Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania Slaveholders K-M

Enslavement to freedom
	A series of pages exploring various aspects of enslavement in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia County Slaveholders K - M

Slaveholders Listed on this Page

Kearsley, John, Jr. (Enslaved persons: Elizabeth Gregory, James Derham)
Keen, George (Enslaved persons: Moses)
Keith, Thomasin (Enslaved persons: Un-named boy and two un-named females)
Keith, William, Sir (Enslaved persons: Two un-named males)
Kelso, John (Enslaved persons: Un-named boy)
Kintzing, Abraham (Enslaved persons: Bill)
Knott, John (Enslaved persons: Un-named female)
Kock, Peter (Enslaved persons: Two un-named men, un-named woman)
Kuhl, Marcus (Enslaved persons: James, Scipio, Un-named man and two un-named women)
Lane, Wellsarr (Enslaved persons: Cato)
Lawrence, Thomas (Enslaved persons: Amaro, Will, Hannah)
Lawrence, Widow (Enslaved persons: Un-named female)
Leak, Thomas (Enslaved persons: Letitia, Caesar)
Livingston, Darrel (Enslaved persons: Kitt)
Loxley, Benjamin (Enslaved persons: Un-named young woman and her son)
Luke, John (Enslaved persons: Un-named teenaged boy)
Lukens, John (Enslaved persons: Pero or Peter)
Lusher, George (Enslaved persons: Jack, a.k.a. Ben)
Mackie, Thomas and Peter (Enslaved persons: William Williams, a.k.a. Johnston)
Macky, James (Enslaved persons: Tobey)
MacPherson, John (Enslaved persons: Two un-named men)
Magill, John (Enslaved persons: Glasgow, a.k.a. Gloucester)
Marks, Joseph (Enslaved persons: Multiple un-named men, un-named woman, un-named boy, Joseph Damney)
Marque, M (Enslaved persons: Un-named young boy)
Martin, Anthony, Captain (Enslaved persons: Argentcour)
Masters, William (Enslaved persons: Several un-named men, women and children)
McAlister, Patrick (Enslaved persons: Un-named boy and girl)
McAulay, Alexander (Enslaved persons: Un-named boy)
McCall, Ann (Enslaved persons: Un-named girl)
McCall, George (Enslaved persons: Various un-named males and females)
McCall, George 2 (Enslaved persons: Un-named young boy)
McCall, Samuel, Sr. (Enslaved persons: Un-named man)
McCall, Samuel, Jr. (Enslaved persons: Tom)
McCalley, John (Enslaved persons: Un-named man)
McComb, John (Enslaved persons: Un-named Native American woman)
McCummin, Jacob (Enslaved persons: Ezekiel Green)
McDonald, Daniel (Enslaved persons: Un-named female)
McKenzie, Kenneth, Captain (Enslaved persons: Un-named woman)
McPherson, John (Enslaved persons: Un-named girl)
Meade, Garrett (Enslaved persons: Un-named girl)
Meade, Robert (Enslaved persons: Tom, Newton)
Meas, James (Enslaved persons: Un-named boy)
Meredith, Rees (Enslaved persons: Un-named male)
Merrit, John (Enslaved persons: Un-named woman)
Miller, Charles (Enslaved persons: Thomas Hall, Kit Butterfield)
Miller, George (Enslaved persons: Several un-named women)
Millward, George (Enslaved persons: William Newtown)
Mitchell, Joseph (Enslaved persons: Un-named man, woman, and female child)
Mitchell, Randle (Enslaved persons: Adonis, Dublin)
Moland, John (Enslaved persons: Un-named girl and un-named man)
Moore, Alexander (Enslaved persons: Un-named pregnant girl)
Moore, John (Enslaved persons: Toby, a.k.a. Joseph)
Moore, Mordecai (Enslaved persons: John Powell, a.k.a. Jack)
Moore, Philip (Enslaved persons: Un-named woman and child)
Morris, Anthony III (Enslaved persons: Cuff, Michael)
Morris, Luke (Enslaved persons: Gloucester)
Morris, Samuel (Enslaved persons: Three un-named men)
Moser, Philip (Enslaved persons: Lucy Brown)
Moses, Michael (Enslaved persons: Cuffy)
Moylan, Stephen (Enslaved persons: Various)
Mullan, Thomas (Enslaved persons: Grigg)
Murgatroyd, John (Enslaved persons: Unnamed man)
Murray, John (Enslaved persons: Unnamed "lad," un-named man)

Enslavement Data

A Note on Slave Numbers

The listings below represent an ongoing effort to identify slaveholders with an emphasis on documenting as many details about their enslaved persons as possible. This is, however, only a small fraction of Philadelphia's slaveholders and enslaved persons. Published studies by prominent historians reveal that Philadelphia was home to thousands of enslaved people in the colonial period.

Historian Gary B. Nash estimated the total enslaved population of Philadelphia and Southwark during it's peak slaveholding years of 1767-1775, using tax asssessments, census records, burial records and comparisons with other reliable datasets from New York City and Boston, to come up with the following estimates of total enslaved persons in Philadelphia and Southwark in these years:

1767: 1392
1769: 1270
1772: 1069
1773: 945
1774: 869
1775: 672

The figures above clearly show that the listings on this page are far from complete. They also show a steady decline in the rate of slaveholding in Philadelphia due to increased abolition activity and sentiment, a significant increase in the importation of white redemptioners and indentured servants into the province after the Seven Years War, and the combination of a very high mortality rate and very low birth rate among enslaved Blacks.

Source: Nash, Gary B. “Slaves and Slaveowners in Colonial Philadelphia.” The William and Mary Quarterly 30, no. 2 (1973): 223–56. https://doi.org/10.2307/1925149.

