York County, Pennsylvania Slaveholders A - Z

1. Enslaved Person's Name: ?
   Gender: Male
   Age: "about 30 years of age"
   Date of Birth: circa 1748
   Status: Slave for life
   Description: "Negroe Man"
   Notes: Text of sale ad:

   "York Town, March 21, 1778.
   TO BE DISPOSED OF, A STRONG healthy Negro MAN, has had the smallpox, about 30 years of age, his wife and three children, the eldest of whom is six years: The man has been employed on a farm for some years, and besides his knowledge of farming he can ditch very well. Whoever may incline to purchase them, will apply to the PRINTERS."

   Date of Record: March 21, 1778
   Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

2. Enslaved Person's Name: ?
   Gender: Female
   Age: ? (adult in 1778)
   Date of Birth: ?
   Status: Slave for life
   Description:
   Notes: Offered for sale in March, 1778, along with her husband and three children.
   Date of Record: March 21, 1778
   Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

3. Enslaved Person's Name: ?
   Gender: Not determined
   Age: 6
   Date of Birth: 1772 (calculated)
   Status: Slave for life
   Description: child
   Notes: Offered for sale in March, 1778, along with rest of family. This is the oldest child.
   Date of Record: March 21, 1778
   Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

4. Enslaved Person's Name: ?
   Gender: Not determined
   Age: ? (child)
   Date of Birth: Prior to 1772.
   Status: Slave for life
   Description: child
   Notes: Offered for sale in March, 1778, along with rest of family.
   Date of Record: March 21, 1778
   Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

5. Enslaved Person's Name: ?
   Gender: Not determined
   Age: ? (child)
   Date of Birth: Prior to 1772.
   Status: Slave for life
   Description: child
   Notes: Offered for sale in March, 1778, along with rest of family.
   Date of Record: March 21, 1778
   Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Johnson, Jack
   Gender: Male
   Age: 35a
   Date of Birth: 1743 (calculated)
   Status: Slave for life
   Description: "much in the yellowish order"
   Notes: Text of runaway ad:

   "January 31, 1778.
   TEN POUNDS Reward.
   RUN away last September, from the Subscriber, living at Codorus Forge, near York Town, a Negroe man, named Jack Johnson, about 35 years of age, 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, much in the yellowish order; had on when he went away, a small bound felt hat, a new tow shirt, a pair of snuff coloured fustian breeches, lined with check, old stockings and shoes; he is a saucy fellow, and much given to drink. Whoever takes up and secures said Negroe, so as his master may have him again, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges if brought home, paid by WILLIAM ALEXANDER."

   Date of Record: February 07, 1778
   Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

"Sam and Dyna Dorland Banta did move to Kentucky and eventually with their children joined the Shaker Community. If these slaves traveled with them, then there is a chance that they also became part of the Shaker Community at Pleasant Hill." (Email correspondence, Judy Cassidy to Afrolumens Project, March 7, 2005)

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Jack
   Gender: Male
   Age: 10
   Date of Birth: 1779 -- December 18
   Status: Slave for life
   Description: "Moalote" (mulatto)
   Notes: Sold to Samuel Banta of York County in May, 1790. Text of sales agreement:

   All men by these presents know that I, Garret Dorland of York County, state of Pennsylvania, for and in consideration of the sums of one hunired poinds to me in hand pade at and before the selling and delivery hear of by Samuel Banta in the County of York, State of Pennsylvania, wear of I do hereby acknowledge have bargained and sold and by these presents aforesaid a Moalote boy named JACK, boarin the year one thousand seaven hundret and seavinty-nine, the eighteen day of December and a negro garl, LEAH, boarn seaventeen and Eaty-two the twenty day of March and a negro boy SEEB, boarn seavinteen and eat-five, tent day of March.

   Date of Record: May 11, 1790
   Source: Dorland, Garret to Samuel Banta, Bill of Sale, York Co Deed Book F, 399 11 May 1790. Transcription provided by Judy Cassidy. (Email correspondence, Judy Cassidy to Afrolumens Project, March 7, 2005)

2. Enslaved Person's Name: Leah
   Gender: Female
   Age: 8
   Date of Birth: 1782 -- March 20
   Status: Slave to age 28
   Description: "Negro garl"
   Notes: Sold to Samuel Banta of York County in May, 1790. See the notes for the slave Jack, above, for the text of the sales agreement.
   Date of Record: May 11, 1790
   Source: Dorland, Garret to Samuel Banta, Bill of Sale, York Co Deed Book F, 399 11 May 1790. Transcription provided by Judy Cassidy. (Email correspondence, Judy Cassidy to Afrolumens Project, March 7, 2005)

3. Enslaved Person's Name: Seeb
   Gender: Male
   Age: 5
   Date of Birth: 1785 -- March 10
   Status: Slave to age 28
   Description: "Negro boy"
   Notes: Sold to Samuel Banta of York County in May, 1790. See the notes for the slave Jack, above, for the text of the sales agreement.
   Date of Record: May 11, 1790
   Source: Dorland, Garret to Samuel Banta, Bill of Sale, York Co Deed Book F, 399 11 May 1790. Transcription provided by Judy Cassidy. (Email correspondence, Judy Cassidy to Afrolumens Project, March 7, 2005)

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Isaac, or Cudjo
   Gender: Male
   Age: 21a
   Date of Birth: 1778 (calculated)
   Status: Not stated; "property of Robert Coleman" (See the Lancaster listings for Robert Coleman). His year of birth indicates he was probably a slave for life.
   Description: Negro, 5 feet 8 inches; a trained forgeman at Spring Forge, probably also worked at a forge or furnace in Chester County
   Notes: Although Robert Coleman is listed as slaveholder, John Brien, manager of Spring Forge, placed the ad when he ran away from the forge in October 1799. Text of runaway ad:

   "Twenty Dollars Reward.
   RAN-AWAY from Spring Forge, in York County, a negro man, named ISAAC, otherwise CUDJO, about 21 years old, the property of Robert Coleman; Esq. He is about 5 feet 8 inches high, has a blemish in his eyes, more white in them than common, by trade a Forgeman; had on and took with him a drab coloured broad cloth coat, almost new, a sailors jacket and pantaloons printed fancy cord, a swansdown striped under jacket; a rorum hat; one fine and one course shirt, one muslin handkerchief, sprigged, two ditto striped border, a blue Persian under jacket and tow pair cotton stockings. Whoever takes up said negro and lodges him in any jail in this or any of the neighbouring states shall have the above reward or reasonable expences if brought home.
   JOHN BRIEN.
   Spring Forge, October 23, 1799.
   N.B. As said negro formerly lived in Chester county, it is probable he may return there."

   Date of Record: February 07, 1778
   Source: The United States Gazette, 20 August 1800, page 4.

1. Enslaved Person's Name: James Jones
   Slave Sex: Male
   Age: "about 28 years of age" at second esape attempt, 1769
   Date of Birth: Circa 1741
   Status: Slave for life; repeated escapes
   Description: "Negroe man"
   Notes: Ran away in 1756.  Text of runaway ad placed by Chambers in the Pennsylvania Gazette:

   Yorktown, York county, Sept. 2, 1756.
   RUN away from Joseph Chambers, of Yorktown, a well set active Negroe fellow, named James, about 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, and speaks good English: Had on a brown coloured coat, lined with white coloured calimancoe, a brown jacket, lined with Bristol stuff, coarse shirt and trowsers, old shoes, and a hat, but I know not what sort. Whoever secures said fellow in any goal, so as his master may have him again, shall have Forty Shillings reward, and reasonable charges, if taken in this province, and Three Pounds if taken out of it, paid by JOSEPH CHAMBERS.
   N.B. He can beat a drum, and has a great desire to be amongst soldiers. He was seen near Philadelphia, and is supposed to be in or about town. Whoever secures him as aforesaid, shall be paid as mentioned above, by Joseph Bell, at the Harp and Crown, in Third street, Philadelphia.

   Ran away again in 1769 in the company of two other men. Text of runaway ad, from the Pennsylvania Gazette, August 17, 1769:

   RUN away from the Subscriber, living in Donegall, Lancaster county, an Irish servant man, named JOHN ROBESON, about 22 years of age, about 5 feet 6 inches high, of a fresh complexion, red hair, and commonly wears it tied behind, and cued; had on, when he went away, a shirt and trowsers, a linen jacket, with 4 rows of buttons on the breast, and a pair of old shoes; he is a good scholar, and perhaps may pass for a Doctor. There went off with him, a negroe man, named NED, well set, and strong, but not very tall, aged about 28 years, born in the Jerseys, speaks very good English, and can read and write, of a down look, and thick lips; had on, when he went away, a coarse shirt and trowsers, a hat, bound round the edge, and a hood worked in it; he may be taken for a Mulattoe, by his colour, and probably both may have provided other clothes. Likewise ran away in company with them, a likely Negroe man, belonging to Joseph Chambers in York town, named James Jones, about 28 years of age, about 5 feet 11 inches high, slim made, born in this country, and has a good countenance; he took with him a blue broadcloth coat, black velvet jacket, and breeches, a pair of leather ditto, two fine shirts, one of them ruffled, 2 coarse ditto, two pair of coarse trowsers, a pair of pumps, with silver shoe buckles, a pair of strong shoes, a blanket, and a gun, with a splint in the stock, near the butt. It is likely they may have forged passes, as the white man writes a good hand. whoever takes up and secures the said servants, so that their masters may have them again, shall have SIX POUNDS reward for the three, or Forty Shillings for either, if taken separate, and reasonable charges, paid by us. ALEXANDER LOWRY, JOSEPH CHAMBERS.

   Dates of Records: September 9, 1756; August 17, 1769
   Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette
2. Enslaved Person's Name: Elizabeth
   Slave Sex: Female
   Age: Adult
   Date of Birth: Not known
   Status: Formerly enslaved
   Description: "Negro"
   Notes: Elizabeth ("Negro Elizabeth") took out an advertisement in at least one York area newspaper in 1802, announcing her intention of living in the borough of York as a free woman, upon the passing of her former enslaver, Joseph Chambers.

   Notice.
   THE Subscriber, formerly the property of Joseph Chambers, deceased, hereby gives this public notice to all and every person who may have, or set up any claim to her, that she resides in the Borough of York, Pennsylvania, where she means to continue, and to insist upon her right to freedom.
   NEGRO ELIZABETH.
   York, February 9th, 1802.

   Date of Record: 09 February 1802
   Source: The York Recorder, 24 February 1802.

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Keith, William
   Slave Sex: Male
   Age: 40a
   Date of Birth: 1729 (calculated)
   Status: Runaway
   Description: Negro man
   Slave Notes: Text of runaway ad, from the Pennsylvania Gazette, June 15, 1769:

   York County, in Pennsylvania, June 10, 1769. RUN away, on the 13th of March last, from the Subscriber, at Sasquenanna, near Harris Ferry, a Negroe Man, called Will, alias William Keith; he is about 5 feet 9 Inches high, thin visaged, a little Pock marked, not very black, about 40 years old, a smooth talking Fellow, can be very mannerly, reads and writes, and is a Cooper by Trade and is also very handy about a Farmer's House; he is well acquainted in Philadelphia, having learnt his trade there, and lived several years ago with Dr. Graham, of that city; he had on, when he went away, a brown homespun Cloth Coat, pretty much worn, yellow buttons; an old white Flannel Jacket, Buckskin Breeches, and an old Felt Hat. He told on the Road, that he was a free Negroe, formerly belonging to one Mr. Blunston, of Lancaster County. Whoever takes up said Slave, and secures him, so that his Master, the subscriber, may have him again, shall have THREE POUNDS Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by
   WILLIAM CHESNEY.
   N.B. All Masters of Vessels are requested not to carry him off.

