Record: 17 December 1780
Sources: “List of Baptisms Registered at St. Joseph's Church, Philadelphia. (Second Series.) From January I, 1776 to October 21, 1781.” Records of the American Catholic Historical Society of Philadelphia, vol. 2, 1886, pp. 225–75. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44207452. Accessed 29 Jan. 2024.
- Slaveholder Name: Harbison, Benjamin
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Robert Wright, a.k.a. Bob
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given in ad; described as a man
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Trained as a coppersmith; Escaped from Harbison on 25 July 1790. Harbison placed the following ad to find him:
Six Dollars Reward.
RAN-AWAY from the subscriber, a NEGRO MAN, named BOB alias Robert Wright: he left his master the 25th instant. Whoever will bring him home, or secure him so that his master may have him again, shall be entitled to the above Reward, paid by the subscriber.
BENJAMIN HARBISON.
N.B. He is about 5 feet 5 or 6 inches high, middling black, his fingers uncommonly long, one or two of his fore-teeth out, his dress unknown. He is a Coppersmith by trade, and supposed to be gone to New-York.
Date of Record: 17 December 1761
Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 12 August 1790.
- Slaveholder Name: Harding, Aaron
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Un-named man
Sex: Male
Age: "about 20 Years of age"
Date of Birth: Circa 1704
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Advertised for sale in May 1724: "A Very likelyl Negroe Man about 20 Years of age, to be Sold, Inquire at Aaron Harding, or Andrew Bradfords."
Date of Record: 28 May 1724
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 28 May 1724.
- Slaveholder Name: Harding, George
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Un-named woman
Sex: Female
Age: Age not given in ad but described as a "young woman."
Date of Birth: Not know
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Young Negro Woman"
Notes: Advertised for sale in January 1741, along with two children: "TO BE SOLD, A Likely young Negro Woman, can Wash or Iron, or do any kind of houshold Work, and is fit for either Town or Country; with two Children. Enquire of George Harding, Skinner, or the Printer hereof."
Date of Record: 15 January 1741
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 15 January 1741.
- Slaveholder Name: Harris, Elizabeth
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Un-named man
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given in ad but described as a "man"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Mulatto man slave"
Notes: Advertised for sale or hire in November 1778 as a post script to a larger ad about lost possessions:
The subscriber living opposite the Church Burying-ground in Arch-street, Philadelphia, ELIZABETH HARRIS.
N.B. To be sold or hired out, a very likely young Mulatto man slave, ane excellent taylor by trade, as well as a very good servant for a gentleman, having been hired out for that purpose sometime, as he likes it better than following his trade, in which capacity he has given great satisfaction; he understands taking care of horses, riding and driving a carriage. Enquire as above.
Date of Record: 17 November 1778
Sources: The Pennsylvnia Packet, 17 November 1778.
- Slaveholder Name: Harris, Francis
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed man
Sex: Male
Age: "about 30 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1731
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Advertised for sale in December 1761: "To be SOLD, for no Fault, A VERY likely Negroe Man, about 30 Years of Age, that has had the Small-Pox and Measles, is an extraordinary good Cook, and understands both House and Country Work, Brushmaking, and going by Water. For further Particulars enquire of FRANCIS HARRIS, in Second-street, betwixt Market and Chestnut-streets, Philadelphia."
Date of Record: 03 December 1761
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 17 December 1761; The Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, 03 December 1761.
- Enslaved Person's Name: John Morris, a.k.a. Jack
Sex: Male
Age: "about 20 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1758
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Young mulattoe fellow"
Notes: Jack escaped from Harris on September 28, 1777. Several months later, Harris published the following notice:
THREE GUINEAS Reward.
RAN AWAY from the subscriber, living in Arch-street, between Fourth and Fifth-street, Philadelphia, on Sunday the 28th of September last, a very short, thicksett well made young mulattoe fellow, named JACK, (alias John Morris) about 20 years of age, a tailor by trade, full faced, a little pitted with the small pox, has large bushy head of curled hair, is very talkative, and much given to liquor: Had on when he went away, a green and white striped linsey coatee, green cloth jacket, white linen breeches, check shirt, muslin cravat, marked F.H. white thread stockings, shoes, &c. a soldiers cocked hat. Whoever may apprehend the slave, and will convey him to the subscriber, or secure him, so that he may be had again, shall have the above reward, paid by
FRANCIS HARRIS.
Date of Record: 17 January 1778
Sources: The Pennsylvania Ledger, or the Philadelphia Market Day Advertiser, 17 January 1778.
- Slaveholder Name: Harris, William and John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Advertised together to sell an enslaved young girl or woman. Their advertisement directed persons to contact them at a Philadelphia public house, but they kept the girl across the river in New Jersey. This may have been a way to avoid paying tax on the importation of a slave, or it may indicate they were out-of-towners staying in Philadelphia while they attempted to sell the girl.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed female
Sex: Female
Age: described as a "wench," a term that was commonly applied to girls as young as thirteen through young women.
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Wench"
Notes: Advertised for sale in 1761: "TO be sold at Daniel Cooper's Ferry, in the Jerseys, A likely NEGROE Wench. Any Person inclining to purchase, may apply to WILLIAM and JOHN HARRIS, at John Jarvis's, in Second-street, Philadelphia."
Date of Record: 03 September 1761
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 3, 17 September 1761.
- Slaveholder Name: Harrison, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Tom
Sex: Male
Age: Age not stated, but described as a "boy."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Boy"
Notes: Tom "formerly lived with John Harrison." He escaped from Robert Meade on June 29, 1746, and Meade placed the following runaway slave ad:
ON the 29th of last Month absconded from Robert Meade, a Negroe Boy, named TOM (he lived formerly with Mr. John Harrison) When he went away, he wore a white Linnen Jacket, a Check Shirt, and a Pair of old Buckskin Breeches. Whoever secures said Negroe, so that said Meade may have him again, shall have Twenty Shillings Reward, paid by
ROBERT MEADE.
All Masters of Vessels are desired not to harbour him on board, or carry him off.
Date of Record: 17 July 1746
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 17 July 1746.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Female
Age: Age not stated, but described as a "young wench."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe wench"
Notes: This female was advertised for sale in September 1748:
To be sold by JOHN HARRISON, over the Draw-bridge, Philadelphia,
A Likely young Negroe wench, that can wash, iron, and do any sort of house-work; also West-India rum, muscovado sugars, cocoa, olives in half gallon bottles, and best pistol powder.
Date of Record: 15 September 1748
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 15 September 1748.
- Slaveholder Name: Harrison, John, L.M.
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Callowhill Street; Harrison died circa 1802 as his numerous properties were advertised for sale early that year.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Bob, a.k.a. Isaac
Sex: Male
Age: "twenty-one years old"
Date of Birth: Circa 1780
Status: Slave to age 28
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Bob escaped from Harrison on April 13, 1801. Harrison placed the following ad for his recovery:
TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD.
RAN AWAY from the subscriber, on the 13th inst. a Negro Man named BOB, twenty-one years old, has about seven years to serve, about 5 feet 10 inches high, talks very thick, and walks heavy with a bend forward, fond of playing the fiddle but plays bad, chews and smoaks tobacco, at times appears very stupid; took with him a suit of nankeen clothes, a pair of blue cloth trowsers and sundry old clothes, with an old castor hat: it is probable he may go to Doyles-Town, Bucks County, he formerly belonged to Mr. Booth of Newcastle, and run away from him last year and changed his name to Isaac. All masters of vessels and others, are forbid carrying him off. The above reward and reasonable expences will be paid on delivery of said Negro Bob to the subscriber.
JOHN HARRISON, L. M.
No. 32, Callowhill-street
April 28.
Date of Record: 28 April 1801
Sources: Aurora General Advertiser (Philadelphia), 09 May 1801.
