Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania Slaveholders E-G

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

Slaveholders Listed on this Page

Ellicott, A. A. (Enslaved persons: John Cobb)
Elliott, Peter (Enslaved persons: Tom)
Elton, John (Enslaved persons: Tom, un-named girl)
Elwes, Henry (Enslaved persons: Sam)
Emlen, Joshua (Enslaved persons: Sam)
England, Thomas (Enslaved persons: Un-named man and boy)
Esdaile, James (Enslaved persons: Un-named men)
Eversley, Jacob (Enslaved persons: Un-named man)
Eyre, Benjamin G. (Enslaved persons: Jim, Un-named young boy)
Fairman, Thomas (Enslaved persons: Betty, Cuffe, Peter, June, Hannah, Molle)
Farrell, Andrew (Enslaved persons: Several enslaved persons)
Farmar, Richard (Enslaved persons: Un-named woman)
Fishbaugh, Simon (Enslaved persons: Un-named man)
Fishbourne, Jane (Enslaved persons: Two un-named teenaged girls)
Fisher, Joshua (Enslaved persons: Un-named man)
Fitzrandolph, Edward (Enslaved persons: Un-named person)
Fling, George (Enslaved persons: Un-named young woman)
Flower, Col. Samuel (Enslaved persons: Three un-named men, Jack)
Footman, Richard (Enslaved persons: Jack, Un-named men, women and boys)
Forbes, Dugald (Enslaved persons: Dick)
Forde, Standish (Enslaved persons: Un-named man, woman and child, Moses)
Foulke, Judah (Enslaved persons: Un-named man, two un-named young women)
Fox, John (Enslaved persons: Primis)
Frank, John (Enslaved persons: Alli)
Franks, David (Enslaved persons: Hett, Peter)
French, N. (Enslaved persons: Various un-named men, girls and a boy)
Fresneau, Andrew (Enslaved persons: Un-named man)
Fruin, John (Enslaved persons: Un-named woman and boy)
Galley, William (Enslaved persons: Frank)
Gardner Family (Enslaved persons: Hett)
Gay, John (Enslaved persons: Caesar)
Gibbs, George (Enslaved persons: Cyrus, a.k.a. Simon)
Gibson, John (Enslaved persons: Sandy)
Gilchrist, James (Enslaved persons: Two un-named women)
Glentworth, James (Enslaved persons: Un-named woman and her two children)
Goard, Solomon (Enslaved persons: Limos, four un-named men)
Goodwin, George (Enslaved persons: Bella)
Gordon, Captain (Enslaved persons: Un-named boy and girl)
Grace, Robert (Enslaved persons: Dick, a.k.a. Preaching Dick)
Grandine, Mr. (Enslaved persons: Unnamed woman)
Grapf, Jacob (Enslaved persons: Un-named man and unnamed term slave)
Gratz, Barnard (Enslaved persons: George)
Green, Thomas (Enslaved persons: Un-named woman and child)
Greenway, Robert (Enslaved persons: Un-named woman and man)
Greenway, William (Enslaved persons: Un-named woman)
Gregory, Thomas (Enslaved persons: Un-named teenaged boy)
Griffin, Elizabeth (Enslaved persons: Will)