   Date of Record: June 15, 1769
   Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Not stated
   Gender: Male
   Age: 26a
   Date of Birth: 1737 (calculated)
   Status: Slave for life; Self-emancipated in January 1763
   Description: "Negroe Man"
   Notes: Text of runaway ad:

   "RUN away from the Subscriber, living in York Township, two Miles from York Town, on George Stevenson Esquire's Mill, on the First of this inst. January, A middle sized Negroe Man, about 25 or 26 Years of Age: Had on when he went away, A lightish home made Cloth Coat, made Dutch Fashion, with large white Metal Buttons, and an under jacket, of the same Cloth, with small Buttons of the same Sort, black Leather Breeches, stitched on each Side of the Thighes, with a Worm worked with Silk, and a straight Stroke worked up through the Middle of the Worms, greyish fulled Stockings, old Shoes, newly soaled, the Soals full of Nails, white Metal Shoe Buckles, one of them has a Piece broken off on one Side, and a yellow Silk Handkerchief. He has an Ailment in his Left eye. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and secures him in any of His majesty's Goals, so that his Master may have him again, or brings him to henry Wolfe, Tavernkeeper, in York Town, shall have Five Pounds Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by
   MARTIN CRONMILLER."

   Date of Record: January 20, 1763
   Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Priscilla
   Gender: Female
   Age: "about 30 years of age"
   Date of Birth: circa 1768
   Status: Slave for life; Self-emancipated in November 1798
   Description: "Negro girl"
   Notes: Escaped on November 3, 1798 in company with a man named Clem, who was claimed as a slave by a Maryland slaveholder. Text of runaway ad placed by Die:

   TWENTY Dollars Reward.
   RAN-AWAY from the subscriber, livng in the Borough of York, on the night of the 3d inst. a negro girl, named PRISCILLA, about 30 years of age, hyellow coloured and looks somewhat like a mulatto, stout made, has a pretty good countenance; and has a halt in her walk, occasioned by the loss of all her toes off the right foot. She took with her a number of good cloaths-- soem of them unknown, two chintz gowns, two blue stuff petticoats, good shoes or slippers, -- She is supposed to have gone off in company with a negro man named CLEM, who passes for her husband, and for whom a reward of 100 dollars is advertised by him master, livng in Maryland. He is a stout fellow, about 5 feet 5 or 6 inches high, with small legs and remarkable large feet. Whoever secures said negro girl, so that I get her again, shall receive the above reward, and reasonable charges if brought home.
   JOHN E. DIE.
   November 8, 1798.

   See also the enslaved person Bill, with slaveholder James Kelly, who was also advertised as escaping in company with the man named Clem.
   Date of Record: 8 November 1798
   Source: The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, 14 November 1798

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Joe
   Gender: Male
   Age: "about 25 years of age"
   Date of Birth: circa 1755
   Status: Runaway
   Description: "Negro Man"
   Notes: Ran away on September 25, 1780. Text of runaway ad placed by Dill:

   York County, October 10, 1780
   Four Hundred Dollars Reward.
   RAN-AWAY from the subscriber, the 25th of last month, a NEGRO MAN named JOE, about 25 years of age; about 6 feet high, a stout well made fellow: Had on when he went away, a greyish coloured coat and a brown jacket, the other cloaths are unknown; and is supposed to have a rifle gun with him. Whoever takes up or secures said Negro in any gaol in the state, shall have the above reward and reasonable charges paid, by
   JAMES DILL.

   Date of Record: October 10, 1780
   Source: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 14, 31 October 1780

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Phida
   Gender: Female
   Age: "about 27 years of age"
   Date of Birth: About 1758, based upon her reported age in the runaway advertisement.  This year of birth would have made Phida a slave for life.
   Status: Runaway
   Description: "Negroe Wench"
   Notes: Ran away on September 15, 1785. Text of runaway ad from the Carlisle Gazette:

   FOUR DOLLARS REWARD
   RAN away about the 15th of September last. From the subscriber, a Negro Wench, about 27 years of age, a good looking Wench, pock pitted; most about her nose; she has a good many summer clothes; her name is Phida. It is supposed she will make towards Fredrick-town in Maryland. Whoever takes and secures said Wench, so that the owner may ger her shall have the above reward and reasonable charges paid by
   Matthew DILL
   Monaghan township,
   York County, 5th Oct. 1785

   Date of Record: October 5, 1785
   Source: The Carlisle Gazette, in "Cumberland County gleanings: 1785-92: Carlisle Gazette: PA," Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Calista Sanderson.

"Sam and Dyna Dorland Banta did move to Kentucky and eventually with their children joined the Shaker Community. If these slaves traveled with them, then there is a chance that they also became part of the Shaker Community at Pleasant Hill." (Email correspondence, Judy Cassidy to Afrolumens Project, March 7, 2005)

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Jack
   Gender: Male
   Age: 10
   Date of Birth: 1779 -- December 18
   Status: Slave for life
   Description: "Moalote" (mulatto)
   Notes: Sold to Samuel Banta of York County in May, 1790. Text of sales agreement (original spellings preserved):

   All men by these presents know that I, Garret Dorland of York County, state of Pennsylvania, for and in consideration of the sums of one hunired poinds to me in hand pade at and before the selling and delivery hear of by Samuel Banta in the County of York, State of Pennsylvania, wear of I do hereby acknowledge have bargained and sold and by these presents aforesaid a Moalote boy named JACK, boarin the year one thousand seaven hundret and seavinty-nine, the eighteen day of December and a negro garl, LEAH, boarn seaventeen and Eaty-two the twenty day of March and a negro boy SEEB, boarn seavinteen and eat-five, tent day of March.

   Date of Record: May 11, 1790
   Source: Dorland, Garret to Samuel Banta, Bill of Sale, York Co Deed Book F, 399 11 May 1790. Transcription provided by Judy Cassidy. (Email correspondence, Judy Cassidy to Afrolumens Project, March 7, 2005)

2. Enslaved Person's Name: Leah
   Gender: Female
   Age: 8
   Date of Birth: 1782 -- March 20
   Status: Slave to age 28
   Description: "Negro garl"
   Notes: Sold to Samuel Banta of York County in May, 1790. See the notes for the slave Jack, above, for the text of the sales agreement.
   Date of Record: May 11, 1790
   Source: Dorland, Garret to Samuel Banta, Bill of Sale, York Co Deed Book F, 399 11 May 1790. Transcription provided by Judy Cassidy. (Email correspondence, Judy Cassidy to Afrolumens Project, March 7, 2005)

3. Enslaved Person's Name: Seeb
   Gender: Male
   Age: 5
   Date of Birth: 1785 -- March 10
   Status: Slave to age 28
   Description: "Negro boy"
   Notes: Sold to Samuel Banta of York County in May, 1790. See the notes for the slave Jack, above, for the text of the sales agreement.
   Date of Record: May 11, 1790
   Source: Dorland, Garret to Samuel Banta, Bill of Sale, York Co Deed Book F, 399 11 May 1790. Transcription provided by Judy Cassidy. (Email correspondence, Judy Cassidy to Afrolumens Project, March 7, 2005)

1. Enslaved Person's Name: William Wallace
   Gender: Male
   Age: "about 16 years of age"
   Date of Birth: circa 1833
   Status: Runaway
   Description: "Mulatto boy"
   Notes: Escaped from Douglass in September 1849. Text of runaway ad from the York Gazette:

   5 DOLLARS REWARD.
   Ranaway from the subscriber in Chanceford township, York county, a bound mulatto boy, named William Wallace; he is about five feet high and about 16 years of age; had on when he left a pair of blue drilling pantaloons, crossbarred vest, a fine pleated breast shirt and straw hat. The above reward will be paid to any person who will return said boy to the undersigned or place him in the York jail.
   MATHEW DOUGLASS.
   September 18, 1849.

   Note: There is a William Wallace living in Chanceford Township in 1860, married, laborer, age 23. His wife is Elizabeth, age 20, son James F., age 3 and daughter Sarah, age 1. All born in Pennsylvania. They live next to an Amos Wallace, age 26, married with a family, all born in Pennsylvania. All are two farms away from the Matthew Douglass farm. Very possibly the same person. (Eighth Census of the United States, 1860, Chanceford Townshihp, York County, Pennsylvania, 10 August 1860)
   Date of Record: 18 September 1849
   Source: York Gazette, 18 September 1849

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Cato
   Gender: Male
   Age: Not stated
   Date of Birth: Not known
   Status: Runaway--captured
   Description: "Negroe Man"
   Notes: Captured and imprisoned in Reading, Berks County. Text of jailor's ad:

   Reading, February 20, 1784.
   DELIVERED into my custody, A certain person, called John McKinney, a native Irishman, has been in the country but a short time; says he came over to America in this ship known by the name of Three Brothers, commanded by Captain Gilles.
   Also, a Negroe Man, who calls himself CATO, belonging to Michael Dowdle, living in York-Town, in the county of York, and state of Pennsylvania.
   The owner or owners are hereby requested, on or before the 15th day of March, to take them away, defray the expences and charges, otherwise they will be discharged or sold according to law.
   WILLIAM WITMAN, Goaler.

   Date of Record: March 3, 1784
   Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette--Accessible Archives, Item #69824

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Priscilla
   Gender: Female
   Age: "about 30 years of age" (Edie's description, November 1798). Her second owner, Samuel Fahnestock, described her as "about 28 years of age" in a June 1799 escape ad.
   Date of Birth: circa 1768
   Status: Slave for life; repeated escape attempts
   Description: "Negro girl," "Negro Woman"
   Notes: Priscilla escaped from Genearl Edie on November 3rd, 1798 in company with her husband, Clem, who was claimed as a slave in Maryland. Edie placed the following runaway ad in a local York newspaper:

   TWENTY Dollars Reward.
   RAN-AWAY from the subscriber, living in the Borough of York, on the night of the 3d inst. a negro girl, named PRISCILLA, about 30 years of age, yellow coloured and looks somewhat like a mulatto, stout made, has a pretty good countenance; and has a halt in her walk, occasioned by the loss of all her toes off the right foot. She took with her a number of good cloathes-- some of them unknown, two chintz gowns, two blue stuff petticoats, good shoes or slippers, -- She is supposed to have gone off in company with a negro man named CLEM, who passes for her husband, and for whom a reward of 100 dollars is advertised by his master, living in Maryland.
   He is a stout fellow, about 5 feet 5 or 6 inches high, with small legs and remarkable large feet. Whoever secures said negro girl, so that I get her again, shall receive the above reward, and reasonable charges if brought home.
   JOHN EDIE.
   November 6, 1798.

   Edie eventually recovered her and sold or otherwise transferred possession of her to Dr. Samuel Fahnestock who was then working in York. Fahnestock relocated to Lancaster Borough shortly thereafter. Priscilla escaped from Fahnestock in Lancaster seven months after escaping from Edie. Text of Dr. Fahnestock's runaway ad:

   Ten Dollars Reward. RANAWAY on the night of Tuesday the 28th inst. A NEGRO WOMAN, named PRISCILLA, about 28 years of age, middling tall, of a handsome countenance, speaks plain English and has no toes on her right foot, in consequence of which she limps a little in walking. She was formerly the property of John Edie of Yorktown, Has a Husband named CLEM. Took with her a large quantity of clothing, which I cannot describe, except a white felt Hat with green underneath. The above reward will be paid to any person who will secure the said Negro so that I may get her again, with reasonable charges if brought home. SAMUEL FAHNESTOCK.
   June 1.

   Date of Records: November 6, 1798; June 01, 1799
   Sources: The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, 14 November 1798; Lancaster Journal;

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Joe a.k.a. John
   Gender: Male
   Age: Age not given in ad, but described as a "man."
   Date of Birth: Not known
   Status: Escaped; self-emancipated
   Description: "Negro man"
   Notes: Text of runaway ad placed by Joe's Maryland enslaver upon his January 1st escape:

   "RAN away from the Subscriber, living in Frederick County, Maryland, two miles from Libertytown, about the 1st of January Inst. a Negro man named JOE. He is about 5 feet 7 inches high, stout and well made, is near sighted, and has a remarkable lump on one of his rists. He had on, when he went away, a round-about jacket of a drab colour, breeches of the same, much worn, a drab-coloured under-jacket, pieced across the shoulders with coarse dark mixed cloth, white woolen stockings, and coarse shoes with nails in the bottoms. He formerly lived with Capt. P. Gossler, in York, and had a Wife when there.
   Whoever takes up said fellow, and secures him in any Jail, so that his master gets him again, shall have the above Reward, and reasonable charges if brought home.
   JOHN NORRIS.
   N.B. It is suspected he has a Pass, and will call himself John."