- Slaveholder Name: Hart, Thomas
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Candy maker
Notes: Shop on Second Street, "almost opposite the Church" (1751), on Arch Street (1753) See also Mary Hartt, below. In November 1749, Thomas and Mary Hart advertised as the executors for the estate of Thomas Hart, bricklayer, deceased. (The Pennsylvania Gazette, 23 November 1749).
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed man
Sex: Male
Age: Age not indicated in ad, but described as a man
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe man"
Notes: Skilled in masonry. Advertised for sale with another man in February 1750: "TO BE SOLD, TWO likely Negroe men, one understands country business, and is a very good mason; the other is a good chocolate grinder. Enquire of Thomas Hart, over against the church, in Second-street, Philadelphia."
Date of Record: 6 February 1750
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 6 February 1750.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed man
Sex: Male
Age: Not given in 1750 ad, but see notes.
Date of Birth: circa 1721 (see notes)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe man"
Notes: Skilled in chocolate grinding. Advertised for sale in February 1750 with another man, above: "TO BE SOLD, TWO likely Negroe men, one understands country business, and is a very good mason; the other is a good chocolate grinder. Enquire of Thomas Hart, over against the church, in Second-street, Philadelphia." Appears to be the same man advertised by Mary Hartt, below, a year later.
Date of Record: 6 February 1750
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 6 February 1750.
- Slaveholder Name: Hartt, Mary, also spelled Mary Hart. See Thomas Hart, above.
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Candy maker
Notes: Shop on Second Street, "almost opposite the Church" (1751), on Arch Street (1753). In November 1749, Thomas and Mary Hart advertised as the executors for the estate of Thomas Hart, bricklayer, deceased. (The Pennsylvania Gazette, 23 November 1749).
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed man
Sex: Male
Age: "about 30 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1721
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe man"
Notes: Advertised for sale in 1751: "TO be sold by Mary Hartt, in Second-street, almost opposite the Church, A likely Negroe man, about 30 years of age, who understands the chocolate grinding well, and is fit for town or country business." Appears to be the same man advertised for sale one year earlier by Thomas Hart, above.
Date of Record: 19 February 1751
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 19, 26 February 1751.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed woman
Sex: Female
Age: "about eighteen years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1735
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Wench"
Notes: Advertised for sale in 1753: "To be SOLD, A Likely Negroe Wench, who's about eighteen years old, and has had the small-pox, and is fit for town or country work. Enquire of MARY HART, IN Arch-street."
Date of Record: 20 December 1753; this ad ran through January 8, 1754
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 20 December 1753, 01, 08 January 1754.
- Slaveholder Name: Hasell, Samuel
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Shop on Front Street, "next to the Bible." Served as Mayor of Philadelphia 1731-32, and 1740.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed man
Sex: Male
Age: "about Twenty years Old"
Date of Birth: circa 1709
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Advertised for sale in March 1729: "A Likely Young Negro Man about Twenty years Old, Speaks very good English to be Sold by Samuel Hasell in Front Street Philadelphia."
Date of Record: 13 March 1729
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 13 March 1729
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed girl
Sex: Female
Age: "about Sixteen Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1713
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Woman"
Notes: Advertised for sale in November 1729: "LATELY Imported from Bermudas; a very likely young Negroe Woman, about Sixteen Years of Age, speaks very good English, to be disposed of by Samuel Hassell, in Front street, Philadelphia."
Date of Record: 13 November 1729
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 13 November 1729
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed man
Sex: Male
Age: "about Twenty-five Years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1719
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Advertised for sale in June 1744: "To be SOLD, A Likely NEGRO MAN, about Twenty-five Years old, speaks very good English, and is fit for either Town or Country Business. Enquire of SAMUEL HASELL."
Date of Record: 07 June 1744
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 07 June 1744.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed boy
Sex: Male
Age: "about 14 years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1736
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe boy"
Notes: Advertised for sale in June 1750: "To be sold by SAMUELL HASELL, Next door to the Bible, in Front-street, A Very likely Negroe boy, about 14 years old; also borax, salt-peter, sandiver, spelter, blue melting pots, small crucibles, binding wier, corral beads, writing paper, and sail twine, &c."
Date of Record: 28 June 1750
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 28 June 1750.
- Slaveholder Name: Hasleton, William
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Cicero
Sex: Male
Age: "about 23 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1724
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe man"
Notes: Ran away from Hasleton in the winter of 1747, in company with a white teenaged apprentice to Hasleton.
Philadelphia, December 3, 1747.
RUN away from William Hasleton, of this city, an apprentice lad, named Charles Badmin, about 17 years of age, short, and round shoulder'd, round face, but pale; he speaks English, French, Spanish and Dutch, writes a good hand, and may have forged a pass; Had on an old blue jacket, stiped flannel waistcoat, and ozenbrigs trowsers.
Likewise a Negroe man, about 23 years of age, named Cicero, a black, short fellow, round shoulder'd, has a scar on his under lip, is a blockmaker by trade, and had sundry clothes, among which a new fustian coat, and a blue bloadcloth one; he took also with him 3 Pistoles, and a Twelve Shilling bill.
Whoever takes up said runaways, and secures them, so as their master may have them again, shall have 20 shillings reward for the white boy, and 30 shillings for the Negroe, and reasonable charges, paid by
William Hasleton.
N.B. All masters of vessels and others, are forbid to carry them off, or harbour them, at their peril.
Note that Hasleton offered a reward for Cicero that was fifty percent more than he offered for the white apprentice, Charles Badmin.
Date of Record: 03 December 1747
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 12 December 1747.
- Slaveholder Name: Haynes, Richard
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided in ad
Sex: Female
Age: "aged about 20 Years"
Date of Birth: circa 1724
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Woman"
Notes: Offered for sale in July 1744, along with other goods:
To be SOLD, by Richard Haynes,
A LIKELY Negroe Woman, aged about 20 Years, who can wash, mend and make Cloaths. Also a Parcel of choice Muscovado Sugars, and Barbadoes Rum. Whoever has a Mind to buy, may enquire at Mr. Richard Swan's, Hatter, in Market-street, Philadelphia.
Richard Haynes is relying on Richard Swan, a hatter on Market Street, as his local agent for anyone interested in buying this person.
Date of Record: 12 July 1744
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 12 July 1744.
- Slaveholder Name: Hazelwood, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Phoebe
Sex: Female
Age: Age not given, but of childbearing age and described as a woman.
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life -- escaped
Description: "Negroe Woman"
Notes: Escaped from Hazelwood along with her two-year-old daughter. Hazelwood placed the following ad to recover her:
Philadelphia, January 4, 1773.
RUN away from the subscriber, living in Philadelphia, a NEGROE WOMAN, named Phoebe; she is a short woman, and has a scar on her right eye-brow; had on, when she went away, a striped lincey jacket, and black quilted petticoat; has with her a female Negroe child, about two years old; she is thought to be gone towards Bordentown. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and secures her in any goal, so as her master may get her again, shall have TWENTY SHILLINGS reward, and all reasonable charges, paid by
JOHN HAZELWOOD.
Date of Record: 04 January 1773
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 February 1773.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Female
Age: "about two years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1771
Status: Slave for life -- escaped
Description: "female Negroe child"
Notes: Escaped from Hazelwood along with her mother. See above for text of the runaway ad.
Date of Record: 04 January 1773
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 February 1773.
- Slaveholder Name: Henderson, William
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant and slave trader
Notes: See the entry for William Henderson on the Slave Traders page for more information.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed man
Sex: Male
Age: Age not specified in ad, but described as a "man"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Enslaved for life
Description: "Negroe man"
Notes: Henderson advertised an enslaved family for sale in May 1754: "To be SOLD, A Servant man, has near four years to serve: likewise a Negroe man, a tayler by trade, and a Negroe woman, and young child. Enquire of WILLIAM HENDERSON, opposite the Indian King, in Market-street."