Slaveholder Name: Kearsley, John, Jr.
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Physician;
Notes: Lived 1724-1777. Nephew of physician John Kearsley. John Kearsley, Jr. was a loyalist who was imprisoned in York, Pennsylvania and died one day after his release.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Elizabeth Gregory
  Sex: Female
  Age: Age not given, but described as a woman
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Undertermined--ad suggests she is enslaved for a term of years
  Description: "Negro woman"
  Notes: Born in Long Island, New York. Purchased from prison by Thomas Lawarence and subsequently sold to Kearsley. Ran away from Kearsley in August 1749:
  RUN away from the subscriber, two months since, a Negro woman, known by the name of Elizabeth Gregory; she was born on Long Island, and has relations thre, and formerly serv'd in Governor Morris's family, at Trenton; she was taken out of prison about 18 months ago by Thomas Lawrence, Esq; of whom the subscriber purchas'd her time; she pretends to be very religious, is a good laundress, and handles her needle well. Whoever takes her up, or gives such intelligence of her, as she may be had again, shall receive Twenty Shillings reward, from JOHN KEARSLEY jun.
  Date of Record: 09 June 1748
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 26 October 1749
2. Enslaved Person's Name: James Derham (also spelled Durham)
  Sex: Male
  Age:
  Date of Birth: circa 1762
  Status: Slave for life; bought his freedom
  Description:
  Notes: Born into slavery in Philadelphia. He came to the John Kearsley, Jr. family as a slave circa 1770. Kearsley taught him to read and write and trained Derham in many aspects of medicine, specializing in ailments of the throat. Upon Kearsley's death the family moved to England but Derham was transferred to different owners, including Dr. George West, a doctor serving with a British regiment during the Revolutionary War. After the war, Derham was sold to Dr. Robert Dove in New Orleans. Dr. Dove had Derham assist him in his practice, and eventually allowed him to purchase his freedom. Derham established a successful medical practice in New Orleans, specialized in treating diptheria, and becoming the first practicing African American physician in the United States. Derham came to Philadelphia in 1788, either visiting or residing for a while, and came to the attention of Dr. Benajamin Rush, who wrote about him. Derham disappears from records after 1802.
  Date of Record:
  Sources: Charles E. Wynes, "Dr. James Durham, Mysterious Eighteenth-Century Black Physician: Man or Myth?," The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. 103, No. 3 (Jul., 1979), pp. 325-333.
Slaveholder Name: Keen, George
City or Township: Oxford Township
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Farmer
Notes:
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Moses
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 18 Years of Age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1744
  Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated April 1762
  Description: "Negroe Lad"
  Notes: Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Moses escaped from Keen on April 8, 1762. Below is the escape notice published by Keen to recover him:
  RUN away from the Subscriber hereof, on Thursday the 8th Day of April inst. a Negroe Lad, named MOSES, about 18 Years of Age, born at Trenton, in East-Jersey: Wore (when he went from my House, in Oxford Township, in the County of Philadelphia) a striped Lincey inside Jacket, without any Sleeves, a Buckskin outside Jacket, an old Felt Hat, a light coloured Pair of Cloth Breeches pretty much worn, a Pair of old Shoes, an old Pair of greyish Stockings, and plain Brass Buckles; he has also a remarkable Scar across the Toes of his Right Foot. Any Person or Persons who will apprehend the said Negroe Lad, and have him secured, so that the Owner may have him again, shall have Forty Shillings Reward, and all reasonable Charges, paid by me
  GEORGE KEEN.
  Date of Record: 22 April 1762
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 22 April 1762.
Slaveholder Name: Keith, Thomasin
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Estate of Thomasin Keith included three enslaved persons as below. Estate executors were Samuel Palmer and Alexander Allair.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Names not given in ad
  Sex: Female
  Age: Ages not specified in ad. Described as "wenches," which may be anywhere from a young girl to an old woman.
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slaves for life
  Description: "Negro wenches"
  Notes: Noted in ad as for sale to settle estate of Thomasin Keith: "All persons that have any demands against the estate of Thomasin Keith deceas'd, are desir'd to bring in their accounts, that they may be adjusted by Samuel Palmer, and Alexander Allair, executors. N.B. Two likely Negro wenches, and a boy, to be dispos'd of. Enquire of either."
  Date of Record: 9 November 1749
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 9 November 1749.
2. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not specified in ad. Described as a "boy," indicating a young male probably not older than teenaged.
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro boy"
  Notes: Noted in ad as for sale to settle estate of Thomasin Keith: "All persons that have any demands against the estate of Thomasin Keith deceas'd, are desir'd to bring in their accounts, that they may be adjusted by Samuel Palmer, and Alexander Allair, executors. N.B. Two likely Negro wenches, and a boy, to be dispos'd of. Enquire of either."
  Date of Record: 9 November 1749
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 9 November 1749.
Slaveholder Name: Keith, William, Sir, 4th Baronet
City or Township: Fountain Low Plantation
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Lieutenant-governor of the colonies of Pennsylvania and Delaware, from 1717 to 1726.
Notes:
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not given in ad, but seem to be adult men
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro Slaves"
  Notes: Escaped from Keith's plantation on March 13, 1723.
  RUN away the 13th of this Instant from Fountain Low, Sir William Keith's Plantation in Philadelphia County, in the Province of Pennsylvania. Two Negro Slaves, The one a squat Fellow, he has the scar of a Bullet in his left Cheek, and is pretty much Marked with the Small Pox. The other of Middle Stature, has sharp shins with bumps upon them: They are both cloathed in new double Brested Jackets, white Stockings, new Shoes, and New Hats. They took with them a Gun and a Fowling piece, two white Horses with Sadles and Furniture.
  Whoever shall sieze and secure the said two Negroes for their Master Sir William Keith Bart. shall be very well Rewarded and all Charges allowed.
  Date of Record: 11 April 1723
  Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 11 April 1723.
2. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not given in ad, but seem to be adult men
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro Slaves"
  Notes: Escaped from Keith's plantation on March 13, 1723. See above for full text of runaway ad.
  Date of Record: 11 April 1723
  Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 11 April 1723.
Slaveholder Name: Kelso, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Water Street
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 12 Years of Age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1749
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Boy"
  Notes: Offered for sale in August 1761. Text of sale ad: "To be SOLD, A LIKELY smart Negroe Boy, about 12 Years of Age, speaks good English, fit for any Tradesman, or Country Business. Enquire of John Kelso, in Water-street, or at the New Printing-Office."
  Date of Record: 20 August 1761
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 20 August 1761.
Slaveholder Name: Kintzing, Abraham
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Bill
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about twenty three years old"
  Date of Birth: circa 1752
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro fellow"
  Notes: Bill escaped from Kintzing on June 1, 1775. Kintzing placed the following escape notice in a Philadelphia newspaper:
  Philadelphia, June 17, 1775.
  SIX DOLLARS REWARD.
  RAN AWAY from the subscriber, on the first instant, a likely Negro fellow named BILL, about twenty three years old, five feet eight or nine inches high; had on his shirt and trowsers, old hat, and shoes with brass buckles, and 'tis not known that he took with him any other cloathing.
  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 ABRAHAM KINTZING.
  Date of Record: 17 June 1775
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser, 19 June 1775.
Slaveholder Name: Knott, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Shopkeeper
Notes: All property of John Knotts was publicly auctioned by the sheriff to pay debts.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
  Sex: Female
  Age: Age not given in ad, but described as a "wench."
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro wench"
  Notes: To be publicly auctioned on March 21, 1761 as part of the property of John Knotts, to pay off debts owned by Knott. Partial text of ad:
  TO be sold by public vendue, at the London Coffee House, on Saturday the 21st, inst, at 12 o'Clock the lease of the house wherein the said John Knott lately dwelt. . .At the same time will be sold, a likely negro wench.
  Date of Record: 19 March 1761
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal, 19 March 1761.
Slaveholder Name: Kock, Peter
City or Township: Germantown Township
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Farmer
Notes: Died in 1749.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not specified in ad, described as a man
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro man"
  Notes: To be sold at public auction on January 2, 1750 as part of a larger estate sale. Text of ad:
  THis is to give notice, that on Tuesday, the second of January next, will be sold, by public vendue, at the plantation late of Peter Kock deceas'd, two likely young Negro men, and one woman, cows, horses, cart, waggon, plow, harrow, hay, rye in the straw, a new copper still, and sundry utensils of husbandry, and sundry sorts of houshold goods, and also a large organ, by WILLIAM CLYMER, and CHARLES EDGAR, Administrators.
  N.B. Said plantation is to be lett.
  Date of Record: 19 December 1749
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 19 December 1749.
2. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not specified in ad, described as a man
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro man"
  Notes: To be sold at public auction on January 2, 1750 as part of a larger estate sale. See above for full text of ad.
  Date of Record: 19 December 1749
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 19 December 1749.
3. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
  Sex: Fenale
  Age: Age not specified in ad, described as a woman
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro woman"
  Notes: To be sold at public auction on January 2, 1750 as part of a larger estate sale. See above for full text of ad.
  Date of Record: 19 December 1749
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 19 December 1749.
Slaveholder Name: Kuhl, Marcus
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Baker, merchant
Notes: Shop located on Market Street
1. Enslaved Person's Name: James
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 20 years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1728
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: Negro man
  Notes: James and Scipio escaped from Kuhl in May or June 1748. James does not appear to be the same man offered for sale four years later (see below). Text of runaway ad placed by Kuhl for both James and Scipio:
  Philadelphia, June 9, 1748.
  THIRTY SHILLINGS Reward.
  Run away from Marcus Kuhl, two Negroe men; one named James, about 20 years of age, short and slim, and speaks pretty good English; Had on a camblet coat, lines with blue taffety, breeches of the same, and may have trowsers over them, and good shoes and stockings. The other named Scipio, a short fellow, about 25 or 30 years of age, and speaks broken English; Had on a blue broadcloth jacket, good shirt and trowsers, good shoes and a good hat. They took with them a grey trotting horse, but the horse came home last Monday, in the evening. Whoever takes up said Negroes, and brings them home, or secures them, so that their master may have them again, shall have Fifteen Shillings reward for each, and reasonable charges, paid by
  MARCUS KUHL.
  Date of Record: 09 June 1748
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 9, 16 June 1748.
2. Enslaved Person's Name: Scipio
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 25 or 30 years of age" (taken from 1748 runaway ad)
  Date of Birth: between 1718 and 1723
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro man," "slave"
  Notes: Scipio and James escaped from Kuhl in 1748. About April of 1749 Scipio had somehow ended up in the possession of Captain Thomas Prather of Maryland, from whom he escaped. A month later he turned up at Harris' Ferry with a pass, claiming to be free and on his way to Philadelphia. Scipio was captured and returend to Kuhl, but escaped again in October 1749. This is possibly the same man offered for sale four years later (see below), as Scipio was eventually sold to a Maryland slaveholder. Below is the text of the runaway ad from spring 1749:
  Run away, some months ago, from Capt. Thomas Prather, of Prince George's county, Maryland, a Negroe man, named Scipio, is of short stature, plays on the Banjo, and can sing. It is said that the said Negroe was, about two months ago, at Mr. Harris's, on Susquehannah, and wanted to come to Philadelphia to his master, that he had a pass with him, and pretended to be a free-man. Whoever takes up said slave, and brings him to Mr. George Croghan, or Mr. George Gibson, in Lancaster, or to Marcus Kuhl, in Philadelphia, shall have Three Pounds reward, and reasonable charges, paid by George Croghan, George Gibson, Marcus Kuhl.
  Below is the text of fall 1749 runaway ad placed by Kuhl:
  Philadelphia, November 2, 1749.
  Run away three weeks ago, from Marcus Kuhl, of Philadelphia, baker, a Negro man, named Scipio, wears a blue broad cloth coat, or a black ditto, old shoes, and stockings, of a short stature, plays on the banjou, and sings with it, speaks but indifferent English. Whoever takes up and secures said slave, so that his master may have him again, shall have Fifteen Shillings reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
  MARCUS KUHL.
  At some point, possibly 1753 or 1754, per the advertisement below, Scipio was sold to Maryland slaveholder Joseph Nicholson, from whom he escaped in July 1757. Scipio does not appear in any additional runaway ads after this, so his ulitmate fate is not known. Below is the 1757 runaway ad placed by Nicholson:
  RUN away from the subscriber, living in Chester Town, Kent County, Maryland, soem time in July last, a Negroe Man, called Scipio, formerly the Property of Mr. Marcus Kuhl, of the City of Philadelphia, and it is very probable is gone that Way; he is a little short thick Fellow, speaks broken English, pretends to be a Hatter by Trade, and says, he is intitled to his Freedom, and plays well on the Banjoe. Whoever secures the said Fellow, so that the Subscriber may have him again, shall have Two Pistoles Reward, if taken out of the Province, and One Pistole, besides what the Law allows, if taken in Maryland, and reasonable Charges, paid by JOSEPH NICHOLSON.
  Date of Records: 13 July, 02 November 1749; 17 November 1757.
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 13, 20, 27 July, 02, 09, 16 November 1749; 17 November, 15 December 1757.
3. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 30 years old"
  Date of Birth: circa 1724
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro man"
  Notes: Enslaved person offered for sale in February 1754. Possibly the man Scipio (above), who escaped numerous times.
  Philadelphia, Feb. 19, 1753.
  To be sold by the SUBSCRIBER,
  A Negro man, about 30 years old, and a Negro woman, about 21; they are sold for no fault, the owner having no employment for them. Also a house to be lett in Fourth-street, near Market-street. MARCUS KUHL.
  Date of Record: Ad dated 19 February 1753, but was in the 26 February 1754 edition. Is "1753" a possible typo?
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 26 February, 12 March 1754.
4. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
  Sex: Female
  Age: "about 21" (years old)
  Date of Birth: circa 1733
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro woman"
  Notes: Enslaved persons offered for sale in February 1754.
  Philadelphia, Feb. 19, 1753.
  To be sold by the SUBSCRIBER,
  A Negro man, about 30 years old, and a Negro woman, about 21; they are sold for no fault, the owner having no employment for them. Also a house to be lett in Fourth-street, near Market-street. MARCUS KUHL.
  Date of Record: Ad dated 19 February 1753, but was in the 26 February 1754 edition. Is "1753" a possible typo?
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 26 February 1754.
5. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
  Sex: Female
  Age: "about 35 years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1712
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe woman"
