Delaware County, Pennsylvania Slaveholders O-Z

Slaveholder Name: Odenheimer, John
City or Township: Chester Borough
County: Chester County
Occupation: Farmer
Notes: John Odenheimer's enslaved person Anthony Welsh is recorded on page 13 of the 1780 register. The man Jeffery Butcher is not listed on the registry, indicating that Odenheimer acquired him after 1780.

Enslaved Person's Name: Anthony Welsh
Sex: Male
Age: 45
Date of Birth: 1735 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Man named Anthony Welsh aged forty five years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Jeffery Butcher
Sex: Male
Age: "24 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1768
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated, August 1792
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Butcher escaped from Odenheimer on August 12, 1792. Odenheimer published the following escape notice to recover him:
TWENTY DOLLARS Reward.
RAN AWAY from the subscriber, living in Chester, Delaware county, on Sunday, the 12th instant, a Negroe Man, who calls himself JEFFERY BUTCHER, 24 years of age; about 5 feet 11 inches high, straight in his carriage, a pleasant countenance, shews his teeth when he laughs; had on and took with him, one new striped nankeen coat of a greenish colour; one half worn green do. one brownish do. one new pair of nankeen breeches, one new yellow jacket, bound with green ribband; one half worn red calamanco do. two pair of trowsers, one of topsail duck; several pair of cotton stockings, one new pair of pumps and one pair of shoes, with large plated buckles; two hats, one almost new. He has been seen along the wharves of Philadelphia and is supposed to have endeavoured to get on board some vessel, or else concealed in some free negroe's house, until opportunity offers. Therefore, all captains of vessels and others are forbid to harbour him at their peril; if the above Negroe will return to his master, he shall be used as formerly, which was with the utmost lenity. The above reward will be given to any person or persons, who will secure him so that his master shall have him again.
JOHN ODENHEIMER.
N.B. He has money with him, and will probably change his cloaths.
Chester, August 21, 1792.
Butcher escaped with a large supply of extra clothing, shoes and hats, as well as money, and headed for Philadelphia where he could find aid from and blend in with the local free African American community. All are factors that probably contributed to his ability to avoid capture for many months. Odenheimer initially offered twenty dollars reward, but increased the reward in late October to thirty dollars and again to forty dollars in late December. By late May 1793, nine months after Butcher's escape, Odenheimer had increased his reward to sixty dollars. The ads ran through November 1793, an extraordinarily long run of ads over fifteen months time, making it unlikely Odenheimer ever caught Jefferey Butcher.
Date of Record: 21 August 1792 (initial escape notice)
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 26 September, 07 November, 26 December 1792, 29 May, 29 November 1793.

Slaveholder Name: Ogden, John
City or Township: Springfield Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Yeoman
Notes: John Ogden's slave is recorded on page 50 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Poll
Sex: Female
Age: 15
Date of Birth: 1765 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Mulatto Girl"
Notes: Registered as "A Mulatto Girl named Poll aged fifteen years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.

Slaveholder Name: Owen, John
City or Township: Chester
County: Chester County
Occupation: High Sheriff
Notes: A member of the Pennsylvania Assembly sporadically between 1734 and 1748

Enslaved Person's Name: Ham, a.k.a. Jacob Tomson
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given in escape notice, but described as a "man."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life; escaped April 1731
Description: "Indian Man" (see notes below)
Notes: Escaped from Owen in April 1731.
RUN away from John Owen, Sheriff of Chester, an Indian Man who went by the Name of Ham, but his right Name is Jacob Tomson; he is a broad set Man, full faced, with long black Hair. He hath an old brown Coat, a pair of old Trowsers, old white Stockings, old Shoes, and an old Beaver Hat; he speaks pretty good English, being New-England born. Whoever secures the said Man so that the Sheriff aforesaid may have him again, shall have Thirty Shillings Reward, and reasonable Charges paid, by
John Owen.
The enslavement of Native Americans was widespread in the colonies of North America in the 1600s and early 1700s. Many of the enslaved Native Americans from New England were either war captives or persons committed to enslavement by the court system there.
Date of Record: 29 April 1731
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 29 April 1731.

Slaveholder Name: Painter, William
City or Township: Birmingham Township (present day Chadds Ford)
County: Delaware County
Occupation:
Notes:

Enslaved Person's Name: Thomas Hill
Sex: Male
Age: "about 16 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1798
Status: Self-emancipated July 1814
Description: "Mulatto boy"
Notes: Escaped from Painter in July 1814.
20 Dollars Reward.
RAN AWAY.
On the 26th inst. from the subscriber, living in Birmingham township Delaware County, an indented Mulatto boy about 16 years of age, named THOMAS HILL. He has small eyes with a red mark under one of them, is rather backward and diffident in his deportment. -- had on when he went away, a dark olive cloth coatee and broad check trowsers of domestic manufacture. Whoever will apprehend said boy and lodge him in any jail in this state; so that his mater can get him shall receive the above reward and all reasonable charges paid. Captains of vessels and others are warned not to harbor said boy at their peril.
WILLIAM PAINTER.
Birmingham, August 3, 1814.
Date of Record: 03 August 1814; This escape notice was published through September 21, 1814.
Sources: The Record (West Chester), 03 August 1814.

Slaveholder Name: Peirce, John
City or Township: Concord Township
County: Chester County at time of ad
Occupation:
Notes:

Enslaved Person's Name: Jacob Jones
Sex: Male
Age: "about 22 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1742
Status: Slave for a term of years
Description: "Mulatto Servant Man"
Notes: Jones escaped from Peirce in early November 1764. Peirce placed the following ad to recover him:
RUN away about two Weeks ago, from the Subscriber, livin in Concord, Chester County, a Mulatto Servant Man, named Jacob Jones, by Trade a Mason, about 5 Feet 8 Inches High, a well limbed, well set lissom Fellow, about 22 Years of Age, very active at most Sorts of Exercise, Jumping, Wrestling, &c. he hath a short Nose, and short black Hair, large Feet and Legs, his Shins bending forwards, he is very talkative, apt to laugh, and shew his Teeth, which are very white, had on a good green double breasted Coat, with a small Cape, and yellow Metal Buttons, a good black Hair Plush Jacket without Sleeves; he hath been about three Years ago in the Army, and had two Passes, one from Major Rogers, and about two Years ago worked at Winchester, in Virginia, and perhaps has made that Way. Whoever takes up and secures said Servant, so that his Master may have him again, shall have Three Pounds Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by
JOHN PEIRCE.
Date of Record: 15 November 1764
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 15 November 1764