Date of Record: 09 May 1754
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 09 May 1754.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed woman
Sex: Female
Age: Age not specified in ad, but described as a "woman"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Enslaved for life
Description: "Negroe woman"
Notes: Henderson advertised an enslaved family for sale in May 1754: "To be SOLD, A Servant man, has near four years to serve: likewise a Negroe man, a tayler by trade, and a Negroe woman, and young child. Enquire of WILLIAM HENDERSON, opposite the Indian King, in Market-street."
Date of Record: 09 May 1754
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 09 May 1754.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed child
Sex: Gender not specified in ad
Age: Age not specified in ad, but described as a "young child"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Enslaved for life
Description: "Young child"
Notes: Henderson advertised an enslaved family for sale in May 1754: "To be SOLD, A Servant man, has near four years to serve: likewise a Negroe man, a tayler by trade, and a Negroe woman, and young child. Enquire of WILLIAM HENDERSON, opposite the Indian King, in Market-street."
Date of Record: 09 May 1754
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 09 May 1754.
- Slaveholder Name: Hill, William
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed boy
Sex: Male
Age: "about 19 Years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1745
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Lad"
Notes: Advertised for sale in July 1764: "To be SOLD by WILLIAM HILL, TWO young Negroes; a Lad about 19 Years old, who is a tolerable good Cook, and can wait in a House; and a Girl about 17, who can wait in a House also; both likley Persons, and who have had the Small-Pox; they are to be seen over at Robert's Ferry. Any person inclinable to purchase, may hear of said Hill, at Messieurs Peyton and Adcock."
Date of Record: 05 July 1764
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 05 July 1764.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed girl
Sex: Female
Age: "about 17" (years old)
Date of Birth: circa 1747
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Girl"
Notes: Advertised for sale in July 1764. See above for the text of the sale ad.
Date of Record: 05 July 1764
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 05 July 1764.
- Slaveholder Name: Hilton, Henry
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Mingo Mitchel
Sex: Male
Age: "about thirty five years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1745
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Fellow"
Notes: Mitchel escaped on September 20, 1780 from the schooner Experiment. Slaveholder Hilton placed the following ad seeking to recover him:
Five Hundred Dollars Reward.
RAN AWAY from the schooner Experiment, on Wednesday night last, a Negro Fellow, by the name of MINGO MITCHEL, about thirty five years old, coal black, about six feet high, slender made, has a very active smart countenance, and a lisp in his speech, which is remarkable, he is a good sailor, carpenter, and corker; he carried off with him sundry suits of cloaths. If any person should apprehend the said Negro, and deliver him to the subscriber, who may be found at the Coffee-House, or to Messrs. Andrew and James Caldwell of this city, shall receive the above Reward. It is likewise desired of all Masters of privateers and merchant vessels, that are going to sea, not to carry the said Fellow off.
HENRY HILTON.
Date of Record: 23 September 1780
Sources: Dunlap and Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser, 23 September 1780.
- Slaveholder Name: Hodge, William
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Front Street, between Race and Vine
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed man
Sex: Male
Age: "about thirty years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1749
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Offered for sale in February 1779. Text of ad placed by Hodge: "TO BE SOLD, A LIKELY, healthy NEGRO MAN, about thirty years of age; has had the small-pox, and is fit for town or country; is sold for no fault but want of employ. Enquire at William Hodge's, in Front-street, between Race and Vine streets."
Date of Record: 27 February 1779
Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 27 February 1779.
- Slaveholder Name: Hodges, James
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Ship's captain, Sloop Triton (1740)
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Jeremiah Robin
Sex: Male
Age: "about 30 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1710
Status: Term of enslavement uncertain; described as "servant," but that term was sometimes used for persons enslaved for life.
Description: "Indian Man;" probably referring to Native American men. Enslaved sailors of color from the Indian subcontinent were usually referred to as "East Indians."
Notes: Escaped in company of another man from the sloop Triton while in port on October 1, 1740. Ship's captain Hodges placed the following ad to recover them:
RUN away last Night, from on board the Sloop, Triton, James Hodges, Master, two Indian Men Servants, viz.
One named Jeremiah Robin, of middle Stature, well set, flat Nose, strait short Hair, about 30 Years of Age: Had on an homespun Jacket, cotton check'd shirt, and ozenbrigs Trowsers. The other named Nehemiah Robin, something shorter than the other, short Hair, aged about 24; Had on the same sort of Clothing as the other.
Whoever takes up and secures said Indians, so that their Master may have them again, shall have Twenty Shillings Reward, paid by
James Hodges. October 2, 1740.
Date of Record: 02 October 1740
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 16 October 1740.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Nehemiah Robin
Sex: Male
Age: "aged about 24"
Date of Birth: circa 1716
Status: Term of enslavement uncertain; described as "servant," but that term was sometimes used for persons enslaved for life.
Description: "Indian Man;" probably referring to Native American men. Enslaved sailors of color from the Indian subcontinent were usually referred to as "East Indians."
Notes: Escaped in company of another man from the sloop Triton while in port on October 1, 1740. See the entry above for complete text of escape notice.
Date of Record: 02 October 1740
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 16 October 1740.
- Slaveholder Name: Hooper, Matthew
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: There are advertisements in Philadelphia newspapers in 1732-1734 for "Dr. Matthew Hooper." May or may not be the same person.
Notes: Located "in Front-street, at the House where Capt. William Lee formerly lived."
- Enslaved Person's Names: Unnamed women
Sex: Female
Ages: Ages not given in ad, but described as "women."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slaves for life
Description: "Negroe Women"
Notes: Three women offered for sale in June 1729. Text of ad placed by Hooper: "THREE very likely Negroe Women to be Sold, by Matthew Hooper, in Front-street, at the House where Capt. William Lee formerly lived."
Date of Record: 05 June 1729
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 05 June 1729.
- Slaveholder Name: Hooper, Robert Lettis, Jr.
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Miller, merchant, soldier, surveyor, ironmaster, judge, politician
Notes: Moved to New Jersey, post revolution
- Enslaved Person's Names: Unnamed female
Sex: Female
Age: Age not given in ad, but described as a "young wench."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Young Negro Wench"
Notes: Offered for sale in April 1763. Text of ad placed by Hooper: "April 7. TO BE SOLD, A Likely young Negro Wench; she is a good Cook, can wash and iron, and understands House Work very well. For Terms apply to ROBERT LETTIS HOOPER, junr."
Date of Record: 07 April 1763
Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal, 05 May 1763.
- Slaveholder Name: Howell, Mrs.
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Market Street
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed man
Sex: Male
Age: Age not specified in ad, but described as a young man
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Offered for sale in September 1749. Text of ad placed by Howell: "TO BE SOLD, A Likely young Negroe man. Enquire at Mrs. Howell's, in Market-street."
Date of Record: 28 September 1749
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 28 September 1749.
- Slaveholder Name: Hubley, Adam
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Farmer
Sex: Male
Age: "about 20 years of age"
Date of Birth: Circa 1758
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Farmer escaped from Hubley on May 15, 1778. Hubley published the following ad to recover him:
FIVE POUNDS REWARD.
RAN-AWAY yesterday morning the 15th inst. from the subscriber, a NEGRO BOY, named FARMER; about 20 years of age; has a remarkably heavy look about the eyes; is knock-kneed and rather short for his age: He had on and took with him a wash jean coat almost white; a new brown homespun coat lined with striped linsey; a scarlet jacket and another of this set washed white, buff colour: plush breeches: tow linen trousers and shirts, one shirt new, grey worsted and yarn stockings, and an old beaver hat. It is likely he will endeavor to get off on board of some vessel, as he has been heard to express himself to that purpose, it is therefore requested of masters of vessels not to harbour or carry him off. Whoever secures said negro that his master may have him again, shall have the above reward,
ADAM HUBLEY.
Date of Record: 20 May 1778
Sources: The Pennsylvania Ledger or the Philadelphia Market Day Advertiser, 20 May 1778.