   Note: a less detailed ad appeared in The York Recorder, dated January 7th. It ran through February. Date of Record: January 7, 22, 1800.
   Source: Lancaster Intelligencer & Weekly Advertiser

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Ann Thornton
   Gender: Female
   Age: Age not given in ad, but is an adult of childbearing age in 1763.
   Date of Birth: Not known
   Status: Runaway--captured
   Description: "Mulatto Woman"
   Notes: Arrested in York County with a two-year-old female child and committed to the county jail in York Borough in early April 1763. Jailer Graybell waited two months before placing this ad in The Pennsylvania Gazette. Text of jailer's ad:

   ON the seventh of April last was committed to the Goal of York County, on Suspicion of her being a Slave, a Mulatto Woman, who calls herself Ann Thornton, and has with her a Female Child, about two Years old, she says she was born in Baltimore County, near Deer Creek. Any Person having any Claim to her, is hereby notified to come, pay her Prison Fees, and take her away, in four Weeks from this Date, otherwise she will be discharged, paying her Fees. JACOB GRAYBELL, Goaler.
   York County, June 4, 1763.

   Date of Record: June 4, 1763
   Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 16 June 1763.

2. Enslaved Person's Name: ?
   Gender: Female
   Age: 2 years old
   Date of Birth: 1761 (calculated)
   Status: Runaway--captured
   Description: Female Child
   Notes: Daughter of Ann Thornton, captured with her mother as a runaway and jailed in York County. See the text of the runaway ad, above.
   Date of Record: June 16, 1763
   Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

3. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
   Gender: Male
   Age: Age not specified in ad, but described as a "man."
   Date of Birth: Not known
   Status: Runaway--captured
   Description: "Negroe Man"
   Notes: Captured and jailed in York in mid to late August 1763 as an escaped slave:

   WAS taken, and committed to York Goal, about six Weeks ago, a Negroe Man, a lusty well set Fellow; he has formerly had a Cut on his right Cheek, which occasions a Redness and Sore in his Eye, and has a Lump on his Leg, which appears as if he had received a Shot or Stab therein; speaks almost no English. The Owner, on paying Charges, may have him again, by applying to
   JACOB GRAYBLE, Goaler.

   Date of Record: 13 October 1763
   Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 13 October 1763.

4. Enslaved Person's Name: Thomas Doyle
   Gender: Male
   Age: 25a
   Date of Birth: 1746 (calculated)
   Status: Runaway--captured
   Description: "Negroe man"
   Notes: Text of runaway ad:

   York Goal, June 1, 1771.
   COMMITTED to my custody, the 28th day of May last, a Negroe man, who calls himself Thomas Doyle, about 5 feet 8 inches high: had on, when committed, an old castor hat, a greyish double breasted coat, with metal buttons, and leather breeches; he has a mark, occasioned by the flash of powder, under his right eye, and is about 25 years of age; his master is desired to come, pay charges, and take him away. As also one Richard Healy, who was taken out of this goal, about three weeks ago, by his master, who said he would take him to Virginia and sell him there, was afterwards taken up at WrightFerry, on Sasquehanna river, with a bay Horse, with a snip on his nose; had also with him, a blue broadcloth coat, with silver twist buttons, supposed to be stolen; any person claiming the same, may be informed, by the goaler, where they are. Also Henry Steuard, about 17 years of age; who says he belongs to William Steel, in Conegocheague, near ChambersTown; had on, when committed, a blanket coat, and an iron collar about his neck. Their masters are desired to come, pay the charges, and take them away.
   JACOB GRAYBIL, Goaler.

   Date of Record: July 11, 1771
   Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Mosey
   Gender: Male
   Age: Not specified, but described as a "man"
   Date of Birth: not known
   Status: Runaway--captured
   Description: "Negroe man"
   Notes: Captured in York County in November 1773 and jailed in the York borough jail on suspicion of being an escaped slave. Two other white men were advertised with him, but no mention is made that they were traveling together. For the text of the notice published by Jailer Graybell see below. Note that Mosey was wearing a jacket and trowsers specifically described as "Negro clothing," types of clothing made of inexpensive cloth with little style, commonly used in southern states for enslaved persons:

   Yorktown Goal, Nov. 23, 1773.
   Was committed to my custody, three men, viz. a Negroe, who is called Mosey, about 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high; had on when committed, a Negroe cotton jacket, with blue flaps, and Negroe cotton breeches. A man, called Andrew Douglass, about 25 or 26 years old; had on a brown broadcloth coat, a brown velvet jacket, and old black knit breeches, very much torn; he is about 5 feet 5 or 6 inches high, and says he taught school some years ago in Lancaster county. William Mash, an Englishman, about 5 feet 5 inches high; had on a greyish linsey coat, with flat metal buttons, a white cloth jacket, ozenbrigs trowsers; is a well built fellow, near 30 years of age. Their masters are desired to come, pay charges, and take them away, otherwise they will be sold for their fees on the 27th of January next, by
   MICHAEL GRAYBIL, Goaler.

   Date of Record: 23 November 1773
   Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette 01 December 1773
2. Enslaved Person's Name: John
   Gender: Male
   Age: not specified
   Date of Birth: not known
   Status: Runaway--captured
   Description: "Negroe man"
   Notes: Text of runaway ad:

   York Town Goal, May 12, 1776.
   WAS committed to my custody the following persons, ... A Negroe man, named John, who is a slave to a certain Mr. Bogle, of Cumberland county, formerly belonging to Joseph Simons, of the borough of Lancaster. Also a Negroe woman, who calls herself Sally, and is suspected to be a runaway, having lost her left eye. Their masters are desired to come in three weeks from the date hereof, pay charges, and take them away, otherwise they will be discharged for their fees. MICHAEL GRAYBILL, Goaler.

   Date of Record: 22 May 1776
   Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette
3. Enslaved Person's Name: Sally
   Gender: Female
   Age: not specified
   Date of Birth: not known
   Status: Runaway--captured
   Description: "Negroe woman"
   Notes: For the text of runaway ad, see "John," above.
   Date of Record: 22 May 1776
   Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette
4. Enslaved Person's Name: Harry or Negroe Harry
   Gender: Male
   Age: "about twenty two years of age"
   Date of Birth: 1759 (calculated)
   Status: Runaway--captured
   Description: "Negroe"
   Notes: Text of jailer's ad:

   York Town Goal, October 11, 1781.
   WAS committed into my custody on the 13th day of September last past, a certain NEGROE HARRY, who confesseth himself to be a slave to Nicholas Casey, of the State of Virginia, he is about five feet seven inches high, a likely fellow; had on an old felt hat, a torn shirt and trowsers, speaks tolerable good English, and says he was born in the State of New York, in West Chester; about twenty two years of age; his master is desired to come, pay the charges and take him away, with the space of four weeks, or he will be sold.
   MICHAEL GRAYBILL, Goaler.

   Date of Record: 11 October 1781
   Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette
5. Enslaved Person's Name: Harry
   Gender: Male
   Age: Age not given in ad
   Date of Birth: Not known
   Status: Escaped from jail
   Description: "Negro"
   Notes: Almost certainly a different man named Harry from the person above. Text of 1787 jail break ad:

   BROKE out of York Goal on the eighth inst. April, the following persons to wit:
   NEGRO HARRY, about 5 feet 9 inches high, had on a light cloth coat, old breeches, blue stockings, and coarse shirt, sharp nose. Whoever takes up said runaways and secures them in any goal, shall have four dollars for each, paid by
   MICHAEL GRAYBILL, Goaler.
   April 12, 1787

   Date of Record: 12 April 1787
   Source: The Carlisle Gazette, 25 April 1787.
6. Enslaved Person's Name: Henry Horte
   Gender: Male
   Age: "about 24 years of age"
   Date of Birth: circa 1765
   Status: Suspected escaped slave
   Description: "Negro man"
   Notes: An acrobat, Henry Horte was committed to York Jail in the middle of winter, wearing light clothing and traveling with no shoes:

   WAS committed to York Gaol, on the 12th day of January, 1789, a Negro man, who calls himself Henry Horte, about 24 years of age, five feet seven inches high, likely smooth face:
   He had on when committed, a pair of leather breeches, blue woollen stockings, an old white cloth jacket, no shoes; he is very smart and expert in tumbling and walking on his hands, and says he has no master. The owner, if any, is desired to come within four weeks from this date, otherwise he will be sold for his fees.
   MICHAEL GRAYBELL, Gaoler,
   York, Feb. 24, 1789.

   Date of Record: 24 February 1789
   Source: The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, 04 March 1789.
7. Enslaved Person's Name: Tom
   Gender: Male
   Age: Age not given in ad, probably a young male
   Date of Birth: Not known
   Status: Captured in York County and imprisoned as a suspected fugitive slave.
   Description: "Negro"
   Notes: Tom, Moll and Nathan were all captured in York County and imprisoned in the York jail, Tom and Moll on March 4, 1790 and Nathan weeks before on January 20th. Tom and Moll were traveling together and told Graybell they were from Savannah, Georgia. Nathan was from Maryland and had been in jail for several weeks already when they were committed.

   WAS committed to my custody, on the 4th instant, the following Negroes, viz.
   Negro Tom, about 5 feet 6 inches high, slender made; he had on when committed a blue sailors jacket and trowsers, with patches, a ruffled shirt, a pair of white cotton stockings, old shoes tyed with strings, and a rorum hat.
   Negro Moll, about 5 feet 5 inches high, stout built, had on, a green woolen jacket, oznabrig petticoat and shift, a pair of white yarn stockings, much torn, and old shoes, she is blind of the left eye: They say they belong to David Lyon of Savanna in the state of Georgia.
   Also negro Nathan about five feet ten inches high, talks very fast and has a stoppage in his speech, had on a brown coating coat, with white pewter buttons, white coating jacket, oznabrig shirt, a pair of old woolen breeches, old felt hat, and a pair of old shoes; he says he belongs to Mordecai Offert, of Montgomery county state of Maryland. The owners are desired to come within four weeks from this date, otherwise they will be sold out for their fees by
   MICHAEL GRAYBELL, Gaoler.
   York-Town, March 8, 1790.

   Date of Record: 8 March 1790
   Source: The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, 10 March 1790.

8. Enslaved Person's Name: Moll
   Gender: Female
   Age: Age not given in ad, probably a young female
   Date of Birth: Not known
   Status: Captured in York County and imprisoned as a suspected fugitive slave.
   Description: "Negro"
   Notes: Tom, Moll and Nathan were all captured in York County and imprisoned in the York jail, Tom and Moll on March 4, 1790 and Nathan weeks before on January 20th. Tom and Moll were traveling together and told Graybell they were from Savannah, Georgia. Nathan was from Maryland and had been in jail for several weeks already when they were committed. See the entry for Tom, above, for the full descriptive text of each in jailer Graybell's ad.
   Date of Record: 8 March 1790
   Source: The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, 10 March 1790.

9. Enslaved Person's Name: Nathan
   Gender: Male
   Age: Age not given in ad, probably a young male
   Date of Birth: Not known
   Status: Captured in York County and imprisoned as a suspected fugitive slave.
   Description: "Negro"
   Notes: Tom, Moll and Nathan were all captured in York County and imprisoned in the York jail, Tom and Moll on March 4, 1790 and Nathan weeks before on January 20th. Tom and Moll were traveling together and told Graybell they were from Savannah, Georgia. Nathan was from Maryland and had been in jail for several weeks already when they were committed. See the entry for Tom, above, for the full descriptive text of each in jailer Graybell's March ad. His earlier ad for Nathan is below:

   WAS committed to my custody, on the 20th day of January last, Negro NATHAN: He is about 5 feet nine or ten inches high, likely full faced, talks very fast, and has a kind of a stopage in his speech: He had on when committed, a brown coating coat, with white pewter buttons, white coating jacket, osnaburg shirt, a pair of old woolen breeches, white yarn stockings, and a pair of old shoes; says he belongs to Mr. Mordecai Offert, of Montgomery county, state of Maryland. He has a remarkable scar on the right side of his face, and one mark or cut on his forehead. The owner is desired to come within four weeks from this date, otherwise he will be sold out for his fees by
   MICHAEL GRAYBELL, Gaoler.
   York town, Feb. 23, 1790.

   Date of Record: 23 February 1790 (first ad); 8 March 1790 (second ad)
   Source: The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, 03 and 10 March 1790.