Slaveholder Name: Peters, William
City or Township: Concord Township
County: Chester County at time of ad
Occupation: Fuller
Notes:

Enslaved Person's Name: Stephen
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given in runaway ad but described as a man
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for live -- escaped
Description: "Negroe man"
Notes: Stephen escaped from Peters on July 16, 1749. Peters placed the following ad to recover him:
Philadelphia, July 20. 1749.
RUn away, on the 16th instant, from William Peters, fuller, of Concord, Chester county, a Negroe man, named Stephen, who formerly liv'd with Dr. Brown, of this city, is a tall slim fellow, long visag'd, speaks pretty good English: Had on when he went away, a light colour'd linsey jacket, with pewter buttons, an ozenbrigs shirt, tow trowsers, a red and white worsted cap, half worn felt hat, and new shoes. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and secures him, so that his master may have him again, shall have Forty Shillings reward, and reasonable charges, paid by William Peters aforesaid, or Joseph Coburn, in Philadelphia.
N.B. 'Tis thought he wants to get away in some vessel, therefore all masters of vessels are desired not to harbour or conceal him at their peril.
Date of Record: 20 July 1749
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 3 August 1749.

Slaveholder Name: Price, Elizabeth H.
City or Township:
County: Cecil County, Maryland
Occupation:
Notes: Price's manumission papers for Rasin Garnett were filed in the prothonotary's office in Media, Pennsylvania.

Enslaved Person's Name: Rasin Garnett
Sex: Male
Age: "under forty five years of age"
Date of Birth: not stated, but not before 1785
Status: Manumitted in 1830 in consideration of $110.
Description:
Notes: Manumission papers state that he is "released from slavery, manumitted and set free, Rasin Garnett, being under forty-five years of age, of a healthy constitution, sound in mind and body, and capable by labor to procure to him sufficient food and raiment, with other requisite necessaries of life."
Date of Record: 15 November 1830
Source: Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 205.

Slaveholder Name: Price, Elisha
City or Township: Borough of Chester
County: Chester County
Occupation: Esquire
Notes: Price's enslaved man Peter is listed on page 17 of the 1780 Chester County Slave register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Male
Age: "about 24 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1728
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Advertised for sale in January 1762:
To be SOLD,
By the Subscriber, in the Town of Chester,
A Very likely well-set Negroe Man, about 24 Years of Age, can work well at almost all Sorts of Country Business, and has lived a considerable Time on a Farm. For Terms, enquire of ELISHA PRICE.
Date of Records: 28 January 1762
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 28 January 1762.
Enslaved Person's Name: Jack Jones
Sex: Male
Age: "upwards of 24 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1752
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated August 1776
Description: "Mulattoe man"
Notes:
Chester, November 23, 1776.
FIVE POUNDS Reward.
RUN away from the subscriber, living in the Borough of Chester, in the beginning of August last, a Mulattoe man, named Jack Jones, upwards of 24 years of age, a Cooper by trade, about 5 feet 7 inches high, wears his hair tied in a cue behind, has a hobbling gait when he walks, occasioned by the rheumatism formerly in his hips, this country born, speaks good English, can read, and write a tolerable hand, and can play pretty well on a fife, is a sly, smooth tongued fellow, and may probably forge a pass, and pretend to be a freeman; he went on board the Providence privateer, commanded by Captain Jones, when she lay opposite to Chester, outward bound on her cruize, and am since informed by one of the hands, that he escaped from on board the first prize taken by the privateer, when she was retaken by the English, and came ashore at or near Egg harbour, in Jersey, so that it is supposed he is lurking somewhere in Jersey, or perhaps may have come to Philadelphia in expectation of getting his prize money. Whoever takes up said fellow and brings him home, or secures him in any goal in this province, so that his master may have him again, shall receive the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by ELISHA PRICE.
N.B. His clothes cannot be well described, as he left the most of his clothes at home, and is supposed to have got new.
Date of Record: 23 November 1776
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 05 February 1777.
Enslaved Person's Name: Peter
Sex: Male
Age: 24
Date of Birth: 1756 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro man named Peter aged twenty four years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.

Slaveholder Name: Price, John
City or Township: Chichester Township
County: Chester County
Occupation:
Notes:

Enslaved Person's Name: Robin
Sex: Male
Age: "about 19 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1736
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro boy"
Notes: Robin escaped from Price on March 9, 1755. Price placed the following ad in The Pennsylvania Gazette to recover him:
RUN away on the 9th of March inst. from John Price in Chichester township, Chester county, a negro boy, named Robin, about 19 years of age, five feet four inches high, of a pleasant countenance, and has very thick lips: Had on when he went away, an old beaver hat, blue halfthick jacket, ozenbrigs shirt, old buckskin breeches, white yarn Stockings, and shoes with hob-nail in the soles. Whoever takes up and secures said negro boy, so that his master may have him again, shall have Twenty Shillings reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
JOHN PRICE.
Date of Record: 18 March 1755
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 18 March 1755.

Slaveholder Name: Price, Samuel
City or Township: Lower Chichester Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Farmer
Notes: Price's slaves are listed on page 43 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: James
Sex: Male
Age: 26
Date of Birth: 1754 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Registered as "A negro man named James aged twenty six years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Oliver
Sex: Male
Age: 24
Date of Birth: 1756 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Man named Oliver aged twenty four years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Joe
Sex: Male
Age: 4
Date of Birth: 1776 (calculated)
Status: Slave to the age of 31
Description: "Mulatto Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A Mulatto Boy named Joe a servant till he attains the age of thirty one years aged four years."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.

Slaveholder Name: Quandril, John
City or Township: Ridley Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Weaver
Notes: John Quandril's slave is listed on page 30 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Jack
Sex: Male
Age: 60
Date of Birth: 1720 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro man named Jack aged sixty years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.