  Notes: Enslaved persons offered for sale in December 1747. Text of ad placed by Kuhl: "To be SOLD, A Negroe woman, about 35 years of age, very fit for town or country business. Enquire of Marcus Kuhl, in Market-street, Philadelphia."
  The advertisement ran through February 1748.
  Date of Record: 26 January 1748
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 12 December 1747, 26 January, 02 February 1748.
Slaveholder Name: Lane, Wellsarr
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Cato
  Sex: Male
  Age: "aged 23 years"
  Date of Birth: Circa 1757
  Status: Slave for life -- Self-emancipated on 09 September 1780
  Description: "Negroe Man"
  Notes: Escaped from Lane in September 1780. Text of runaway ad:
  Two Hundred Dollars Reward.
  RAN AWAY from the subscriber, on the ninth inst. a Negroe man named CATO, had on a drab coloured jacket or a brown one, leather breeches, and sundry other apparel. He is about 5 feet 7 inches high, aged 23 years, has remarkable small handsome features, plays on the violin, and took one with him.
  Whoever brings the said Negroe to the subscriber, or John Kidd of Bensalem, Bucks county, Esq; Captain Thomas Reed of Whitehill, near Bordentown; or John Redman, merchant in Front street, Philadelphia, shall receive the above reward, and all reasonable charges.
  WELLSARR LANE.
  Date of Records: 19 September 1780
  Sources: Dunlap and Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser, 19 September 1780.
Slaveholder Name: Lawrence, Thomas
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant, partnered with Edward Shippen;
Notes: Lived 1689-1754. Elected mayor of Philadelphia for six terms, serving 1727 until his death in 1754.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Amaro
  Sex: Male
  Age: "aged about 45 Years"
  Date of Birth: Circa 1677
  Status: Slave for life -- Runaway
  Description: "Negro Man"
  Notes: Escaped from the Sloop Benjamin in August 1722. Text of runaway ad:
  MAde his Escape from the Sloop Benjamin, Samuel Burrows, Master, from Jamaica, as she lay at Marcus Hook, a tall Negro Man named Amaro, aged about 45 Years, having a Scar under one of his Paps. He talks very good Portugueze, and pretty English; bleeds well, and is a good Diver. He jump'd overboard and swam down with the Tide of Ebb, having on only a Pair of Breeches.
  Whoever shall apprehend him, and bring him to Mr. Thomas Lawrence, Merchant in Philadelphia, or to Mr. Joseph Lloyd, Merchant in New York, shall have 3 l. Reward, and all Charges defray'd.
  Date of Records: 09 August 1722.
  Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 09 August 1722.
2. Enslaved Person's Name: Will
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not reported in ad, but described as a "man"
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life -- Runaway
  Description: "Negro Man"
  Notes: Escaped from the Sloop Betty on August 1, 1738. Text of runaway ad:
  RUN away the 2d of November last, from the Sloop Betty, Capt. Stollard, at Lads-Cove, a Negroe Man named Will, belonging to said Thomas Lawrence, he has on an Ozenbrig Shirt, a black Cloath pair of Breeches; a Cinnamon colour'd Pea Jacket, and a Worstard knet Cap, he Speaks very good English, and has lost his Foremost two upper Teeth; he formerly belonged to Jacob Weldon, Black-Smith at Christeen in New-Castle County. Whoever secures the said Negroe so that his Master may have him again, shall have Twenty Shillings Reward.
  Date of Records: 02 December 1725.
  Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 02 December 1725.
3. Enslaved Person's Name: Hannah
  Sex: Female
  Age: "aged about 22 Years"
  Date of Birth: circa 1716
  Status: Slave for life -- Runaway
  Description: "Negro Woman"
  Notes: Born in Barbados. Escaped from Lawrence on August 1, 1738. Text of runaway ad:
  RUN away on the 1st. Inst. from Thomas Lawrence, of this City, a Negro Woman named Hannah, aged about 22 Years, smooth skin'd, likely and very black, of a middle Stature and slender siz'd, speaks good English, had some of her Toes bruised, and has taken a large Bundle of Cloaths with her.
  Whoever secures her so that she is had again, shall be rewarded according to the Law of this Province, and all Persons are forewarned not to entertain her.
  August 3d. 1738
  Hannah was apparently captured and returned to Lawrence, but she escaped again several months later, in late January 1739. Lawrence advertised again for her return, adding a few more details about her personal appearance and her ability to find shelter within the city.
  RUN away from Thomas Lawrence of Philadelphia, Merchant, about six Weeks since, a Negro Woman, named Hannah, Barbadoes born, and speaks good English, of middle Stature and slim, smooth-fac'd, with thick bushy Hair.
  Had on a printed yellow woollen Habit, together with other ordinary Apparel; and is suppos'd to be secreted either in the City or near it, being accustomed to running away.
  Whoever will bring her, or give Notice where she is, shall have Ten Shillings Reward; and the Person that will give Information who secretes her, so that due Proof may be made, shall receive Thirty Shillings Reward, from Thomas Lawrence.
  Philad. March 10, 1738,9.
  Of particular interest in the second runaway notice is Lawrence's action toward those who were protecting and sheltering his escaped slave. He offered a separate reward of thirty shillings for anyone who provided information on who was protecting and sheltering Hannah, which was three times more than the ten shillings offered just for Hannah's return.
  Lawrence ran one more updated notice, dated April 25, 1739, in which he reported "She has been seen about 4 Weeks since, in this City with a short Cloak and a Straw Hat on." He also repeated his belief that she was being hidden by persons in the city. That last notice was published in The American Weekly Mercury through May 17, 1739.
  Date of Records: 3 August 1738; 10 March, 25 April 1739.
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 17 August 1738; 15 March 1739; The American Weekly Mercury, 17 May 1739.
Slaveholder Name: Lawrence, Widow
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Living on Front Street.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not mentioned in ad
  Sex: Female
  Age: Age not given, but described as a "wench"
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Mulatto Wench"
  Notes: Advertised for sale in Text of ad: "To be SOLD, A Likely Mulatto Wench, that can do all Manner of House Work, and is a very good Needle-woman. Enquire of the Widow Lawrence, in Front-street, or Thomas lawrence, opposite the Baptist Meeting, in Second-street.
  Date of Records: 05 May 1757
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 05 May 1757.
Slaveholder Name: Leak, Thomas
City or Township:
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Caesar
  Sex: Male
  Age: Three years old at baptism
  Date of Birth: circa 1775
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Slave"
  Notes: Son of Thomas and Letitia. Slave of Thomas Leak. Baptized on February 4, 1778 at St. Joseph's Church, Philadelphia. Sponsor Catherine Gordon.
  Date of Record: 04 February 1778
  Sources: "LIST OF BAPTISMS REGISTERED AT ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA. (SECOND SERIES.) FROM JANUARY I, 1776, OCTOBER 21, 1781." Records of the American Catholic Historical Society of Philadelphia, vol. 2, 1886, pp. 225–75. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44207452. Accessed 29 Jan. 2024.
2. Enslaved Person's Name: Letitia
  Sex: Female
  Age: Adult female, mother of Caesar
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Slave"
  Notes: With Thomas, parent of Caesar, who was baptized on February 4, 1778 at St. Joseph's Church, Philadelphia.
  Date of Record: 04 February 1778
  Sources: "LIST OF BAPTISMS REGISTERED AT ST. JOSEPH’S CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA. (SECOND SERIES.) FROM JANUARY I, 1776, OCTOBER 21, 1781." Records of the American Catholic Historical Society of Philadelphia, vol. 2, 1886, pp. 225–75. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44207452. Accessed 29 Jan. 2024.
Slaveholder Name: Livingston, Darrel
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Kitt
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 20 years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1760
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Man"
  Notes: Escaped in October 1780. Text of runaway ad placed by Livingston:
  Six Hundred Dollars Reward.
  RAN-AWAY from the subscriber, a NEGROE MAN, named KITT, about 20 years of age, about 5 feet 5 inches high, well sett, a little pock marked; had on a grey coloured cloth jacket and trowsers, took sundry other cloaths with him, has endeavored to pass for a free man and signed the articles of the ship Confederacy. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and delivers him up to the subscriber, or secures him in any goal in the United States, shall have the above reward and reasonable charges paid, by DARREL LIVINGSTON.
  N.B. All masters of vessels and others are forbid to harbour or carry him off at their peril.
  Kitt "signed the articles of the ship Confederacy," indicating that he intended to sail on the ship as a free crewmember. A ship's articles of agreement are the legal document between a crewmember and the ship's captain, specifying compensation, the regulations of the ship and applicable punishments, duration of voyage and other details. The Confederacy was a 36-gun frigate built in 1777-1778 for the United States Continental Navy. It operated frequently out of Philadelphia.
  Date of Record: 14 October 1780
  Sources: Dunlap and Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser, 14 October 1780.
Slaveholder Name: Loxley, Benjamin
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Architect, Master Builder, carpenter, soldier
Notes: Associated with the building of Carpenter's Hall in Philadelphia. See the online biography, here: https://www.philadelphiabuildings.org/pab/app/ar_display.cfm/26890.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
  Sex: Female
  Age: "about 21 Years of Age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1739
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Wench"
  Notes: Offered for sale in 1760 along with her 2-year-old son: "To be SOLD, A YOUNG Negroe Wench; she can cook, wash and iron, and do other Sorts of House-work well, is about 21 Years of Age, and has had the Small-pox and Measles. Also a Son of hers, named Caesar, about two Years old, who has also had the Small-pox and Measles. Enquire at the New-Printing Office, or of Benjamin Loxley, in Philadelphia."
  Date of Record: 17 January 1760
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 17 January 1760
2. Slave Name: Caesar
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about two Years old"
  Date of Birth: circa 1758
  Status: Slave for life, son of the un-named young woman above.
  Description:
  Notes: Offered for sale in 1760 along with his mother: "To be SOLD, . . .Also a Son of hers, named Caesar, about two Years old, who has also had the Small-pox and Measles. Enquire at the New-Printing Office, or of Benjamin Loxley, in Philadelphia."
  Date of Record: 17 January 1760
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 17 January 1760
Slaveholder Name: Luke, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 17 Years of Age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1721
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro Boy"
  Notes: Offered for sale in August 1738. Text of sale ad: "To be SOLD, A Likely Negro Boy, Barbadoes Born, about 17 Years of Age, who has had the Small Pox. Enquire of John Luke at William Calender's in Second Street near Peter Stretch's."
  Date of Record: 24 August 1738
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 24 August 1738.
Slaveholder Name: Lukens, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Pero, or Peter
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 24 years old"
  Date of Birth: circa 1737
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Sailor Negro Man"
  Notes: Pero jumped ship about December 3, 1761. John Lukens placed the following ad to recover him:
  RUN-away, this Morning from the Brig Hannah, a Sailor Negro Man named Pero, or Peter, about 24 years old, full faced, speaks bad English, 5 feet 9 inches high, wears Sailor Cloaths. Whoever takes up and secures said Negro, shall have TWO PISTOLES Reward and reasonable Charges paid by JOHN LUKENS.
  Date of Record: 03 December 1761
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, 03 December 1761.
Slaveholder Name: Lusher, George
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Ship's captain
Notes:
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Jack, a.k.a. Ben
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 22 Years of Age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1740
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Fellow"
  Notes: Born in Curacao, Jack jumped ship on July 1, 1762. George Lusher placed the following ad to recover him:
  RUN-AWAY from Capt. Richard Todd, Commander of the Sloop Henry, about the First of this inst. July, A likely Negroe Fellow, about 5 feet 6 inches high, born in Coracoa, about 22 Years of Age, called Jack, but carried with him a Negroe's free Pass, who was called Ben, and it is supposed he goes by that Name. The said Pass was signed by William Poppell, Esq; Whoever apprehends him, and delivers him to the Subscriber, or to Mr. Emanuel Josiah, opposite the London Coffee-House, or secures him in any Goal, shall have Three Pounds Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by GEORGE LUSHER.
  Date of Record: 22 July 1762
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 22 July 1762.
Slaveholder Name: Mackie, Thomas and Peter
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchants, shipping, 119 South Front Street
Notes:
1. Enslaved Person's Name: William Williams, a.k.a. Johnston
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 22 years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1778
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Mullato man"
  Notes: Williams escaped from the ship Constellation in early December 1800.
  20 Dollars Reward.
  RAN away from the frigate Constellation, captain Murray, at Marcus Hook, a mulatto man, named WILLIAM WILLIAMS, but better known by the name of JOHNSTON. --
  He was fifer to the marines on board said ship, about 22 years of age, 5 feet, 7 or 8 inches high, a little pock marked, full faced and free, open countenance, stout made, his hair tied in a short queue -- Had on when he went away, an olive color'd jacket, and pantaloons, the colour of which is not recollected. Having been accustomed to the sea, it is probable he has entered, and sailed, on board some merchant ship. --
  Ten Dollars will be given for certain information, what vessel he has sailed on board of, or the above reward and reasonable expences, for securing him, in any part of the United States, and giving immediate information thereof, to RICHARD CURSAN, Esquire, of Baltimore, JAMES SETON, Esqr. of New-York, or the subscribers in Philadelphia.
  Thomas & Peter Mackie,
  No. 119, south Front street.
  December 8.
  As the Constellation was a United States Navy warship, and Williams' escape was not advertised as desertion, it is possible that he was enslaved by merchants Thomas and Peter Mackie and hired out to work on the ship. During the time he was on the frigate, it was used in the Quasi-War with France, engaging French privateers in the Caribbean. Two years earlier, Secretary of the Navy Benjamin Stoddert had banned "Negroes and Mulattoes" from serving in the Navy or Marines. Despite this ban, African Americans were still used on US Navy warships during this period.
  Date of Record: 08 December 1800
  Sources: Gazette of the United States and Daily Advertiser (Philadelphia), 09 December 1800; "Frigate Constellation," Naval History and Heritage Command, https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/ships/original-frigates/frigate-constellation.html, accessed 10 July 2024.
Slaveholder Name: Macky, James
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant
Notes: Residence at Wood and Fourth Streets, offered for sale in 1750 (see ad below)
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Tobey
  Sex: Male
  Age: "betwixt 40 and 50 years old"
  Date of Birth: circa 1700-1710
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe man"
  Notes: Tobey escaped on April 1, 1750 in company with William McCay, a white servant to James West. His decision to run may have been prompted by knowledge that Macky intended to sell his property in Philadelphia. See the ad below, placed by James West, owner of the servant McCay:
  RUN away from James West, the first of April last, a servant man, named William M'Cay, a small short fellow, his right eye looks red; he had on when he went away, a blue jacket, and a short striped flannel jacket under it, a pair of trowsers, and under them a pair of cloth breeches, too long for him, and were ripped at the knees; he had two shirts on, one ozenbrigs, the other check linnen, he is supposed to have run away with a Negroe man, named Tobey, who left hs master the same day the other did; the Negroe had on a dark coloured duffil great coat, much torn, he is a lusty well-set fellow, betwixt 40 and 50 years old, has sundry jackets, and coarse and fine shirts; they have no doubt changed their apparel; the Negroe speaks good English, born in Philadelphia. Whoever takes up the white servant, shall have Three Pounds reward, and reasonable charges, paid by James West; and whoever takes up the Negroe above, shall have Forty Shillings, paid by James Macky, and charges.
  
