Slaveholders Listed on this Page
- Taylor, James (Enslaved persons: Un-named man)
- Tharp, William (Enslaved persons: Un-named man)
- Thomas, Jonathan (Enslaved persons: Sandy)
- Thomas, William (Enslaved persons: Ishmael, Sophia, a.k.a. Phillis)
- Tod, William (Enslaved persons: Cato, Dick)
- Trapnall, John (Enslaved persons: Sam)
- Trotter, Spencer (Enslaved persons: Un-named young woman)
- Turner, John (Enslaved persons: Un-named teenaged boy)
- Turner, Joseph (Enslaved persons: Several imported persons)
- Turner, Robert (Enslaved persons: Dick)
- Tyson, Daniel (Enslaved persons: Pirame)
- Van Horne, Cornelius (Enslaved persons: Un-named man)
- Vandegrift, Joseph (Enslaved persons: Multiple un-named young men and woman)
- Verhulst, Stanford (Enslaved persons: Un-named, man, two women and a child)
- Verner, Frederick (Enslaved persons: Tom)
- Wade, Francis (Enslaved persons: Joe)
- Walker, Lewis (Enslaved persons: Nat)
- Wallace, James (Enslaved persons: Caesar)
- Wallace, John (Enslaved persons: Un-named girl and boy)
- Walsh, Charles, Captain (Enslaved persons: Venture)
- Washington, Martha Custis (Enslaved persons: Ona Judge)
- Waterman, John (Enslaved persons: Un-named teenaged girl)
- Watkins, Joseph Jr. (Enslaved persons: Tom Tony)
- Watts, Stephen (Enslaved persons: Un-named boy)
- Webb, William (Enslaved persons: Johnny)
- Wells, George (Enslaved persons: Un-named teenaged girl, Timothy Jeffreys)
- Wells, Rebecca (Enslaved persons: Un-named young woman, un-named man)
- Welsh, Samuel (Enslaved persons: Abbe)
- Wert, Jacob (Enslaved persons: Jack)
- Wescott, George (Enslaved persons: Un-named woman)
- Wharton, Joseph (Enslaved persons: Tom)
- Wharton, Joseph Junior (Enslaved persons: Nat)
- Wharton, Thomas, Jr. See Stocker and Wharton
- White, Mr. (Enslaved persons: Beck)
- White, James (Enslaved persons: Dublin)
- White, Thomas (Enslaved persons: Un-named man)
- Whitehead, James (Enslaved persons: Un-named mother and child, Will, un-named man, un-named woman)
- Whitely, Anthony (Enslaved persons: Un-named woman and girl)
- Whyte, Robert, Capt. (Enslaved persons: Lewis)
- Wikoff, Isaac (Enslaved persons: Un-named teenaged girl)
- Wikoff, John and Peter (Enslaved persons: Un-named boy)
- Wilcocks, John (Enslaved persons: Grigg)
- Wilcox, Alexander (Enslaved persons: Caesar)
- Wilkinson, Brian (Enslaved persons: Charles)
- Williams, Thomas (Enslaved persons: Un-named teenaged girl)
- Willing, Mr. (Enslaved persons: Larey)
- Willing, Charles (Enslaved persons: Three un-named women and two men)
- Willing, Richard (Enslaved persons: Robin)
- Wilson, James (Enslaved persons: Larey)
- Wilson, John (Enslaved persons: Bay)
- Wilson, Philip (Enslaved persons: Caesar, Ben)
- Wilson, Robert (Enslaved persons: Friday)
- Wirtz, Mr. (Enslaved persons: Cesar Rodney)
- Witherspoon, Thomas (Enslaved persons: Frank)
- Witt, Christopher, Dr. (Enslaved persons: Robert Claymer, or Clymer)
- Wood, Joseph (Enslaved persons: Jack)
- Woodrop, Alexander (Enslaved persons: "Parcel" of women, boys and a girl)
- Woodrow, Henry (Enslaved persons: Stephen)
- Wright, Hugh, Captain (Enslaved persons: Un-named boy)
- Wright, John (Enslaved persons: Un-named mother and son)
- Yard, Shandy (Enslaved persons: two un-named female term slaves)
- Yeldall, Anthony (Enslaved persons: Prince)
- Young, Charles (Enslaved persons: Advertised in 1779 to purchase slaves)
- Young, John, Jr. (Enslaved persons: Un-named female)
- Young, Samuel (Enslaved persons: Un-named female)
- Young, William (Enslaved persons: Un-named woman and her male child)
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: Taylor, James
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Located on Spruce Street.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Not named in ad
Sex: Male
Age: "about 22 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1740
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Offered for sale in July 1762. Text of the advertisement placed by Taylor: "To be SOLD, A Likely Negroe Man, fit for Town or Country Business, about 22 Years of Age, and has had the Small-pox and Measles. Enquire of James Taylor, in Spruce-street."