Enslavement Data

A Note on Slave Numbers

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

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

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

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

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

Slaveholder Name: Ellicott, A. A.
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Probably Andrew Ellicott, the noted surveyer, who was living in Philadelphia about this time. Also, he would have just finished several years surveying boundaries between the United States and Spanish Florida for President Washington, giving more reason to have acquired a man previously enslaved by the Spanish.
1. Enslaved person's name: John Cobb
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 28 years of age"
  Date of Birth: Circa 1773
  Status: Unclear; described as a servant
  Description: "Negro Servant Man"
  Notes: John Cobb escaped from Ellicott on October 1, 1801, prompting Ellicott to place the following ad:
  TEN DOLLARS REWARD.
  RAN AWAY, on the first of this instant from the subscriber, living at No. 16, north Sixth-street -- A Negro Servant Man -- who generally calls himself JOHN COBB, about 28 years of age, appears to be 35, from a large figure of 3 branded on each cheek; also a 3 and a B on each hip, done by a Spanish subject by the name of Cobb, whose name he now bears. -- he is about 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, and speaks very broken English -- had on when he went away, a good wool hat, light coat, and nankeen pantaloons. The above Reward will be given to any person who will secure him in any jail, or give such information that the owner may get him again. All persons are forwarned harbouring him at their peril.
  A.A. ELLICOTT.
  N.B. It is supposed he harbours near the corner of Seventh and South-streets, as he has been several times followed down there.
  October 7.
  Note that Cobb bears scars of being branded on both cheeks and hips, done by a previous Spanish owner.
  Date of Record: 07 October 1801
  Sources: Aurora General Advertiser, Philadelphia, 10 October 1801.
Slaveholder Name: Elliott, Peter
City or Township: Kingsessing
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Advertised along with James Hunt for the return of an escaped white servant and Black man. It appears that Elliott owned the enslaved Black man listed below, named Tom.
1. Enslaved person's name: Tom
  Sex: Male
  Age: age not specified in ad, described as "man"
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro"
  Notes: Tom escaped on August 21, 1741 in company with a white servant:
  RUN away the 21st of August, from the Subscribers, of Kingsess, Philadelphia County, a White Man and a Negro, it is supposed they are gone together; the White Man's Name is Abraham Josep, a Yorkshire Man, a Shoemaker by Trade, aged about 24 Years, of middle Stature: had on, a ratteen Jacket and Breeches of a light colour, a castor Hat pretty much worn, a check Shirt with white patches on the Back, two pair of yarn Stockings, one pair of a grey colour and t'other pair blue, a pair of thin Shoes round toed, and a pair of Boots.
  The Negroe's Names is Tom, of a yellowish colour, pretty much pitted with the Small Pox, thick set: Had on, a light coloured cloth Coat, a linnen Jacket and Breeches, a pair of check Trowsers, good Shoes sharp toed.
  Two Nights before there were several things Stolen, and it's supposed they have them, a List whereof follows, viz. a suit of Drugget of a snuff colour half trim'd, a light coloured cloth Coat, two linnen Jackets, a pair of leather Breeches, two pair of check Trowsers, two Hats, a drab coloured board cloth Coat pretty much worn, a Jacket of the same colour of the first mentioned Suit, a dark brown Wig, two napt Caps, a Gun, and a Pocket Book with two Bonds in it, one of Ten Pounds, the other of Eight Pounds, with a Note written at the end for Sixteen Shillings, with several other small things.
  Any Person or Persons that will take up and secure the said Men, so that they may be had again, shall have for the White Man Three Pounds, and for the Negro Five Pounds Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by
  James Hunt, Peter Elliott
  N.B. They took a Cedar Canoe with them, broken at the Stern and split at the Head.
  Date of Record: 30 June 1737
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 17 September 1741.
Slaveholder Name: Elton, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Baker, carpenter
Notes: Named as a former enslaver of the man Tom, noted below by Ann Reardon.
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 02 August 1770.
1. Enslaved Person's Name: Tom
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not given in ad, but described as a "man"
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life; frequent escape attempts
  Description: "Negroe man"
  Notes: Tom escaped from Ann Reardon in mid May 1770. In her published escape notice, she identified several former enslavers of Tom, noting: "was formerly the property of Mark Cook, biscuit baker, of Parson Sturgeon, and John Elton, carpenter; he was accustomed to elope, when he followed whitewashing."
  Date of Record: 16 July 1770
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 02 August 1770.
2. Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided in source
  Sex: Female
  Age: "about 18 or 19 Years of Age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1746 to 1747
  Status: Slave for life;
  Description: "Negroe Girl"
  Notes: Advertised for sale in August 1765: "To be LETT, in Arch-street, a little above Sixth-street, A Large and convenient Bake-house, with two Ovens, and all the Utensils for carrying on the Business. There is a large Yard behind the Bake-house, with a Cart-way. For further Particulars, enquire of JOHN ELTON, at the Corner of Arch and Front-streets; who has a strong hearty Negroe Girl to sell, about 18 or 19 Years of Age, fit for Country Work."
  Date of Record: 01 August 1765
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 01 August 1765.
Slaveholder Name: Elwes, Henry
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
1. Enslaved person's name: Sam
  Sex: Male
  Age: "27 years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1726
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe man"
  Notes: Sam jumped ship while docked in Philadelphia on June 27, 1753:
  Philadelphia, July 5, 1753.
  RUN away on Monday, the 27th of June last, from the Brigantine Warren, at Clark's wharff, below the Draw-bridge, Francis Butterfield master, a Negroe man, named Sam, about five feet ten inches high, 27 years of age, a slim fellow, speaks pretty good English, has had the small-pox, and is an ill looking fellow: Had on a frock and trowsers, and straw hat; has a wife, a Negroe, who belongs to the widow Conyers, but now lives with Capt. Condy, who it is thought secrets him. Whoever takes up and secures said Negroe, or brings him to Henry Elwes, shall have Forty Shillings reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
  HENRY ELWES.
  Elwes believed Sam was being hidden by his wife, who was then living in the household of ship's captain William Condy in the city. Condy was frequently at sea, which might have led to less oversight over her daily activities and therefore the opportunity to aid her husband. Elwes identifies the enslaver of Sam's wife as "the widow Conyers." The Conyers family was heavily engaged in ocean trade, navigation and shipping in Philadelphia.
  Date of Record: 05 July 1753
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 05 July 1753.
Slaveholder Name: Emlen, Joshua
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Tanner
Notes: Identified by the city jailer as the enslaver of Sam, who escaped from jail. Quaker Joshua Emlen lived on North Second Street. His second wife was Deborah Powel, of the Powel merchant family of Philadelphia.
Source: Frank Willing Leach, "Old Philadelphia Families, LXXII, Emlen," Philadelphia North American, 25 October 1908.
1. Enslaved person's name: Sam
  Sex: Male
  Age: "22 years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1734
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro"
  Notes: Sam broke out of the Philadelphia jail on September 14, 1756. Jailer James placed the following jailbreak notice in The Pennsylvania Gazette:
  Philadelphia, September 15, 1756.
  BROKE out of the goal of this city yesterday, about one o'clock, Negro SAM, belonging to Joshua Emlen, of this city, tanner; he is about five feet high, 22 years of age, is a likely well made fellow; had on short check trowsers, and a check shirt. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and brings him to the subscriber, shall have Three Pounds reward, paid by THOMAS JAMES, Goal-keeper.
  N.B. All masters of vessels are warned not to harbour or carry him off at their peril.
  No mention is made for why Sam had been jailed.
  Date of Record: 15 September 1756
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 16 September 1756.
Slaveholder Name: England, Thomas
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Tallow Chandler and Soap Boiler, shop on Second Street
Notes: England's entire estate was advertised at public auction in July 1764 by his administratrix, Ann England. The estate included two enslaved persons, a man and a boy.
1. Enslaved person's name: Un-named Man
  Sex: Male
  Age: age not specified in ad, described as a "man"
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Man"
  Notes: To be publicly auctioned on July 16, 1764, to settle the estate. Text of auction announcement:
  TO be SOLD, on Monday, the 16th of July inst. at Ten o'Clock in the Forenoon, at the late Dwelling-house of Thomas England, in Second-street, Philadelphia, Tallow Chandler and Soap Boiler, deceased, ALL the Utensils belonging to that Business, consisting of Copper Pans, Curb, Boilers, Vessels, &c. together with a large Quantity of Ashes, Candle Moulds, Cotton and Tow Week, and Cotton Wool. Also a Frame Work-shop; a stout Negroe Man, and a Negroe Boy. Likewise some Houshold Furniture.
  ANN ENGLAND, Administratrix.
  Date of Record: 05 July 1764
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 05 July 1764.
2. Enslaved person's name: Un-named Boy
  Sex: Male
  Age: age not specified in ad, described as a "boy"
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Boy"
  Notes: To be publicly auctioned on July 16, 1764, to settle the estate. See listing above for thetText of the auction announcement:
  Date of Record: 05 July 1764
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 05 July 1764.
Slaveholder Name: Esdaile, James
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant with store on Carpenter's Wharf; possible slave trader
Notes: James Esdaile sold other lots of enslaved persons from his store on Carptenter's Wharf. See the page on Philadelphia Slave Traders for more information.
1. Enslaved person's name: Un-named Man
  Sex: Male
  Age: age not specified in ad, described as "young fellow"
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro Fellow"
  Notes: Offered for sale in June 1737. Text of advertisement:
  A Fine young Negro Fellow, speaks English, us'd to Labour, and is fit for either Town or Country, to be sold by James Esdaile at Mr. Dering's in Front-Street, or at his Store on Carpenter's Wharff; where is also to be sold, good St. Kitt Mellasses, Ginger & Indigo.
  Date of Record: 30 June 1737
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 30 June 1737.
2. Enslaved person's name: Un-named Men
  Sex: Male
  Age: age not specified in ad, described as "young men"
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slaves for life
  Description: "Negro Men"
  Notes: Offered for sale in August 1739. Text of advertisement:
  TO BE SOLD,
  TWO likely young Negro Men, that speak good English, and have had the Small-Pox, fit for either Town or Country. Also St. Kitts MELLASSES, and double distill'd RUM. To be SOLD by James Esdaile at his Store on Carpenter's Wharffe.
  Date of Record: 02 August 1739
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 02 August 1739.
Slaveholder Name: Eversley, Jacob
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Blacksmith
Notes: Located "at the sign of the lock in Third-street, near the workhouse."
1. Enslaved person's name: Un-named Man
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about forty years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1728
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe man"
  Notes: Offered for sale in October 1748. Text of advertisement:
  Philadelphia, October 27, 1748.
  TO BE SOLD,
  A Likely negroe man, about forty years of age, has had the small-pox and measles, is a good miller, and bisket baker, and very fit for country work. He is this Country born. Enquire of Jacob Eversley, smith, at the sign of the lock in Third-street, near the workhouse.
  Date of Record: 27 October 1748
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 17 November 1748.
Slaveholder Name: Eyre, Benjamin G., Colonel
City or Township: Kensington
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Shipbuilder; Boat Department Superintendant; Warden of Port of Philadelphia
Notes: Ship Yard and wharf in Kensington
1. Enslaved person's name: Name not given in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about twelve years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1767
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro Boy"
  Notes: Escaped from Eyre on October 10, 1779. Text of advertisement placed by Eyre to recover him:
  Philadelphia, October 11.
  RAN AWAY yesterday from the subscriber, a Negro Boy about twelve years of age, a chunky well made lad; he had on a Quaker brown coat with a yellow collar, tow shirt and trowsers, neither hat, shoes nor stockings; he speaks pretty good English, but is apt to stutter, and is supposed to be harboured at soem free Negro house. Whoever takes him up and brings him home to the subscriber shall be handsomely rewarded, and all charges paid.
  BENJAMIN G. EYRE.
  N.B. All masters of vessels and others are forbid to harbour or carry him off at their peril.
  Date of Record: 19 October 1779
  Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 19 October 1779.
2. Enslaved person's name: Jim (see notes)
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 17 or 18 years old"
  Date of Birth: circa 1762 or 1763
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro Lad"
  Notes: Escaped from Eyre on July 14, 1780. Text of advertisement placed by Eyre to recover him:
  Two Hundred Dollars Reward.
  RAN AWAY on the 14th inst. from the Subscriber, living in Kensington, a Negro Lad, named Jim, about 17 or 18 years old, straight limbed, and well made, born in Virginia; had on when he went away, a tow shirt and trowsers, half worn beaver hat. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and brings him to me, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
  BENJAMIN G. EYRE.
  N.B. All Masters of vessels and others, are desired not to harbour or take him away at their peril.
  In the first ads published soon after this person escaped, Eyre identified his name as "Jim." In ads published two months later, he removed the name from the ads.
  Date of Record: 25 July, 02 September 1780
  Sources: Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 2 September 1780.
Slaveholder Name: Fairman, Thomas
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Surveyor
Notes: From Fred Moore, Friends of Northeast Philadelphia History: "Thomas Fairman was a prominent early Quaker and an assistant surveyor to Thomas Holme, William Penn’s Surveyor General. Fairman was instrumental in laying out the city of Philadelphia. He arrived at Burlington NJ about 1676 and was a landholder on the west side of the Delaware River by about 1680, before the arrival of both Holme and Penn."
Source: Email correspondance, Fred Moore to George Nagle, 11 August 2025.
1. Enslaved person's name: Betty
  Sex: Female
  Age: Age not specified in document, but described as a "girl."
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Indian Girl"
  Notes: Bequeathed by Thomas Fairman to his wife Elizabeth (nee Kinsey) Fairman in 1714: ""I do give unto my Dear and loving wife Elizabeth Fairman my Indian Girl Betty my negroes Cuffe, Peter June, Hannah and Molle and also my other Estate real and personal"
  Date of Record: Will written 1711, probated 22 December 1714.
  Sources: Will of Thomas Fairman, dated 1711, probated 22 December 1714, Philadelphia County Wills, 1682-1819, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1900, Will Book D-17.
2. Enslaved person's name: Cuffe
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not specified in document
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro"
  Notes: Bequeathed by Thomas Fairman to his wife Elizabeth (nee Kinsey) Fairman in 1714: ""I do give unto my Dear and loving wife Elizabeth Fairman my Indian Girl Betty my negroes Cuffe, Peter June, Hannah and Molle and also my other Estate real and personal"
  Date of Record: Will written 1711, probated 22 December 1714.
  Sources: Will of Thomas Fairman, dated 1711, probated 22 December 1714, Philadelphia County Wills, 1682-1819, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1900, Will Book D-17.
3. Enslaved person's name: Peter
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not specified in document
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro"
  Notes: Bequeathed by Thomas Fairman to his wife Elizabeth (nee Kinsey) Fairman in 1714: ""I do give unto my Dear and loving wife Elizabeth Fairman my Indian Girl Betty my negroes Cuffe, Peter June, Hannah and Molle and also my other Estate real and personal"
  Date of Record: Will written 1711, probated 22 December 1714.
  Sources: Will of Thomas Fairman, dated 1711, probated 22 December 1714, Philadelphia County Wills, 1682-1819, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1900, Will Book D-17.
4. Enslaved person's name: June
  Sex: Female
  Age: Age not specified in document
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro"
  Notes: Bequeathed by Thomas Fairman to his wife Elizabeth (nee Kinsey) Fairman in 1714: ""I do give unto my Dear and loving wife Elizabeth Fairman my Indian Girl Betty my negroes Cuffe, Peter June, Hannah and Molle and also my other Estate real and personal"
  Date of Record: Will written 1711, probated 22 December 1714.
  Sources: Will of Thomas Fairman, dated 1711, probated 22 December 1714, Philadelphia County Wills, 1682-1819, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1900, Will Book D-17.
5. Enslaved person's name: Hannah
  Sex: Female
  Age: Age not specified in document
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro"
  Notes: Bequeathed by Thomas Fairman to his wife Elizabeth (nee Kinsey) Fairman in 1714: ""I do give unto my Dear and loving wife Elizabeth Fairman my Indian Girl Betty my negroes Cuffe, Peter June, Hannah and Molle and also my other Estate real and personal"
  Date of Record: Will written 1711, probated 22 December 1714.
  Sources: Will of Thomas Fairman, dated 1711, probated 22 December 1714, Philadelphia County Wills, 1682-1819, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1900, Will Book D-17.
6. Enslaved person's name: Molle
  Sex: Female
  Age: Age not specified in document
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro"
  Notes: Bequeathed by Thomas Fairman to his wife Elizabeth (nee Kinsey) Fairman in 1714: ""I do give unto my Dear and loving wife Elizabeth Fairman my Indian Girl Betty my negroes Cuffe, Peter June, Hannah and Molle and also my other Estate real and personal"
  Date of Record: Will written 1711, probated 22 December 1714.
  Sources: Will of Thomas Fairman, dated 1711, probated 22 December 1714, Philadelphia County Wills, 1682-1819, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1900, Will Book D-17.
Slaveholder Name: Farrell, Andrew
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Tanner
Notes: Farrell was named as the agent for the sale of several slaves from a plantation in Manor of Moreland, detailed below. The lengthy advertisement gives a good description of a wealthy person's Pennsylvania country "plantation" supported by enslaved labor. It included "a Negroe stone house," a substantial addition that implies the farm required a large number of slaves to operate. This same property was advertised nearly two years earlier and named John Nelson in Philadelphia as agent, but no enslaved persons were mentioned in the earlier ad.
1. Enslaved person's name: Un-named slaves
  Sex: Gender not specified
  Age: Ages not specified
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slaves for life
  Description: "several likely Negroes"
  Notes: Offered for sale in July 1749. Farrell, was the Philadelphia agent for this property. Text of advertisement:
  To be SOLD,
  A Plantation in the Mannor of Moreland, and county of Philadelphia, containing 152 acres of very good land, one half therof meadow ground chiefly cleared, and made fit for the scythe; the whole place is in very good repair, being all fenced with chestnut rails, and divided into fields, water in each part thereof, two fine streams running through said place, and join about the middle of the land, plenty of fish are in said runs, such as trout, mullett, and pike; the fish might be kept with little cost, by putting a grate at each end; they never overflow with any fresh, their heads are half a mile distant, and much the same length from where they join to the extent thereof, which affords room for the fish to play and feed. The plantation is commodiously situated on the upper York-road, 16 miles from Philadelphia, and joins on a grist mill that makes merchants work, has good improvement, a large stone house, two story high, four rooms on each floor, a cellar the whole length of the house, a new stone kitchen, well finished, also a Negroe stone house, stable, barn, and other houses, two very good orchards, a fine spring in one of them where a fish-pond might be made with very little charge; also a cold bath, a large garden, newly paled, adjoining the said house; the place is fit for either a gentleman or storekeeper, it being a country village, and a great resort of people, the quit-rent about two pence per year, and the title sure. Any person inclining to purchase said place, paying Two Hundred Pounds in hand, may have three years time or more for the payment of the rest, paying interest. Enquire of Patrick Hanlon, near the place, or Mr. Andrew Farrell, tanner in Philadelphia, and know farther.
  N.B. There are several likely Negroes to be disposed of. Enquire of said Farrell.
  Date of Record: 20 July 1749
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 20 July 1749.
Slaveholder Name: Farmar, Richard
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Physician, druggist, chemist and merchant
Notes: Richard Farmer advertised himself as "Professor of Physick, Surgery, Chymistry and Pharmacy." He advertised that he came to the city of Philadelphia in the 1730s and set himself up in business selling "druggs, chymicals and galenicals" on Market Street. By the 1740s he was selling drugs, medicines and chemicals, as well as other merchandise, from The Unicorn tavern on Second Street.
Notes: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 11 October 1739.
1. Enslaved person's name: Name not given in ad
  Sex: Female
  Age: "22 years of age"
  Date of Birth: Circa 1729
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe woman"
  Notes: Offered for sale in December 1751. Text of advertisement: "TO be sold, A likely Negroe woman, 22 years of age. Enquire of Richard Farmar, in Second-street."
  Date of Record: 10 December 1751; this ad was published through December 31, 1751.
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 December 1751.
Slaveholder Name: Fishbaugh, Simon
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Procurement and commission agent. His professional advertisement listed a diverse range of services from buying and selling bills of exchange throughout Europe and the West Indies, to procuring loans, writing mortgages, acting as an agent for persons buying or selling merchandise, securing cargo for ships or seeking employment. He translated documents, sold real estate, kept accounts, and more. (The Freeman's Journal or the North American Intelligencer, 23 November 1785, page 4)
Notes: Advertised to sell an adult man in July 1786. Office on Market Street, Philadelphia. Most likely acting as an agent for a seller wishing to remain anonymous.
1. Enslaved person's name: Un-named Man
  Sex: Male
  Age: Not known; described as a "Man"
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for a term of years: seven more to serve
  Description: "Negro Man"
  Notes: Text of advertisement:
  To be sold,
  The time of an active Negro Man, who has 7 years to serve; is faithful and honest; he understands house and kitchen work; is also an excellent cook. He can be well recommended, and is sold for no fault but want of employ; is willing to go to the Southward or the West-Indies. For terms apply to Simon Fishbaugh, at his Office in Market street.
  