10. Enslaved Person's Name: Jack
    Gender: Male
    Age: Age not given in ad
    Date of Birth: Not known
    Status: Jailed in York County as a suspected escaped slave
    Description: "Negro"
    Notes: Jack was captured in York County and placed in the county jail on April 8, 1790. Text of Jailer's ad:

    WAS committed to my custody, on the 8th day of April instant, Negro JACK: He is about 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, speaks well, and is of a smiling countenance: He had on when committed an old felt hat, brown cloth coat, red flannel jacket, osnaburg shirt, leather breeches, white yarn stockings, and a pair of good shoes: He says he belongs to WILLIAM EDLO, of Charles City, upon James River, in Virginia. The owner is desired to come within four weeks, from this dates, or he will be sold out for his fees, by
    MICHAEL GRAYBELL, Gaoler.
    York town, April 20, 1790.

    Date of Record: 20 April 1790
    Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette and York General Advertiser, 05 May 1790.

11. Enslaved Person's Name: Peter
    Gender: Male
    Age: "about twenty years of age"
    Date of Birth: circa 1770
    Status: Jailed in York County as a suspected escaped slave from Maryland.
    Description: "Negro man"
    Notes: Peter was captured in York County and placed in the county jail on October 1, 1790. Text of Jailer's ad: "WAS committed to my custody, on the 1st instant, a negro man, who calls himself PETER; says he belongs to John Taylor, of Harford county, Maryland: He is a likely fellow, about twenty years of age. MICHAEL GRAYBELL, Gaoler. York town, October 19."
    Date of Record: 19 October 1790
    Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette and York General Advertiser, 27 October 1790.

12. Enslaved Person's Name: Cato
    Gender: Male
    Age: "near 50 years of age"
    Date of Birth: circa 1741
    Status: Jailed in York County as a suspected escaped slave
    Description: "Negro man"
    Notes: Cato and William were captured in York County and imprisoned in York jail as suspected fugitive slaves. Cato claimed to be from Baltimore and William, claiming he was a free man, from Williamsburg, Virginia. Both were wearing red soldier's coats, and likely were traveling through York county together.

    Two Negro Men
    WAS committed to my custody, one of them calls himself CATO, says he came from Baltimore; he has on a soldier's red coat, was born in Guinea, has three scars on each side of his face, and is near 50 years of age:
    The other calls himself WM. KYSSEY; he is about 40 years of age, and has likewise a red coat, says he is a free man, and came from Williamsburg in Virginia. Their owners are desired to come and pay their costs, and take them away, otherwise they will be sold out for the same.
    MICHAEL GRAYBEL, Gaoler
    York-Town, April 26, 1791.

    Note that Cato was born in Africa and bore tribal marks on his face.
    Date of Record: 26 April 1791
    Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette and York General Advertiser, 25 May 1791.

13. Enslaved Person's Name: William Kyssey
    Gender: Male
    Age: "about 40 years of age"
    Date of Birth: circa 1751
    Status: Jailed in York County as a suspected escaped slave
    Description: "Negro man"
    Notes: Cato and William were captured in York County and imprisoned in York jail as suspected fugitive slaves. Cato claimed to be from Baltimore and William, claiming he was a free man, from Williamsburg, Virginia. Both were wearing red soldier's coats, and likely were traveling through York county together.

    Two Negro Men
    WAS committed to my custody, one of them calls himself CATO, says he came from Baltimore; he has on a soldier's red coat, was born in Guinea, has three scars on each side of his face, and is near 50 years of age:
    The other calls himself WM. KYSSEY; he is about 40 years of age, and has likewise a red coat, says he is a free man, and came from Williamsburg in Virginia. Their owners are desired to come and pay their costs, and take them away, otherwise they will be sold out for the same.
    MICHAEL GRAYBEL, Gaoler
    York-Town, April 26, 1791.

    William Kyssey's situation represents the extreme dangers facing free Blacks in the back counties of Pennsylvania during this time. If he was actually a free man, his imprisonment was now exposing him to being "sold out for" the cost of his jail fees, which meant entering into enslavement to a local citizen. Slaveholders in the rural counties of Pennsylvania often found ingenious ways of having the terms of enslavement extended, often by years, by local courts for various reasons.
    Date of Record: 26 April 1791
    Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette and York General Advertiser, 25 May 1791.

14. Enslaved Person's Name: Jack
    Gender: Male
    Age: Age not given in ad, but descried as a "man" and a "young fellow."
    Date of Birth: Not known
    Status: Jailed as suspected escaped slave
    Description: "Negro Man"
    Notes: Jack was captured in York County and taken to the county jail at York on July 16, 1791. Jailer Graybell placed an ad in local newspapers describing Jack and three other men captured recently:

    Runaway Negroes committed.
    ON the 16th of July was committed to my custody, a Negro Man, who calls himself Jack: He is a young likely fellow, about 5 feet 6 inches high, wore a brown jacket lined with red, says he came from near Goerge-town, Maryland, and brought a horse with him to near McAlister's-town, where he was taken up.
    
    On the 19th of July a Mullatto fellow who calls himself Spencer or Paca, was committed: He is about 5 feet 9 inches high, 25 years old; had on old linen trowsers and gray cloth jacket; was taken up in Peter Little's Town, and says he belongs to Thomas Fitzhughes, in Farquier County, Virginia.
    
    On the 31st of July a Negro Man who calls himself Harry, was committed: He is about 5 feet 9 inches high, 29 years of age; had on a light colored jacket and breeches, says he belongs to a Mr. Chizley, Montgomery county, Maryland, and brought a horse with him.
    
    On the 3d of August instant, a broken back'd Mullatto Man was committed, who calls himself Tom: He is about 5 feet high, 22 years of age, very poorly clothed, say she belongs to a Mr. Williams in Maryland.
    
    The owner of owners of the above described Negroes, are desired to apply for them before the 31st day of October next, otherwise they will be sold out for their fees.
    MICHAEL GRAYBELL, Gaoler.
    August 16, 1791.

    Two of the four men captured used horses to aid in thier escape. See the notes on horses and escaping slaves below, under "John Dickison."
    Date of Record: 16 August 1791
    Source: The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, 07 September 1791.
15. Enslaved Person's Name: Spencer, or Paca
    Gender: Male
    Age: 25 years old
    Date of Birth: circa 1766
    Status: Jailed as suspected escaped slave
    Description: "Mullatto fellow"
    Notes: Spencer was captured in York County and taken to the county jail at York on July 19, 1791. Jailer Graybell placed an ad in local newspapers describing Spencer and three other men captured recently. See the ad above, under "Jack" for the full text.
    Date of Record: 16 August 1791
    Source: The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, 07 September 1791.
16. Enslaved Person's Name: Harry
    Gender: Male
    Age: 29 years old
    Date of Birth: circa 1762
    Status: Jailed as suspected escaped slave
    Description: "Negro Man"
    Notes: Harry was captured in York County and taken to the county jail at York on July 31, 1791. Jailer Graybell placed an ad in local newspapers describing Harry and three other men captured recently. See the ad above, under "Jack" for the full text.
    Date of Record: 16 August 1791
    Source: The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, 07 September 1791.
17. Enslaved Person's Name: Tom
    Gender: Male
    Age: 22 years old
    Date of Birth: circa 1769
    Status: Jailed as suspected escaped slave
    Description: "Mullatto Man"
    Notes: Tom was captured in York County and taken to the county jail at York on August 3, 1791. Jailer Graybell placed an ad in local newspapers describing Tom and three other men captured recently. See the ad above, under "Jack" for the full text.
    Date of Record: 16 August 1791
    Source: The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, 07 September 1791.
18. Enslaved Person's Name: John Dickison
    Gender: Male
    Age: Age not given in ad, but described as a "man," and also as a "young fellow."
    Date of Birth: Not known
    Status: Jailed as suspected escaped slave
    Description: "Mulatto Man"
    Notes: Dickison was captured in York County and taken to the county jail at York on November 24, 1791. About two weeks later Jailer Graybell placed the following ad in local newspapers:

    ON the 24th of November was committed to my custody, a Mulatto Man, who calls himself JOHN DICKISON, says he belongs to William Robinson, of Old Town, Maryland: He is a young fellow, about 5 feet 5 inches high, and had on a jean coat, striped vest, cotton striped trowsers, with sundry other clothes marked I.D. he also had a sorrel horse with him, with a blaze in his face. The owner of said Mulatto is desired to come for him in six weeks from the date hereof, otherwise he will be sold out for his fees.
    MICHAEL GRAYBELL, Gaoler.
    York-town, Dec. 6, 1791.

    Note that Dickison was captured with a horse, which was not typical. While using a horse made for a quick getaway and certainly made travel easier, it was also much more conspicuous and added the complications of caring for the animal on the road. Graybell's ad ran through January 18, 1792, about one week beyond the six week deadline for Dickison's owner to claim him. It is very possible that Dickison was sold back into enslavement in York County to pay jail costs.
    Date of Record: 06 December 1791; this ad ran through January 18, 1792.
    Source: The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, 21 December 1791.
19. Enslaved Person's Name: Peter Brown
    Gender: Male
    Age: Age not given in ad but described as a "young fellow."
    Date of Birth: Not known
    Status: Jailed as suspected escaped slave
    Description: "Negro"
    Notes: Brown was captured in York County and taken to the county jail at York. Jailer Graybell placed the following ad in local newspapers:

    A Negro Man,
    WHO calls himself PETER BROWN -- he is a young likely fellow, about 5 feet 6 inches high, very badly clothed, can play on the violin, and says he came from Havre-de-grace. The owner of the above described Negro, is desired to apply in six weeks from the date hereof, otherwise he will be sold out for his fees.
    MICHAEL GRAYBELL, Gaoler.
    York, May 29.

    Jailer Graybell notes that Brown was "very badly clothed," but does not elaborate. Brown may have been wearing "Negro clothes," the simply-styled shirt and pants made of un-dyed, rough cut "Negro cloth" that was used throughout the south.
    Date of Record: 29 May 1792
    Source: The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, 13 June 1792.
20. Enslaved Person's Name: Ezekiel Jack
    Gender: Male
    Age: Age not given in ad.
    Date of Birth: Not known
    Status: Jailed as suspected escaped slave
    Description: "Negro"
    Notes: Jack was captured in York County and taken to the county jail at York. Jailer Graybell placed the following ad in local newspapers:

    Runaway Negro.
    WAS committed to my custody EZEKIEL JACK, a runaway Negro, had on when committed a whiteish twilled cotton coatee, a cotton jacket and breeches, country linen shirt; he is six feet high, stout made. The owner or owners are desired to come within eight weeks from the date, otherwise he will be sold for his fees.
    MICHAEL GRAYBELL, Gaoler.
    July 30.

    Jack was wearing very light cotton clothing, typical of that furnished to enslaved persons in the south.
    Date of Record: 30 July 1793
    Source: The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, 07 August 1793.
21. Enslaved Person's Name: Nathan Thomas
    Gender: Male
    Age: "about 31 years of age"
    Date of Birth: circa 1769
    Status: Suspected escaped slave or servant; imprisoned
    Description: "Negro man"
    Notes: Thomas was jailed on May 14, 1800 as a suspected escaped "servant." Graybell did not advertise him until two months later, in July, setting an August 18th release date if no one claimed him, representing three months imprisonment with no proof of wrongdoing. Yet remaining "unclaimed," for Nathan Thomas, would work out better than for Harry, listed below, who if still unclaimed by his set date, was to be sold back into enslavement. Text of jailer's ad for Nathan Thomas:

    Notice,
    A Negro man who calls himself Nathan Thomas, was committed to my custody on the 14th day of May last, on suspicion of being a run-away servant. -- The said Nathan is about 5 feet 10 or 11 inches high, about 31 years of age, a pleasant countenance, and well made; he had on when committed sundry articles of cloathing. The owner is desired to come on or before the 18th of August next, pay the fees and take said Negro away, otherwise he will be discharged.
    MICHAEL GRAYBELL, Goaler.
    York, July 22.

    Date of Record: 22 July 1800
    Source: The York Recorder, 23 July 1800.

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
   Gender: Not specified
   Age: Assessed slaves were usually required to be between 12 and 50 years of age.
   Date of Birth: Not known
   Status: Slave for life
   Description: "Slave"
   Notes: Hamilton was assessed for one slave in 1783
   Date of Record: 1783
   Source: History of York County, Pennsylvania, John Gibson, Editor, Chicago: , 1886, p. 757.