- Slaveholder Name: Hulbeart or Hulbert, Philip
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Goldsmith
Notes: Second Street, Society Hill section
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed man
Sex: Male
Age: "about 21 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: Circa 1740
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Offered for sale in August 1761. Text of ad placed by Hulbeart: "To be SOLD, A LIKELY Negroe Man, about 21 Years of Age, has had the Small-Pox, and is fit for Country Business. Enquire of PHILIP HULBEART, sen. on Society-hill."
Date of Record: 20 August 1761
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 20 August 1761.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Will
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given in ad, but described as a "man."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Will escaped from Hulbert despite being chained by the leg. This is apparently not the same person as advertised two years earlier for sale, as seen by the difference in years of their smallpox infections. The un-named man had already been infected and recovered by the time of his August 1761 sale, whereas Will had only "lately" become infected.
RUN away on the 11th inst. from Philip Hulbert, on Society hill, a Negroe Man, named Will, with a Lock and Chain on one of his Legs, has lately had the Small-pox, and walks lame: Had on when he absented himself, a Thickset Coat, green Cloth Waistcoat, and brown Broadcloth Breeches, patched between the Legs. Whoever will take up said Negroe Man, and bring him to his Master, shall have Fifteen Shillings Reward, paid by
PHILIP HULBERT. May 16, 1763.
Date of Record: 16 May 1763
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 19 May 1763.
- Slaveholder Name: Hull, Anthony
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Innkeeper
Notes: "At the Ship and Castle in Front-street, near the London Coffee-house."
- Enslaved Person's Name: Caesar
Sex: Male
Age: "about sixteen or seventeen years of age" (in 1775 ad)
Date of Birth: circa 1758 or 1759
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Formerly a slave owned by Widow May. Escaped from Hull on January 18, 1775. Hull placed the following ad in the local newspaper:
Philadelphia, January 28, 1775.
FOUR DOLLARS REWARD.
RAN AWAY on the eighteenth instant, a Negro Boy named CAESAR, a chimney-sweeper, his number is 10; he formerly belonged to the Widow May, is about sixteen or seventeen years of age, marked with the small pox; had on when he went away an old red plush jacket, an old great coat much moth-eaten, with his blanket.
Whoever takes up said sweep and brings him to the subscriber, at the Ship and Castle in Front-street, near the London Coffee-house, or secures him in any gaol so that his master may have him again, shall have the above Reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
ANTHONY HULL.
Caesar escaped again in February 1777. Hull placed the following ad in several Philadelphia newspapers:
RUNAWAY,
THE 5th instant, from the subscriber, Anthony Hull, living in Front-street, near the London Coffee-House, a Negro fellow, a Chimney-Sweeper, his name is CAESAR, a tall slim fellow, very much marked with the small-pox. Whoever secures the said fellow so that his master may get him again, shall receive FORTY SHILLINGS REWARD, & all reasonable charges, paid by me, ANTHONY HULL.
Date of Records: 28 January 1775 (First escape ad); 17 February 1777 (Second escape ad)
Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 30 January 1775; The Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, 12 March 1777. This second escape ad also ran in The Pennsylvania Evening Post, 18 February 1777 and was dated "Philad. Feb 17, 1777.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Violet
Sex: Female
Age: "about 27 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1749
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Wench"
Notes: "Has lived soem time with Anthony Hull." Escaped from Christopher Pechin on May 15, 1776. Pechin placed the following ad in the local newspaper:
Philadelphia, July 17, 1776.
TWO DOLLARS REWARD.
RUN away from the subscriber, the 15th of May last, a Negroe Wench, named Violet, about 27 years of age, she is pretty lusty and fat, she has lived some time with Anthony Hull, tavern-keeper; had on, when she went away, a homespun lincey petticoat, and a coarse geen baize short gown; lost one of her under fore teeth, her two thumbs are remarkably round, short and stumpy; She has been seen about the lower part of the city and Society-Hill. Whoever will take up said Negroe wench, and secure her in the Work-house, or bring her home, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by CHRISTOPHER PECHIN.
N.B. All persons are forbid to harbour or conceal said Negroe Wench, as they will be prosecuted with the severity of the law.
It is not clear if Hull is a previous owner of Violet, or perhaps merely hired her from Pechin to work at the Ship and Castle.
Date of Record: 17 July 1776
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 24 July 1776.
- Slaveholder Name: Hume, James
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Intelligencer and Broker
Notes: Opened his Intelligence Office in April 1774 on Front Street "next door to the London Coffee-House." In November he had moved the shop to Second Street, "between Race and Vine streets, and near the Red Lion Tavern." No advertisements appear in Philadelphia newspapers after November 1774, indicating his business lasted only about eight months. Hume sold merchandise, and offered a wide range of professional services, as stated in his ads:
Accounts stated and adjusted, letters and advertisements wrote, deeds, wills, indentures, bonds, powers of attorney, articles of agreement, and other writings drawn, and books posted; also debts collected, bills of exchange, books and goods sold on commissions, money procured on interest, and business in general transacted and done to suit most patrons, with care and fidelity.
In May 1774, noting the large numbers of small children seen lost on the streets, Hume advertised that found children could be brought to him and he would care for them and search for their parents. He would also search for reported lost children. As an "intelligencer," Hume acted as a clearing house for employment, but also became the broker for indentured servants and enslaved persons:
"To be sold, a Dutch servant woman, and a girl's time, and two likely negro girls, of no known faults." (09 May 1774)
"TO BE SOLD, the times of a Dutch servant woman and a girl, also two Negro girls." "Wanted on purchase, a Negro boy to go to a neighbouring province." (07 June 1774)
"TO BE SOLD, the terms of several indented servant women; also a negro woman that can cook, wash, iron, &c." (01 August 1774)
- Enslaved Person's Name: Unnamed enslaved men, women, boys and girls
Sex: Male and female
Age: Varied
Date of Birth:
Status: Slaves for life
Description:
Notes:
Date of Record: April through November 1774
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 09 May, 13 June, 01 August 1774
- Slaveholder Name: Hunter, James
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Hett
Sex: Female
Age: "supposed to be about twenty years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1759
Status: Slave for life -- escaped
Description: "Dark Mulatto Wench"
Notes: Previously owned by Dunnin Irwin, and David Franks. Escaped from Hunter on 24 April 1779. Text of ad placed for her recovery:
FORTY DOLLARS REWARD.
RAN AWAY on the 24th instant, (April) from the house of Mr. James Hunter, a dark Mulatto Wench commonly called HETT, late the property of Dunnin Irwin, and formerly belonged to Mr. David Franks; supposed to be about twenty years old, of low stature but well made; she has a remarkable scar on the right side of her neck. Any person who will deliver the said Wench to the Agents for seizing confiscated estates in Philadelphia shall receive the above reward.
Date of Record: 8 May 1779
Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 8 May 1779
- Slaveholder Name: Hurtel, J.F.
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Printer
Notes: "Corner of 5th and Spruce Streets"
- Enslaved Person's Name: James
Sex: Male
Age: 18
Date of Birth: circa 1792
Status: Slave for a term of years
Description: "Black Bound Boy"
Notes: James escaped from Hurtel in late December 1810. Text of the advertisement placed by Hurtel to recover him:
RAN AWAY,
ON Sunday morning, A BLACK BOUND BOY, 18 years of age, of a very dark complexion, about 5 feet 4 inches high, called JAMES, he wore a round-about jacket of coarse blue cloth, speaks the French, English and Spanish languages.
It is supposed he will try to embark, or go to some other state; all captains to whom he may present himself as a sailor, or any person that may know him, are requested to secure him in the nearest prison, and inform his master,
Mr. J. F. HURTEL,
At the corner of 5th and Spruce street, will receive FIVE DOLLARS REWARD, and all reasonable charges paid.
December 28
Date of Record: 28 December 1810
Sources: Aurora General Advertiser (Philadelphia), 07 January 1811.