  Said James Macky, will dispose of the house he now lives in, and the lot, on reasonable terms, either for ready money or credit; it is pleasantly situated at the north end of the city, has 200 feet front on Wood-street, and 25 on Fourth-street, free of quit rent. Enquire of said Macky, and know further.
  Date of Record: 7 June 1750
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 7 June 1750
Slaveholder Name: MacPherson, John
City or Township: Northern Liberties
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Names not given in ad
  Sex: Male
  Ages: Ages not given, but described as "men."
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro Men"
  Notes: Two men advertised for sale following the advertisement to rent MacPherson's large farm in the Northern Liberties:
  July 6.
  To be Let, and may be entered on immediately,
  THE plantation on which the subscriber now lives, in the Northern Liberties, on Schuylkill, containing 110 acres of land, on which are a convenient dwelling house, distinct from the principal tenement which will be reserved, a good barn, stable, and other necessary out-houses; a garden of one acre and a half of ground, inclosed within a stone wall; three young orchards of 200 trees; 25 acres of wood land; and 20 acres of good meadow, and more may easily be made. The remainder is well cleared, and the soil is good. It will be rented in one or two parts, as will be found most convenient. If a tenant chuses, 6 cows and two horses will be rented with the place.
  TO BE SOLD,
  TWO young healthy NEGRO MEN; the one well acquainted with the business of a farm, the other with that of a garden. They can be well recommended for honesty, sobriety, and obedience, and have had the small-pox.
  JOHN MACPHERSON.
  Date of Record: 06 July 1769
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal or Weekly Advertiser, 06 July 1769.
Slaveholder Name: Magill, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Residence on Third Street, near Vine Street
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Glasgow, also known as Gloucester
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 48 years old"
  Date of Birth: circa 1726
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Black man slave"
  Notes: Has a wife in Winchester, Virginia. He escaped from Magill in late August 1774. Text of the advertisement placed by Magill to recover him:
  EIGHT DOLLARS REWARD.
  RAN AWAY the night of the 25th of August inst. from the subscriber living in Third-street, near Vine-street, Philadelphia, a black man slave, named GLASGOW, but may probably change his name to GLOUCESTER, having been some part of his life known by that name as his owner has been informed, Virginia born, about 48 years old, 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, is lively and active of his age, a good groom, coachman and house-servant, having been from his infancy bred in those several ways; He took with him an old negro cotton coat and lapelled jacket, a pair of buckskin breeches dyed purple, a white linen shirt, brown thread stockings, good shoes, and an old beaver hat. He is supposed to have gone towards Winchester in Virginia, having a wife there who is a very indifferent hussey, and only left that last fall with the subscriber. Whoever takes up and secures him, so that his master may have him again, shall have the above Reward and reasonably charges, paid by JOHN MAGILL.
  Date of Record: 12 September 1774
  Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 12 September 1774
Slaveholder Name: Marks, Joseph
City or Township: Near Germantown
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant and trader, shop on Walnut Street
Notes: Marks worked with slave trader Robert Ellis, being instructed by Ellis to purchase Africans in the Caribbean and transport them to Pennsylvania.
Source: Darold D. Wax, "Robert Ellis, Philadelphia Merchant and Slave Trader," The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography Vol. 88, No. 1 (Jan., 1964), p 65-66.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Names not provided in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: Ages not stated. Described as "men."
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slaves for life
  Description: "Negro Men"
  Notes: Offered for sale in November 1742 along with a woman. Text of sale notice: "To be SOLD, By Jose[p]h Marks, in Walnut-Street, Philadelphia, TWO young likely Negro Men, and one Negro Woman, fit for Town or Country. Likewise good Muscavado Sugar."
  Date of Record: 25 November 1742
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 25 November 1742.
2. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided in ad
  Sex: Female
  Age: Age not stated. Described as a "woman."
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro Woman"
  Notes: Offered for sale in November 1742 along with two young men. Text of sale notice: "To be SOLD, By Jose[p]h Marks, in Walnut-Street, Philadelphia, TWO young likely Negro Men, and one Negro Woman, fit for Town or Country. Likewise good Muscavado Sugar."
  Date of Record: 25 November 1742
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 25 November 1742.
3. Enslaved Person's Name: Names not provided in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: Ages not stated. Described as "men."
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slaves for life
  Description: "Negroe men"
  Notes: Offered for sale in September 1753. The notice of sale appeared at the end of a detailed description of an estate for sale or rent, near Germantown. After the description of the estate was the note: "N.B. To be sold, Two likely Negroe men."
  Date of Record: 6 September 1753
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 6 September 1753.
4. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not stated. Described as a "boy."
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro boy"
  Notes: Offered for sale in April 1761. The notice of sale appeared at the end of a detailed description of an estate for sale near Germantown. After the description of the estate was the note: "ALSO, To be sold a likely NEGRO boy fit to wait on a gentleman."
  Date of Record: 16 April 1761
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal, 16 April 1761.
5. Enslaved Person's Name: Joseph Damney
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 34 or 35 years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1734 or 1735
  Status: Captured and jailed in Lancaster as a potential escaped slave
  Description: "Negroe man"
  Notes: Lancaster County Jailer George Eberly advertised in the Pennsylvania Gazette in December 1769 to find the enslaver, identified by the captured man as Joseph Marks of Philadelphia. Eberly also suspects it is another enslaver in that city, Joseph Watkins, Jr. See notes following. Text of jailer's advertisement:
  Lancaster Goal, December the 8th, 1769. WAS committed to my custody, a Negroe man, who called himself Joseph Damney, and says he belongs to Joseph Marks, of Philadelphia; said Negroe is about 5 feet 3 or 4 inches high, and about 34 or 35 years of age; had on, when committed, a blue jacket, an old felt hat, a pair of old tow trowsers, and good shoes; he is a chunky built fellow, I think, according to an advertisement in the news-paper, that his name is Tom Tony, and that he belongs to Joseph Watkins, junior, of Philadelphia. His master, if any he has, is therefore desired to come, or send, and pay his fees, otherwise he will be sold out, in 5 weeks from the date hereof, by GEORGE EBERLY, Goaler.
  Eberly suspected this man was Tom Tony, who had escaped from Joseph Watkins, Jr., in Philadelphia, but his description differs significantly from Watkins' description of Tom Tony, specifically in the physical description. Tom Tony was described as "tall and slender," whereas this man is short and "chunky built." The clothing also differs in every respect, although clothing can be changed.
  Date of Record: 08 December 1769
  Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 04 January 1770.
Slaveholder Name: Marque, M
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Residence at "Mr. Burrowe's," 52 North Second Street
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not stated. Described as a "boy." If his total term of enslavement was the typical 28 years, he would be about 14 years old.
  Date of Birth: Possibly born in 1781. See note above.
  Status: Fourteen years of enslavement remaining in term.
  Description: "French Negro Boy"
  Notes: Offered for sale in September 1795. Text of advertisement placed in Philadelphia papers: "FOR SALE, THE Time of a French Negro Boy, having still fourteen years to serve. He is used to attend a person, and begins to speak tolerable English -- Inquire of M. Marque, No. 52, North Second-street, at Mr. Burrowe's. Sept. 24."
  Date of Record: 24 September 1795
  Sources: Aurora General Advertiser (Philadelphia), 30 September 1795.
Slaveholder Name: Martin, Anthony, Captain
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Ship's captain, Brig Molly
Notes:
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Argentcour
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 40 years old"
  Date of Birth: circa 1744
  Status: Slave for life; escaped
  Description: "Negro Cook"
  Notes: Argentcour jumped ship while docked in Philadelphia. Text of advertisement placed in Philadelphia papers:
  Four Dollars Reward.
  RAN-AWAY last night, from on board the brig Molly, captain Anthony Martin, lying at Salter's wharf, a NEGRO COOK, named ARGENTCOUR, about 40 years old, five feet five or six inches high. His legs are spotted with white, he talks no other language but French, is dressed in sailor's cloaths, is often drunk, and got lately by a fall, a scar under the left eye. Those who will discover or bring back the said negro, shall receive the above reward, and all reasonable charges besides.
  Apply to the Captain on board, or to Peter le Maigre, merchant, at his store in Water-street above Market-street.
  N.B. All masters of vessels are forbid to carry him off at their peril. Oct. 20.
  Date of Record: 20 October 1784
  Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 23 October 1784.
Slaveholder Name: Masters, William
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Founder and trustee of the College and Academy of Philadelphia, now University of Pennsylvania. He inherited the estate "Green Spring," which in the 1740s was said to have 34 enslaved people, and operated the Globe Mill.
Source: "William Masters, d. 1760," Penn People, University Archives of the University of Pennsylvania, webpage accessed 1 November 2023: https://archives.upenn.edu/exhibits/penn-people/biography/william-masters/.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Various enslaved persons, names not stated in advertisement
  Sex: Male and female
  Age: "Men, Women and Children"
  Date of Birth: Various
  Status: Slaves for life
  Description: "Negroes"
  Notes: This listing represesnts an unknown number of enslaved persons who faced public auction in Philadelphia on December 23, 1760, in order to liquidate the estate of the slaveholder, William Masters. The advertisement placed by his executors:
  TO be sold by public Vendue, on Tuesday the Twenty-third of this instant December, at the Plantation of William Masters, Esq; late deceased, a Number of likely Negroes, Men, Women and Children, Cattle, Horses, Carts, and a Waggon, with Gears, a Quantity of Scantling, and some Utensils of Husbandry, &c.
  Also a large Parcel of Hay, by the Ton or larger Quantity. Any Persons inclining to have any of the Negroes or hay, may purchase thes same at any Time before the Day of Sale, by applying to MARY MASTERS, JOSEPH FOX, OR JOSEPH GALLOWAY, Execut.
  