Slaveholder Name: Queen, Hugh
City or Township: Haverford Township "nigh Charles Humphrey's mill"
County: Chester County
Occupation: Farmer
Notes: Queen's enslaved persons are listed on page 3 of the 1780 register. Historian Henry Ashmead gives this slaveholder's surname as "Goveen."

Enslaved Person's Name: Phillis
Sex: Female
Age: 21 (at time of Registration)
Date of Birth: 1759 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "mullatto woman"
Notes: Registered as "A mullatto woman named Phillis aged twenty one years a slave for life." Phillis and Poll escaped from Queen on February 2, 1778. He ran the following advertisement in a Philadelphia newspaper:
EIGHT DOLLARS Reward.
RUN AWAY, the 2d day of February instant, two mulatto girls; one named PHILLIS, twenty-two years of age, a lusty wench, full faced; had on when she went away, a linsey short gown and petticoat, men's shoos, a white bonnet, her hair very much in the negro fashion, and several articles unknown.
The other named POLL, fourteen years of age, short and thick, had on when she went away, a linsey short gown and petticoat, men's shoes, a black bonnet, and several articles unknown. Whoever takes up said servants, and secures them either in the goal or workhouse, so that their master may have them again, shall for each receive Four Dollars, and all reasonable charges, paid by me,
HUGH QUEEN, Chester county, Haverford township, nigh Charles Humphrey's mill.
Queen apparently recovered both Phillis and Poll, as he registered them as his property in Chester in November 1780.
Date of Record: 14 February 1778 (Runaway Notice); November 1, 1780 (Registration)
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204; The Pennsylvania Ledger, or the Philadelphia Market Day Advertiser, 14 February 1778.
Enslaved Person's Name: Peter
Sex: Male
Age: 7
Date of Birth: 1773 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A negro Boy named Peter aged seven years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Poll
Sex: Female
Age: 16 (at time of Registration)
Date of Birth: 1764 (calculated)
Status: Slave till the age of thirty-one years
Description: "mullatto servant girl"
Notes: Registered as "A mullatto servant girl till she attains the age of thirty one years named Poll aged sixteen years." Poll and Phillis escaped from Queen on February 2, 1778. He ran a descriptive advertisement in a Philadelphia newspaper. See the notes for Phillis, above, for the full text and description of Poll. Queen apparently recovered both Phillis and Poll, as he registered them as his property in Chester in November 1780.
Date of Record: 14 February 1778 (Runaway Notice); November 1, 1780 (Registration)
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204; The Pennsylvania Ledger, or the Philadelphia Market Day Advertiser, 14 February 1778.

Slaveholder Name: Raine, Samuel
City or Township: Chester
County: Chester County (modern Delaware County)
Occupation: Jailer
Notes:

Enslaved Person's Name: Sam
Sex: Male
Age: "aged 30 Years or upwards"
Date of Birth: circa 1733 or earlier
Status: Jailed as suspected escaped slave
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Captured in Chester County and jailed as a suspected runaway.
Committed to Chester Goal, two Negroe Men; one named Sam, appears to be aged 30 Years or upwards; speaks bad English, says he has been 7 Moons from home; the other says his Name is Joe, a young Fellow, has a Rupture, and he says he belongs to Edward Brown, Blacksmith, in the City of Philadelphia.
SAMUEL RAINE, Goaler.
Date of Record: 03 November 1763
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 03 November 1763.
Enslaved Person's Name: Joe
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given, but described as a "young fellow" and a "man."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Jailed as suspected escaped slave
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Captured in Chester County and jailed as a suspected runaway. Told jailer he was enslaved by Edward Brown, of Philadelphia.
Committed to Chester Goal, two Negroe Men; one named Sam, appears to be aged 30 Years or upwards; speaks bad English, says he has been 7 Moons from home; the other says his Name is Joe, a young Fellow, has a Rupture, and he says he belongs to Edward Brown, Blacksmith, in the City of Philadelphia.
SAMUEL RAINE, Goaler.
Date of Record: 03 November 1763
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 03 November 1763.

Slaveholder Name: Rice, Benjamin
City or Township: Tinicum Island
County: Chester County
Occupation: Grazier
Notes: Rice's enslaved person is listed on page 19 of the 1780 register. Historian Henry Ashmead gives this slaveholder's surname as "Rue."

Enslaved Person's Name: Jude
Sex: Female
Age: 13
Date of Birth: 1767 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Girl"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Girl named Jude aged thirteen years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.

Slaveholder Name: Richards, Jacob
City or Township: Asheton Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Yeoman
Notes: Richards' slaves are listed on page 10 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Dick
Sex: Male
Age: 65
Date of Birth: 1715 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Man named Dick aged sixty five years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Jym
Sex: Male
Age: 30
Date of Birth: 1750 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Man named Jym aged thirty years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Flora
Sex: Female
Age: 12
Date of Birth: 1768 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Girl"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Girl named flora aged twelve years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Peet
Sex: Male
Age: 5
Date of Birth: 1775 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Mulatto Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A Mulatto Boy named Peet aged five years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Rose
Sex: Female
Age: 3
Date of Birth: 1777 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro girl"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro girl named Rose aged three years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Sylvia
Sex: Female
Age: "aged sixteen months"
Date of Birth: July 1779 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Female Child"
Notes: Registered as "A Female Child named Sylvia aged sixteen months a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Name not recorded
Sex: Female
Age: 22
Date of Birth: 1758 (calculated)
Status: Slave to the age of 25
Description: "Negro servant woman"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro servant woman till she attains the age of twenty five years named _______ Aged twenty two years."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.

Slaveholder Name: Richardson, Joseph
City or Township:
County: Chester County (now Delware County)
Occupation:
Notes:

Enslaved Person's Name: Phoebe
Sex: Female
Age: Age not indicated in source
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life; executed in 1764
Description: "Negro"
Notes: Executed for burglary in 1764. Delaware County historian Keith Lockhart recounts this event on his history blog:
"At a special court held for the trial of negroes under the act of 1706, Phoebe, the slave of Joseph Richardson, was on March 2, 1764, convicted of burglary in entering the house of Thomas Barnard – that adjoining to the north Jonathan Pennell’s dwelling on Edgmont Avenue, facing Fourth Street. John Morton presided at the trial. Richardson, her master, lived in his then new residence – the present Steamboat Hotel – and the Colonial treasury paid to him fifty-five pounds, the sum at which Phoebe was appraised, for the act of assembly providing that when a slave was executed the province must make good the loss to the owner of the Negro."
Date of Record: 1764 (trial)
Sources: Keith Lockhart, " 'Divers Horrid' Early hangings and crime in Delaware County," Delaware County History Blog, 15 October 2016, https://dtimeshistory.blogspot.com/2016/10/divers-horrid-early-hangings-and-crime.html, accessed 24 October 2024. Historian Lockhart has additional details on this trial in the article "Some early trials in Chester from the 18th century," at https://dtimeshistory.blogspot.com/2018/05/some-early-trails-at-1724-corthouse-in.html.