- Slaveholder Name: Ibison, William
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant; Broker, Intelligence Office
Notes: In the early 1770s, Ibison advertised to purchase and sell enslaved persons by the lot. His "Philadelphia Public General Register Office of Intelligence" advertised slaves, as well as land, houses, servants, to buy money, and offered deals and "advantageous" business opportunities for those with "capital." Earlier, in the 1760s, he advertised as a merchant in Philadelphia. Ibison died in January 1774.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Various
Sex: Male and female
Age: Various; "men"
Date of Birth: Various
Status: Slaves for life
Description: "Negroe Men," "Negroes"
Notes: "Wanted . . . A Quantity of NEGROES" (4 July 1771)
"To be sold, Several negroes, amongst which is a boy of about fifteen years of age, suitable for a postilion. Likewise, Some negro girls to be hired and bound out."(30 March 1772)
[Editor's note: On a horse-drawn carriage, a postilion rides the horse or left-hand horse on a team to guide the carriage, as opposed to a driver seated on the carriage.)
"WANTED . . .A parcel of young NEGROE MEN, provided they are hearty and sound, all other faults will be no objection. . . For further particulars, please to apply at THE PHILADELPHIA PUBLIC GENERAL REGISTER OFFICE OF INTELLIGENCE. . . WILLIAM IBISON, Broker." (26 August 1772)
Date of Record: 4 July 1771; 30 March 1772; 26 August 1772
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 4 July 1771; 26 August 1772; Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 02, 30 March 1772.
- Slaveholder Name: Inglis, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant
Notes: Merchant Inglis also dealt in wholesale lots of imported slaves. See the page on Philadelphia Slave Traders on this site for more information.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
Sex: Female
Age: Age not stated, but described as a young woman
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Woman"
Notes: Offered for sale in July 1739: "To be SOLD by JOHN INGLIS, A Likely young Negro Woman, who can Wash, Iron, and cook well; also a young Negro Girl, about 14 Years of Age, both has had the Small-pox."
Date of Record: 12 July 1739
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 12 July 1739
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
Sex: Female
Age: "about 14 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: Circa 1725
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Girl"
Notes: Offered for sale in July 1739: "To be SOLD by JOHN INGLIS, A Likely young Negro Woman, who can Wash, Iron, and cook well; also a young Negro Girl, about 14 Years of Age, both has had the Small-pox."
Date of Record: 12 July 1739
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 12 July 1739
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
Sex: Female
Age: Age not given, but described as a "woman." Old enough to have a daughter old enough to perform house and farm work.
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Woman"
Notes: Offered for sale in July 1742 along with her daughter: "To be Sold by John Inglis, A Likely Negro Woman and her Daughter, both able healthy Negro's, fit for Town or Country Service, besides choice of English and India Goods, very reasonable, for ready Money, or the usual Credit."
Date of Record: 8 July 1742
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 8 July 1742
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
Sex: Female
Age: Age not given, but old enough to perform house and farm work.
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Daughter"
Notes: Offered for sale in July 1742 along with her mother: "To be Sold by John Inglis, A Likely Negro Woman and her Daughter, both able healthy Negro's, fit for Town or Country Service, besides choice of English and India Goods, very reasonable, for ready Money, or the usual Credit."
Date of Record: 8 July 1742
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 8 July 1742
- Slaveholder Name: Irland, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Staying at Reese Meredith's house. The enslaved persons below were kept at Daniel Cooper's Ferry in New Jersey for inspection by potantial buyers.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Female
Age: Age not given in ad, but described as a "woman."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Woman"
Notes: Brought from Barbados. Obtained by Irland in Barbados through a court ordered sale. Offered for sale in Philadelphia along with a teenaged girl and a six-year-old child by John Irland in October 1762:
October 28.
TO BE SOLD BY.
JOHN IRLAND,
At Reese Meredith's:
A Negro Woman, a Negro Girl about 18 Years old, and a Negro Child about six Years old, to be seen at Daniel Coopers at the Ferry, they were sold by Execution in Barbados, not sent off for any Fault.
Date of Record: 28 October 1762
Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, 11 November 1762.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Female
Age: "about 18 Years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1744
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Girl"
Notes: Brought from Barbados. Obtained by Irland in Barbados through a court ordered sale. Offered for sale along with a woman and a six-year-old child by John Irland in October 1762. See full text of ad above.
Date of Record: 28 October 1762
Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, 11 November 1762.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Sex not specified in ad
Age: "about six Years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1756
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Child"
Notes: Brought from Barbados. Obtained by Irland in Barbados through a court ordered sale. Offered for sale along with a woman and a teenaged girl by John Irland in October 1762. See full text of ad above.
Date of Record: 28 October 1762
Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, 11 November 1762.
- Slaveholder Name: Irwin, Dunnin
City or Township: Northern Liberties
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Trader
Notes: British Loyalist, joined British forces during the Revolution. Listed as a prior owner of Hett, below. Hett may have been confiscated property of Irwin, seized when his estate was confiscated after he was branded a traitor.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Hett
Sex: Female
Age: "supposed to be about twenty years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1759
Status: Slave for life -- escaped
Description: "Dark Mulatto Wench"
Notes: Previously owned by Dunnin Irwin, and David Franks. Escaped from James Hunter on 24 April 1779. See James Hunter for thetText of ad placed for her recovery.
Date of Record: 8 May 1779
Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 8 May 1779
- Slaveholder Name: Irwin, Robert (also Robert Erwin)
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Residence on upper end of Market Street. Named as a former owner of the enslaved man Stanhope, who escaped several times from ferry operator Patrick Colvin.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Stanhope
Sex: Male
Age: "about 25 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1746
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Sold to Patrick Colvin at the Trenton Ferry, Bucks County. Prior to that, in May 1771, Stanhope ran away from Erwin:
RUN away, the 24th of May last, from the subscriber, in Philadelphia, a Negroe man, named STANHOPE, a stout able fellow, near six feet high, smooth faced, long legged, and the calf near his ham; he is about 25 years of age, and was in this country; had on, when he went away, a striped linsey jacket, leather breeches, shoes and stockings, and brass buckles in his shoes; he has been seen in the city within these few days. Whoever takes him up, and secures him, so that his master may have him again, shall have Twenty Shillings reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
ROBERT ERWIN.
Date of Record: Runaway ad published June 1771
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 20 June 1771
- Slaveholder Name: Jackson, Benjamin
City or Township: Philadelphia Northern Liberties
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Benjamin Jackson and Company, Mustard miller
Notes: Produced ground mustard and cocoa at the Globe Mill in the Northern Liberties. He sold the finished products, and other footstuffs, from his store on Letitia Street.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Male
Age: "about 22 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1740
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe man"
Notes: Advertised for sale in April 1762:
To be SOLD,
A STOUT able-bodied Negroe Man, about 22 Years of Age, has had the Small-Pox, and is an active willing Fellow for any laborious Work. Enquire at Benjamin Jackson and Company's Mustard and Chocolate Store, in Laetitia Court, Philadelphia, or at the Printers.
Although his age nearly matches that of Friday, who escaped a year later, it seems unlikely to be the same person, since Jackson, at the same time that he placed this sale ad, was also seeking to buy or hire a "young Negroe man." That implies Jackson was not satisfied with this person as a worker. The ad placed by Jackson seeking an African American worker, bound or free, is below and appeared in the column next to the one selling the man above:
Wanted Immediately,
A young Negroe Man, this Country born, or that came into the Country when a Child, and can be very well recommended; one used to a Mill or Country Work will be most agreeable, and for such a good Price will be given, or good Wages, if to be hired.
Date of Record: 29 April 1762
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 29 April 1762
- Enslaved Person's Name: Friday
Sex: Male
Age: "about 22 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1741
Status: Slave for life -- Escaped
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Friday escaped from the mill in July 1763. Jackson placed the following ad to recover him:
RUN away from Benjamin Jackson and Company, at the Globe Mill, in the Northern Liberties of this City, a Negroe Man, named Friday, about 22 Years of Age, 5 Feet 6 or 7 Inches high, has a Scar on His Cheek, near his Mouth, and some large ones on his Arms: Had on when he went away, an Ozenbrigs Shirt, Snuff coloured Thickset Coat, Fustian Breeches, old blue Jacket, old Hat, white Yarn Stockings, and good Shoes, and took with him an old Cloth Coat, and Linen Breeches. Whoever takes up and secures said Negroe Man, shall have Forty Shillings Reward, and reasonable Charges; and whoever is known to harbour him, shall be prosecuted according to the utmost Rigour of the Law.