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Sawney
   Gender: Male
   Age: "about 35 years of age"
   Date of Birth: circa 1743
   Status: Runaway
   Description: "Mulatto slave"
   Notes: Text of runaway ad:

   York Town, February 26, 1778.
   RUN away from the subscriber about three weeks ago, a Mulatto slave, named SAWNEY, well known in this town, he is well built, about 35 years of age, 5 feet 5 inches high, a taylor by trade, dark complexion, a small face and much pitted with the smallpox; had on when he left, an old brown Bath coating surtout, oznabrig shirt, thin jacket, linen breeches, yarn stockings, shoes, and an old beaver hat, &c. Whoever apprehends said slave, and delivers him to the Goaler of York Town, taking his receipt, shall receive TWENTY DOLLARS if taken in the town, or within twenty miles of it, if upwards of twenty miles, THIRTY DOLLARS, and all reasonable charges, paid by CORNELIUS HARNETT.

   Date of Record: February 28, 1778
   Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Toby, a.k.a. Joseph
   Gender: Male
   Age: "about twenty-two years of age"
   Date of Birth: circa 1769
   Status: Slave for life; repeated escapes
   Description: "Mustee Slave" (see notes)
   Notes: Previously enslaved by John Moore of Germantown. 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. Hay placed the following ad to recover him:

   Three Pounds Reward.
   RAN-AWAY from the subscriber, living in York town, on Sunday the 13th instant, a Mustee Slave, named TOBY: He is about five feet seven or nine inches high, tolerable well made, speaks both English and German, is very white for a Mustee, and has a down look when spoken to; short black curley hair, has a lump on one of his feet, between the instep and toes, and is about twenty or twenty-one years of age; was raised by John Moore, Esq; of German-town, and it is likely he is gone that course: He had on when he went off a half worn castor hat, a short grey coating jacket with sleeves, pretty well worn, and new backs in it, a pair of black everlasting, and a pair of corduroy breeches, light blue yarn stockings, a pair of old shoes and plated buckles. It is likely he may change his name and call himself Joseph.
   Whoever takes up said fellow, and secures him in any goal, so that his master may get him again, shall have the above reward and reasonable charges, paid by
   JOHN HAY.
   York town, Dec. 15, 1789.
   N.B. Masters of vessels and others are forbid to harbour or carry him off at their peril.

   Toby was returned to Hay, but escaped again in January 1791, this time in company with a white teenaged boy, the servant of John Clark, also of York. Both Hay and Clark collaborated on an ad seeking their return. Text of runaway ad:

   Stop the Runaways!
   Four Pounds Ten Shillings Reward.
   RAN-AWAY from the subscribers, living in York-town, on Sunday night, the 23d instant, a Mustee Slave, named TOBY: He is about 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, tolerably well made, and speaks both English and German, is very white for a Mustee, has a down look when spoken to, black hair, a lump on one of his feet, between the instep and toes, and is about twenty-two years of age: He had on and took with him one pair of black velvet breeches, pretty much worn, one pair of corduroy breeches, one new corduroy jacket, and old drab colored cloth coat, double milled drab surtout, with a dove colored velvet cape, and two pair of good shoes.
   Also, a certain JOHN SMETZ, a lad about five feet high, well set, is about 17 years old, has a remarkable scar on his right cheek, born of German parents, and speaks both English and German: He had on a yellow colored cloth coatee, jacket and overalls, two shirts, blue stockings, and half worn shoes with round steel buckles. -- It is probable he may have a blue surtout coat on, which he has taken. Whoever takes up said fellows, and secures them in any goal, so that their masters may get them again, shall have the above reward, or Three Pounds for TOBY, and Thirty Shillings for SMETZ, and reasonable charges.
   JOHN HAY,
   JOHN CLARK.
   York-town, January 24, 1791.
   N.B. Masters of vessels and others, are forbid to harbour or carry them off at their peril.

   Dates of Records: 15 December 1789; 24 January 1791
   Source: The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, 13 January 1790, 16 February 1791.

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Charlotte Moore
   Gender: Female
   Age: Age not reported in ad; text suggests she is an adult
   Date of Birth: Not known
   Status: Jailed as a suspected runaway slave
   Description: "Negro Wench"
   Notes: Charlotte was arrested and committed to the York Borough jail on April 18, 1803. Several weeks after her imprisonment Jailer Hersh placed the following advertisement in a local newspaper:

   NOTICE.
   WAS committed to my custody, on the 18th of April last, a Negro Wench, who calls herself Charlotte Moore, says she is free, and that she came from Philadelphia, but last from Shippensburg. Her master (if she has any) is requested to come and take her away, otherwise she will be discharged.
   BENJAMIN HERSH, Goaler.
   York, 10th May, 1803.

   Date of Record: 10 May 1803
   Source: The York Recorder, 8 June 1803

1. Enslaved Person's Name: George
   Gender: Male
   Age: "about 30 years of age"
   Date of Birth: circa 1767
   Status: Self-emancipated in July 1797
   Description: "Negro Man"
   Notes: George escaped from Hoke on July 9, 1797. Hoke waited several weeks, then placed the following runaway ad:

   Forty Dollars Reward.
   RAN-AWAY from the subscriber living in Manchester Township, York County, on the 9th inst. a Negro Man named George, about 30 years of age, very black, 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high, strong, well set, and has a remarkable round head, very flat and thick nose, stammers in his Speech if angry or confused; he took a number of good cloaths with him, so that his dress cannot be particularly described.
   Whoever apprehends said NEGRO, and secures him so that I get him again, shall receive the above reward, and reasonable charges if brought home.
   PETER HOKE.
   July 29th, 1797.

   Date of Record: 29 July 1797
   Source: Lancaster Intelligencer and Journal, 29 July 1797

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Cato
   Gender: Male
   Age: ? (adult in 1772)
   Date of Birth: ?
   Status: Runaway
   Description: "Negroe slave"
   Notes: Formerly owned by Brisbane, Chester County, and Hieronimus Echman, Lancaster County. Escaped from Jamison on August 20, 1772. Text of runaway ad placed by Jamison:

   RUN AWAY from the subscriber, the 20th day of August last, a NEGROE slave, called CATO, middle sized, bow legged, and speaks good English. The said Negroe was formerly in the possession of ---- Brisbane, of Chester county, and afterwards of Hieronimus Echman, of Lancaster county, and is a great rogue, having committed several daring burglaries. He is supposed to have broke into the shop of the subscriber since he absconded, and to have stolen from thence 3 Half Johannes, and other money, a silver watch seal, and several paste or stone buttons, set in silver. Whoever apprehends the said Negroe, and delivers him to the Goaler of York county, shall receive FOUR POUNDS reward, and reasonable charges, and One Third the value of the money or things stolen, as they shall secure for the owner.
   York Town, Sept. 30, 1772.DAVID JAMESON.
   *** The said Negroe broke into a house in York Town, an stole from thence upwards of Ninety Pounds, belonging to Nicholas Shaffer, who has offered a very considerable reward for apprehending him.

   Date of Record: October 14, 1772
   Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 28 October 1772.

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
   Gender: Male
   Age: ? (adult in 1779)
   Date of Birth: ?
   Status: Runaway--captured
   Description: "Negroe Man"
   Notes: Text of runaway ad:

   CAME to the plantation of Robert Jones, near York Town, in the State of Pennsylvania, a NEGROE man and woman, can speak but very bad English, so as they cannot be well understood, but from what can be gathered from their dialect, it is apprehended they left some part of Maryland or Virginia about the time the enemy made their last excursion into the said States. Whoever owns the said Negroes, by applying to ROBERT JONES aforesaid, on his plantation, proving property, and paying charges, may have him again.

   Date of Record: July 28, 1779
   Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

2. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
   Gender: Female
   Age: ? (adult in 1779)
   Date of Birth: ?
   Status: Runaway--captured
   Description: "Negroe woman"
   Notes: Partner of the man discussed in the runaway advertisement above.
   Date of Record: July 28, 1779
   Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Bill
   Gender: Male
   Age: Age not indicated in ad, but described as a "man."
   Date of Birth: Not known
   Status: Self-emancipated in June 1798
   Description: "Negro man"
   Notes: Bill escaped from Kelly in on June 24, 1798 in company with a man named Clem, who was claimed by a Maryland slaveholder.

   Twenty Dollars Reward.
   RAN AWAY last Sunday night, from the subscriber living in the borough of York, a negro man named BILL, about 5 feet 5 inches high, thick and strong made, marked with the small-pox, and halts a little as he walks, owing to an injury he has received in one of his knees. He is an artful fellow, can speak the German language, and is fond of spirituous liquors. Had on when he went away, coarse working cloaths, but would probably obtain others. It is said that a negro, who calls himself CLEM, is gone with him; he has worked about York for some time past, in the character of a freeman; but is the property of a certain Philip Chamberlain, of Maryland, who has offered 100 dollars for taking him up. It is supposed they will attempt to go on board of a ship, at Philadelphia, or some other sea port. Any person securing Bill, so that the subscriber may get him again, shall have 10 dollars, if within 30 miles from home; if above 30 and not more than 80, 15 dollars, and if above 80, the above reward, and all reasonable charges if brought home.
   JAMES KELLY.
   York, June 27, 1798.
   N.B. -- Clem is about 5 feet 6 inches high, is very black, has a flat nose, small legs, and large feet.

   See also the enslaved person "Priscilla," with slaveholder John Die, who was Clem's wife and who was also advertised in November of that year as escaping in company with Clem.
   Date of Record:
   Source: The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, 4 July 1798

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Mary Ayres
   Gender: Female
   Age: "about 16 years of age"
   Date of Birth: circa 1820
   Status: Bound for a term of years; escaped
   Description: "Mulatto girl"
   Notes: Ayres escaped from Kelton on October 2, 1836. Kelton placed the following ad for her capture:

   Six Cents Reward.
   Runaway from the subscriber in Lower Chanceford township York county, on Monday morning the 2d instant
   Mary Ayres,
   an indented mulatto girl about 16 years of age, the above reward but no charges will be paid for apprehension, all persons are forbid harboring her at their peril.
   ROBERT KELTON.
   Castle Fin, October 2d, 1836.

   Date of Record: 02 October 1836
   Source: Pennsylvania Republican (York, PA), 26 October 1836.

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Peggy
   Gender: Female
   Age: "aged about 55 years"
   Date of Birth: circa 1768
   Status: Slave for life; escaped
   Description: "Negro woman"
   Notes: Peggy escaped from Lefever in April 1822. Lefever placed the following ad for her capture in January 1823:

   50 Cents Reward.
   Absconded from the Subscriber in April last, a Negro woman named
   PEGGY
   aged about 55 years, very black, a short lusty negro, and is very fond of smoking tobacco. All persons are cautioned from trusting or harboring said negro on my account as I am determined not to pay one cent for her. Any person securing said Negroe and bringing her home shall have the above reward, but no charges will be paid.
   JACOB LEFEVER.
   January 21st, 1823.

   This particular escape is unusual in that Peggy is about 55 years old, an unusually advanced age for a runaway. She possibly found shelter and aid among sympathizers locally in order to stay away and avoid capture for ten months, which is the amount of time that elapsed between her escape and the publication of this ad by Lefever.
   Date of Record: 21 January 1823
   Source: York Gazette, 21 January 1823.

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Baker Donoway, a.k.a. Billy Wilson
   Gender: Male
   Age: "about 26 years of age" (Rumsey's ad)
   Date of Birth: Circa 1775
   Status: Originally escaped from Botetourt County, Virginia. Captured in York and jailed as a suspected escaped slave; Escaped from York Jail.
   Description: "Negro," "Black fellow"
   Notes: Baker escaped from the York jail on February 21, 1801. Jailer Leitner placed the following ad in regional papers, which ran for several months:

   Stop the Negro!!
   WHO made his escape from York goal on Saturday the 21st day of this instant.
   He called himself BAKER DONOWAY, but answers as quick by calling DOCTOR; he said that he belonged to a Mr. Rumsey, on the head of Holston; he is a black stout made fellow, about 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, knock need, and talks fast; he had on a half worn rorum hat, with a buckle on it, a blue coat, swandown striped jacket, thicksett overaells, and old shoes. Whoever takes up and secures said Negro in any goal, and gives information so that he can be got again, shall receive SIX DOLLARS Reward.
   IGNATIUS LEITNER, Goaler.
   York Goal, Feb. 23, 1801.