  Executrix Mary Masters, named in the advertisement above, was William Masters's widow Mary Lawrence Masters. Several years after William's death she built a mansion at 190 High (now Market) Street. It was this mansion that became the now famous "President's House" for George Washington between 1790 and 1797, while Philadelphia was the national capital. Washington brought his own enslaved workers to this mansion during his presidency, but was careful to send them back to Mount Vernon in Virginia or to New Jersey on a regular schedule in order to avoid the automatic freedom that would have been legally extended to them after six months of unbroken residency under Pennsylvania's laws. It was from this residence that one of George Washington's enslaved persons, Oney Judge, escaped in 1796.
  An engrossing website devoted to the history of the President's House, including its complex history of enslavement, is online at https://www.ushistory.org/presidentshouse/index.php.
  Date of Record: 18 December 1760
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 18 December 1760; "Memory and Truth: Excavating “Liberty” at the President’s House," Independence National Historical Park, National Park Service, webpage accessed 1 November 2023: https://www.nps.gov/articles/excavating-presidents-house.htm.
Slaveholder Name: May, Widow
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Identified as the former owner of Caesar, below.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Caesar
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about sixteen or seventeen years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1758 or 1759
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro Boy"
  Notes: Formerly a slave owned by Widow May. Escaped from Anthony Hull on January 18, 1775.
  Date of Record: 28 January 1775
  Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 30 January 1775.
Slaveholder Name: McAlister, Patrick
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Residence "at the lower end of Arch-street"
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not provided, but described as a young boy
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Young Negroes"
  Notes: Two young persons, a boy and a girl, were advertised for sale by McAlister in December 1751:
  TO be sold by the subscriber, living at the lower end of Arch-street, in this city, Two young Negroes, a boy and a girl.
  Enquire of Patrick M'Alister.
  N.B. They have both had the Small-pox; and the boy has been bred a little to the Silvermith's Business.
  Date of Record: 05 December 1751
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 05 December 1751.
2. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
  Sex: Female
  Age: Age not provided, but described as a young girl
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Young Negroes"
  Notes: Two young persons, a boy and a girl, were advertised for sale by McAlister in December 1751. See the entry above for the text of the ad.
  Date of Record: 05 December 1751
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 05 December 1751.
Slaveholder Name: McAulay, Alexander
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not provided in ad, but described as a "boy."
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro Boy"
  Notes: Advertised for sale by McAulay in March 1731: "A Very likely Negro Boy to be sold by Alexander McAulay at Messieurs Reddish and Paxton's, Sadlers, opposite to the Great Meeting-House, Philadelphia."
  Date of Record: 25 August 1726
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 25 March 1731.
Slaveholder Name: McCall, Ann
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Widow
Notes: Residence on Spruce Street
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
  Sex: Female
  Age: "about 12 Years of age"
  Date of Birth: Circa 1749
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "New Negro Girl"
  Notes: Advertised for sale by McCall in November 1761: "TO BE SOLD, A Likely New Negro Girl, about 12 Years of age. For further Particulars, enquire of Mrs. Ann M'Call, Widow, in Spruce street."
  Date of Record: 12 November 1761
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal or Weekly Advertiser, 12 November 1761.
Slaveholder Name: McCall, George
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant
Notes: Brother of Samuel McCall. Died 1740. McCall included enslaved persons in his regular inventory of goods for sale from his store, or directly from a ship. He can be classified as a slave dealer, even though he sold other merchandise.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
  Sex: Female
  Age: "about Twenty one Years of Age"
  Date of Birth: Circa 1705
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Woman"
  Notes: Advertised for sale by McCall in August 1726: "A Very likley Negroe Woman about Twenty one Years of Age, fit for all manner of House-work, as Washing, Starching, Ironing, &c. To be sold by George Mac Call."
  Date of Record: 25 August 1726
  Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 25 August 1726.
2. Enslaved Person's Names: Names not provided
  Sex: Female and Male
  Ages: Specific ages not given, but described as "Young Negroes."
  Dates of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slaves for life
  Description: "Young Negroes"
  Notes: Advertised for sale by McCall in May 1729: "LATELY Imported from Barbadoes in the Sloop Rose, Joseph Wilson, Master now lying at Mr. Fishtour's Wharf; a Parcel of very likely Young Negroes of both Sexes, to be sold, very reasonably, by George M'Call Merchant in Philadelphia, either for Money, Flour, Bisket or Pork."
  This ad appeared in the newspaper directly above a similar ad offering a "parcel" of enslaved persons being sold by John Connor, 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.
3. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not provided, but described as a man
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro men"
  Notes: Two men were advertised for sale by McCall in May 1736: "TO BE SOLD, TWO very likely young Negro Men, by George M'Call."
  Date of Record: 27 May 1736
  Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 27 May 1736.
4. Enslaved Person's Name: Names not provided
  Sex: Male and Female
  Age: Ages not provided, but described as a men, a woman, and a young child.
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slaves for life
  Descriptions: "Negro men," "Negro woman," "Young Child"
  Notes: These persons were advertised for sale by McCall in April 1739: "TO BE SOLD, TWO Negro Men and a Woman with a young Child by George M'Call."
  Date of Record: 26 April 1739
  Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 26 April 1739.
5. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
  Sex: Female
  Age: Age not provided, but described as a woman
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro Woman"
  Notes: This person was advertised by the executors of George McCall's estate:
  "To be sold by [the executors of George McCall, deceased] sundry Plantations, formerly advertised; Variety of European Goods, and a very likely Negro Woman, that washes and irons exceedingly well, and is fit for any House-work besides.
  Ann M'Call, Samuel M'Call, and others, the Executors.
  Date of Record: 8 October 1741
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 8 October 1741.
Slaveholder Name: McCall, George 2
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant, "House over the Draw-Bridge"
Notes:
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not provided in ad, but described as a "young boy"
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Young Negro Boy"
  Notes: Advertised for sale by McCall in November 1750: "TO BE SOLD, BY George McCall, at his House over the Draw-Bridge, A choice parcel of Fyall Wines; also a likely young Negro Boy."
  Date of Record: 01 November 1750
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal or Weekly Advertiser, 01 November 1750.
Slaveholder Name: McCall, Samuel, Sr.
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant
Notes: Brother of George McCall.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not given in ad. Described in ad as a "fellow." Is old enough to have spent "some years" at sea.
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe fellow"
  Notes: Experienced sailor as well as a skilled blacksmith. Offered for sale in December 1751. Text of sale ad placed by Samuel McCall, Senior:
  To be sold by SAMUEL M'CALL, senior, In Water-street,
  A Stout likely Negroe fellow, who understands something of the Blacksmith's trade, and has been at sea for some years as a sailor. Also a choice parcel of Fyall and other wines, very reasonable.
  "Fyall" was a wine imported from the Portuguese Azores, made on the Azorean island of Faial.
  Date of Record: 03 October 1751; ad ran through December 1751.
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 03 October 1751.
Slaveholder Name: McCall, Samuel, Jr.
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Brother-in-law to William Plumsted.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Tom
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 22 or 23 Years of Age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1723 or 1724
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Man"
  Notes: Tom escaped from McCall in July 1746. Text of the advertisement placed by McCall to recover him:
  Philadelphia, July 3, 1746
  RUN away from Samuel M'Call, jun. a Negroe Man, named Tom, a very likely Fellow, about 22 or 23 Years of Age, about 5 Foot 10 Inches high, speaks good English, has been a Privateering; has several good Cloaths on, with Check Shirts, some new; formerly belonged to Dr. Shaw, of Burlington. Whoever secures said Negroe, in any County Goal, so that his Master may have him again, shall have a PISTOLE Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by
  SAMUEL M'CALL, jun.
  N.B. He is a sensible, active Fellow, and runs well.
  Date of Record: 03 July 1746
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 10, 17 July 1746.
Slaveholder Name: McCalley, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Tailor
Notes: Located in Norris Alley.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about Twenty four Years of Age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1737
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Man"
  Notes: Advertised for sale or to be hired out, in November 1761:
  To be SOLD, or Hired out,
  A LIKELY young Negroe Man, about Twenty four Years of Age, fit for Town or Country Business, has had the Small-pox and Measles, understands Cooking, Washing, &c. is very sober and honest, and would be extremely useful in a Tavern. For further Particulars, enquire of John M'Calley, Taylor in Norris's Alley, Philadelphia.
  Date of Record: 05 November 1761
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 05 November 1761.
Slaveholder Name: McComb, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided in ad
  Sex: Female
  Age: "about 17 Years of Age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1703
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Indian Woman"
  Notes: This woman escaped from McCall in March 1720. It is a reminder that Native Americans were also enslaved by early colonists in large numbers in the early decades of African enslavement. Native Americans escaped from their enslavers in large numbers, however, which became a factor in colonists turning more to African and European forced labor. Below is the text of the advertisement placed by McComb to recover her:
  THis Day Run away from John M'Comb, Junier, an Indian Woman, about 17 Years of Age, Pitted in the face, of a middle Stature and Indifferent fatt, having on her a Drugat, Wastcoat and Kersey Petticoat, of a Light Collour. If any Person or Persons, shall bring the said Girle to her said Masteh, shall be Rewarded for their Trouble to their Content.
  Date of Record: 24 March 1720
  Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 24 March 1720
Slaveholder Name: McCummin, Jacob
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Name of a previous owner, supplied by Green to his captor. Per Green, McCummin purchased him from Hugh Hughes and in turn sold him to Walter Baker of Seneca Creek, Maryland, from whom Green escaped sometime in late 1772. A history of the Baker settlers and plantations in that area may be found in Jefferson County (West Virginia) Historical Society Magazine (December 31,2018), pages 44-50. Hugh Hughes was likely the Philadelphia lawyer who gained ownership of Greenwich Forge in Warren County, New Jersey and moved there in 1765.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Ezekiel Green
  Sex: Male
  Age: "aged twenty-six years"
  Date of Birth: circa 1746
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Man"
  Notes: In November 1772 Green was captured at Mount Hope Furnace in New Jersey and jailed as a suspected runaway slave. He provided his captors with a history of previous owners as well as his current owner in Maryland, from whom he had escaped. One of the names given as a previous owner was Jacob McCummin of Philadelphia. Text of the advertisement placed by New Jersey furnace owner Frederick King to find Green's owner and recover his expenses:
  Morris Town, Dec. 6, 1772.
  APPREHENDED AND TAKEN UP,
  ON MONDAY the ninth day of November last, at Mount Hope Furnace, in the county of Morris, and province of East New-Jersey, and now secured in the common gaol of said county, a certain negro man named EZEKIEL GREEN, aged twenty-six years, five feet eight or nine inches high, strait limbed and rather slim built, says that he is a forgeman and shoemaker, and was taught both trades by Jacob Starn, Esq; of Sussex county, who sold him to Hugh Hughes, Esq; and said Hughes to Jacob M'Cummin, of Philadelphia, and said M'Cummin to Walter Baker of Maryland, near Seneca Creek, his present master. This is to desire his master to apply to the subscriber (who apprehended the said negro) living at Morris-town, in the said county of Morris, and pay him for his trouble and expences in apprehending the said negro and maintaining him since his confinement, together with gaol fees, &c. and the said negro shall be delivered up to his master.