N.B. It is supposed he is harboured by some base White Woman, as he has contracted Intimacies with several of that Sort lately.
Note the references to interracial relationships and the harboring of escaped slaves within the city.
Date of Record: 21 July 1763 (published through October 1763)
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 21 July 1763.
- Slaveholder Name: Jackson, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Modo
Sex: Male
Age: Age not provided in ad, but described as a man
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life -- Escaped
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Trained as a candle and soap maker. Placed in the Philadelphia Work House in preparation of being sold, but broke out in May 1777. Jackson placed the following ad to recover him:
Philadelphia, May 20, 1777.
TWELVE DOLLARS REWARD.
BROKE out of the Work-house, a Negro man named MODO, about five feet six inches high, well made, bad teeth, speaks pretty good English, and waddles much as he walks; had on when he went away, a spotted flannel jacket, a buff coloured knit under ditto, leather breeches, blue stockings, good shoes with metal buckles, but as he has sundry other cloaths it is uncertain what he may have on, and as he has some very good cloaths he may pass as a freeman. He is brought up to the tallow-chandling and soap-boiling business, and is handy at any other work. Whoever takes up said Negro and delivers him to the subscriber, or to THOMAS APTY, Work-house keeper, shall have the above Reward with reasonable charges, paid by
JOHN JACKSON.
N.B. Any person that harbours or conceals said Negro shall be punished according to law. -- He is to be sold.
Note that the quality of clothing worn by Blacks in colonial Philadelphia could be used to identify their status. Modo, above, escaped with "some very good cloaths" that might enable him to "pass as a freeman."
Date of Record: 20 May 1777
Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 27 May 1777.
- Slaveholder Name: Jackson, Samuel
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Caesar
Sex: Male
Age: "about twenty-two years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1754
Status: Slave for life -- Escaped
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Escaped from Jackson on November 13, 1776. Jackson placed the following ad to recover him:
TWENTY DOLLARS Reward.
RAN away on the night of the 13th inst. from the subscriber, a Negro man named CAESAR, about twenty-two years of age, a smart, polite, likely, well made fellow, about five feet three inches high. He took with him a light coloured ratteen coat new turned, with plain metal buttons, a dark grey jockey coat moth eaten on the back, sundry jackets, a pair of claret colour velvet breeches, a pair of white cloth ditto, some white cotton and thread stockings, a pair of new blue yarn ditto, a pair of turned pumps, a pair of shoes, a pair of fashionable plated buckles, a good beaver hat, some linen and check shirts, and may have sundry other things. It is likely he is gone toward the camp, as he is very fond of being a fifer or drummer, and may pass for a freeman; or gone on board some outward bound vessel. Masters of vessels are requested to take care not to carry him off. Whoever takes up and secures said Negro so that his master gets him again, shall have the above reward and reasonable charges.
SAMUEL JACKSON.
Philad. Nov. 14.
Caesar's enslaver noted that "it is likely he is gone toward the camp," which probably refers to the Continental Army's encampment at Fort Lee in Bergen County, New Jersey, about 100 miles away. Within days of Caesar's escape, Washington's army was on the retreat, pursued by Cornwallis' army, which had crossed the Hudson River in force from their Fort Washington camp in Manhattan. Whether Caesar met up with them and volunteered is unknown, but Jackson's escaped slave ad appeared for only two weeks, a good indication that he was able to recover Caesar.
Date of Record: 16 November 1776 - 30 November 1776.
Sources: The Pennsylvania Ledger or the Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey Weekly Advertiser, 16 November 1776.
- Slaveholder Name: Jackson, William
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant
Notes: Store on Walnut Street (1750s to early 1760s), later Water Street (mid-late 1760s).
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
Sex: Male
Age: "about fourteen years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1740
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe boy"
Notes: Advertised for sale in May 1754: "To be SOLD, A LIKELY Negroe boy, about fourteen years of age. Enquire of William Jackson, in Walnut-street."
Date of Record: 30 May 1754
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 30 May 1754.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
Sex: Female
Age: Age not stated, but described as a "young woman"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Woman"
Notes: Advertised for sale in June 1761: "To be SOLD, A LIKELY young Negroe Woman, fit for Town or Country Business. Enquire of WILLIAM JACKSON, in Walnut-street."
Date of Record: 18 June 1761
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 18 June, 2, 9 July 1761.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
Sex: Female
Age: "about 13 Years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1754
Status: Slave to the age of 31
Description: "Mulattoe Girl"
Notes: Advertised for sale in June 1767:
TO BE SOLD,
THE Time of a likely hearty Mulattoe Girl, about 13 Years old, has 18 Years to serve; sold for no Fault. Enquire of the Subscriber, at his Store, in Water-street, near the Drawbridge.
WILLIAM JACKSON.
Date of Record: 25 June 1767
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 25 June 1767.
- Slaveholder Name: James, Daniel
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Ship's Carpenter
Notes: Believed by the Cecil County, Maryland jailer to be the enslaver of the captured boy listed below.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided in ad
Sex: Male
Age: "about Twelve Years of Age"
Date of Birth: Circa 1708
Status: Slave for life, captured
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Captured and jailed in Cecil County, Maryland, and believed to have escaped from Philadelphia.
THere is a Negro Boy taken up in Cecil County in Maryland, about Twelve Years of Age. He speaks poor English, very hard to be understood. He intimates that his Master is in Philadelphia, and is a Ship Carptenter by Trade, his Name, as the Boy says, is Daniel James. If the Owner of the said Boy will repair to Andrew Bradford in Philadelphia, he may hear where to have the said Boy.
Date of Record: 27 October 1720
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 27 October 1720
- Slaveholder Name: James, Howell
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: A Howell James appears in Chester Country records until his death in 1740. Possibly the father of this person.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Jim
Sex: Male
Age: "18 or 20 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1750 to 1752
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Lad"
Notes: Escaped from Howell James in October 1770.
RUN-AWAY from the SUBSCRIBER;
A Negro Lad named JIM, about 5 feet 4 inches h igh, 18 or 20 years of age, much pitted with the small-pox, a thick well-set fellow, bow-knee'd, and when waling has a remarkable way of turning out the side of his right foot; had on and took with him a felt hat, a blue negro-cloth jacket with the cape and cuffs of broad-cloth, two oznabrug shirts, a pair of blue cloth breeches and oznabrug trowsers, a pair of blue coarse woolen stockings, a pair of good shoes, and buckles not fellows; he had a stamped linen handkerchief, which he often wore tied about his head; he likewise took with him an oznabrugs wallet. Whoever takes up said negro, and brings him to Dr. HARRIS'S in Front-street, near the Draw-bridge, or other otherwise secures him, so that his master may have him again, shall receive THREE DOLLARS reward, besides reasonable charges. HOWELL JAMES.
N.B. It is supposed the fellow is only lurking about town, and after a little time may make his appearance, waiting the departure of his master, which he expects must have been in Captain Moore for Charles-Town in a few hours after he ran away. October 18.
Date of Record: 18 October 1770
Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, 18 October 1770
- Slaveholder Name: James, Thomas, Captain
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Ship's Captain
Notes: Located on Second Street
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
Sex: Female
Age: "about 20 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1712
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Spanish Indian Woman"
Notes: Advertised for sale in March 1732: "A Young Spanish Indian Woman, to be Sold: She is about 20 Years of Age, and very fit for all manner of Houshold Business. Enquire at Capt. Thomas James's in Secondstreet, Philadelphia."
Date of Record: 07 March 1732
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 16 March 1732.