   Baker Donoway's account given to the York jailer has him escaping from the southwest region of Virginia, somewhere in the headwaters of the Holston River. This area borders Tennessee and the actual Holston River. From the accounts published in regional Pennsylvania newspapers, the slaveholder, Edward Rumsey, recognized his description and also received additional intelligence regarding Baker's activities after breaking out of the York jail. He published the following ad in a Philadelphia newspaper:

   THIRTY DOLLARS REWARD.
   RAN AWAY from the subscriber, (living in Botietourt County, Virginia,) on Friday the 18th of July 1800, a Negro man (formerly the property of Benjamin Brown of Augusta county, and lately purchased of John Leech, of Rockbridge county, named BAKER, about 26 years of age, 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high, lengthy visage, pert animated countenance, except when designing evil, then those expressions yield to a gloomy malignant look, speaks lively and presuming, on of his fore-teeth out, has the mark of a pistol ball on his breast, his right knee inclining inwards, and in walking turns the toe of that foot very much out, he is fond of liquor and stealing; he was a while in York jail, but by some means made his escape, was afterwards I am told, working in (perhaps) Mr. Agay's forge, (of which business he knows a little,) under the assumed name of BILLY WILSON, and the character of a free-man, where, if I am rightly informed, he stole some money which necessitated him to make his escape, however, he will no doubt get himself into some other forge. -- The above reward will be given for securing him in any jail, so that I get him again, or Fifty Dollars if brought to Martinsburgh jail, Berkley county, Virginia and there secured.
   EDWARD RUMSEY,
   July 25.

   From Rumsey's ad we learn that the escape was from Botetourt County, which is closer to Roanoke. That Baker was enslaved by at least two previous persons before being acquired by Rumsey, all in the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountain area, and we get additional physical details, including his age. We also learn that he is an experienced iron forge worker, a valuable job skill.
   
   "Mr. Agay's forge" may be a phonetic spelling of the name Ege, referring to the well-known Pennsylvania iron-industry Ege family. Peter Ege emigrated from Germany. Two of his grandsons, George and Michael, were brought up by Baron Henry William Stiegle, their uncle by marriage, who taught them the ironmaking business. Michael Ege became well established as an ironmaster in Cumberland County, and is most likely the person in this reference.
   Date of Record: 23 February 1801 (Leitner); 25 July 1801 (Rumsey)
   Source: The York Recorder, 08 April 1801; The Lancaster Intelligencer, 07 March 1801; Aurora General Advertiser (Philadelphia), 5 August 1801.

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Nathan Butler
   Gender: Male
   Age: "about 26 years of age"
   Date of Birth: circa 1764
   Status: "Servant;" escaped July 1790
   Description: "Mulatto Servant Man"
   Notes: Butler escaped from Spring Forge on July 17, 1790. McAllister placed the following ad to recover him:

   Forty Shillings Reward.
   RAN-AWAY from Spring Forge, last night, a Mulatto Servant Man, named NATHAN BUTLER, about 26 years of age, 5 feet 7 inches high, has a mark on his forehead, which appears to have been cut; he is an artful fellow, and has, or will perhaps procure a pass; he can read a little, and plays well on the banjoe: He had on and took with him, a brown short coat, lined or turned up with red, a calico jacket and breeches, a pair of olive velvet and queen's cord ditto, three or four country linen shirts, two pair of tow trowsers, and a pair of shoes nearly new, with a pair of plated buckles; he also took with him a small pocket pistol, which he intends shall protect him from being taken. Whoever takes up said servant, and secures him in York, Lancaster, Carlisle, Chambersburg, Frederick-town, or Baltimore jails, or brings him to Hanover or Spring Forge, so that his master may get him again, shall receive the above reward.
   ABDIEL M'ALISTER.
   Hanover, York county,
   July 18, 1790.

   Butler clearly thought about how he would evade capture after escaping. He took extra clothing, could read, likely had or knew where to get a fake pass, and was armed with a pistol for personal protection.
   Date of Record: 18 July 1790; this ad ran through September 29, 1790
   Source: The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, 28 July, 01 September 1790; The Carlisle Gazette and Western Repository of Knowledge, 28 July 1790.

2. Enslaved Person's Name: Jack Peters
   Gender: Male
   Age: "aged about 40 years"
   Date of Birth: circa 1750
   Status: "Servant;" escaped November 1790
   Description: "Negro Servant Man"
   Notes: Peters escaped from Spring Forge on November 14, 1790. McAllister placed the following ad to recover him:

   Fifty Shillings Reward.
   RANAWAY last night, from Spring Forge, nine miles from little York, a Negro Servant Man, named JACK PETERS, about 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, a stout made fellow, aged about 40 years, talks remarkably fast, plays a little on the fiddle, and is fond of strong drink:
   He had on and took with him, one new gray mixt bearskin coat, lined with green baize, and over-alls of the same, with white mettal buttons, one new brown bearskin coat, with mettal buttons, one olive coloured cloth jacket, several tow linen shirts and trowsers, one almost new felt hat, a pair of new shoes, with nails in the soals, and copper buckles. Whoever takes up said servant, and secures him in any goal, not exceeding 60 miles, shall receive the above reward, and if brought home reasonable charges will be paid by
   ABDIEL M'ALISTER.
   Spring Forge, York county,
   Nov. 15, 1790.

   
   Date of Record: 15 November 1790
   Source: The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, 22 December 1790.

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Cato
   Gender: Male
   Age: ? (adult in 1795)
   Date of Birth: Not known
   Status: Slave for life.
   Description: "Negro"
   Notes: Father of Jack, below. Bequeathed by Richard McAllister to his son Archibald. See that entry for the text of the will pertaining to these enslaved persons.
   Date of Record: August, 1795
   Source: William Henry Egle, Notes and Queries, Fourth Series, Volume 1

2. Enslaved Person's Name: Jack
   Gender: Male
   Age: ?
   Date of Birth: ?
   Status: Slave for life.
   Description: "Negro"
   Notes: Son of Cato, above. Bequeathed by Richard McAllister to his son Archibald. See that entry for the text of the will pertaining to these enslaved persons.
   Date of Record: August, 1795
   Source: William Henry Egle, Notes and Queries, Fourth Series, Volume 1

3. Enslaved Person's Name: Poll
   Gender: Female
   Age: ?
   Date of Birth: ?
   Status: Not determined.
   Description: "Negro girl"
   Notes: Bequeathed by Richard McAllister to his daughter Nancy, wife of Patrick Hays.
   Date of Record: August, 1795
   Source: William Henry Egle, Notes and Queries, Fourth Series, Volume 1

4. Enslaved Person's Name: Grate
   Gender: Female
   Age: ? (adult in 1795)
   Date of Birth: ?
   Status: Slave for life.
   Description: "Negro wench"
   Notes: Bequeathed by Richard McAllister to his daughter Jane. Grate was the mother of Jack, listed below. McAllister also bequeathed the "negro boy" Jonathan to Jane, but does not name Jonathan's mother.
   Date of Record: August, 1795
   Source: William Henry Egle, Notes and Queries, Fourth Series, Volume 1

5. Enslaved Person's Name: Jack
   Gender: Male
   Age: ?
   Date of Birth: ?
   Status: Not determined.
   Description: "son" (of "Negro wench" Grate)
   Notes: Bequeathed by Richard McAllister to his daughter Jane. Jack was the son of Grate, listed above. McAllister also bequeathed the "negro boy" Jonathan to Jane, but does not name Jonathan's mother.
   Date of Record: August, 1795
   Source: William Henry Egle, Notes and Queries, Fourth Series, Volume 1

6. Enslaved Person's Name: Jonathan
   Gender: Male
   Age: ?
   Date of Birth: ?
   Status: Not determined.
   Description: "Negro boy"
   Notes: Bequeathed by Richard McAllister to his daughter Jane.
   Date of Record: August, 1795
   Source: William Henry Egle, Notes and Queries, Fourth Series, Volume 1

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Isaac Williams
   Gender: Male
   Age: "upwards of 18 years of age"
   Date of Birth: Circa 1789
   Status: Exact status not stated, but likely a slave for a term of years; Runaway. His companion, Thomas Wilson, is white and described as an apprentice, but Isaac is described only as a "Negro boy." In addition, the reward for Isaac is fifty-percent larger than the reward for the white apprentice Wilson, indicating the higher value attached to an enslaved person.
   Description: "Negro boy"
   Notes: Isaac escaped from McClellan on Saturday, August 8, 1807, in company with a white apprentice boy, Thomas Wilson. Both boys packed considerable extra clothing, which seems to imply they planned in advance. The advertisement for their capture seems to imply that they split up after leaving, as Wilson is "supposed" to have joined up with a person named Kelly. Text of runaway advertisement placed by McClellan:

   25 Dollars Reward.
   ABSCONDED from my service, on Saturday night last, THOMAS A. WILSON (an apprentice to the Printing business) and a Negro boy called ISAAC WILLIAMS.
   Wilson is between 17 and 18 years of age, about 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, has no particular marks that are recollected. He had on and took with him a brown cloth coatee, a blue and yellow striped home made cotton waumus, 1 pair yellow nankeen, 1 pair cotton cassimere, 1 pair velvet, and 1 pair of striped cotton pantaloons, 3 shirts, several jackets, handkerchiefs, &c. the particular colours not recollected, and a good roram hat.
   Isaac is upwards of 18 years of age, about 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high, a homely, but a very active artful fellow. -- He has formerly followed the business of chimney sweeping, and was sometimes employed in a Hatter's shop, something of which business he also understands. He had on and took with him a dark blue chambray waumus, a striped cotton jacket, a pair of tow linen trowsers, a pair of fancy-cord pantaloons, 2 new shirts, a pair of boots, a silk handkerchief, &c.
   Both the above described boys are much attached to liquor, as well as some other vices. -- Printers are cautioned against employing Wilson, as he is not only addicted to drunkenness, but I have every reason to believe him dishonest.
   It is supposed Wilson went off with a certain fellow who calls himself Kelly, who pretends to be a Farrier, but of whom a particular description cannot be given.
   Whoever will take up the above runaways and secure them so that I get them again, shall receive the above Reward, or TEN Dollars for Wilson, and FIFTEEN for Isaac, with reasonable charges if brought home.
   ROBERT McCLELLAN.
   York, August 12, 1807.

   Date of Record: 12 August, 1807
   Source: Franklin Repository (Chambersburg, PA), 01 September 1807.

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Michael, a.k.a Jem
   Gender: Male
   Age: Age not indicated in ad, but described as a "man."
   Date of Birth: Not known
   Status: Self-emancipated in May 1797
   Description: "Negro Man"
   Notes: Michael escaped from McClellan several times, once in winter 1794/1795, and again on May 28, 1797. McClellan placed the following ad to recover him:

   Fifty Dollars Reward.
   RAN-AWAY from the subscriber of the Borough of York, the 28th inst. a Negro man named MICHAEL he is about 5 feet 9 inches high, stout made, broad shouldered, thick jawed, bandy legged, and stoops considerably when walking; has lost 2 or 3 of his fore teeth, is somewhat dull of hearing and seldom speaks unless spoken to. Had on and took with him a grey coloured cloth coat, a jacket and overalls of drab color, 1 pair of nankeen overalls, 1 pair of striped trowsers, 1 fine shirt, and 1 or two coarse ditto, 1 pair of new shoes. The said Negro was raised near Princetown in New-Jersey, by captain Albert Scank, and it is probable he may attempt to return there; he ran-away about two years and a half since, and lived some time near Reading in this State, where he obtained a pass which carried him to Trentown in Jersey, & there had it countersigned by a Justice Anderson, from whence he went to New-York, and returned to Trentown; at which place I apprehended him last Winter, in the service of Mr. Vanbertle a Foreign Minister, at that time he was called by the name of Jem. Whoever takes up said Negro and secures him in any goal, so that I may get him again, shall receive the above Reward.
   WILLIAM M'CLELLAN.
   York, Pennsylvania, May 31 1797.