  Also. An excellent Saddle Horse; to be seen at James McKeggan's Livery-stable in Chestnut street. Enquire as above.
  July 8.
  Date of Record: 01 June 1756
  Sources: Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser, 8 July 1786.
Slaveholder Name: Fishbourne, Jane nee Roberts
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Widow of William Fishbourne, who died in May 1742; Executrix of William Fishbourne's estate
Notes: Jane Roberts was the second wife of Quaker merchant William Fishbourne.
1. Enslaved person's name: Un-named Girl
  Sex: Female
  Age: 15 years old
  Date of Birth: circa 1728
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro Girl"
  Notes: Sold to settle the estate of William Fishbourne. Text of advertisement placed by Fishbourne's wife, Jane:
  TO BE SOLD,
  By JANE FISHBOURN, Widow and Executrix of William Fishbourne, late of Philadelphia deceased.
  [Description of six brick houses around Philadelphia, a plantation in Horsham, and an unimproved lot in Philadelphia]
  Two Negro Girls, one 15 the other 18 Years of Age.
  Date of Record: 25 January 1743
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal, or, Weekly Advertiser, 25 January 1743.
2. Enslaved person's name: Un-named Girl
  Sex: Female
  Age: 18 years old
  Date of Birth: circa 1725
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro Girl"
  Notes: Sold to settle the estate of William Fishbourne. See above for the text of the estate sale notice placed by Fishbourne's wife, Jane.
  Date of Record: 25 January 1743
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal, or, Weekly Advertiser, 25 January 1743.
Slaveholder Name: Fisher, Joshua
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant, Fisher and Sons, Front Street, "between Walnut-street and the Drawbridge." Mapmaker.
Notes: Alleged enslaver of the man captured in New Jersey, listed below.
Joshua Fisher's grandfather John Fisher sailed to Pennsylvania on the ship "Welcome" with William Penn. Joshua Fisher established himself in Lewes, Delaware as a merchant and trans-Atlantic trader, and advised incoming ship's captains and boat pilots on navigating the treacherous Delaware Bay to Philadelphia. He moved to Philadelphia in 1746, establishing his mercantile firm there to trade with London. In Philadelphia, Fisher developed the first detailed navigation map of the Delaware Bay, which remained the standard for pilots and ship's captains for over 100 years. A Quaker, he owned slaves in both Delaware and Philadelphia, but is said to have manumitted his Philadelphia slaves.
1. Enslaved person's name: Un-named Man
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 30 Years of Age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1733
  Status: Captured escaped slave
  Description: "Negroe Man"
  Notes: Jailed in New Jersey in late August 1763 as a suspected escaped slave. Text of advertisement from New Jersey jailor:
  Cumberland County, New Jersey, September 2, 1763.
  LAST Week was committed to the Goal of this County, a Negroe Man, about 30 Years of Age, of middle Stature, and well set; he says he was born in Virginia, and belongs to Joshua Fisher, in Philadelphia. Said Negroe speaks good English, and says he is a Blacksmith by Trade. His Master, whoever he may be, is desired to take him away, paying Cost.
  HOWELL POWELL, Sheriff.
  Date of Record: 02 September 1763
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 22 September 1763.
Slaveholder Name: Fitzrandolph, Edward
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia
Occupation:
Notes: Lived 1754-1837. Served in the Pennsylvania Line between 1777 and May 1779 during the Revolutionary War, despite being a Quaker. He achieved the rank of Captain, took part in the Battle of Trenton and was nearly killed at Paoli.
1. Enslaved person's name: Name not given in source
  Sex: Sex not specified in source
  Age: Age not indicated in source
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Undetermined
  Description: "Negro"
  Notes: In the summer of 1779, Fitzrandolph petitioned the Pennsylvania Supreme Executive Council for permission to travel to the front lines in order to retreive an enslaved person. No other details are presented, but the council granted permission. Name, age and sex of the enslaved person are not specified in document. The Enslaver's name is spelled "Fritzrandolph" in the record.
  In Council, Philadelphia, Monday, August 30th, 1779.
  A Petition from Edward Fritzrandolph for a pass to go to the lines to endeavour to receive his Negro.
  Ordered, That a Pass be given him to go to Elizabethtown.
  Fitzrandolph was given permission to travel to Elizabethtown, New Jersey, a port town on Newark Bay and the Continental Army's main base closest to British forces in New York. Whether his enslaved person was a camp follower with Continental troops, or had been captured by Continental troops either as a suspected escaped slave or as a British volunteer is not spelled out.
  Date of Record: 30 August 1779
  Sources: Colonial Records of Pennsylvania, Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, Vol. 12, May 21, 1779 to July 12, 1781, Harrisburg, 1852, p. 86.
Slaveholder Name: Fling, George
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
1. Enslaved person's name: Name not given in ad
  Sex: Female
  Age: Age not indicated in ad, but described as a "young woman."
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe woman"
  Notes: Offered for sale in September 1748. Text of advertisement: "Philadelphia, September 29, 1748. To be sold by George Fling, A Likely young Negroe woman, has had the small-pox and measles, and is very fit for town or country business. Enquire of Mr. Thomas Campbell, shopkeeper in Philadelphia."
  Date of Record: 29 September 1748
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 13 October 1748.
Slaveholder Name: Flower, Samuel, Colonel
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Lived circa 1703-1769. Married Rebecca Branson, daughter of William and Mary Branson, in 1730. In 1740, Ironmaster William Branson began breaking up his iron empire among his daughters and sons-in-law. Samuel Flower became ironmaster at Reading Furnace and also had business interests in Cumberland Furnace, Windsor Forges, and Durham Furnace in Berks County. Residence later in life was Race Street in Philadelphia.
See Flower, Samuel, Chester County for entries at Reading Furnace.
1. Enslaved person's name: Name not given in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not indicated in ad, but described as a "man."
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Man"
  Notes: Offered for hire in June 1762.Text of advertisement: "To be hired by the Year, A Likely able-bodied Negroe Man, who understands the Business of a Miller, drives a Team, and very handy about a Plantation. Enquire of SAMUEL FLOWER."
  This is possibly one of the enslaved men advertised for sale two years later (see below)
  Date of Record: 10 June 1762
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 June 1762.
2. Enslaved person's name: Name not given in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: "23 Years of Age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1741
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Man"
  Notes: Offered for sale in June 1764.Text of advertisement:
  TO BE SOLD,
  TWO able strong young Negroe Men, one 23 Years of Age, the other 24, this Country born, have had the Small-pox and Measles, and have been brought up Intirely to Plantation Business, which they understand well. The Reason of their being sold is, their present Master has rented out his Plantation, and has no further Employ for them. For further Particulars, enquire of Colonel Samuel Flower, in Race-street, Philadelphia.
  N.B. The Price is One Hundred Pounds for each Negroe.
  Date of Record: 28 June 1764
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 28 June 1764.
3. Enslaved person's name: Name not given in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: 24 years old
  Date of Birth: circa 1740
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Man"
  Notes: Offered for sale in June 1764. See above for text of advertisement.
  Date of Record: 28 June 1764
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 28 June 1764.
4. Enslaved person's name: Jack
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 19 or 20 Years of Age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1744 or 1745
  Status: Slave for life; escaped
  Description: "Negroe Man"
  Notes: Jack escaped from Flower in the summer of 1764. Flower placed the following notice to try to recover him:
  FORTY SHILLINGS Reward.
  RUN away from the Subscriber, a Negroe Man, named Jack, a thin slim Fellow, about 19 or 20 Years of Age, speaks good English, and a little Dutch, his Cloaths unknown, though supposed to have had on an old red Surtout. Whoever brings him to the Subscriber, shall have the above Reward, and if taken 20 Miles, or further, from the City, reasonable Charges will be allowed by
  SAMUEL FLOWER.
  Date of Record: 09 August 1764
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 09 August 1764.
Slaveholder Name: Footman, Richard
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant, consignment sales and auctions
Notes: Third Street in Philadelphia (1774); Front Street "Vendue Store" (1777)
1. Enslaved person's name: Various Un-named men, women and boys
  Sex: (see notes)
  Age: (see notes)
  Date of Birth:
  Status: Slaves for life
  Description: (see notes)
  Notes: Text of advertisement:
  WANTED TO PURCHASE,
  A NUMBER of young healthy NEGRO MEN; they must not exceed 25 years of age; Also, two young NEGRO WOMEN, fit for house-work, and two NEGRO WAITING BOYS. For terms apply to RICHARD FOOTMAN, in Third-street, Philadelphia.
  Date of Record: 07 March 1774
  Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 07, 21 March 1774.
2. Enslaved person's name: Jack
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 13 years old"
  Date of Birth: circa 1764
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro Boy"
  Notes: Jack escaped from Footman in December 1777:
  RUN AWAY, on Sunday last, a NEGRO BOY named JACK, about 13 years old, a thick-set lad; had on a green napt coat with red cuffs and collar, brown cloth waistcoat, oznabrigs shirt and trousers, and a round hat. Whoever secures the said boy, and brings him to the subscriber in Second-street, near Chestnut-street, shall have SIX DOLLARS reward.
  RICHARD FOOTMAN.
  Date of Record: 10 December 1777
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Ledger, or the Philadelphia Market Day Advertiser, 10 December 1777.
Slaveholder Name: Forbes, Dugald
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant (1777-1778 Philadelphia, store "near the Bridge, in Water-street"); Cotton Grower (post 1784 Long Island, Bahamas)
