A series of pages exploring
various aspects of enslavement in Pennsylvania

Enslavement in Adams County, Pennsylvania

Anonymous Advertisements to Sell Enslaved Persons

The advertisements on this page offer enslaved persons for sale, but direct potential purchasers to contact the seller through a third party, typically the newspaper printer. This preserved the anonymity of the enslaver.

• FOR SALE, The time of a likely NEGRO GIRL, between 9 and 10 years of age -- She is regularly recorded according to law. For terms apply to the Printer hereof. Aug. 23, 1808.
  Source: The Adams Sentinel, 24 August 1808.
  Notes: The child in this ad was born about 1798 or 1799 and is facing enslavement until 1826 or 1827. She is described as "likely," meaning she is well proportioned, of a healthy and pleasing appearance for her age. "She is regularly recorded" means that the current enslaver is guaranteeing that she was legally registered as a term slave with county officials within six months of her birth.

   

• FOR SALE, The time of an active, healthy NEGRO BOY, Who is now about 17 years of age, and has to serve until 28. -- Enquire of the Printer. Jan. 22, 1811.
  Source: The Adams Sentinel, 23 January 1811.
  Notes: The teen boy offered for sale here was born about 1794. At age 17 he is of prime working age and facing another eleven years of forced labor. At an age at which many teenagers are apprenticed to learn a trade, or earning wages to build up savings, he will find himself at age 28 with no resources and few skills beyond manual labor.

   

• FOR SALE, THE TIME OF A STOUT NEGRO GIRL, between 16 and 17 years of age, who has to serve until 28. Inquire of the Printer. Jan. 30
  Source: The Adams Sentinel, 14 February 1827.
  Notes: The "girl" in this ad was born either 1810 or 1811. "Stout" indicates that she is healthy and strong enough to handle farm work or heavy house work.

   

   

• 
  FOR SALE, THE TIME OF A NEGRO BOY, FREE at 28 years of age, who has two years and nine months to serve. Inquire of the PRINTER. Dec. 22.
  Source: The Adams Sentinel, 06 January 1830.
  Notes: The "boy" in this ad would have been 25 years old, born in September 1805.
  

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