  FREDERICK KING.
  Date of Record: 06 December 1772
  Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 28 December 1772
Slaveholder Name: McDonald, Daniel
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: McDonald purchased an enslaved female of John Davis of Montgomery County, but discovered that the "title" to the person was flawed and he had signed a bond to Davis of forty pounds but was not legally entitled to own the person. His notice of "injury" below, was published in local newspapers.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided in notice
  Sex: Female
  Age: Age is not provided in the notice. The descriptive term "wench" could refer to a female aged anywhere from a very young teen to an aged woman. The stated price of the sale, forty pounds, indicates a person valued less than an adult woman in her prime working years.
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Wench"
  Notes: McDonald believed he was legally purchasing this person from John Davis of Montgomery Township (now county), but the title to ownership was flawed and he published a notice that he would not honor the debt if he could legally avoid doing so:
  Philadelphia, November 1, 1762.
  WHEREAS John Davis, of the Township of Montgomery, and County of Philadelphia, hath bargained and sold to me a Negroe Wench, for which I have executed a Bond for the Sum of Forty Pounds, dated in July last past; but forasmuch as I find that the Title to said bargained Wench was not as said John Davis engaged, whereby I am grievously wronged, I design to try all Means and Methods in Law or Equity, to avoid Payment of said Bond yet out-standing; therefore all Manner of Persons are forewarned and requested not to take an Assignment thereon, and oblige their injured Friend,
  DANIEL M'DONALD.
  The notice above illustrates an issue that would become increasingly common, that of enslaved persons being "sold" to unknowing purchasers by sellers who did not legally own them. Although McDonald does not state the exact problem with this person's title of ownership, the most likely reason is that she was either free, or enslaved by another person. Either instance would implicate Davis as a kidnapper. In this instance, Davis appears to be a respected individual within his community, and the problem with the woman's ownership may be only a misunderstanding. Within a few decades, however, the kidnapping of free Blacks for this purpose would become epidemic in Philadelphia and spread throughout south central Pennsylvania and eventually most of the Middle Atlantic states.
  Date of Record: 01 November 1762
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 04 November 1762.
Slaveholder Name: McKenzie, Kenneth, Captain
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Located on Union Street
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided in ad
  Sex: Female
  Age: "22 Years old"
  Date of Birth: 1741
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Woman"
  Notes: Advertised for sale in May 1756: "To be SOLD, for want of Employ, A NEGROE Woman, 22 Years old, fit for Town or Country Work. For Terms and Particulars, enquire at Capt. Kennith McKenzie's, in Union-street."
  Date of Record: 21 July 1763
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 21 July 1763.
Slaveholder Name: McPherson, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Residence on Society Hill
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided in ad
  Sex: Female
  Age: "about Fifteen Years of Age"
  Date of Birth: 1741
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Girl"
  Notes: Advertised for sale in May 1756: "To be SOLD by JOHN M'PHERSON, On Society Hill, A LIKELY Negroe Girl, about Fifteen Years of Age, fit for Town or Country Business."
  Date of Record: 06 May 1756
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 06 May 1756.
Slaveholder Name: Meade, Garrett
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant
Notes: Had a store in partnership with George Meade on Walnut Street, "next Door to Mr. James Claypool's" Garrett and George Meade were sons of merchant Robert Meade.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
  Sex: Female
  Age: Age not stated, but described as a "girl."
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slaves for life
  Description: "Negroe Girl"
  Notes: Advertised for sale in June 1761: "To be SOLD by GARRETT MEADE, In Walnut street, next Door to Mr. James Claypool's, A Likely NEGROE GIRL." A year earlier, in June 1760 at the bottom of his regular advertisement for an "assortment of goods," Meade included the note "Also a Likely Negroe Wench." This is probably the same enslaved girl.
  Date of Record: 11 June 1761
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 26 June 1760, 11 June 1761.
Slaveholder Name: Meade, Robert
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant
Notes: Died 1754.
1. 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: Escaped from Meade on June 29, 1746:
  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.
2. Enslaved Person's Name: Newton
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not stated
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe servant"
  Notes: Inventoried as part of Robert Meade's estate.
  Date of Record: circa 1754
  Sources: R. W. Meade, "George Meade," American Catholic Historical Researches, Vol. 6, No. 3 (July 1889), p. 100.
Slaveholder Name: Meade, Thomas
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Harry
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 20 years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1727
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe man"
  Notes: Harry escaped from Thomas Meade on October 14, 1747:
  Philadelphia, Octob. 22. 1747.
  RUN away on Saturday last, from Thomas Meade, a Negroe man named Harry, about 20 years of age, very black and comely featur'd, of a meek countenance. Had on when he went away, a thunder and lightning coat, with brass buttons, a light-colour'd pair of breeches, and a velvet stock, and took with him sundry clothes. Whoever secures the said Negroe, so as he may be had again, shall receive Twenty Shillings reward, from
  WILLIAM PLUMSTED.
  Date of Record: 22 October 1747
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 29 October 1747.
Slaveholder Name: Meas, James
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 12 Years old"
  Date of Birth: circa 1750
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Lad"
  Notes: Advertised for sale in July 1762:
  TO BE SOLD,
  A Likely NEGROE LAD, about 12 Years old, this Country born, has had the Small-Pox and Measles. Enquire of JAMES MEAS, at the Sign of the Mariner, at the Crooked-billet Wharff, in Philadelphia.
  Date of Record: 08 July 1762
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 08 July 1762.
Slaveholder Name: Meredith, Rees (also Reese, Rhys)
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant
Notes: A Quaker, born in England and educated at Oxford. Meredith came to Philadelphia in 1727 and became a successful merchant. Father of Samuel Meredith.
Sources: American Aristocracy.com, "Reese Meredith (1705-1778)," https://americanaristocracy.com/people/reese-meredith, accessed 24 November 2024.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not stated, but described as a "fellow."
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe fellow"
  Notes: Advertised for sale in September 1747: "To be sold by Rees Meredith, a likely strong Negroe fellow."
  Date of Record: 3 September 1747
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 3 September 1747.
Slaveholder Name: Merrit, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Caulker, Almond Street, Society Hill
Notes:
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
  Sex: Female
  Age: "about 24 Years of Age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1739
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Wench," "Negroe Woman"
  Notes: Merrit tried to sell this person privately, advertising in August 1763: "TO BE SOLD, A NEGROE Woman, this County born, has had the Small-Pox and Measles. Enquire of John Merrit, in Almond-street, near the Blue Bell, on Society Hill." This private sale was unsuccessful and the next month Merrit advertised the same woman to be sold at public auction at the London Coffee House on October 8, 1763:
  September 22.
  TO BE SOLD, By public Vendue, at the London Coffee house, on Saturday the 8th Day of October at 11 o'Clock, if not sold before at private Sale, A Likely healthy Negroe Wench, about 24 Years of Age, this Country born, has had the Small Pox, and Measles, understands Town and Country Business well, can Wash, Iron, Cook very well. For further Particulars enquire of JOHN MERRIT, on Society hill, in Almond street, near the Blue bell.
  Merrit placed a second ad six months later also for a woman to be sold by public auction at the London Coffee House. The description closely matches the one above, suggesting that the first sale did not happen and he was placing her up for auction again:
  TO be sold at the London Coffee house, at 12 o'Clock, on the 17th of March, a likely healthy Negroe Woman, about 25 Years of Age, has had the Small Pox and Measles, can Wash well, and is a good Cook; she can be well recommended for her Honesty. Any Person inclining to purchase the said Negroe before the Day of Sale, may apply to JOHN MERRIT, Caulker, in Almond street, Society hill, near the Blue Bell.
  Date of Record: 22 September 1763, 08 March 1764
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 11 August, 29 September 1763; 08 March 1764.
Slaveholder Name: Miller, Charles
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant, store on South Street Wharf (1783)
Notes: Located "in Arch-street, near Fifth-street" (1779)
Source: The Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 11 December 1779, 29 July 1783.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Thomas Hall
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about thirty-four years old"
  Date of Birth: circa 1747
  Status: Slave for life; escaped
  Description: "Negroe Man"
  Notes: Born in Bermuda. Hall jumped ship, escaping from the ship Revolution in July 1781. He escaped with another enslaved man, Kit Butterfield. Slaveholder Charles Miller placed the following ad to recover the two men:
  Philadelphia, July 12, 1781.
  Two Half-Johanneses Reward.
  RAN-AWAY from the ship Revolution, captain M'Nachtane, laying at Chesnut-street wharf, two NEGROE MEN, both Burmudian born; the one a lusty stout fellow, named THOMAS HALL, five feet eight inches high, about thirty-four years old, a good sailor, had on when he went away, a small round castor hat, almost new, check shirt, white long trowsers, a white jacket with sleeves, a pair of half worn shoes, with round buckles. He may probably change his cloaths, as he had a variety; he is a sulky sour looking fellow, very black, and speaks proper English. The other a short well made man, about twenty-four years of age, named KIT BUTTERFIELD, of a yellowish complexion; his cloaths cannot be exactly described, as he had a variety; when he left the ship, he wore the same kind of cloaths as the above negroe. The above reward will be given to any person that will secure them in any goal, so that they may be had again, and reasonable charges paid, if brought to the subscriber.
  CHARLES MILLER.
  All masters of vessels or others are desired not to harbour or carry them off at their peril.
  Date of Record: 12 July 1781
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser, 14 July 1781.
2. Enslaved Person's Name: Kit Butterfield
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about twenty-four years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1757
  Status: Slave for life; escaped
  Description: "Negroe Man"
  Notes: Born in Bermuda. Butterfield jumped ship, escaping from the ship Revolution in July 1781. He escaped with another enslaved man, Thomas Hall. Slaveholder Charles Miller placed an escaped slave ad to recover the two men. See above for complete text of the ad.
  Date of Record: 12 July 1781
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser, 14 July 1781.
Slaveholder Name: Miller, George
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Joiner
Notes: Shop on Chestnut Street "next door to the Dolphin" tavern.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Names not provided
  Sex: Female
  Age: Age not stated, but described as "women."
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slaves for life
  Description: "Negroe Women"
  Notes: Several enslaved women advertised as part of a "going-out-of-business" sale in May 1738: "GEORGE MILLER, Joiner In Chestnut-Street next Door to the Dolphin, GIVES Notice, that he is about to leave off his Trade, and has a Quantity of Joiners Work, as Chairs, Tables, Desks, Chests of Drawers, &c. to dispose of, and will sell them very reasonably. As also several Negro Women who can both Wash and Sew, very fit for Family Business."
  Date of Record: 11 May 1738
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 11 May 1738.
Slaveholder Name: Millward, George
City or Township: Princeton, New Jersey
County: See notes
Occupation:
Notes: The Hudibras Tavern and the Barracks are in Princeton, New Jersey. Although the tavern was frequented by Pennsylvania travelers, Millward may not be a Pennsylvanian.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: William Newtown
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about fifteen years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1760
  Status: Enslavement status uncertain. Possibly an indentured servant.
  Description: "Malato boy"
  Notes: Newtown escaped from Millward in winter 1775:
  RUN away from the subscriber, a malato boy named WILLIAM NEWTOWN, about fifteen years of age, about four feet eleven inches high; had on when he went away, a long brown coat broke at the elbows, a blue jacket, a pair of leather breeches, a half worn beaver hat macarony fashion, a pair of light blue worsted stockings mended in the heels, a pair of old shoes, and old white shirt. Whoever takes up the said William Newtown, shall have TWO DOLLARS reward paid by me GEORGE MILLWARD, at the sign of Hudibrass near the barracks.
  N.B. All captains of vessels are forwarned not to take the said servant out.