- Slaveholder Name: Jeans, James
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Located on Frankford Road
- Enslaved Person's Name: Cuff
Sex: Male
Age: "about 40 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1713
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe man"
Notes: Escaped on June 12, 1753. Text of escape notice below:
RUN away on the 12th inst. from the subscriber, living on Frankford road, a Negroe man, named Cuff, about 40 years of age, short, thick and well-set: Had on, and took with him, when he went away, A homespun yellowish jacket, two tow shirts, tow pair of leather breeches, an old felt and an old castor hat, old shoes, and white ribbed stockings; also took a small box to carry his clothes. Whoever takes up and secures said Negroe, so as his master may have him again, shall have Twenty Shillings reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
JAMES JEANS.
N.B. Said Negroe pretends to know something of the sea, and 'tis thought will endeavor to get off in some vessel, therefore all masters of vessels, and others, are forbid to carry him off at their peril.
Date of Record: 14 June 1753
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 14 June 1753.
- Slaveholder Name: Jenkins, Mary
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Located "at the Sign of the Conestogoe Waggon, in Market-street"
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
Sex: Female
Age: "23 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1751
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Wench"
Notes: Advertised for sale in April 1774: "TO BE SOLD,
A LIKELY young Negroe Wench, this Country born, 23 Years of Age, hath had the Small-pox and Measles, is very handy, brought up on a Farm, but may do very well in the City. The Cause of her being sold is her Master's removing out of the Province, and she not willing to go, as her Parents live near Philadelphia. Enquire of MARY JENKINS, at the Sign of the Conestogoe Waggon, in Market-street, Philadelphia."
Date of Record: 20 April 1774
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 20 April 1774.
- Slaveholder Name: Jennings, Henry, Captain
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Ship's captain
Notes: Not the notorious "Pyrate Henry Jennings," who died in 1750, but possibly a descendant. More research needed.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
Sex: Male
Age: "about 35 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1734
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro fellow"
Notes: Escaped from Captain Jennings commanding the brig Adventure, on Sunday, August 27, 1769. Jennings published the following escape notice:
RUNAWAY on sunday night last from on board the brig Adventure, Capt. Henry Jennings, lying at Mr. Stephen Sewell's wharf, a negro fellow about 35 years of age, about 5 feet 10 inches high, a little pock mark'd, is remarkably nimble in his walking, and speaks broken English, and has a remarkable scar on his left shoulder, had on when he went away a check shirt, a pair of wide trowsers, a white bearskin jacket lin'd with red, a white hat loop'd with yellow strings, a handkerchief round his head, and a pair of shoes and stockings, whoever takes up said negro and brings him to the subscriber shall have five pounds reward, and all reasonable charges, HENRY JENNINGS.
Date of Record: 31 August 1769
Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal or Weekly Advertiser, 31 August 1769.
- Slaveholder Name: Johnston, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Tallow Chandler
Notes: Located on Second Street
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided in ad
Sex: Female
Age: "about 25 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1742
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Woman"
Notes: Advertised for sale in May 1767 due to her pregnancy:
TO BE SOLD,
A HEALTHY Negroe Woman, about 25 Years of Age; she is big with Child, and sold for no other Fault but that she breeds fast. For Terms, apply to JOHN JOHNSTON, Tallow Chandler, in Second-street, where she may be seen.
An ad with the same wording appeared in The Pennsylvania Journal, but the enslaver's surname was spelled "Johnson."
Date of Record: 21 May 1767
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 21 May 1767; The Pennsylvania Journal, 04 June 1767.
- Slaveholder Name: Jones, Edward
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Identified by Chester iron master Samuel Flower as a previous owner of James, who escaped from the Reading Furnace in July 1753. There are several persons named Edward Jones in Philadelphia at this time. The best known was a grounds caretaker at Vineyard Plantation in the Northern Liberties.
- Enslaved Person's Name: James
Sex: Male
Age: "aged about 28 years"
Date of Birth: circa 1725
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: James escaped from Reading Furnace in Chester County on 20 July 1753 in company with fellow enslaved man Sam. Iron master Samuel Flower placed an ad to try to recover them. In the ad Flower noted that James was formerly enslaved by Edward Jones in Philadelphia.
Date of Record: 26 July, 1753
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 16 August 1753.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Jack Jones
Sex: Male
Age: "about 45 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1718
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Edward Jones sold Jack to a Mr. Byrns in New York City. Byrns in turn sold Jack to ship's captain John Troy, who enslaved Jack as a crew member. Jack escaped from Troy and the snow Hibernia at Havana and Troy placed the following ad:
FIVE GUIINEAS Reward.
RUN away at the Havannah, from the Snow Hibernia, John Troy, Master, a Negroe Man, who called himself Jack Jones, was formerly a Slave to Colonel Jones, of the Vineyard, near Philadelphia, who sold him to Mr. Byrns, at the King's Arms Tavern, in New-York, from whom said Troy bought him.
Said Negroe man is about 45 Years of Age, stout built, of a tawney Colour, is fond of Liquor, and talks a little French: It is supposed he will endeavor to pass for a Free Negroe. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and delivers him to Mr. Hugh Wallace, Merchant in New-York, or to Mr. John Flanagan, in Philadelphia, or the Keeper of any Prison, so that they may have him again, shall receive from either of them the above Reward, and reasonable Charges.
Date of Record: 23 June 1763
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 23 June 1763.
- Slaveholder Name: Jones, Humphrey
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Died in late 1750s. Had an estate in Northwales Township, Philadelphia County which was sold to settle his estate in 1759.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Bess
Sex: Female
Age: "about 18 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1738
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe girl"
Notes: Bess was "stolen" from Jones on June 10, 1756, Jones purports, by Captain Peter Ganthony of Wilmington.
Stolen and taken away from Humphrey Jones, of this city, on Thursday the tenth of June inst. in the night, A Negroe girl, named Bess, about 18 years of age, she is remarkable for her broad flat nose, and has lost most of her fore teeth in both jaws; it is supposed she is taken and carried away by Capt. Peter Ganthony, and conveyed into New-Castle county, to or near Wilmington, as they were seen passing together thro' Chester. Whoever takes up and secures said Negroe in any county goal of this province, or counties on Delaware, so that I may have her again, shall have Five Pounds reward. And all persons are cautioned and forbid to purchase her from said Ganthony, or any other person, with the Consent of said HUMPHREY JONES.
Peter Ganthony was a ship's captain, appearing in multiple ship arrival or departure listings in the Pennsylvania Gazette between 1739 and 1752. He is also reported, per estate and real estate listings, to be living in Wilmington in the 1750s. Ganthony replied to Jones's accusation with his own advertisment containing counter-accusations that same month:
Borough of Wilmington, June 28, 1756
WHEREAS Humphrey Jones has advertised a Negroe girl, called Bess, in the news; these are to certify, that said Negroe girl was taken up, and brought to Wilmington, and delivered to her master, Peter Ganthony, and the said Humphrey Jones is desired to come to Wilmington, and produce his right to said Negroe. And as the said Humphrey Jones did, in a clandestine manner, take said Negroe from the house of John Springer, of Wilmington, and has kept her from her master three years and upwards, these are to forbid any person or persons whatsoever to take up or molest said Negroe girl on their peril, she being the property of PETER GANTHONY.
Date of Record: 24 June 1756 (Jones); 28 June 1756 (Ganthony)
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 24 June 1756, 1 July 1756.
- Slaveholder Name: Jones, John
City or Township: Germantown
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Phillis
Sex: Female
Age: "about 25 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1728
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe woman"
Notes: Phillis was in Barbados before being brought to Pennsylvania. She escaped from Jones on June 14, 1753.
Philadelphia, June 21, 1753.