Notes: Emigrated from Scotland to Philadelphia and set up a mercantile company; relocated to South Carolina. After the Revolutionary War he received a land grant in the Bahamas from the government of Great Britain, on which he established a cotton plantation.
Sources: Stevens, James, and Dugald Forbes. Bill of Sale of 44 "Negroe" Slaves for £4,000 by James Stevens of the Island of New Providence, Bahama Island, to Dugald Forbes, with the Names of the Slaves. 1798. (https://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000873225, accessed 25 October 2024); The Pennsylvania Ledger, or, the Philadelphia Market-Day Advertiser, 10 December 1777.
1. Enslaved person's name: Dick
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 20 years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1757
  Status: Slave for life -- escaped
  Description: "Negro Fellow"
  Notes: Dick escaped from Forbes in late December 1777. Forbes placed the following ad to try to recover him:
  THREE GUINEAS Reward.
  RUN AWAY, a few days ago from his master, a NEGRO FELLOW, named DICK, born in New-England, about 20 years of age, of a thick, squat make, has a broad countenance; and had on, when he went away, a short light coloured cloth coat, but may have since changed his clothes: He has been brought up a house servant, used to horses, and made a voyage or two to sea. It is suspected he may be on board of some of the vessels outward bound, or lurking about town: Any ship-master whom he may have imposed upon, will very much oblige the negro's master, by returning him; but if found guilty of carrying him off, will undoubtedly be prosecuted. The person who takes up the said negro, shall receive the above reward from DUGALD FORBES in Second-street, next door to the corner of Black-horse Alley.
  Dec. 24.
  Date of Record: 24 December 1777
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Ledger, or the Philadelphia Market Day Advertiser, 17 January 1778.
Slaveholder Name: Forde, Standish
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Innkeeper, Sign of the George
Notes: Inn "at the sign of the George, on the corner of Second-street and Arch-street." Died 1766. Lived circa 1702-1766. Father of Standish Forde, merchant and partner in the firm Forde and (John) Reed.
1. Enslaved person's name: Name not provided
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 30 years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1721
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe man"
  Notes: Offered for sale with two other enslaved persons, possibly a complete family: "TO be sold, A hardy Negroe man, about 30 years of age, and is a very good cook. Also a Negroe woman, about 22 years of age, with a young male child. They have all had the small-pox, and will be sold separately, or together, as the purchaser pleases. Enquire of Standish Forde, at the sign of the George, on the corner of Second-street and Arch-street, and know further."
  Date of Record: 27 June 1751
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 27 June 1751.
2. Enslaved person's name: Name not provided
  Sex: Female
  Age: "about 22 years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1729
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe woman"
  Notes: Offered for sale with a child and a man, possibly a complete family. See above for text of sale ad.
  Date of Record: 27 June 1751
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 27 June 1751.
3. Enslaved person's name: Name not provided
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not provided but described as a "young male child"
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Young male child"
  Notes: Offered for sale with a woman and a man, possibly his parents. See above for text of sale ad.
  Date of Record: 27 June 1751
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 27 June 1751.
4. Enslaved person's name: Moses
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 23 Years of Age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1739
  Status: Slave for life; sold and resold multiple times; self-emancipated December 1762
  Description: "Negroe Man"
  Notes: Sold by Standish Forde to George Keen, who sold him to Samuel Parr in western New Jersey. Moses escaped from Parr on December 22, 1762:
  RUN away, on the 22d of December inst. from Samuel Parr, of Waterford Township, Gloucester County, West New-Jersey, three Miles from the new Bridge on Cooper's Creek, a Negroe Man, named Moses, about five Feet three or four Inches high: Had on when he went away, a new Cloth upper Jacket, and old red under Jacket, and old Leather Breeches. Took with him a Wherry, with Oars and Sail, and a Gun. He is Country born, about 23 Years of Age, formerly belonged to Standish Ford, and afterwards to George Keen, who sold him out of the Work-house for running away. Whoever takes up said Negroe, and brings him to his Master, shall have Three Pounds Reward, paid by
  SAMUEL PARR.
  All Masters of Vessels are forbid to carry him off.
  Moses had escaped twice from George Keen, who sold him to Parr. Moses escaped from Parr, who in turn sold him to Abraham Hewling of New Jersey, from whom Moses escaped in July of 1763.
  Date of Record: 30 December 1762
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 30 December 1762.
Slaveholder Name: Foulke, Judah
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant; storekeeper
Notes: Judah Foulke suffered financial setbacks in 1750 and some of his possessions were seized by Sheriff Richard Sewell and sold at public auction in March 1751 to pay debts. Foulke in turn ran for and was elected Sheriff of Philadelphia County, serving in the early 1750s. He continued as a merchant after his earlier financial setbacks, partnering with William Dowell to operate a wine store on Front Street, mid 1760s, and partnering with Roger Bowman to operate a public auction also on Front Street.
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 12 March 1751, 29 January 1767; The Pennsylvania Journal, or, Weekly Advertiser, 01 August 1765.
1. Enslaved person's name: Name not given in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not specified in ad, but described as a "man."
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe man"
  Notes: Advertised for sale in July 1754: "To be SOLD, A LUSTY Negroe man, that works well at the ship carpenters and mast makers trades. Enquire of Judah Foulke."
  Date of Record: 11 July 1754
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 11 July 1754.
2. Enslaved person's name: Names not given in ad
  Sex: Female
  Age: Ages not given in ad, but described as "young women."
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slaves for life
  Description: "Young Negro Women"
  Notes: Advertised for sale in September 1760: "TWO LIKELY YOUNG NEGRO WOMEN, TO BE SOLD BY JUDAH FOULKE."
  Date of Record: 04 September 1760; ad ran through 30 October 1760
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal, or, Weekly Advertiser, 04 September 1760.
Slaveholder Name: Fox, John
City or Township: Kensington
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Shipwright
Notes:
1. Enslaved person's name: Primis
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about twenty-five years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1722
  Status: Slave for life -- escaped
  Description: "Negroe man"
  Notes: Previously owned by John Blackadore. Primis escaped from Fox on July 8, 1747. Fox placed the following ad to try to recover him:
  Philadelphia, July 9, 1747.
  RUN away last Night, from John Fox, of Kensington, shipwright, a Negroe man, named Primis, about twenty-five years of age, five feet ten inches high, pretty well made, and speaks but indifferent English. Had on when he went away a good brown kersey jacket, tow shirt and trowsers, and good felt hat.
  Whoever takes up said Negroe, and brings him to his master, or secures him, so as he may be had again, shall have Twenty Shillings reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by John Fox.
  N.B. He was bought of John Blackadore.
  Date of Record: 09 July 1747
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 23 July 1747.
Slaveholder Name: Frank, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
1. Enslaved person's name: Alli
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 13 years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1763
  Status: Slave for life -- escaped
  Description: "Negroe man," although only age 13
  Notes: Alli escaped from Frank on March 12, 1776. Frank placed the following ad to try to recover him:
  RAN AWAY on Tuesday the 12th, inst. a Negroe man named ALLI, about 13 years of age, 5 feet 6 inches high, thin visaged, pock fretted rather more of a yellowish colour than black; had on when he went away a white flannel under jacket with black spots, one short striped linzey jacket, a blue surtout bound with red, a pair of buckskin breeches almost new, light blue mill'd yarn stockings and new shoes. Whoever apprehends the said Negro, and brings him to the subscriber, living in Front street, between Arch and Race street, in Philadelphia, or secures him in any of his Majesty's goals so that his master may get him again, shall receive EIGHT DOLLARS reward and all reasonable charges paid by
  JOHN FRANK,
  Philadelphia, March 16, 1776.
  Per his name, Alli may have been a Muslim. The number of Muslims enslaved and brough to the American colonies is not known, but some scholars estimate that up to thirty percent of those enslaved and shipped from western and central Africa to the American colonies were Muslim. (Saeed Ahmed Khan, "Muslims arrived in America 400 years ago as part of the slave trade and today are vastly diverse," Wayne State University, 12 April 2019.)
  Date of Record: 16 March 1776
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Ledger, or the Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey Weekly Advertiser, 23 March 1776.
Slaveholder Name: Franks, David
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Commissary agent for the Crown for the province of Pennsylvania.
Notes: Imprisoned in 1778 and again in 1780 as a Loyalist during the Revolution. Listed as a previous owner of the enslaved woman Hett, below, who was confiscated from either Franks, or Dunnin Irwin as Loyalists.
1. Enslaved person's name: Hett
  Sex: Female
  Age: "supposed to be about twenty years old"
  Date of Birth: circa 1759
  Status: Slave for life, confiscated by Pennsylvania patriot authorities -- escaped some time after
  Description: "Dark Mulatto Wench"
  Notes: Previously owned by Dunnin Irwin, and David Franks. Escaped from James Hunter on 24 April 1779. See James Hunter for theText of ad placed for her recovery.