   Date of Record: 31 May 1797
   Source: Lancaster Intelligencer and Journal, 3 June 1797

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Jack
   Sex: Male
   Age: "about 30 years of age"
   Date of Birth: circa 1780
   Status: Term slave
   Description: "indented black servant"
   Notes: Jack's time was sold by Morrison to James Crawford in Lampeter Township, Lancaster County, from whom Jack escaped in March 1810. In the text of Crawford's runaway ad is the note "formerly lived with Mr. Morrison of York county, near M'Call's ferry."
   Date of Record: March 10, 1810
   Source: Lancaster Journal

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Isaac Williams
   Gender: Male
   Age: "about 13 years old"
   Date of Birth: circa 1788
   Status: Suspected runaway slave
   Description: "Negro Boy"
   Notes: Williams was somehow taken in or detained by Oldham, who suspects him of being an escaped slave. Typically, suspected fugitive slaves were placed in the county jail under the supervision of the county jailer. That a private citizen is holding and advertising this person is unusual.

   Notice is hereby given,
   THAT there is at the house of the subscriber, in West-Manchester township, in York County, a Negro BOY, who says that he is FREE; he calls himself Isaac Williams, and says he came from near Downings town, and is about 13 years old. Any person coming forward and claiming him Lawfully may have him again by paying his expences.
   JAMES OLDHAM.
   November 3d, 1801.

   Date of Record: 03 November 1801
   Source: The York Recorder, 18 November 1801.

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
   Gender: Female
   Age: "about 23 years of age"
   Date of Birth: circa 1781 (see notes)
   Status: Per Purdy's ad "The woman is about 23 years of age, and is a slave." Only person's born prior to March 1, 1780 could lawfully be held in lifetime slavery according to the Gradual Abolition Act of 1780. Either Purdy underestimated this woman's age, or she was being held unlawfully as a slave for life.
   Description: "Negro woman," "wench"
   Notes: Offered for sale in June 1804 along with a four-year-old boy, presumably her son. Text of sale ad is below:

   NEGROES!
   FOR SALE, the time of a stout healthy negro woman and boy. The woman is about 23 years of age, and is a slave. The boy is near four years of age, and has about twenty-four years to serve. The wench is an excellent worker either in the house, or on a farm. For terms apply to Mr. John Greer, merchant, in York, or to the subscriber living in Fawn township, York county.
   PATRICK PURDY.
   June 13th, 1804.

   Date of Record: 13 June 1804
   Source: Pennsylvania Republican (York, PA), 13 June 1804.

2. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
   Gender: Male
   Age: "near four years of age"
   Date of Birth: circa 1799
   Status: Slave to the age of 28
   Description: "Negro boy"
   Notes: Offered for sale in June 1804 along with a 23-year-old woman, presumably his mother. Text of sale ad is above.
   Date of Record: 13 June 1804
   Source: Pennsylvania Republican (York, PA), 13 June 1804.

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Hannah
   Gender: Female
   Age: "about 22 years of age"
   Date of Birth: circa 1799
   Status: Slave for a term of years; self-emancipated
   Description: "Negro woman servant"
   Notes: Hannah escaped from Ramsey on May 7, 1821, with a two-year-old child, probably her child, although the ad does not specify a relationship.

   Eight Dollars Reward.
   Stop the Runaway! Ran away from the subscriber, on the 7th of May, last, a negro woman servant, named Hannah, about 22 years of age, middle sized. She took with her a bound child, of two years old. Had on when she went away, a domestic cotton dress, and straw bonnet; -- other clothes not recollected. Whoever takes up the above runaway, and secures her, so that I can get her again, shall receive the above reward.
   All persons are cautioned not to harbour said runaway, at their peril.
   Catharine Ramsey.
   Peachbottom, July 10.

   Date of Record: 10 July 1821
   Source: Pennsylvania Republican (York, PA), 17 July 1821.

2. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
   Gender: Sex not specified in ad
   Age: "two years old"
   Date of Birth: circa 1819
   Status: Slave for a term of years;
   Description: "Bound child"
   Notes: This child was taken from Ramsey by Hannah, probably her mother, on May 7, 1821. See above for text of escape ad.
   Date of Record: 10 July 1821
   Source: Pennsylvania Republican (York, PA), 17 July 1821.

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Names not given
   Gender: Not specified
   Age: Assessed slaves were usually required to be between 12 and 50 years of age.
   Date of Birth: Not known
   Status: Slaves for life
   Description: "Slaves"
   Notes: Ramsey was assessed for three slaves in 1783
   Date of Record: 1783
   Source: History of York County, Pennsylvania, John Gibson, Editor, Chicago: , 1886, p. 757.

"June 16 1778 auction (at which Godfried Lonberger was paid 3 pounds, 15 shillings for "crying the vendue") included sale of 'one Negro man his Wife & 3 Children' for 745 pounds - George Stevenson was the buyer. (ibid., pp. 40, 138)."
Source: Research by Fred Kelso, correspondence to Afrolumens Project December 2, 2003.

1. Enslaved Person's Name: ?
   Gender: Male
   Age: ? (adult in 1778)
   Date of Birth: ?
   Status: Slave for life; sold to George Stevenson on June 16, 1778.
   Description: "Negro Man"
   Notes: This man was sold along with the rest of his family, a wife and three children, when James Rankin's property was confiscated as a result of his implication in a Loyalist conspiracy in York County.
   Date of Record: July 16, 1778
   Source: Correspondence, Fred Kelso to Afrolumens, December 2, 2003.

2. Enslaved Person's Name: ?
   Gender: Female
   Age: ? (adult in 1778)
   Date of Birth: ?
   Status: Slave for life; sold to George Stevenson on June 16, 1778.
   Description: "Wife"
   Notes: See the notes for the slave at number 1, above.
   Date of Record: July 16, 1778
   Source: Correspondence, Fred Kelso to Afrolumens, December 2, 2003.

3. Slave Names: ? (Three unnamed children)
   Gender: Not specified
   Slave Ages: ? ("children" in 1778)
   Slave Dates of Birth: ?
   Status: Slaves for life; sold to George Stevenson on June 16, 1778.
   Description: "3 children"
   Notes: See the notes for the slave at number 1, above.
   Date of Record: July 16, 1778
   Source: Correspondence, Fred Kelso to Afrolumens, December 2, 2003.

"Ralph was purchased by John Rankin about 1769 from Robert Power of Chester County (PA Archives, Ser. 6, Vol XIII, p. 94)

"Newberry Friends Meeting noted in their minutes of May 9 1771 that John had purchased a slave. (Abstracts of Warrington MM Records, Gilbert Cope, 1877)"

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Ralph
   Gender: Male
   Age: ? (adult in 1778)
   Date of Birth: ?
   Status: Slave for life
   Description: "Negro Man"
   Notes: Purchased by Rankin from Robert Power of Chester County about 1769. It appears that Rankin, a Quaker, may have intended to manumit Ralph about 1778, but the Pennsylvania court did not recognize the manumission because it occurred after Rankin had "joined the enemy." Ralph allegedly altered his manumission papers with a fraudulent date but "was discovered."
   As Rankin was with the British when Ralph was petitioning for his freedom, he had no way to prove his claim. As a result of the denial of his claim, he was sold for court costs. Date of Record: September 25, 1779
   Source: Correspondence, Fred Kelso to Afrolumens, December 2, 2003; Continental Congress at York, Pennsylvania and York County in the Revolution, George R. Prowell, York, PA, 1914, p. 257.

1. Enslaved Person's Name: James Connel
   Gender: Male
   Age: "between 24 and 25 years of age"
   Date of Birth: circa 1766
   Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated in April 1791
   Description: "Mulatto Man"
   Notes: James escaped from Rutter on April 19, 1791.

   Thirty Shillings Reward.
   RAN-AWAY from the subscriber, in Manchester Township, York County, on Tuesday the 19th of April instant, a Mulatto Man, named JAMES CONNEL: He is about 5 feet 5 or 6 inches high, between 24 and 25 years of age, tolerably well made, speaks both English and German, is fond of playing on the fiddle, delights in strong drink, and when drunk is very apt to quarrel: -- He had on, when he went off, a brown coat of home made cloth, gray jacket, a pair of half worn leather breeches, coarse woolen stockings, old shoes and buckles, and an old felt hat. Whoever takes up and secures the above described runaway, so that the subscriber may get him again, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges if brought home.
   ANDREW RUTTER.
   April 26, 1791.

   Date of Record: 26 April 1791
   Source: The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, 25 May 1791.

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Jack
   Gender: Male
   Age: "40 years of age"
   Date of Birth: circa 1750
   Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated in July 1790
   Description: "Negro Man"
   Notes: Jack escaped from Sample on July 5, 1790.

   Thirty Shillings Reward.
   RAN-AWAY on the 5th instant, from the subscriber, near Peachbottom Ferry, a Negro Man, named JACK, about five feet six inches high, and 40 years of age, is a thin spare fellow, and very black: He had on and took with him when he went away a pair of tow trowsers and shirt of the same; also a Holland shirt, red jacket, white linsey coat, and an old felt hat: -- He is a French Negro, and speaks but bad English. Whoever secures said Negro in York gaol, shall have twenty shillings, and if brought home to his master, the whole reward will be paid.
   CUNNINGHAM SAMPLE.
   July 27, 1790.

   Per a later ad, Jack seems to have gone into Maryland and settled "near Elk" indicating somewhere near the Elk River or possibly near Elkton.
   Date of Record: 27 July 1790
   Source: The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, 28 July 1790

2. Enslaved Person's Name: Caesar
   Gender: Male
   Age: "aged about 36 years"
   Date of Birth: circa 1757
   Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated in July 1793
   Description: "Negro Man"
   Notes: Caesar escaped from Sample sometime in June or July 1793.

   Eight Dollars Reward for either, or Sixteen for both,
   RAN away from the subscriber, a well set negroe man, named CAESAR, about five feet four or five inches high, of a grim aspect, pitted with the small pox, aged about 36 years, fond of spirits. He is supposed to have fled to a negroe man that ran away from the same neighborhood about two years ago, about fifty years of age, slender built, very black aspect, can speak the French language well, speaks the English broken, suspected to reside, since his flight, near Elk. Whoever takes up one or both, and secures them for their masters, shall have the above reward, as proposed, with reasonable expences.
   CUNNINGHAM SAMPLE.
   JAMES RAMSEY.
   Fawn township, York county, July 3, 1793.

   See the listing for Jack, above, who seems to be the man who escaped from Sample a few years earlier. The ad for Ceasar, who Sample believes is seeking to join Jack, suggests that Jack is now claimed by another slaveholder, possibly James Ramsey, listed below Sample's name at the end of the ad. See also the listing for Catharine Ramsey, who advertised in 1821 for fugitive slave Hannah who escaped with a two-year-old child. Catharine Ramsey was the wife of James Ramsey.
   Date of Record: 3 July 1793
   Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 July 1793

3. Enslaved Person's Name: Cash
   Gender: Female
   Age: "about 28 years of age"
   Date of Birth: circa 1779
   Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated in October 1797
   Description: "Negro Wench"
   Notes: Cash escaped from Sample at Peach Bottom Ferry in October 1797. She was pregnant and believed by Sample to be attempting to join her husband, a freeman, in York.

   6 Dollars Reward.
   RAN away from the Subscriber, living at Peach-bottom Ferry, on the Susquehanna, that latter end of October last, a Negro Wench named CASH, about 28 years of age, rather above the middle size, embarrassed when spoken to; she took with her a variety of cloathing, stuff and calico, was supposed to be with child, which is the only cause known for her elopement. It is supposed, that she is gone after a Negro fellow, who says he is a free Negro, and lives in or near York-town, and was much attached to her. If said Negro CASH will return to her Master, and hath any complaints and desires that are reasonble and just, they will be attended to. Whoever secures said Wench, so that her Master may get her again, shall receive the above reward, and reasonable charges, if brought home.
   CUNNINGHAM SAMPLE.
   Dec. 30,
   N.B. Any Person harbouring, or enticing said Wench to absent herself from her Master's service, shall be dealt with according to the extent of the Law.

   Sample placed another ad in The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser in January 1798 for her return. It provided different details and listed her as 23 years of age insted of 28, which may be an error:

   RAN-AWAY from the subscriber, living in Fawn township, York county, a Negro Woman named CASH, about 23 years of age, about 5 feet high, of a dark complexion, somewhat out-mouth'd, has a large lump on the back of her neck, and is supposed to be with child -- She had on and took with her a new calico gown, a red stuff-petticoat, velvet shoes, new stockings, and a new wool hat. Whoever takes up said Negro, and secures her in any goal, so that her Master may get her again, shall have the above Reward, and if brought home reasonable charges, paid by
   CUNNINGHAM SAMPLE.
   January 3, 1798.