Slaveholder Name: Russell, William
City or Township: Edgemont Township
County: Delaware County
Occupation: Miller
Notes:

Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
Sex: Female
Age: "aged about 24 or 25 years"
Date of Birth: circa 1743 or 1744
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe woman"
Notes: Advertised for sale with her children in April 1768:
To be SOLD, for want of Employ,
A NEGROE woman, with a child at her breast; aged about 24 or 25 years; and a mulatto boy, 4 years of age; the woman is suitable for either town or country service. Whoever has occasion for such, may apply to WILLIAM RUSSELL, of Edgmont township, Chester county.
Date of Record: 14 April 1768
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 14, 21 April 1768
Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
Sex: Male
Age: "4 years of age"
Date of Birth: 1764
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Mulatto boy"
Notes: Advertised for sale with his mother in April 1768. See above for text of ad.
Date of Record: 14 April 1768
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 14, 21 April 1768
Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
Sex: Sex not stated
Age: Infant, described as "child at her breast"
Date of Birth: circa 1768
Status: Slave for life
Description: "child"
Notes: Advertised for sale with its mother in April 1768. See above for text of ad.
Date of Record: 14 April 1768
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 14, 21 April 1768

Slaveholder Name: Shaw, Samuel
City or Township: Borough of Chester
County: Chester County
Occupation: Miller
Notes: Two enslaved men of Samuel Shaw are listed on page 33 of the 1780 register. Twelve years prior to registrations Shaw advertised to sell a man. It is likely that this is a third man enslaved by Shaw at one time.

Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given in ad, but described as a "man."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe man"
Notes: Advertised for sale in January of 1768: "TO BE SOLD, A LIKELY, stout, healthy, active NEGROE MAN, who is a good Miller, and not sold for any Fault. For Terms, apply to SAMUEL SHAW, Miller, near Chester.
Date of Record: 07 January 1768
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 07 January 1768.
Enslaved Person's Name: Peter
Sex: Male
Age: 36
Date of Birth: 1744 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro man named Peter aged thirty six years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Buff
Sex: Male
Age: 23
Date of Birth: 1757 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro man named Buff aged twenty three years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.

Slaveholder Name: Smith, Samuel
City or Township: Darby Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Yeoman
Notes: The slaves of Samuel Smith are listed on page 40 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Milford
Sex: Male
Age: 58
Date of Birth: 1722 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Registered as "A negro man named Milford aged fifty eight years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Tom
Sex: Male
Age: 23
Date of Birth: 1757 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Registered as "A negro man named Tom aged twenty three years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.

Slaveholder Name: Smith, Thomas
City or Township: Ridley Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Farmer
Notes: The slaves of Thomas Smith are listed on page 29 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Jim
Sex: Male
Age: 20
Date of Birth: 1760 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro man named Jim aged twenty years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Cato
Sex: Male
Age: 10
Date of Birth: 1770 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Boy named Cato aged ten years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Phebe
Sex: Female
Age: 14
Date of Birth: 1766 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro girl"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro girl named Phebe aged fourteen years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Hannah
Sex: Female
Age: 9
Date of Birth: 1771 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro girl"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro girl named Hannah aged nine years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.

Slaveholder Name: Smith, William
City or Township: Tinicum Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Yeoman
Notes: The slaves of William Smith are listed on page 34 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Nance
Sex: Female
Age: 5
Date of Birth: 1775 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro girl"
Notes: Registered as "A negro girl named Nance aged five years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Eamy
Sex: Female
Age: 12
Date of Birth: 1768 (calculated)
Status: Slave to the age of 31
Description: "Negro Servant Girl"
Notes: Registered as "A negro Servant Girl till she attains the age of thirty one years named Eamy aged twelve years."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Andrew
Sex: Male
Age: 10
Date of Birth: 1770 (calculated)
Status: Slave to the age of 31
Description: "Negro Servant Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Servant Boy till he attains the age of thirty one years named Andrew aged twelve years."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780

Slaveholder Name: Taylor, John
City or Township: Tinicum Island
County: Chester County
Occupation: Grazier
Notes: Taylor's slave is listed on page 19 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Jude
Sex: Female
Age: 6
Date of Birth: 1774 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Girl"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Girl named Jude aged six years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: No name recorded
Sex: Male
Age: 20a
Date of Birth: 1758 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Lad"
Notes: Offered for sale in 1778:
To be SOLD by the Subscriber, (Who intends to return to town) living in East Town, Chester County, about twenty miles from Philadelphia, on the Lancaster road, A STRONG healthy Negro LAD, about twenty years of age, has had the smallpox and measles, born and bred in the country, and used to farming. For terms apply to JOHN TAYLOR.
Date of Record: December 1, 1778
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, December 1, 1778, in Accessible Archives, www.accessible.com/

Slaveholder Name: Thomas, Joseph
City or Township: Chester
County: Chester County (Delaware County after 1789)
Occupation: Chester Jailer
Notes:

Enslaved Person's Name: William Sutton
Sex: Male
Age: "about 27 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1741
Status: Jailed as a suspected escaped slave
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Sutton was imprisoned in the Chester jail as a suspected escaped slave. Jailer Thomas placed the following notice in The Pennsylvania Gazette, which would have been circulated and widely read in New Jersey at the time, the location (Cohansey) of Isaac Antrim:
Chester, May 7, 1768.
THIS Day was committed to my Custody, as a Runaway, a Negroe Man, who calls himself William Sutton, about 27 Years of Age, 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high; had on when committed, a light coloured Cloth Coat and Jacket, blue Cloth Breeches, ribbed Worsted Stockings, coarse Shoes, and Brass Buckles; says he worked in a Shallop belonging to Isaac Antrim of Cahansie. His Master, if any, is desired to come and pay Charges, and take him away, or he will be sold out for his Fees, in four Weeks from the Date hereof, by
JOSEPH THOMAS, Goaler.
Date of Record: 07 May 1768
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 19 May 1768.