RUN away the 14th instant from the subscriber, living in Germantown, a Negroe woman, named Phillis, about 25 years of age, of middle stature, well-set, much marked about the neck and back with large whales or lumps, which she received in Barbados; Had on when she went away, an ozenbrigs jacket and petticoat, with a stripped ditto over it, new black grain'd shoes, has a shrill voice, and when in good humour very talkative; much inclined to company. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and brings her to my house, or to the work-house, in Philadelphia, shall, if taken up within ten miles, have Ten Shillings reward, and if upwards, Twenty Shillings, with reasonable charges, paid by
JOHN JONES.
Jones' note that Phillis was "much marked about the neck and back with large whales or lumps, which she received in Barbados" reveals that she bore severe scars from whippings, received while enslaved in the Caribbean. "Whale" is a misspelling of "wale," a mark on the skin from whipping.
Date of Record: 21 June 1753; this ad ran through July 12, 1753.
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 21 June 1753.
- Slaveholder Name: Jones, John (2)
City or Township: Southwark and Mount Holly
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Jones had a wharf and house in Southwark, but per advertising, also had a residence in Mount Holly.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Newry, a.k.a Cuffe
Sex: Male
Age: "about twenty-two years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1754
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Newry escaped from Jones on April 8, 1776, apparently with the aid of a white sailor named Thomas Adair. This was not the first time Newry had escaped from John Jones.
Philadelphia, April 17th, 1776.
SIX DOLLARS Reward.
RAN AWAY, the eighth instant, from the subscriber, living in the district of Southwark, a Negro man named NEWRY, by trade a cooper, about twenty-two years of age, five feet eight or nine inches high. He had on and took with him, when he went away, a cloth coloured fustian coatee, a cloth jacket nearly of the same colour, without sleeves, one fine and one course shirt, a good beaver hat, a pair of black stocking breeches, and a pair of white ticken ditto, good shoes, a pair of blue yarn and a pair of mixed brown and white worsted stockings. He has been seen sculking about Mr. James Fulton's house, in Chesnut street, and Mr. Israel Pemberton's stables. Whoever secures the said Negro, so that his master gets him, shall have the above reward and reasonable charges.
N.B. The subscriber has been creditably informed the said Negro has obtained a pass from a certain THOMAS ADAIR, and says he is his property. And whereas the said Thomas Adair has greatly injured the subscriber both in person and family, I therefore do hereby promise the reward of TWENTY POUNDS to any person or persons who shall apprehend the said Thomas Adair so that he may be brought to justice. Said Adair is a mariner, came in here as mate with Captain Brown of this city from Scotland, and has been formerly mate of the ship Liverpool, Capt. Beard.
JOHN JONES.
A similar ad appeared a day earlier, in the April 16, 1776 edition of the Pennsylvania Evening Post, in which Jones does not yet level a charge of aiding Newry against Adair. The earlier ad reads in part: "N.B. The subscriber, from the frequent elopements of the said Negro, has reason to believe he is encouraged thereto, and harbored by some person or persons, and therefore offers a reward of FIVE POUNDS to any person who will give him sufficient information, and prosecute to conviction any such person or persons." Jones must have received some information that caused him to suspectd Adair and within one day changed his ads to accuse Adair of helping Newry.
There seems to have been a feud between John Jones and Thomas Adair by the time of Newry's April 1776 escape. In January 1775, Jones publicly accused Adair of the crime of bigamy, and offered a reward of ten pounds to anyone who would bring Adair to him in Southwark. In that ad, Jones associated Adair only with the ship Liverpool. It is possible that Adair sailed out of Philadelphia before Jones could confront him, returning sixteen months later, in April 1776, with Captain Brown. It is difficult to say whether Newry's escape, with a pass from Adair, was connected to that earlier incident. (See Poulson's American Daily Advertiser, 09 January 1775, for the text of Jones' bigamy charges, "To the PUBLIC," against Adair.)
It seems that Jones recovered Newry within a few weeks, but the man got away again a short while later, this time on June 30, 1776. Jones placed the following ad to find and recover him:
Philadelphia, July 1, 1776.
FOUR DOLLARS Reward.
RUN away, on Sunday, the 30th ult. from the subscriber, living in the District of Southwark, a Negroe man, named NEWRY, by trade a Cooper, about 22 years of age, a stout likely fellow, sometimes calls himself CUFFE, 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high; he had on, and took with him, when he went away, a cloth coloured fustian coatee, a cloth jacket nearly of the same colour, without sleeves, one fine and one coarse shirt, a good beaver hat, a pair of buckskin breeches, and a pair of white ticken ditto, good shoes, a pair or yarn and a pair of mixed brown and white worsted stockings. Whoever secures the said Negroe, so that his master gets him again, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges.
JOHN JONES.
Other than now having buckskin breeches, Newry had the same clothing as he wore during his first escape. This time Jones included no warnings or suspicions about anyone aiding the enslaved man in his escape. Incidentally, Jones also advertised the escape, two days prior on June 28, of an Irish servant named Henry Howell, who was also a cooper in Jones' business. It seems likely that Newry and Howell knew of each other's escape intentions.
Date of Record: 17 April 1776
Sources: The Pennsylvania Evening Post, 16, 18 April, 09 July 1776; The Pennsylvania Ledger, or the Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey Weekly Advertiser, 20 April 1776; The Pennsylvania Gazette, 03 July 1776.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Fortune
Sex: Male
Age: "about fifteen years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1767
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Fortune escaped from Jones on June 30, 1782.
Eight Dollars Reward.
RAN-AWAY, the 30th of June last, from the subscriber, living in Southwark, a NEGRO BOY, named FORTUNE, about fifteen years of age, five feet five inches high; had on when he went away, a large castor hat, crossbarred silk handkerchief, a green baize upper jacket, lined with brown coating, a Nankeen waistcoat, oznabrigs shirt, white ticking trowsers, and barefooted. He has been seen in and about the barracks and other places in the Northern Liberties.
Whoever takes up said Negro, and secures him so that his master may get him again, shall have the above reward and reasonable charges, paid by
JOHN JONES.
N.B. I do offer a Reward of Five Pounds to any person who will give information of any one harbouring said Negro.
Date of Record: 06 August 1782
Sources: Poulson's American Daily Advertiser (Philadelphia), 06 August 1782.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Female
Age: Age not given in ad, but described as a "wench," a term applied to females anywhere from early teens to well into adulthood.
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Wench"
Notes: Offered for sale along with a child in August 1782: "TO BE SOLD, A NEGROE WENCH, and female child about seven years old. For further particulars enquire of JOHN JONES, at Mount-Holly." The relationship between this person and the child is not known.
Date of Record: 06 August 1782
Sources: Poulson's American Daily Advertiser (Philadelphia), 19 December 1778.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Female
Age: "about seven years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1771
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe child"
Notes: Offered for sale along with an older female in August 1782: "TO BE SOLD, A NEGROE WENCH, and female child about seven years old. For further particulars enquire of JOHN JONES, at Mount-Holly." The relationship between this child and the older female is not known.
Date of Record: 06 August 1782
Sources: Poulson's American Daily Advertiser (Philadelphia), 19 December 1778.
- Slaveholder Name: Jones, John (3)
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Located near the Drawbridge
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
Sex: Female
Age: "between twelve and thirteen Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1748 to 1749
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Girl"
Notes: Offered for sale in April 1761:
To be SOLD,
A LIKELY Negroe Girl, between twelve and thirteen Years of Age, has had the Small pox and Measles, and is fit for Town or Country Work. Enquire of John Jones, near the Drawbridge.
Date of Record: 02 April 1761
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 02 April 1761.
- Slaveholder Name: Josiah, Emanuel
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Shipmaster (1750s) and later a Merchant (1760s)
Notes: Worked at times in partnership with Samuel Carpenter.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
Sex: Female
Age: "about Twenty Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1743
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Wench"
Notes: In the early months of a pregnancy. Advertised for sale in March 1763: "TO BE SOLD, A LIKELY Negroe Wench, about Twenty Years of Age, has had the Small-pox and Measles, can be well recommended for her Honesty, is young with Child. Enquire of EMANUEL JOSIAH, facing the Coffee-house."
Date of Record: 10 March 1763
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 March 1763.
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