  Date of Record: 8 May 1779
  Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 8 May 1779.
2. Enslaved person's name: Peter
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 35 years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1741
  Status: Slave for life; sold to Samuel Purviance in 1771 -- escaped from Purviance in 1773 and again in 1776.
  Description: "Mulatto man"
  Notes: Purchased by David Franks from a slaveholder in east New Jersey. Franks in turn sold him to Samuel Purviance circa 1771.
  TWELVE DOLLARS Reward.
  RUN AWAY on Friday last from Samuel Purviance, in Pittsgrove, near the Mud Meeting-House, Salem county, West Jersey, a very likely active mulatto fellow, named PETER, about 33 years of age, and about 5 feet 10 inches high, lusty and well made, has been used to drive a coach, and understands town and country work well: Had on and took with him, a brown dorsetteen coat, a white jacket, white ticken breeches, white stockings, a pair of pumps, and a beaver hat: he is fond of cyder and strong liquor, and is apt to get drunk. He formerly lived in East-Jersey, and since that with Mr. David Franks, of Philadelphia. As he is an artful fellow, it is probable he may attempt to pass for a free man. Whoever takes him up, and secures him in any goal, so that his master may have him again, shall SIX DOLLARS, and reasonable charges, and if delivered to his master or the subscriber, the above reward, paid by
  ISAAC HAZELHURST, in Water-street. N.B. All masters of vessels are forbid to carry him off at their peril. July 28.
  Purviance recovered Peter, but three years later the man escaped again, on 6 September 1776. Purviance placed the following ad to recover him:
  THREE POUNDS REWARD.
  RAN AWAY on Friday, the 6th inst. (September) from the subscriber, living in Pitts-Grove, one mile below the Sweed Meeting house, in Salem County, West-Jersey, a mulatto man named PETER, about 35 years of age, 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high, stout and well made, is fond of strong liquor, and when drunk very saucy and talks a great deal of his abilities as a farmer; he formerly lived with David Franks, Esq; of Philadelphia, and was purchased of him about five years ago by his present master. As he was seen going towards Salem it is probable he may make for Penn's Neck. He had on and took with him, a light mixed superfine cloth coat and waistcoat, a red hair plush jacket, a white jacket with a belt before, green calimanco breeches, a holland shirt, three stocks, a pair of white plain cotton stockings, a pair of light coloured silk ditto, a pair of tow trowsers, one red spotted and one black silk handkerchief, a pair of pumps, one of which is patched on the side, square silver shoe buckles, and an old hat. Whoever secures the said fellow in any gaol so that his master may have him again, shall receive the above reward, and reasonable charges if brought home, or to Samuel Purviance and Sons in Philadelphia.
  SAMUEL PURVIANCE.
  The Samuel Purviance noted above, living in Western New Jersey, appears to be the elder, and not Samuel Purviance, Jr., who also had a successful import and mercantile trade in Philadelphia. The younger Samuel Purviance lived in Baltimore, where he owned a distillery with his brother Robert and carried on an import business.
  Date of Records: 28 July 1773 (first escape notice); 17 September 1776 (second escape notice)
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, 28 July 1773; Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 17 September 1776; The Pennsylvania Gazette, 09 October 1776.
Slaveholder Name: French, N.
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
1. Enslaved persons' names: Names not given in ad
  Sex: Male
  Ages: Ages not specified in ad, but described as "men."
  Dates of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slaves for life
  Description: "Negroe Men"
  Notes: Two men advertised for sale in September 1732: "TWO very likely Negroe Men to be Sold, one fit for Country Work, and the other for any kind of Business, at the upper end of Second-Street opposite to Quarry's new House, by N. French."
  Date of Record: 14 September 1732
  Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 14 September 1732.
2. Enslaved persons' names: Names not given in ad
  Sex: Male and Female
  Ages: Ages not specified in ad, but described as men, girls and a boy.
  Dates of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slaves for life
  Description: "Negro Man", "Negro Girl"
  Notes: Six enslaved people advertised for sale in April 1733: "TO be Dispos'd of a Negro Man and Girl, season'd to the Country. Two other Girls and a Boy who have been eight Years in the Country. Also a Man to be Hired that perfectly understands a Plantation. At the upper end of Second Street, by N. French."
  Date of Record: 19 April 1733
  Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 19 April 1733.
Slaveholder Name: Fresneau, Andrew
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: New York City merchant and investor.
Notes: Advertised as the co-owner, along with Cornelius Van Horne, of the escaped enslaved man listed below. Andrew Fresneau along with various persons named Van Horne appear on multiple manifests as the owners of enslaved persons imported into the Port of New York between 1717 and 1718. See "Enslaved Africans imported into New York 1715-1718," http://slaverebellion.info/index.php?page=enslaved-africans-imported-into-new-york-1715-1718. Fresneau also had interests in a Connecticut copper mine in the first two decades of the 1700s.
1. Enslaved person's name: Name not given in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: "aged about 30 years"
  Date of Birth: Circa 1695
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "New Negroe Man"
  Notes: Newly brought into America from Africa and having the sharpened teeth body modification of certain central African cultures. Text of escape advertisement:
  RUN away from Mr. Andrew Fresneau and Mr. Cornelius Van Horne the 30th of May last, a new Negroe Man pretty well set of a middle Stature, aged about 30 years, his upper Teeth all Ground sharp like unto the Ebo Negroes Teeth, he speakes no English, has on a pair of Ozenbrigs Trousers and Breeches. Whoever can take up said Negroe and bring him to the said Fresneau or Van Horne or give Notice thereof so that he may be had again shall be very well Rewarded for their Trouble.
  Date of Record: 03 June 1725
  Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 03 June 1725.
Slaveholder Name: Fruin, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Baker
Notes: Arch Street in Philadelphia
1. Enslaved person's name: Name not given in ad
  Sex: Female
  Age: Age not given in ad, but described as a woman
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Woman"
  Notes: Born in Barbados. Text of advertisement:
  To be SOLD,
  At Mr. John Fruin's Baker in Arch-Street,
  A Negroe Woman that can wash very well and do any House Business, Barbadoes born. A Negroe Boy about 12 Years old, Barbadoes born. A Parcel of Sweetemeats in small Potts, each containing about 3 lb A large fine Hammock; and a Parcel of old Iron.
  Date of Record: 10 November 1737
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 November 1737.
2. Enslaved person's name: Name not given in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 12 Years old"
  Date of Birth: circa 1725
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe boy"
  Notes: Born in Barbados. Text of advertisement:
  To be SOLD,
  At Mr. John Fruin's Baker in Arch-Street,
  A Negroe Woman that can wash very well and do any House Business, Barbadoes born. A Negroe Boy about 12 Years old, Barbadoes born. A Parcel of Sweetemeats in small Potts, each containing about 3 lb A large fine Hammock; and a Parcel of old Iron.
  Date of Record: 10 November 1737
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 10 November 1737.
Slaveholder Name: Galley, William
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
1. Enslaved person's name: Frank
  Sex: Male
  Age: "aged about 35 years"
  Date of Birth: circa 1726
  Status: Slave for life; escaped
  Description: "Negro man"
  Notes: Frank escaped from Galley in late December 1760. Galley published the following notice for his capture:
  RUN away, last Sunday Morning from William Galley, of this city, a negro man named Frank, aged about 35 years, by trade a baker, about 5 feet 5 inches high, well made, a smart fellow, pock marked, Had on when he went away, a light coloured great coat with hair Buttons, two blue jackets, red Breeches, a thick mill cap, good shoes and stockings: Whoever takes up said negro, if in the town shall have THREE POUNDS reward; or if taken up in the country, shall have FOUR POUNDS reward and reasonable charges paid by
  WILLIAM GALLEY.
  N.B. He pretends that he had ran away from the French, and is a free negro; he talks good English.
  Date of Record: 01 January 1761
  Source: The Pennsylvania Journal, 01 January 1761.
Slaveholder Name: Gardner Family
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Named as the previous owner of Het, living at the Middle Ferry on Schuylkill.
1. Enslaved person's name: Hett
  Sex: Female
  Age: "about 19 or 20" at time of escapte from Moore in Lancaster.
  Date of Birth: circa 1761
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro woman"
  Notes: Hett "was born in Gardner family, near the Middle Ferry at Schuylkill, and brought up with Mr. Dixon at the Centre House." At some point before 1780 she was sold or transferred to tavern keeper George Moore in Lancaster borough. Her 1780 Slave Registration by George Moore in Lancaster County specifies status as a "slave for life." Hett ran away from Moore in 1782. Moore placed the following ad for her capture:
  TWENTY DOLLARS Reward, If taken up out of this County. RAN away from the subscriber, living in Lancaster, a stout lusty Negroe wench, named HET, about 19 or 20 years of age, has a sower down look, much marked with the smallpox; had on when she went away a new cotton striped petticoat, and short gown of a large figure, with white, blue and yellow stripes in it; she took likewise several linsey short gowns and petticoats, also a calicoe short gown of a remarkable large figure, a pair of light blue woolen stockings, a pair of womens shoes and brass buckles, also a pair of mens shoes. The said Negroe was born in Gardner family, near the Middle Ferry at Schuylkill, and brought up with Mr. Dixon at the Centre House. She is very smart and complaisant with her tongue, and no doubt she has a good story to tell for herself. Whoever takes up and secures said Negroe, so that her master may have her again, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by me
  GEORGE MOORE.
  