Slaveholder Name: Tremble, Lewis
City or Township: Ridley Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Yeoman
Notes: The slaves of Lewis Tremble are listed on page 48 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Peg
Sex: Female
Age: 23
Date of Birth: 1757 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Mulatto woman"
Notes: Registered as "A mulatto woman named Peg aged twenty three years a slave for Life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Liz
Sex: Female
Age: 13
Date of Birth: 1767 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Girl"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Girl named Liz aged thirteen years a slave for Life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.

Slaveholder Name: Twaddle, William
City or Township: Asheton Township, near Chadds Ford; Birmingham Township, Delaware County (1792-1793)
County: Chester County (Delaware County after 1789)
Occupation: Forge Master
Notes: The slaves of William Twaddle are listed on page 4 of the 1780 Chester County register. He also registered two children of slaves, Samuel and Isaac, recorded in Delaware County rolls. See the listing for William Twaddle in Chester County for more enslavement details.

Enslaved Person's Name: Sam
Sex: Male
Age: 35
Date of Birth: 1745 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Registered as "A negro man named Sam aged thirty five years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Tom
Sex: Male
Age: 6
Date of Birth: 1774 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "mulatto Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A mulatto Boy named Tom aged six years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Seal (possibly mistranscribed from "Sal")
Sex: Female
Age: 19
Date of Birth: 1761 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "negro Wench"
Notes: Registered as "A negro Wench named Seal aged nineteen years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Jesse
Sex: Male
Age: "about 25 years of age"
Date of Birth: 1764 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated January 1789
Description: "Mulatto man"
Notes: Ran away in January 1789 in the company of an un-named white girl. Twaddell's ad to recapture him is below:
Eight Dollars Reward. RAN away from the subscriber, living near Chad's Ford, on Brandywine, a Mulatto man, named JESSE, about 25 years of age, a sour looking fellow, with grey eyes, about 5 feet 8 inches high; had on, when he went away, a blue sailor jacket, a new castor hat, a fine shirt with ruffles at the breast, one pair of red striped trowsers, new shoes, with large buckles. He was seen to have five or six pounds cash, therefore may change his cloaths. He went in company with a white girl, and was seen going through Darby. She is of a law stature, about 18 years of age, with a remarkable large mole on her cheek. It is expected they have gone for the Jerseys, and will likely go to work at some of the iron works, as he has worked this last summer at Mr. Piersol's furnace. He can work at coaling, drive team, and work a little in the forge, and is tolerably handy at any farming business. Whoever takes up the said runaway, and lodges him in any goal, so that his master may get him again, shall receive the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by W. TWADDELL. Chester county, January 12, 1789.
Date of Record: January 14, 1789 (ad published through March 4, 1789_
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 14 January 1789.
Enslaved Person's Name: Samuel
Sex: Male
Age: "Aged about five Months" at time of Registration
Date of Birth: circa September 1791
Status: Slave to age 28
Description: "Negro Male Child"
Notes: Twaddle registered Samuel on February 1, 1792 in Chester:
Be it Remembered that on the first Day of February Anno Domini 1792 William Twaddle of the Township of Birmingham in the County of Delaware Iron Master makes return upon his Solemn Oath of a Negro Male Child named Samuel Aged about five Months the property of him the said William Twaddle to be registered agreeable to the Acts of Assembly in Such case made & Provided &c.
Date of Record: 01 February 1792
Source: "Dockets for Enslaved People in Delaware County, 1762-1831," Delaware County Bar Association, Delaware County Community College, DCCTO_10, DCCTO_11, DCCTO_12. Scan of dockets provided by Dr. Ife Williams. Excerpted in Colin McCrossan, "Slavery in the Greater Philadelphia Area: A Documentary History," The Lower Merion Historical Society, 2023, p. 92.
Enslaved Person's Name: Isaac
Sex: Male
Age: Five months old at Registration
Date of Birth: 14 February 1793
Status: Slave to age 28
Description: "Negro Male Child"
Notes: Twaddle registered Samuel on February 1, 1792 in Chester:
On the twenty sixth Day of July Anno Domini 1793. William Twaddle of the Township of Birmingham in the County of Delaware Iron Master makes return upon his solemn Oath to the Clerk of the Court of General Quarter Sessions of the peace for said County of a Negro Male Child named Isaac born February the fourteenth anno Domini 1793. The property of the said William Twaddle to be registered according to law
Date of Record: 26 July 1793
Source: "Dockets for Enslaved People in Delaware County, 1762-1831," Delaware County Bar Association, Delaware County Community College, DCCTO_10, DCCTO_11, DCCTO_12. Scan of dockets provided by Dr. Ife Williams. Excerpted in Colin McCrossan, "Slavery in the Greater Philadelphia Area: A Documentary History," The Lower Merion Historical Society, 2023, p. 93.

Slaveholder Name: Vanleer, Bernard, Doctor
City or Township: Marple Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Physician
Notes: The enslaved person of Doctor Vanleer is listed on page 25 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: George
Sex: Male
Age: 15
Date of Birth: 1765 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Boy named George aged fifteen years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.

Slaveholder Name: Vernon, Edward, Captain
City or Township: Chester Borough
County: Chester County
Occupation: Innholder
Notes: The slaves of Captain Edward Vernon are listed on page 14 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Kate
Sex: Female
Age: 25
Date of Birth: 1755 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro woman"
Notes: Registered as "A negro woman named Kate aged twenty five years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: No name recorded
Sex: Male
Age: 16
Date of Birth: 1764 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Mulatto Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A Mulatto Boy named _____ aged sixteen years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Jym
Sex: Male
Age: 65
Date of Birth: 1715 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro man named Jym aged sixty five years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Jinn
Sex: Female
Age: 21
Date of Birth: 1759 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Woman"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Woman named Jinn aged twenty one years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Dann
Sex: Male
Age: "aged nine months"
Date of Birth: January or February 1780 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Male Negro Child"
Notes: Registered as "A Male Negro Child aged nine months named Dann a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: No name recorded
Sex: Male
Age: 12
Date of Birth: 1768 (calculated)
Status: Slave to the age of 24
Description: "Mulatto servant Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A Mulatto servant boy till he attains the age of twenty four years named _____ aged twelve years."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.