  Date of Record: 30 December 1775
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Ledger or the Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey Weekly Advertiser, 23, 30 December 1775, 06 January 1776.
Slaveholder Name: Mitchell, Joseph
City or Township: Blockley Township
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Farmer, miller, ferryman
Notes: This is the same Joseph Mitchell who maintained a large plantation, mill and ferry in Tredyffrin Township, Chester County. See that page for additional enslavement data.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not stated, but old enough to be an experienced mill and farm worker.
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slaves for life
  Description: "Negroe"
  Notes: One of several enslaved persons, likely a small family, advertised for sale in May 1764:
  TO BE SOLD,
  A Team of good Horses, Gears, a good Waggon, and some Negroes, a Wench that understands House-work well, with or without a Female Child, as it may suit the Buyer, and a Negroe that has been used to Mill and Plantation Work. The Purchaser may have Time for Payment . . .at my House in the Township of Blockley, near Lancaster Road, between 3 and 4 Miles from Philadelphia.
  JOSEPH MITCHELL.
  Date of Record: 31 May 1764
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 31 May 1764.
2. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
  Sex: Female
  Age: 26 (age stated in September 1764 ad)
  Date of Birth: Circa 1739
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Wench"
  Notes: One of several enslaved persons, likely a small family, advertised for sale in May 1764. See above for partial text of the advertisement. This person, the mother of the female child listed below, was advertised for sale in May "with or without a Female Child, as it may suit the Buyer."
  The mother and child were not yet sold by September, when Mitchell placed the following follow-up advertisement
  "TO be sold by the Subscriber, living in Blockley Township, three Miles from Philadelphia, near Lancaster Road, at the Sign of the Cordwainer's Arms, a likely Negroe Wench, 26 Years of Age, has a Female Child, near 3 Years old, and will be sold with or without it, as will suit the Buyer; she understands House-work well."
  Date of Record: 31 May, 6 September 1764,
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 31 May, 06 September 1764.
3. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
  Sex: Female
  Age: "near 3 Years old"
  Date of Birth: Circa 1761 or 1762
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Female Child"
  Notes: One of several enslaved persons, likely a small family, advertised for sale in May and again in September 1764. See above for partial text of the advertisements.
  Date of Record: 31 May, 6 September 1764
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 31 May, 06 September 1764.
Slaveholder Name: Mitchell, Randle
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Importer and merchant, shop "in Water-street, near Walnut-street, at the Sign of the Sugar-Loaf."
Notes: Mitchell began selling imported goods in the 1750s, with detailed ads appearing in The Pennsylvania Gazette in 1758. He partnered with Abraham Usher in the early 1760s to sell goods from their shop on Water Street, but the firm dissolved in 1763 as Usher planned to return to England. By 1766 Mitchell was still urgently requesting that persons who owed debts to the old firm of Usher and Mitchell pay promptly, complaining that the debts were "now long standing." Mitchell's 1767 advertisement, below, requests that persons in debt to him pay their "ballances" so that he may continue to fill orders. That may be a clue he was experiencing financial strain and may have been a factor in his decision to sell Adonis, his "gentleman's house" servant. He continued a vigorous business on Water Street until late 1770, when he advertised the sale of his "Negroe Man Dublin," and his intent to leave for Ireland. His store in Philadelphia was run in his absence by his attorney Hugh Donnaldson. Mitchell returned to Philadelphia in August 1771 and continued business at his store until "quitting the trade" in late 1773, whereupon he sold off his remaining stock. He removed to New Jersey in 1774.
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 04 May 1758, 13 March 1760, 17 April 1766. The Pennsylvania Journal, 27 October 1773.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Adonis
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 16 or 18 Years old"
  Date of Birth: circa 1749 to 1751
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Lad"
  Notes: Mitchell advertised to sell this young man in February 1767. Sale listing for Adonis appears at the end of this ad for his shop:
  Imported in the last Vessels from London, Liverpool, and Glasgow, and to be sold by RANDLE MITCHELL, at his Store, in Water-street, near Walnut-street, at the Sign of the Sugar-Loaf,
  A GOOD Assortment of European and India Goods, suitable for the approaching Season, which he will sell on the lowest Terms possible for Cash, or six Months credit. He requests his Friends, who are indebted to him above the usual credit, to pay such Ballances, which will enable him to execute their orders with the usual Care, Dispatch and Satisfaction.
  N.B. To be sold by said Mitchell, a likely healthy young Negroe Lad, named Adonis, about 16 or 18 Years old, can attend, or do any Business about a Gentleman's House, or may do Country Business, is to be sold for no Fault, but want of present Employ for him.
  Date of Record: 19 February 1767
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 19 February 1767.
2. Enslaved Person's Name: Dublin
  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: Mitchell advertised to sell this man in October 1770, in advance of closing his store and relocating to Ireland:
  RANDLE MITCHELL being determined to leave this Province for Ireland next Month, must again request all Persons, indebted to him, to be speedy in settling and paying off their Accounts, and hopes no Person will lay him under the disagreeable Necessity of putting their Bonds or Accounts into an Attorney's Hands. All Persons, who have any Accounts against him, are desired to bring them in by the first Week in November, when they shall be settled and paid. He has to sell, his Negroe Man DUBLIN, a good House-Servant, and can work in a Sugar-house, having been in one for upwards of two Years; also, some of the best Burlington Pork, Gunpowder and Lead.
  Date of Record: 18 October 1770
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 18 October 1770.
Slaveholder Name: Moland, John
City or Township: Northern Liberties, Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
  Sex: Female
  Age: Age not given, but advertised as a young girl
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro Girl"
  Notes: Moland advertised to sell this person in February 1747: "To be SOLD, A Young and strong Negro Girl. Enquire of JOHN MOLAND, in the Northern Liberties of this City."
  Date of Record: 10 February 1747
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 February 1747.
2. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 29 years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1724
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Man"
  Notes: Moland advertised to sell this person in October 1753: "To be SOLD, A Negroe man, who understands country work, about 29 years of age. Enquire of John Moland."
  Date of Record: 04 October 1753
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 04 October 1753.
Slaveholder Name: Moore, Alexander
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Peruke Maker
Notes: Deceased circa 1761. His pregnant enslaved person noted below was advertised for sale by his executrix, Mary Moore.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not mentioned in ad
  Sex: Pregnant Female
  Age: "about 17 Years of Age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1744
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Girl"
  Notes: This woman was advertised for sale by Mary Moore, executrix of the estate of Alexander Moore:
  ALL Persons indebted to the Estate of ALEXANDER MOORE, of the City of Philadelphia, PERUKE-MAKER, deceased, either by Bonds, Notes or Book Debts, are desired to discharge the same: And all those who have any Demands against said Estate, are desired to bring in their Accounts, that they may be settled and paid, by MARY MOORE, Executrix, THOMAS CHARLTON, and JOHN BLEAKLEY, Executors.
  To be sold, a likely NEGROE GIRL, about 17 Years of Age, is now big with Child. Enquire of MARY MOORE.
  Date of Record: 19 March 1761
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 19 March 1761
Slaveholder Name: Moore, John
City or Township: Germantown
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Previous owner of Toby, a.k.a Joseph, who escaped repeatedly from John Hay in York.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Toby, a.k.a. Joseph
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about twenty-two years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1769
  Status: Slave for life; repeated escapes from enslaver John Hay
  Description: "Mustee Slave" (see notes)
  Notes: As a "Mustee Slave," Toby was the child of a white father and a "Quadroon" mother, or an enslaved mother who was one-quarter Black. Since slave status for mixed race children depended upon the status of the mother, Toby, being one-eighth Black, was a slave because his maternal great-grandmother was an enslaved Black woman. Toby escaped from Hay on December 13, 1789. Toby was returned to Hay, but escaped again in January 1791. See the entry for slaveholder John Hay of York for the full text of both runaway ads and physical descriptions of Toby.
  Dates of Records: 15 December 1789; 24 January 1791
  Source: The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, 13 January 1790, 16 February 1791.
Slaveholder Name: Moore, Mordecai
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
1. Enslaved Person's Name: John Powell, a.k.a. Jack
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not given in escape notice, but described as a "man."
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Uncertain, possibly indentured servitude but the amount of reward is similar to that offered for the return of enslaved persons.
  Description: "Negroe man"
  Notes: Powell escaped from Moore in winter 1750. Moore published the following notice to recover him:
  Lately absented from his master's service, and is lurking about this city, a Negroe man, named Jack, but calls himself John Powell; he is by trade a cooper, of a yellow complexion, and a sour dogged look; he is generally known amongst the Coopers, having worked with several of them; but they are hereby forewarned employing him without agreeing with the subscriber; and all persons from entertaining or dealing with him, as they may be sure to answer it at their peril; any person that will secure him, or carry him to the city work-house, shall receive Ten Shillings of William Whitehead, the keeper of the said house; and if taken 20 miles from the city Twenty Shillings, and reasonable charges, paid by
  MORDECAI MOORE.
  Dates of Records: 13 February 1750
  Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 13 February 1750.
Slaveholder Name: Moore, Philip
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant
Notes: Location on Front Street. Philip Moore came to America in 1767 and began his career as a merchant in Boston. He moved to Philadelphia and had several interests in privateering and shipping, including an unsuccessful attempt at sending the first merchant ship to trade with China. He left Philadlphia for the Isle of Man in 1790.
Source: Biography at https://imuseum.im/search/collections/archive/mnh-museum-671125.html, accessed 23 July 2024.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad.
  Sex: Female
  Age: "about twenty-five years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1755
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Wench"
  Notes: Moore advertised to sell a woman and her child: "TO BE SOLD, A NEGROE WENCH, about twenty-five years of age, and a Child between two and three years old. Enquire at Mr. Philip Moore's, merchant, in Front-street.
  Dates of Records: 19 September 1780
  Source: Dunlap and Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser, 19 September 1780.
2. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
  Sex: Sex not specified in ad
  Age: "between two and three years old"
  Date of Birth: circa 1777-1778
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Child"
  Notes: Moore advertised to sell a woman and her daughter: "TO BE SOLD, A NEGROE WENCH, about twenty-five years of age, and a Child between two and three years old. Enquire at Mr. Philip Moore's, merchant, in Front-street.
  Dates of Records: 19 September 1780
  Source: Dunlap and Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser, 19 September 1780.
Slaveholder Name: Morris, Anthony III
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Brewer, merchant, judge, Mayor of Philadelphia 1738
Notes: Lived 1682-1763. Known locally as Anthony Morris, Jr., but modern genealogical and biographical sources refer to him as Anthony Morris II. Half-brother of Luke Morris. He was identified as a previous owner of the enslaved man Cuff by Daniel Cooper, who held Cuff in the 1750s and placed advertisements for his capture after Cuff repeatedly escaped.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Cuff
  Sex: Male
  Age: about 30, from Daniel Cooper's 1751 runaway ad
  Date of Birth: circa 1721
  Status: Slaves for life
  Description: "Negroe Man"
  Notes: Slaveholder Daniel Cooper identified Anthony Morris, Jr as a previous owner of Cuff, selling him about 1749.
  Date of Record: 10 October 1751
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 October 1751
2. Enslaved Person's Name: Michael
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about seventeen years old"
  Date of Birth: circa 1731
  Status: Slave for life -- escaped
  Description: "Mulatto boy"
  Notes: Michael escaped from Morris on November 14, 1748, in company with another man belonging to Luke Morris. The following ad was placed in The Pennsylvania Gazette for both:
  Philadelphia, November 17, 1748.
  RUN away on the 14th inst. from Luke Morris, of Philadelphia, a likely young Negroe man, named Gloucester, one or two and twenty years of age, about 5 feet nine inches high; had on when he went away, a new kersey jacket, with brass buttons, a pair of old leather breeches, much tarr'd, with trowsers over them, blue ribb'd stockings, and had in his shoes a pair of large brass buckles. Also run away at the same time from Anthony Morris, jun. a Mulatto boy, named Michael, about seventeen years old, country born; had on, a red jacket, with a row of pewter buttons on each side, and under it a blue jacket without sleeves, camblet breeches, and greyish yarn stockings; took with him a cinnamon coloured broadcloth coat, a pair of short tow trowsers, a pair of new shoes beside what he wore. The said runaways are suppos'd to be lurking near town, 'till they have an opportunity of going off in some vessel. Whoever will bring said servants to their masters, shall have Five Pounds for both, or Fifty Shillings for either of them, paid by
  LUKE MORRIS, and
  ANTHONY MORRIS, jun.
  N.B. All masters of vessels, and others, are forbid to entertain them at their peril.
  Date of Record: 17 November 1748
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 17 November 1748.
Slaveholder Name: Morris, Luke
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Half-brother of Anthony Morris III.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Gloucester
  Sex: Male
  Age: "one or two and twenty years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1726-1727
  Status: Slave for life -- escaped
  Description: "Negroe man"
  Notes: Gloucester escaped from Morris on November 14, 1748, in company with another man belonging to Anthony Morris, Junior. The following ad was placed in The Pennsylvania Gazette for both:
  Philadelphia, November 17, 1748.
  RUN away on the 14th inst. from Luke Morris, of Philadelphia, a likely young Negroe man, named Gloucester, one or two and twenty years of age, about 5 feet nine inches high; had on when he went away, a new kersey jacket, with brass buttons, a pair of old leather breeches, much tarr'd, with trowsers over them, blue ribb'd stockings, and had in his shoes a pair of large brass buckles. Also run away at the same time from Anthony Morris, jun. a Mulatto boy, named Michael, about seventeen years old, country born; had on, a red jacket, with a row of pewter buttons on each side, and under it a blue jacket without sleeves, camblet breeches, and greyish yarn stockings; took with him a cinnamon coloured broadcloth coat, a pair of short tow trowsers, a pair of new shoes beside what he wore. The said runaways are suppos'd to be lurking near town, 'till they have an opportunity of going off in some vessel. Whoever will bring said servants to their masters, shall have Five Pounds for both, or Fifty Shillings for either of them, paid by
  LUKE MORRIS, and
  ANTHONY MORRIS, jun.
  N.B. All masters of vessels, and others, are forbid to entertain them at their peril.
  Date of Record: 17 November 1748
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 17 November 1748.
Slaveholder Name: Morris, Samuel
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Tanner
Notes: Samuel Morris advertised in June 1751 to let out his tanning business and sell his three enslaved men.
1. Enslaved Persons Names: Not named
  Sex: Male
  Age: Ages not given, but described as "men"
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slaves for life
  Description: "3 Negroe men"
  Notes: Offered for sale in June 1751 as part of the liquidation of his tanning business:
  To be lett, by SAMUEL MORRIS, in Second-street, A Commodious Tan-yard, on a navigable part of the Dock, containing 26 vatts, besides 3 large lime-pits, &c. all under cover, with a loft that will contain 2 or 3 hundred cords of bark; who hath also 3 Negroe men to dispose of, well acquainted with the tanning business; and one of them an excellent currier. And a quantity of good upper soal, bridle and harness leather, by small or large parcels.
  Date of Record: 27 June 1751; ad was still being published in mid-April 1752.
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 27 June 1751.
Slaveholder Name: Moser, Philip
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Lucy Brown, alias Sukey Brown
  Sex: Female
  Age: married adult woman, no age specified
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slaves for life
  Description: "Negro wench"
  Notes: Formerly owned by Mr. Vansant in Bucks County. She escaped from Moser with her husband, a free man, in June 1778. Moser placed several ads, identifying her in the first ad as Sukey Brown, and in later ads as Lucy Brown.
  THIRTY POUNDS REWARD.
  RAN AWAY from the subscriber, a tall Negro wench named LUCY BROWN; she stutters when she speaks in a hurry; took with her sundry very good cloaths. She went off with her husband James Brown, a free Negro, tall and much pitted with the small-pox. She was born and bred in Bucks county, and formerly lived with Mr. Vansant. Whoever takes up said wench and her husband, so that her master may get her again, shall have the above reward, or FIFTEEN POUNDS for each. PHILIP MOSER.
  N.B. All persons are forbid to harbour them at their peril.
  Date of Record: 26 June 1778 (Date on July advertisement)
  Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 18 July, 15 September 1778
Slaveholder Name: Moses, Michael
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Candlemaker
Notes: Shop on Second Street
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Cuffy
  Sex: Male
  Age: "between 30 and 40 Years of Age"
  Date of Birth: Circa 1722-1732
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Man"
  Notes: Multilingual. Suspected of forging a pass. "Lived with Col. Byrd." Escaped from Moses' candle works on 29 August 1762. Moses placed the following ad to find Cuffy:
  RUN away the 29th of August last, from Michael Moses, in Second-street, Tallow-Chandler, and from Mr. David Frank's Chandlery Work, a Negroe Man, named Cuffy, who lived with Col. Byrd: Had on when he went away, a Sailor's red Jacket, white Ozenbrigs Trowsers and Shirt; is a tall meagre Man, between 30 and 40 Years of Age, flat Nose, meagre Face, soem grey Hairs in his Beard, and can speak French, Spanish and English. Whoever takes up and secures said Negroe, so as his Master may have him again, shall have Forty Shillings Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by MICHAEL MOSES.
  All Persons are forbid to entertain him, and Masters of Vessels to carry him off, at their Peril. It is supposed he has got a false Pass.
  Date of Record: 14 October 1762
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 14 October 1762.
Slaveholder Name: Moylan, Stephen
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant; shipping
Notes: Lived 1737-1811, settled in Philadelphia in 1768. He also owned a farm in Chester County. Rose to prominence from his service during the Revolutionary War as secretary to George Washington and was breveted brigadier general in 1783.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
  Sex: Male and Female
  Age: "from the age of twelve to twenty years"
  Date of Birth: between 1752 and 1760
  Status: Slaves for life
  Description: "Negro Boys and Girls"
  Notes: Moyland advertised in 1772 that he was activley purchasing Black boys and girls: "NEGRO BOYS AND GIRLS, from the age of twelve to twenty years, will be purchased by STEPHEN MOYLAN.
  Date of Record: 11 May 1772
  Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 04, 11, 18 May 1772
Slaveholder Name: Mullan, Thomas
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Innkeeper, The Tun Tavern, until his death in 1774, when he passed management to his son Robert.
Notes: Identified as a previous owner of Grigg, who escaped from Joseph Hugg of Gloucester, New Jersey in August 1769.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Grigg or Grig
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not given in ads, but described as a "Creole Negroe Man" in 1761, and as a "Negro fellow" in 1769.
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life; sold and resold; escaped
  Description: "Negroe fellow"
  Notes: Grigg escaped from John Wilcocks, merchant of Philadelphia, in August 1761. Per a later owner, Wilcocks sold Grigg to a "Mr. Mullen, innkeeper," in Philadelphia, who in turn sold him to Joseph Hugg of Gloucester, New Jersey, just across the river. On August 10,, 1769, Grigg escaped from Hugg, who advertised for his return and thought he might be "harbouring" in Spring Garden or in the city:
  THREE POUNDS Reward.
  RUN away from the Subscriber, living near Gloucester, on the 10th day of August last, a Negroe fellow, named GRIG, he is a likely fellow, about 5 feet 10 or 11 inches high, he is a little bow-legged, walks very bold, is remarkably straight, and is very talkative; had on, when he went away, a brown sheeting shirt, petticoat ozenbrigs trowsers, old beaver hat, with a small hole through the crown of it, and old shoes; said fellow is well known to many people in the city of Philadelphia, as he was once the property of Mr. Wilcox, and afterwards belonged to Mr. Mullen, Innkeeper, in said city, I have reason to think he is harboured about Spring-Garden, or somewhere near the city. Any person that will take up, or discover where he is harboured, or, if carried off, discover the person, shall have the above reward, from JOSEPH HUGG.
  N.B. all masters of vessels are forbid, at their peril, to take him off.
  Date of Record: 10 October 1769
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 19 October 1769.
Slaveholder Name: Murgatroyd, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Died by drowning in Schuylkill River, 25 June 1782.
Source: Dunlop & Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser, 02 July 1782.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 20 years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1749
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Lad"
  Notes: This could be the same person advertised a year later, below, despite the age difference. Slaveholders sometimes inaccurately estimated the ages of thier enslaved persons. Advertised for sale in January 1769: (Following an extensive description of a house with wharf and stores for lease in Philadelphia) "To be SOLD, a likely and well grown country bred Negroe Lad, about 20 years of age, stout and healthy, fit for town or country business, has had the small-pox and measles; understands driving any kind of carriage well, and would suit a gentleman either as a coachman, footman, to wait on table, or in any other capacity as a servant. The articles may be viewed on an application to the subscriber, of whom the terms may be known. JOHN MURGATROYD."
  Date of Record: 12 January 1769
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 12 January 1769.
2. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 23 years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1747
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Man"
  Notes: This could be the same person advertised a year earlier, above, despite the age difference. Slaveholders sometimes inaccurately estimated the ages of thier enslaved persons. Advertised for sale in January 1770: "TO BE SOLD, A LIKELY NEGROE MAN, about 23 years of age, who has had the small-pox and measles, and been used to both town and country business -- He can drive a coach or chariot well, is very handy, and might particularly suit a travelling gentleman. Enquire of JOHN MURGATROYD."
  Date of Record: 18 January 1770
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 18 January 1770.
Slaveholder Name: Murray, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant
Notes: Shop on Front Street, between Market and Chestnut streets.
Source: In partnership with William Murray until the 1763 death of William.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 15 Years of Age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1746
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Lad"
  Notes: Offered for sale in March 1763. See text of legal notice below. The mention of sale is at the end of a listing of shop goods for sale by John Murray.
  To be SOLD by WILLIAM and JOHN MURRY,
  Near the Drawbridge, for Cash or short Credit,
  A PARCEL of Irish Linens, and a likely Negroe Lad, about 15 Years of Age, who is not sold for any Fault.
  N.B. As William Murray intends for Europe early in the Fall, he requests all those who have any demands against him, to bring in their Accounts, that they may be paid; and hope all those indebted to him, will make speedy Payment also.
  Date of Record: 02 July 1761
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 02 July 1761.
2. Enslaved Person's Name: Not named in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not given in ad, but described as a "man."
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro Man"
  Notes: Offered for sale in March 1763. See text of legal notice below. The mention of sale is at the end of a listing of shop goods for sale by John Murray.
  March 17.
  ALL Persons indebted to the late Partnership of William and John Murray, or William Murray deceased, either by Bond, Note, or Book Debt, are desired to pay them off to John Murray, Executor and surviving Partner, without further Notice; and all Persons that have any Demands against said Partnership, are desired to bring them in that they may be settled and paid.
  N.B. To be sold by said Murray, at his Store next Door to Mr. Amos Stretell's in Front-street, between Market and Chesnut streets: An assortment of dry Goods, among which are the following Articles, viz. 3-4 figured Modes, Peelongs, Taffaty Linings, figured Sattins, crown and chain double Gimps, Snales, Prussion trimming, sewing Silk, silver watches, and a few crates of Liverpool Ware, sorted. Likewise, a Negro Man, fit for town or country business, Sold for no fault but want of employ.
  Date of Record: 17 March 1763
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal, 07 April 1763.

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Philadelphia County Slaveholders K - M

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Enslavement Data

A Note on Slave Numbers