  Date of Record: Registration: October 30, 1780; Advertisement: March 13, 1782
  Source: "Slaves in Lancaster County in 1780"; The Pennsylvania Gazette, March 13, 1782
Slaveholder Name: Gay, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Named as the previous owner of Caesar, below.
1. Enslaved person's name: Caesar
  Sex: Male
  Age: "aged 25 years, or thereabouts"
  Date of Birth: circa 1748
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe fellow"
  Notes: Sold or transferred to William Ewing of Virginia. Caesar escaped from Ewing in December 1772 while travelling from Pennsylvania to Virginia. Text of runaway slave advertisement placed by Ewing:
  EIGHT DOLLARS Reward.
  RUN AWAY from the subscriber, living in Virginia, on New River, on his way home from Pennsylvania, on the 27th of December last, a Negroe fellow, named CAESAR, about 5 feet 11 inches high, aged 25 years, or thereabouts, hath a scar iin his forehead, resembling a C; had on, when he went away, a jacket, of a winestone colour, lined with blue halfthicks, breeches of the same kind, black and white mixed stockings, plated buckles in his shoes, a new wool hat; he talks good English and Low Dutch; he was late the property of Mr. John Gay, of the city of Philadelphia, and may probably attempt to get back there again; he is an ill-natured fellow, and when angry hath a great stoppage in his speech. Whoever takes up said fellow, and secures him, so that his owner may have him again, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by PATRICK EWING, of Cecil County, Octarare Hundred, Maryland, or the subscriber, WILLING EWING. March 16, 1773.
  Date of Record: 16 March 1773
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 21 April 1773
Slaveholder Name: Gibbs, George
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
1. Enslaved person's name: Cyrus a.k.a. Simon
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not given in advertisement, but described as a "man"
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Man"
  Notes: Escaped from the Brig Philadelphia on October 15, 1770, presumably while docked in Philadelphia:
  RUN-AWAY, from on board the Brig Philadelphia, on the 15th instant,
  A Negro MAN, named CYRUS, but calls himself Simon's, is about 5 feet, 7 or 8 inches high, well made for strength, of a yellowish complexion, and is a little pitted with the small pox. Had on when he went away, a check shirt, a wide pair of oznabrugs trowsers, a pair of shoes, and sundry sailors cloaths.
  Whoever will take up and secure said Negro, so that he may be had again shall have THIRTY SHILLINGS reward, paid by JOSEPH DONALDSON, or his master GEORGE GIBBS.
  N.B. As he has been brought up to the sea, it is imagined he may endeavor to ship himself in that capacity: All master of vessels are therefore desired not to take him on board.
  Date of Record: 25 October 1770
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, 25 October 1770
Slaveholder Name: Gibson, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
1. Enslaved person's name: Sandy
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about thirty-five years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1746
  Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated January 1781
  Description: "Negro man"
  Notes: Escaped from Gibson on January 02, 1781:
  Philadelphia, January 3d, 1781.
  Twelve Specie Dollars Reward.
  RAN away last night, a Negro man, about thirty-five years of age, named SANDY; of small stature, knocked kneed, and small legs; his feet when he walks tread wide apart; his inner anckle of the right leg hangs over the quarter of his shoe; his thumbs bend remarkably inward, and he talks thick, as if his tongue was too big for his mouth: he had on when he went away, a cinnamon brown coat, waistcoat and breeches, of homespun linsey, almost new; the breeches are fretted thro' between the knees. It is supposed he may attempt to go to New York. Whoever secures the said negro in any goal, that he may be recovered, or brings him to the subscriber in Philadelphia, shall receive the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by JOHN GIBSON.
  Date of Record: 03 January 1781
  Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 06 January 1781.
Slaveholder Name: Gilchrist, James
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
1. Enslaved person's name: Names not given in ad
  Sex: Females
  Age: Ages not given in advertisement, but described as "women"
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slaves for life
  Description: "Negro women"
  Notes: Advertised for sale by Gilchrist in May 1754: "To be sold by James Gilchrist, at the sign of the Queen of Hungary, in Front-streeet, Two likely Negro women, Bermuda born; one of which has had the small-pox; and are both fit for town or country business."
  Date of Record: 09 May 1754
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 09 May 1754.
Slaveholder Name: Glentworth, James
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Securities Broker
Notes: Founding member of the Philadelphia Board of Brokers, which established the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, the first such stock exchange in the nation, in 1790. Glentworth served in the Revolution as a Lieutenant in the 6th Pennsylvania Regiment, and later with the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment.
1. Enslaved person's name: Not named in ad
  Sex: Female
  Age: "about 20 years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1766
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro Wench"
  Notes: Advertised for sale in September 1786 along with her two children. Text of sale ad:
  Continental and State Securities, Of all Kinds -- BOUGHT and SOLD by
  James Glentworth, Corner of Third and Market streets,
  WHO HAS FOR SALE,
  A Negro Wench, American born, about 20 years of age, & her 2 children; one a female, near 3 years of age, and the other a male child, at the mother's breast. The mother and the children are to be sold together in the country -- The first is duly registered: she is a strong and laborious wench, and well understands the duties of a servant. She is to be sold in the country on account of her breeding fast, which is disagreeable to the small family with which she lives.
  Date of Record: 22 August 1786; This ad was continuously published through February 12, 1787.
  Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 22 August 1786.
2. Enslaved person's name: Not named in ad
  Sex: Female
  Age: "near 3 years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1783
  Status: Slave to age 28
  Description: "Female child"
  Notes: Advertised for sale in September 1786 along with her mother and brother. Text of sale ad is in the entry above with her mother.:
  Date of Record: 22 August 1786
  Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 22 August 1786.
3. Enslaved person's name: Not named in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: Infant "at the mother's breast
  Date of Birth: circa 1786
  Status: Slave to age 28
  Description: "Male child"
  Notes: Advertised for sale in September 1786 along with his mother and sister. Text of sale ad is in the entry above with his mother.:
  Date of Record: 22 August 1786
  Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 22 August 1786.
Slaveholder Name: Goard, Solomon
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Located "near the Market-street Wharf." Goard also imported English white indentured servanst for sale in Philadelphia and environs. See The American Weekly Mercury, 28 October 1731 for an example.
1. Enslaved person's name: Not named in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not given, but described as "men"
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slaves for life
  Description: "Four Negroe Men"
  Notes: Advertised for sale in December 1726: "Four very likely Negroe Men that can Speak English, To be sold by Solomon Goard near the Market-street Wharf."
  Date of Record: 13 December 1726
  Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 13 December 1726
2. Enslaved person's name: Limos
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 18 Years of Age"
  Date of Birth: Circa 1710
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Young Negroe Lad;" also described as being a native of Madagascar.
  Notes: Was taken or escaped voluntarily with a white artisan, John Rogers, a potter, in December 1727. Newspaper editor Andrew Bradford drew up the following ad on behalf of his enslaver:
  JOHN Rogers late of the City of Philadelphia Potter, having absconded some Time in December last, and took with him a likely young Negroe Lad about 18 Years of Age, named Limos, he is of a yellowish Complection, and a Madagascow Negroe, he had on an Ozenbrig Shirt and Frock, a Frize Jacket and Breeches without lining with Brass Buttons. These are to forwarn all Persons from Buying the above said Negroe, he belonging to Solomon Goard of Philadelphia.
  And whoever will take up said Negroe and secure him and give Notice thereof to Andrew Bradford in Philadelphia, or William Parks in Maryland, shall have Three Pounds and Reasonable Charges.
  Date of Record: 02 May 1728
  Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 02 May 1728
Slaveholder Name: Goodwin, George
City or Township: Southwark
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
1. Enslaved person's name: Bella
  Sex: Female
  Age: "aged 25 years"
  Date of Birth: circa 1756
  Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated October 1781
  Description: "Negro Wench"
  Notes: Barbados born Bella escaped from Goodwin on October 25, 1781. As of early December, Goodwin had not yet recovered her:
  Three Pounds Reward.
  RAN-AWAY from the subscriber, on the 25th October last, a Negro WENCH, named BELLA, aged 25 years, born in Barbadoes, speaks good English, her dress unknown, as she has a variety of cloaths with her. It is likely she will pass for a free woman, as she is fond of dress and very talkative, and formerly was the property of Captain Kelly, in Almond street. Whoever takes up and secures the said Wench, so that her master may have her again, shall receive the above Reward, and all reasonable Charges, paid by
  GEORGE GOODWIN, Southwark.
  Date of Record: 06 December 1781
  Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 06 December 1781.
Slaveholder Name: Gordon, Captain
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Located "in Arch-street, opposite the Church burying-ground."
1. Enslaved person's name: Unnamed boy
  Sex: Male
  Age: "14 years old"
  Date of Birth: circa 1753
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Boy"
  Notes: Advertised for sale in March 1767: "TO BE SOLD, A NEGROE BOY, 14 years old. LIkewise a MULATTOE GIRL, 11 years of age. Enquire at Captain GORDON'S in Arch-street, opposite the Church burying-ground."
  Date of Record: 12 March 1767
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 12 March 1767.
2. Enslaved person's name: Unnamed girl
  Sex: Female
  Age: "11 years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1756
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Mulattoe Girl"
  Notes: Advertised for sale in March 1767: "TO BE SOLD, A NEGROE BOY, 14 years old. LIkewise a MULATTOE GIRL, 11 years of age. Enquire at Captain GORDON'S in Arch-street, opposite the Church burying-ground."
  Date of Record: 12 March 1767
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 12 March 1767.
Slaveholder Name: Grace, Robert
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Iron works manager
Notes: Founder and first shareholder of the Library Company of Philadelphia. Married widow Rebecca Nutt, who shared ownership of Coventry Forge and Warwick Furnace with her former mother-in-law, Anna Nutt.
1. Enslaved person's name: Dick, a.k.a. Preaching Dick
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not indicated, but described as a "man."
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Man"
  Notes: Robert Grace placed the following escape notice to recover Dick after his escape:
  RUN away from the Subscriber, a Negroe Man, named Dick, known by the Name of Preaching-Dick: He had on a brown Waistcoat, lined with green, Ozenbrigs Shirt and Trowsers, Shoes and Stockings. Whoever takes him up, and brings him to Joseph Scull, Under Sheriff, shall have Forty Shillings Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by
  ROBERT GRACE.
  N.B. It is supposed he is lurking about Town.
  Date of Record: 05 September 1745
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 05 September 1745.
Slaveholder Name: Grandine, Mr.
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Identified by Samuel Yardley of Bucks County as the enslaver of the mother of Fanny, listed below.
1. Enslaved person's name: Name not given in ad
  Sex: Female
  Age: Not known
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description:
  Notes: Mother of Fanny, born circa 1763 and Registered by Samuel Yardley of Newtown, Bucks County. When Fanny escaped from Yardley in May 1781, Yardley included the following notation in his published escape ad: "She was seen on the road going towards Philadelphia, her mother formerly lived with Mr. Grandine, at the George tavern." No additional information is known about this enslaved person, or about Mr. Grandine, at this time. Date of Record: 29 May 1781
  Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 02 June 1781.
Slaveholder Name: Grapf, Jacob
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
1. Enslaved person's name: Name not given in ad
  Sex: Male
  Age: "twenty-four years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1753
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro Man"
  Notes: Advertised for sale in February 1777 along with an unnamed term slave:
  TO be SOLD, a strong young hearty NEGRO MAN, twenty-four years of age, has had the smallpox and measles, is a good brickmaker in all its branches, can drive a team well, and is sold for want of employment. Also the time of a MULATTO SLAVE, who has thirteen months to serve. Inquire of JACOB GRAPF, in Market-street, between Seventh and Eighth streets.
  Date of Record: 18 February 1777
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Evening Post, 18 February 1777.
2. Enslaved person's name: Name not given in ad
  Sex: Sex not indicated in ad
  Age: Age not indicated in ad
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for a term of years, with thirteen months left to serve
  Description: "Mulatto Slave"
  Notes: Advertised for sale in February 1777 along with a male slave for life. See above for full text of sale ad.
  Date of Record: 18 February 1777
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Evening Post, 18 February 1777.
Slaveholder Name: Gratz, Barnard
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant, importer
Notes: Gratz arrived in Philadelphia circa 1754 from Langendorf, Prussia. He began working for David Franks and about 1765, along with his younger brother Michael formed an import and export business to the Caribbean, as well as trading via overland routes through the American colonies. The Gratz brothers were supporters of American independence and supplied the Continental Army during the war. Barnard's brother Michael married the daughter of Lancaster merchant Joseph Simon.
Sources: Biography of Barnard Gratz, https://loebjewishportraits.com/biography/barnard-gratz/, accessed 13 June 2025; Museum of the American Revolution, "Now on View: Gratz Family Artifacts Exploring American Jewish Life in Philadelphia," November 2021, https://www.amrevmuseum.org/news/now-on-view-gratz-family-artifacts-exploring-american-jewish-life-in-philadelphia, accessed 13 June 2025.
1. Enslaved person's name: George
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 38 years old"
  Date of Birth: circa 1733
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro man"
  Notes: George escaped from Gratz on September 25, 1771. After about two weeks, Gratz placed the following escape notice in a Philadelphia newspaper::
  RUN AWAY, on the 25th of September last, a Negro man named GEORGE, about 38 years old, 5 feet 10 or 11 inches high, rather slim, smooth faced, a soft spoken, canting, whining fellow; formerly lived at Salem in New-Jersey: Had on when he went off from the Three Crowns on Lancaster road, a new mixed grey napped coat with white-metal buttons, blue waistcoat and trowsers. Whoever takes up said negro man, and secures him in any gaol, so that his master may [have] him again, shall receive SIX DOLLARS reward, and reasonable charges, paid by BARNARD GRATZ, in Philadelphia. October 10.
  Date of Record: 10 October 1771
  Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal, or Weekly Advertiser, 10 October 1771.
Slaveholder Name: Green, Thomas
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Located on the Germantown Road, just outside of Philadelphia (1752)
1. Enslaved person's name: Unnamed woman
  Sex: Female
  Age: Age not specified, but described as a "woman."
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negro woman"
  Notes: Advertised for sale along with her child by Green in April 1752 as part of a larger estate sale ad: "TO BE SOLD, BY Thomas Green, living on Germantown Road, about a Mile from Philadelphia, a Negro Woman and Child fit for Town or Country Business, a Chair, a good Wood Boat and Horse Boat." [followed by long list of real estate for sale]
  Date of Record: 23 April 1752
  Sources: The Philadelphia Journal or Weekly Advertiser, 23 April 1752.
Slaveholder Name: Greenway, Robert
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Half of business partnership Greenway and Rundle.
Notes: Librarian from 1746-1763 of the Library Company of Philadelphia, the first free public library in North America.
1. Enslaved person's name: Unnamed woman
  Sex: Female
  Age: "about 22 Years old"
  Date of Birth: circa 1741
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Man"
  Notes: Advertised for sale by Greenway in June 1748 as part of a larger estate sale ad: "Also a likely young negro woman, who can do all sorts of house work, to be sold by said Robert Greenway."
  Date of Record: 03 November 1763
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 09 June 1748.
2. Enslaved person's name: Unnamed boy
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about fifteen years old"
  Date of Birth: circa 1739
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Man"
  Notes: Advertised for hiring by Greenway in March 1754 as part of a larger ad to rent farms: "To be LETT, TWO plantations in the township of Bensalem, Bucks county, situated on the river Delaware, with good meadow ground to each, the one contains 135 acres, or thereabouts, adjoining the ferry, called Dunk's Ferry (now Hill's) the other upwards of 100 acres, about three quarters of a mile nearer to Philadelphia; they may be lett together or separately, with or without a handy Negroe boy, about fifteen years old, now on the premises. Enquire of ROBERT GREENWAY, in Philadelphia."
  This same ad also offered to sell, from the company of Greenway and Rundle, the service of a number of German indentured servants, probably Palatines: "The service of sundry Germans, viz. a butcher, taylor, smith, husbandman, weaver, and some women and children, are to be disposed of by GREENWAY and RUNDLE."
  Date of Record: 19 March 1754
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 19 March 1754.
3. Enslaved person's name: Unnamed man
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 22 Years old"
  Date of Birth: circa 1741
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Man"
  Notes: Advertised for sale in November 1763 to settle an estate: "To be SOLD by the Subscribers, Executors of the last Will of Robert Greenway, deceased, A Likely strong Negroe Man, about 22 Years old, has been used to wait on his late Master, who esteemed him for his Fidelity, and other good Qualities; he is also pretty well acquainted with Plantation-work, all Kinds of House-work, and knows something of Cooking; he is this Country born, and will be sold at private Sale. ROBERT MORRIS, JOHN EDWARDS, SARAH GREENWAY."
  Date of Record: 03 November 1763
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 03 November 1763.
Slaveholder Name: Greenway, William, Captain
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Ship's captain
Notes: In Norris Alley next door to Henry Schleydorn "sugar baker" (sugar refiner, confectioner)
1. Enslaved person's name: Un-named young woman
  Sex: Female
  Age: "about 20 years of age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1728
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe wench"
  Notes: Advertised for sale by Greenway in May 1748: "Philadelphia, May 26, 1748. To be SOLD, A Likely, young, Negroe wench, about 20 years of age, fit for town or country business. Enquire of William Greenway, in Norris's Alley, next door to Mr. Schlydhorn's, sugar-baker."
  Date of Record: 26 May 1748
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 26 May 1748.
Slaveholder Name: Gregory, Thomas
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Innkeeper, Sign of the Horse and Groom, Strawberry Alley
Notes: In Strawberry Alley at the Horse and Groom tavern. Gregory was named in the ad below as having an enslaved boy for sale. It is not clear if there is a connection between the 17-year-old boy advertised and the other person named in the ad, Jacob Duffield.
1. Enslaved person's name: Un-named boy
  Sex: Male
  Age: "about 17 Years of Age"
  Date of Birth: circa 1745
  Status: Slave for life
  Description: "Negroe Boy"
  Notes: Advertised for sale as part of a larger notice of a public sale of land:
  TO be sold by publick Vendue, on the 27th of December, at the London Coffee- House, at Six o'Clock in the Evening, Two Lots of Land, containing 40 Acres, be the same more or less; lying on the great Road leading from Philadelphia to Martin's Mill, near Oxford Church, about 7 Miles from Philadelphia, the greatest Part well timbered, the rest cleared, being a very convenient Situation for a Gentleman's Country Seat. Any Person inclining to purchase before the Day of Sale, may apply to Jacob Duffield, in Busseltown, or to Thomas Gregory, at the Horse and Groom, in Strawberry-Alley, Philadelphia.
  N.B. Said Gregory has a likely Negroe Boy, about 17 Years of Age, to sell, fit for Country Business.
  Date of Record: 16 December 1762
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 16 December 1762.
Slaveholder Name: Griffin, Elizabeth
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Innkeeper, Rose and Crown, Water Street (1742)
Notes: Referred to in some advertisements as the "Widow Griffin on Water Street."
1. Enslaved person's name: Will
  Sex: Male
  Age: Age not specified in escape notice; appears to be an adult man
  Date of Birth: Not known
  Status: Self-emancipated August 1750
  Description: "Molattoe fellow"
  Notes: Will escaped on August 22, 1750. Elizabeth Griffin placed the following escape notice and posted a reward in The Pennsylvania Gazette the following month:
  MAde his escape from this city, the 22d of last month, a Molattoe fellow, named Will, a Cooper by trade: Had on an ozenbrigs shirt, and 2 check ones, and trowsers, a cinnamon colour'd jacket, straw hat, 'tis said he came from Duck-Creek, he is about 5 feet 4 inches high, a down looking fellow. Whoever takes up said Molattoe, and brings him to Philadelphia goal, or confines him in any goal, till notice is given of him, shall have Forty Shillings reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
  ELIZABETH GRIFFIN.
  The location Duck-Creek most likely refers to Duck Creek village, a thriving community near Smyrna in Kent County, Delaware. Duck Creek existed as a distinct entity during the first three-quarters of the 18th century.
  Date of Record: 13 September 1750
  Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 13 September 1750; Leon deValinger, Jr., "National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination: Duck Creek Village," US Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 01 February 1972.

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Philadelphia County Slaveholders E - G

Slaveholders Listed on this Page

Enslavement Data

A Note on Slave Numbers