Slaveholder Name: Walker, Joseph
City or Township: Lower Chichester Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Yeoman
Notes: The slave of Joseph Walker is listed on page 30 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Jack
Sex: Male
Age: 10
Date of Birth: 1770 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Boy named Jack aged ten years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.

Slaveholder Name: Walter, Nathaniel
City or Township: ConcordTownship
County: Delaware County
Occupation:
Notes:

Enslaved Person's Name: Bob, a.k.a. Bill
Sex: Male
Age: "about 22 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1791
Status: Slave to age 28; Self-emancipated September 1813
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes:
20 Dollars Reward.
ABSCONDED from the house of the subscriber, living in Concord Township, Delaware County, on the night of the 11th inst.
A NEGRO MAN NAMED BOB,
but sometimes went by the name of Bill, in consequence of leaving a former master, and it is very like he will change his name again. He is very dark complexioned, about 5 feet 8 inches high, well made, about 22 years of age and pretty handy at any kind of farming business. -- he had on when he went away a black fur hat, some spun flaxen shirt, marked B. with copperas thread, striped jacket of red and blue worsted, around-about drab coloured coat lined with striped lincy, nankeen trowsers, a new pair of strong shoes, 2 bandano silk hankerchiefs one flag and one white one. Any person or persons securing said Negro in any jail so that the subscriber may get him, shall receive the above reward and all reasonable charges, by
NATHANIEL WALTER.
N.B. said Negro was a slave during life, but When I bought him he was manumitted and had but eight years to stay near two of them he has served.
9th mo. 15th, 1813.
This enslaved man, born circa 1791, could not have been a slave for life in Pennsylvania. Walter purchased him from another state and brought him into Pennsylvania as a slave to the age of 28.
Date of Record: 15 September 1813
Sources: The Record (West Chester), 29 September 1813.

Slaveholder Name: Way, Joshua
City or Township: Thornbury Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Yeoman
Notes: The slave of Joshua Way is listed on page 48 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Phillis
Sex: Female
Age: 21
Date of Birth: 1759 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro woman"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro woman named Phillis aged twenty one years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 205.

Slaveholder Name: Weaver, Rachel, "Administratrix of the Estate of Valentine Weaver deceased"
City or Township: Borough of Chester
County: Chester County
Occupation: Innholder
Notes: The slaves of Rachel Weaver are listed on page 17 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Joe
Sex: Male
Age: 60
Date of Birth: 1720 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Man named Joe aged sixty years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Dinah
Sex: Female
Age: 60
Date of Birth: 1720 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Woman"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Woman named Dinah aged sixty years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Jack
Sex: Male
Age: 15
Date of Birth: 1765 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Boy named Jack aged fifteen years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Peter
Sex: Male
Age: 13
Date of Birth: 1767 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Boy named Peter aged thirteen years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Violet
Sex: Female
Age: 11
Date of Birth: 1769 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Girl"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Girl named Violet aged eleven years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.

Slaveholder Name: Wilcox, Mark, Esquire
City or Township: Concord Township
County: Chester/Delaware County
Occupation: Papermaker
Notes: The slaves of Mark Wilcox are listed on page 26 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Prince
Sex: Male
Age: 55
Date of Birth: 1725 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Registered as "A negro man named Prince aged fifty five years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 205.
Enslaved Person's Name: Ceaser
Sex: Male
Age: 25
Date of Birth: 1755 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Registered as "A negro man named Ceaser aged twenty five years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 205.
Enslaved Person's Name: Pegg
Sex: Female
Age: 35
Date of Birth: 1745 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro woman"
Notes: Registered as "A negro woman named Pegg aged thirty five years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 205.
Enslaved Person's Name: Luke
Sex: Male
Age: 8
Date of Birth: 1772 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A negro Boy named Luke aged eight years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 205.
Enslaved Person's Name: Tim
Sex: Male
Age: 8
Date of Birth: 1772 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Registered as "A negro Boy named Tim aged eight years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 205.
Enslaved Person's Name: Suck
Sex: Female
Age: 3
Date of Birth: 1777 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro girl"
Notes: Registered as "A negro girl named Suck aged three years a slave for life." See notes for Charles Gibson, below.
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 205.
Enslaved Person's Name: Charles Gibson
Sex: Male
Age: infant
Date of Birth: 2 September 1798
Status: Slave to age 28
Description: "Negro maile child"
Notes: Registered as "son of Susanna Gibson." This might be the son of slave Suck, registered in 1780 at age three. Suck and Sukey were familiar forms of Susan or Susanna. Text of clerk's entry in the Delaware County rolls:
Delaware County Be it Remembered that on the twenty seventh day of February Anno Domini 1799 Mark Willcox Esqr of the Township of Concord, in the County aforesaid, upon his solemn Oath makes return to the Clerk of the Court of General Quarter Sessions of the Peace for said County of a Negroe Maile Child, named Charles Gibson Born the second day of September Anno Domini 1798 Son of Susanna Gibson the property of said Willcox to be registered according to Law Feb. 27th, 1799.
Date of Record: 27 February 1799
Sources: Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 205; "Dockets for Enslaved People in Delaware County, 1762-1831," Delaware County Bar Association, Delaware County Community College, DCCTO_10, DCCTO_11, DCCTO_12. Scan of dockets provided by Dr. Ife Williams. Excerpted in Colin McCrossan, "Slavery in the Greater Philadelphia Area: A Documentary History," The Lower Merion Historical Society, 2023, p. 94.

Slaveholder Name: Wilcox, Thomas
City or Township: Concord Township
County: Chester County
Occupation:
Notes: The slave of Thomas Wilcox is listed on page 26 of the 1780 register, being registered by "Mark Wikcocks of Concord township Executor of the Estate of Thomas Wilcocks late of same township deceased."

Enslaved Person's Name: Luce
Sex: Female
Age: 14
Date of Birth: 1766 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro girl"
Notes: Registered as "A negro girl named Luce aged fourteen years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 205.