   Date of Record: 30 December 1797
   Source: Lancaster Intelligencer and Journal, 6 January 1798; The Pennsylvania Herald and York General Advertiser, 24 January 1798

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Quill
   Gender: Male
   Age: "about 23 or 24 years of age"
   Date of Birth: circa 1778 or 1779
   Status: Slave for life; escaped
   Description: "Mulatto Man"
   Notes: Quill escaped from Schmysor on July 11, 1802. Text of runaway ad is below:

   Thirty Dollars Reward.
   RAN-AWAY from the subscriber, living in Manchester township, York county, on Sunday last, a Mulatto Man, named QUILL, about 23 or 24 years of age, about 5 feet 10 inches high, has a large scar on the top of his head, occasioned by his falling into the fire when young, for which reason he is unwilling to have his hat taken off, and is somewhat knoch-kneed: -- He had on and took with him a greyish coloured coat of German Sarge, pretty well worn, a pair of nankeen overalls and vest, a pair of new shoes with strings, and a new wool hat. It is supposed he has a Forged pass. Whoever takes up and will secure said Mulatto, and gives information to his master either by letter or otherwise, so that he can get him again, shall receive, if 30 miles from home 15 Dollars; if 50 miles 20 Dollars, and for any greater distance the above Reward.
   PETER SCHMYSOR.
   July 20th, 1802.

   Date of Record: 20 July 1802
   Source: Pennsylvania Republican (York, PA), 13 October 1802.

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Jesse Rehmer
   Gender: Male
   Age: "about 19 years"
   Date of Birth: circa 1808
   Status: Bound for a term of years; escaped
   Description: "Mulatto boy"
   Notes: Rehmer escaped from Schweitzer on 16 November 1827. Text of runaway ad is below:

   One Cent and Chew Tobacco Reward.
   Ranaway from the subscriber, living in Conewago township, York county, on Friday last, a mulatto boy, named
   Jesse Rehmer,
   aged about 19 years. He went away without stockings, leaving two pair at home, and all his best clothing. Whoever takes up said runaway shall have the above reward, but no charges.
   Andrew Schweitzer.
   November 20, 1827.

   Date of Record: 20 November 1827
   Source: York Gazette, 20 November 1827.

1. Enslaved Person's Name: John Jones
   Gender: Male
   Age: described as "a boy"
   Date of Birth: Not known
   Status: Indentured apprentice
   Description: "boy of colour"
   Notes: Ran away from his apprenticeship on 6 March 1827. His owner, Joseph Scott, advertised for his return. Text of runaway ad is below:

   Six Cents Reward.
   Ranaway from the subscriber, living in Fawn Township, York County, on the 6th inst. an indented apprentice to the tanning business, (a boy of colour) named
   John Jones,
   he is blind of one eye. The above reward will be paid for him but no charges; therefore I forwarn all persons from harboring or employing said runaway, as they will be dealt with according to law.
   Joseph Scott.
   March 20, 1827

   Date of Record: 20 March 1827
   Source: York Gazette, 17 April 1827, page 4.

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Sanbo
   Gender: Male
   Age: "about 21 years of age"
   Date of Birth: circa 1770
   Status: llave for life; escaped April 1791
   Description: "Negro Man"
   Notes: Escaped on April 3, 1791. Sherman advertised for his return. Text of runaway ad is below:

   Stop the VILLAIN.
   TWENTY POUND REWARD.
   RAN-AWAY from the subscriber on Sunday the 3d instant, a Negro Man named SANBO: He is about 21 years of age, 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, has a scar on one of his eye-brows, stoop-shouldered, smart and active, fond of strong drink, plays a little on the fiddle, and talks both English and German: He had on and took with him a new felt hat, a brown fustian coat, which had been turned, a short striped jacket, a pair of new flax linen trowsers, of a yellow colour, a pair of half worn shoes with buckles; he also stole fourteen dollars in cash. Whoever takes up and secures said Negro, so that the subscriber may get him again, shall receive Thirty Shillings if taken 30 miles from home, Forty Shillings if taken 40 miles, and so in proportion to the amound of the above reward.
   CONRAD SHERMAN.
   Manheim Township.
   York County, April 5, 1791.

   Date of Record: 05 April 1791
   Source: The Carlisle Gazette and Western Repository of Knowledge, 27 April 1791.

2. Enslaved Person's Name: George
   Gender: Male
   Age: "about 36 or 37 years of age"
   Date of Birth: circa 1757 or 1758
   Status: slave for life; escaped September 1794
   Description: "Negro Man"
   Notes: Escaped on September 5, 1794 along with fellow enslaved man Tom. Sherman advertised for their return. Text of runaway ad is below:

   Sixty Dollars Reward.
   RAN AWAY last night from the subscriber, living in Manheim Township, York County, on the great road leading from Hanover, (M'Alisters Town) to Baltimore, two Negro Men, viz. one of them named GEORGE, about 36 or 37 years of age, 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high, a well made, stout fellow, is remarkably black, and has a good countenance, speaks the German Language better than English. He had on when he went away a new wool hat, bound with black tape, one red striped waistcoat, with linen backs and small yellow buttons, one pair of new red striped trousers, very fine, and a pair of tow trowsers with yellow stripes, if any coat, a white linen country made cloth coattee, and one ditto of home made woolen cloth, pretty much worn, with white metal buttons, one fiine shirt about half worn, and some other tow linen shirts, a pair of new shoes with strings, and is supposed to have some money with him. The other named TOM, about 21 years of age, 5 feet 6 or seven inches high, slim made, stoops a good deal in walking, of a yellow complexion, has never been shaved, hangs his under lip a good deal, and also speaks German better than English. Had on when he went away, a slouched wool hat, a short linsey jacket without lining, a tow shirt, a pair of tow trousers which is patched on the left thigh or knee, and a pair of good shoes with yellow buckles.
   If taken 20 miles from home, twenty shillings, if thirty miles forty shillings, if 50 six pounds, and for any greater distance in proportion, if confined in any goal.
   CONRAD SHERMAN.
   September 6th, 1794.
   N.B. It is supposed that the above Negroes are taken off by two travellers on horse back.

   Date of Record: 06 September 1794
   Source: Kline's Carlisle Weekly Gazette, 17 September 1794; Pittsburgh Weekly Gazette, 04 October 1794 (lacking the N.B. note).

3. Enslaved Person's Name: Tom
   Gender: Male
   Age: "about 21 years of age"
   Date of Birth: circa 1773
   Status: slave for life; escaped September 1794
   Description: "Negro Man"
   Notes: Escaped on September 5, 1794 along with fellow enslaved man George. Sherman advertised for their return. See listing for George, above, for full description of Tom in the text of the runaway ad.
   Date of Record: 06 September 1794
   Source: Kline's Carlisle Weekly Gazette, 17 September 1794; Pittsburgh Weekly Gazette, 04 October 1794 (lacking the N.B. note).

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Harry Dale
   Sex: Male
   Age: "aged about 19 years"
   Date of Birth: circa 1809
   Status: Bound for a term of years-- escaped
   Description: "Mulatto boy"
   Notes: Escaped from Smith in February 1828. Smith advertised his escape nine months later.

   6 CENTS REWARD.
   Ranaway from the subscriber residing in Chanceford township, York county, sometime in February last, a mulatto boy, named
   HARRY DALE.
   aged about 19 years. Whoever takes up said runaway shall have the above reward but no expenses paid.
   MARTHA SMITH.
   November 4, 1828.

   Date of Record: 04 November 1828
   Source: York Gazette, 11 November 1828.

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Jack
   Sex: Male
   Age: "about twenty-five years of age"
   Date of Birth: circa 1754
   Status: Slave for life -- escaped
   Description: "Negro Man"
   Notes: Escaped from Swoope on July 18, 1779 in company with Charles, enslaved by Valentine Grantz.

   York Town, July 19.
   ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD.
   RAN AWAY last night from the subscriber, living in York-Town, a Negro Man named JACK, about twenty-five years of age, well set, knock-knee'd, and walks very slubberly; had on and took with him when he went away, a grey nap coat, a yellow and blue striped jacket, a fine pair of overalls, a good pair of buckskin breeches, new shoes, a fine hat, and sundry tow shirts. He plays on the violin and German flute. It is supposed he is in company with a Negro Man belonging to Valentine Grantz, named Charles, as he ran away the same night. Whoever takes up said Negro and secures him in any goal, so that his master may have him again, shall receive the above reward, paid by
   MICHAEL SWOOPE.

   Date of Record: 19 July 1779
   Source: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 27 July 1779.

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Sue
   Sex: Female
   Age: 14
   Date of Birth: 1766 (calculated)
   Status: Slave for life
   Description: "Negro girl"
   Notes: 1780 Slave Registration specifies status as "slave during life."
   Date of Record: October 26, 1780
   Source: "Slaves in Lancaster County in 1780"

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
   Sex: Female
   Age: Age not given in ad, but of childbearing age and noted as having five years remaining to serve. See notes.
   Date of Birth: circa 1788 (year of birth calculated based upon typical term of enslavement of 28 years under the Gradual Abolition Law.)
   Status: Slave for a term of years
   Description: "Negro Wench"
   Notes: Adult woman offered for public auction in April 1811 along with her two-year-old son, and a four-year-old girl, possibly her daughter. If this woman was being held to the typical 28-year term of enslavement and had five years to serve, her age at time of sale would have been 23. Text of the public sale notice: "FOR SALE. A Negro Wench, WHO has 5 years to serve, with a boy 2 years old. Also a mulatto girl aged 4 years. They will be offered to the highest bidder on Wednesday the 3d day of April next at the house of Jacob Upp in the borough of York. March 27, 1811."
   Date of Record: 27 March 1811
   Source: Pennsylvania Republican (York, PA), 30 March 1811.
2. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
   Sex: Male
   Age: 2 years old
   Date of Birth: 1809
   Status: Slave for a term of years
   Description: "boy"
   Notes: Offered for public auction in April 1811 along with his mother, and a four-year-old girl, possibly his sister. See above for full text of sale notice.
   Date of Record: 27 March 1811
   Source: Pennsylvania Republican (York, PA), 30 March 1811.
3. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
   Sex: Female
   Age: 4 years old
   Date of Birth: 1807
   Status: Slave for a term of years
   Description: "Mulatto girl"
   Notes: Offered for public auction in April 1811 along with a young woman and her two-year-old son, possibly her mother and brother. See above for full text of sale notice.
   Date of Record: 27 March 1811
   Source: Pennsylvania Republican (York, PA), 30 March 1811.

1. Enslaved Person's Name: Rachel Thompson
   Sex: Female
   Age: "between fourteen and fifteen years of age"
   Date of Birth: circa 1809 or 1810
   Status: Slave for a certain term of years
   Description: "Mulatto girl"
   Notes: Thompson escaped from Williams on July 4, 1824. Text of escape advertisement placed by Williams:

   SIX CENTS REWARD.
   Ranaway from the subscriber on the 4th July, 1824, a mulatto girl named
   RACHEL THOMPSON,
   between fourteen and fifteen years of age. Whoever takes up said runaway, and brings her to the subscriber living in York county, Windsor township, shall have the above reward, but no charges paid if brought home.
   Elizabeth Williams.
   July 27, 1824.

   Date of Record: 27 July 1824
   Source: York Gazette, 27 July 1824.

1. Enslaved Person's Name: James Cowey
   Sex: Male
   Age: "about 19 or 20 years"
   Date of Birth: 1805 or 1806 (calculated)
   Status: Slave for a certain term of years
   Description: "Black servant boy"
   Notes: Ran away late May or early June, 1825. Text of runaway slave advertisement placed by Worley:

   Six Cents Reward.
   Ranaway from the subscriber several weeks ago, a black servant boy named
   James Cowey,
   aged about 19 or 20 years, about 5 feet 9 inches high and stout built, his clothes not recollected. The above reward but no charges will be given for his apprehension and delivery to the subscriber
   JOSEPH WORLEY.
   York, June 13, 1825.

   Date of Record: 13 June 1825
   Source: York Gazette, 14 June 1825, page 3; 12 July 1825, page 4.