Slaveryto
freedom
A series of pages exploring
various aspects of enslavement in Pennsylvania
Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
Historical Slavery Advertisements
Dauphin County Advertisement For a 12-Year-Old Boy
Source: Dauphin Guardian Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 20 May, 1806; page 3.
Text of the Advertisement
FOR SALE, A Stout, healthy, serviceable NEGRO BOY, About 12 years of age; who has to serve until 28; very active and smart about a house, but more particularly used on a farm. For further particulars, enquire of the Editor. May 19, 1806.
Notes
This is a very typical but brief advertisement for an enslaved child. The characteristic "stout" description implies health while "active and smart" implies industriousness. The advertiser notes that the child is useful either around a household or on a farm. Note that the slaveholder remains anonymous by having the printer act as an agent.
This child was born about 1794, and if held to the full sixteen years remaining in his indenture, will remain enslaved until 1822, when he reaches 28 years of age.