Slaveholder Name: Willcox, Elizabeth
City or Township:
County: Delaware County
Occupation:
Notes:

Enslaved Person's Name: Kate
Sex: Female
Age: Two years and eleven months old at time of Registration
Date of Birth: 07 August 1789
Status: Slave to age 28
Description: "Female Negro Childe"
Notes: Registered in Chester.
On the Eleventh Day of July Anno Domini 1792 Elizabeth Willcox upon her Solemn Oath makes return to the Clerk of the court of General Quarter Session of the Peace for the County of Delaware of a female Negro Childe named Kate born the Seventh Day of August Ano Domini 1789 the property of the said Elizabeth Willcox to be registered agreeable to the Acts of the Assembly in such case made and provided July 11th, 1792.
Date of Record: 11 July 1792
Sources: "Dockets for Enslaved People in Delaware County, 1762-1831," Delaware County Bar Association, Delaware County Community College, DCCTO_10, DCCTO_11, DCCTO_12. Scan of dockets provided by Dr. Ife Williams. Excerpted in Colin McCrossan, "Slavery in the Greater Philadelphia Area: A Documentary History," The Lower Merion Historical Society, 2023, p. 92.
Enslaved Person's Name: Sal
Sex: Female
Age: Six months old at time of Registration
Date of Birth: 12 January 1792
Status: Slave to age 28
Description: "negro female Child"
Notes: Registered in Chester.
On the Eleventh Day of July Anno Domini 1792 Elizabeth Willcox of the Township of [left blank] in the County of Delaware upon her solemn Oath makes return to the Clerk of the Court of General Quarter Sessions of the peace for said County of a negro female Child named Sal born January the twelfth Anno Domini 1792. The property of her the said Elizabeth Willcox to be registered agreeable to the Acts of Assembly in such Case made & provided July 11th, 1792.
Date of Record: 11 July 1792
Sources: "Dockets for Enslaved People in Delaware County, 1762-1831," Delaware County Bar Association, Delaware County Community College, DCCTO_10, DCCTO_11, DCCTO_12. Scan of dockets provided by Dr. Ife Williams. Excerpted in Colin McCrossan, "Slavery in the Greater Philadelphia Area: A Documentary History," The Lower Merion Historical Society, 2023, p. 92-93.

Slaveholder Name: Willing, Richard
City or Township: Haverford Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Farmer
Notes: The slaves of Richard Willing are listed on page 21 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Dick
Sex: Male
Age: 40
Date of Birth: 1740 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Registered as "A negro man named Dick aged forty years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Ishmael
Sex: Male
Age: 28
Date of Birth: 1752 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Registered as "A negro man named Ishmael aged twenty eight years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Harry
Sex: Male
Age: 21
Date of Birth: 1759 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Registered as "A negro man named Harry aged twenty one years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Molly
Sex: Female
Age: 42
Date of Birth: 1738 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro woman"
Notes: Registered as "A negro woman named Molly aged forty two years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.

Slaveholder Name: Willis, Joel
City or Township: Chester Borough
County: Chester County
Occupation: Jailer
Notes: This entry is cross-posted in the Chester County listings.

Enslaved Person's Name: Perew a.k.a Nero
Sex: Male
Age: "about 22 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1749
Status: Jailed in Chester as a suspected runaway slave.
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Escaped from Jacob Peck in Strasburg and captured in Chester County. Imprisoned in Chester Jail. Jailer Joel Willis placed the following advertisement to alert his enslaver:
Chester, July 30, 1771.
WAS committed to my Custody, a certain Negroe Man, named PEREW, who acknowledges himself to be the Slave of JACOB BECK, of Strasburgh township, in Lancaster county. His said Master is therefore requested to come or send for the said Negroe, pay charges, and take him away.
JOEL WILLIS, Goaler
On the same day that Jailer Willis's ad was published, Jacob Peck's ad appeared in the same issue of the newspaper:
THIRTY SHILLINGS REWARD.
RUN away from the subscriber, living in Strasburgh township, Lancaster county, on the 28th day of July last, a Negroe man, named NERO, about 22 years of age, a well set fellow, about 5 feet 6 inches high; had on a castor hat, a tow shirt, and old tow trowsers, patched on the knees; as he took no other cloathing with him, it is supposed he may steal vituals and cloathing, and travel mostly by night, to keep himself from being apprehended. Whoever takes up the said Negroe, and secures him in any goal, or brings him home, shall receive the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by me
JACOB PECK.
Date of Record: 30 July 1771
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 15 August 1771.
Enslaved Person's Name: Cato
Sex: Male
Age: Age is given in William Tod's runaway slave ad as fifteen years old.
Date of Birth: circa 1759
Status: Escaped from Philadelphia and captured in Chester County
Description: "Negroe"
Notes: Escaped from William Todd in Philadelphia and captured in Chester County. Imprisoned in Chester Jail with several other suspected runaway servants. Jailer Joel Willis placed the following advertisement to alert Cato's enslaver:
Chester, September 5, 1774
WAS committed into my custody, on suspicion of being runaway servants, the following people, viz.
A Negroe, named Cato, who says he belongs to William Todd, of Philadelphia.
Their masters are desired to come, pay charges, and take them away, in three weeks from this date, or they will be discharged, paying their fees.
JOEL WILLIS, Goaler.
Date of Record: 5 September 1774
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 14 September 1774
Enslaved Person's Name: Peter Brown
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given in advertisement
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Escaped from New Jersey and captured in Chester County
Description: "Mulattoe"
Notes: Escaped from James Talman in New Jersey and captured in Chester County. Imprisoned in Chester Jail with several other suspected runaway servants. Jailer Joel Willis placed the following advertisement to alert Peter's enslaver:
Chester, December 26, 1774
NOW in the goal of Chester, and county of Cheste, John Welch, belonging to James Black, in Kent county, Maryland; John Eagan, belonging to Henry Ball, in Philadelphia; Peter Brown, a Mulattoe, belonging to James Talman, in the Jerseys.
Their masters are desired to come, pay charges, and take them away in three weeks from this date, otherwise they will be discharged, paying their fees.
JOEL WILLIS, Goaler.
Date of Record: 26 December 1774
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 28 December 1774
Enslaved Person's Name: Ben
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given in advertisement
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Escaped from New Jersey
Description: "Negroe"
Notes: Escaped from John Taylor in New Jersey and captured in Chester County. Imprisoned in Chester Jail. Jailer Joel Willis placed the following advertisement to alert Ben's enslaver:
Chester, July 15, 1776
WAS committed to my custody, a certain Negroe, named BEN, about 5 feet 4 inches high, and he saith he is the slave of John Taylor, in New-Germantown, West New-Jersey, and is advertised as such. His master is desired to come, in three weeks from this date, pay charges, and take him away, or he will be discharged, on paying his fees, by
JOEL WILLIS, Goaler.
Date of Record: 15 July 1776
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 24 July 1776
Enslaved Person's Name: Cuff Dicks, a.k.a. Cuff Dix
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given in advertisement
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Escaped from New Jersey
Description: "Negroe"
Notes: Escaped from Bidsboro Forge and captured in Chester County. Imprisoned in Chester Jail. Jailer Joel Willis placed the following advertisement to alert Cuff's enslaver:
Chester, November 7, 1775.
WAS committed to my custody, on the 23d day of October last, a certain Frances Lyons, on suspicion of being a runaway servant, she is of a darkish complexion, and middle size.
Likewise a Negroe man, on the 29th, who calls himself Cuff Dicks, and says he belongs to Mark Bird, Esq; in Berks county. Their masters (if any they have) are desired to come, pay the charges, in three weeks from this date, otherwise they will be discharged, on paying their fees, by
JOEL WILLIS, Goaler.
Date of Record: 15 July 1776
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 29 November 1775

Slaveholder Name: Wilson, Andrew
City or Township: Newtown Square
County: Chester County (modern day Delaware County)
Occupation:
Notes:

Enslaved Person's Name: Sam, a.k.a. Jim
Sex: Male
Age: "about 27 years of age" (from April 1780 escape ad)
Date of Birth: circa 1753 (based on estimated age in April 1780)
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated April 1780
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Sam escaped from Wilson on the night of April 22, 1780. Wilson placed the following ad to recover him:
Five Hundred Dollars Reward.
RAN AWAY last night from the subscriber, living at Newtown Square, in the county of Chester, a NEGROE MAN, named SAM, about 27 years of age, about 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high; his feet have been froze, which makes him walk lame. He had on when he went away, a blanket coat, a striped linsey jacket, a flannel under jacket, two pair of tow trowsers, a pair of old white ribbed yarn stockings, old shoes tied with strings, he wears a cap made of the crown of an old hat, covered with yellow cat skin, but has taken an old beaver hat, somewhat scolloped, which it is supposed he will wear; it is likewise supposed he will endeavor to get on board some vessel, having been used to the sea. Any person securing the said Negroe, so that he may be had again, shall receive the above reward from
ANDREW WILSON.
N.B. All masters of vessels are forbid to take him off at their peril. April 23.
In January 1782, about twenty months after Sam's initial escape, Wilson placed another advertisement with news of Sam's suspected whereabouts:
Newtown, Chester county, Jan. 14, 1782.
EIGHT DOLLARS Reward.
RUN away from the subscriber, living at the Newtown Square Tavern, in Chester county, about twelve months ago, a Negroe MAN, named Sam (but sometimes calls himself Jim) he is about 32 years of age, about 5 feet 7 inches high, he is a well made lively fellow, but walks crippled, by reason of having his feet froze some time ago, he formerly lived with Mr. Purviance in Philadelphia and has been sundry times at sea; it is supposed that soon after his elopement he went to sea on board a privateer, but has since returned and been seen in Philadelphia about four months ago. Any person apprehending said Negroe, and securing him so that his master may have him again, shall have the above reward, paid by
ANDREW WILSON.
N.B. All persons are forbid to harbour him, and all Masters of vessels forbid to carry him off at their peril.
Wilson's second ad, published in January 1782, states that Sam escaped "about twelve months ago." The first escape ad, however, gave Sam's exact date of escape as April 22, 1780. This disparity in dates suggests that Wilson recovered Sam after his initial escape, and Sam escaped a second time about January 1781. Wilson's second ad adds three years to Sam's estimated age, which calls into question the accuracy of some of the provided information. Note also the significant difference in the amount of reward offered. Wilson offered five hundred dollars for Sam's return in April 1780, but only eight dollars for his return in January 1782. The first, larger amount illustrates the rapid decline in value of the Continental Dollar by 1780. The situation had not changed significantly by early 1782, so Wilson's offer of eight dollars may refer to Spanish dollars or to a currency other than the nearly worthless Continental Dollars.
Date of Record: 23 April 1780 (first escape ad); 14 January 1782 (second escape ad)
Source: Pennsylvania Packet, 25 April 1780; The Pennsylvania Gazette, 30 January 1782.

Slaveholder Name: Withy, Mary
City or Township: Chester Borough
County: Chester County
Occupation: "Gentlewoman"
Notes: Widow of John Withy, who died in 1765. At one time, Mary Withy owned the Columbia House Tavern. The slaves of Mary Withy are listed on page 13 of the 1780 register.

Enslaved Person's Name: Phillis
Sex: Female
Age: 58
Date of Birth: 1722 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Woman"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Woman named Phillis aged fifty eight years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.
Enslaved Person's Name: Sophia
Sex: Female
Age: 32
Date of Birth: 1748 (calculated)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Woman"
Notes: Registered as "A Negro Woman named Sophia aged thirty two years a slave for life."
Date of Record: November 1, 1780
Source: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.

Slaveholder Name: Worrall, John
City or Township: Ridley Township
County: Chester County
Occupation: Yeoman
Notes: The slave of John Worrall is listed on page 49 of the 1780 register.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Philip Brown
  Sex: Male
  Age: "aged three years and nine months"
  Date of Birth: February 1777 (calculated)
  Status: Slave to the age of thirty one years old
  Description: "Mulatto Servant Boy"
  Notes: Registered as "A Mulatto Servant Boy till he attains the age of thirty one years named Philip Brown aged three years and nine months."
  Date of Record: November 1, 1780
  Sources: Slave Register, Chester County, November 1, 1780; Henry Graham Ashmead, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 1884, p. 204.

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