Dates of Records: 22 July 1762
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 22 July 1762.
- Slaveholder Name: Tharp, William
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant
Notes: Shop on Front Street "near Walnut-street."
Source:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Not named
Sex: Male
Age: Not stated, but appears to be an adult experienced in carpentry
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Mulatto slave"
Notes: Offered for sale on October 30, 1778. Text of the advertisement placed by Tharp:
TO BE SOLD,
On the 30th day of this instant,
A MULATTO SLAVE, near six feet high, well made, a compleat hand for a ship carpenter, as he can saw with any kind of saw, use an adze, broadaxe, or auger, is a special hand at getting timber for shipping, blocking off and hewing, has worked some time at the business; He can also reap and mow, both with cradle and naked scythe, in doing which, few, if any, can excel him. Enquire of Mr. WILLIAM THARP, Merchant, in Front-street, near Walnut-street, Philadelphia.
Date of Record: 22 October 1778
Sources: The Pennsylvania Packet or the General Advertiser, 22, 29 October 1778.
- Slaveholder Name: Thomas, Jonathan
City or Township: Lower Dublin Township
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
Source:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Sandy
Sex: Male
Age: "about 22 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1759
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated in early 1781
Description: "Mulatto Lad"
Notes: Sandy escaped from Jonathan Thomas sometime in early 1781. Thomas placed the following escape notice in a Philadelphia newspaper:
Three Hundred Dollars Reward.
RAN-AWAY from the subscriber, living in Lower-Dublin township, Philadelphia county, a Mulatto LAD, named SANDY, about 22 years of age, about 5 feet eight inches high; Had on when he went away, a new felt hat, tow shirt, cloth jacket, a lightish coloured striped linsey under jacket, buckskin breeches, grey yarn ribbed stockings. Whoever takes up said Mulatto, and brings him to me, or secures him in any gaol, so that his master may have him again, shall have the above Reward and reasonable charges padi, by me, JONATHAN THOMAS.
N.B. All masters of vessels are forbid to harbour, conceal or carry him off at their peril.
Dates of Records: 06 February 1781
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 06 February 1781.
- Slaveholder Name: Thomas, William
City or Township: Southwark
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: "living in Second street opposite the Swede's church in the district of Southwark"
Source:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Ishmael
Sex: Male
Age: "twenty-five years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1751
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Ishmael escaped from Thomas on July 5, 1776. Thomas placed the following ad about two weeks later in a Philadelphia newspaper:
THREE DOLLARS Reward.
RAN away the fifth instant, a Negro man named ISHMAEL, twenty-five years of age, about six feet high, strong made, his colour between a Mulatto and a Black, rocks in his walk, or rather somewhat lame, occasioned by his having his thigh bone broke when a boy. Had on when he want away a small brimmed hat, a brown cloth jacket without sleeves, let out in the back, new tow shirt and trousers, old shoes. Whoever takes up and secures said Negro in any jail, so as his master may have him again, shall have the above reward and reasonable charges, paid by the subscriberl living in Second street opposite the Swede's church in the district of Southwark.
WILLIAM THOMAS.
Dates of Records: 16 July 1776
Sources: The Pennsylvania Evening Post, 16 July 1776.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Sophia, a.k.a. Phillis
Sex: Female
Age: "between twenty-five and thirty years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1750 to 1755
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Wench"
Notes: Sophia escaped from Thomas on July 21, 1780. Thomas placed the following escape notice a few days later in a Philadelphia newspaper:
Philadelphia, July 25, 1780.
Two Hundred Dollars Reward.
RAN away on Friday night, the 21st instant, a NEGRO WENCH, named Sophia, (Alias) Phillis, between twenty-five and thirty years of age, middle sized, very straight and slender bodied, speaks soft, and is very artful, took with her, one silk black bonnet, several caps, one of them cambrick, with lace, three silk handkerchiefs, one black barcelona, one blue and white cross-bar'd ditto, the other a red mantua, two calico gowns, one with large blue flowers, the other a small red and dark branch, and a kind of small dark running vine between them, one short blue and white striped linen jacket, two petticoats, one a black moreen, the other a quilt, made stripe fashion, with a stripe of calico, and white linen ditto, several aprons, one of them a flowered kenting, four shifts, two tow, the others fine, thread and yarn stockings, leather shoes and silver buckles, and mostly wears a gold ring; She may change her name and apparel, and endeavour to pass for a free woman. Whoever takes her up, and secures her, so that her master may get her again, shall have the above reward, and if brought home to the Subscriber, living in Second-street, in the district of Southwark, opposite to the Swedes Church, reasonable charges, paid by
WILLIAM THOMAS.
N.B. All persons are forbid to harbour, carry or convey her away at their peril.
Dates of Records: 25 July 1780
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, or the General Advertiser, 05 August 1780.
- Slaveholder Name: Tod, William
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Coach maker
Notes: Shop on Arch Street. In 1772, Tod advertised for a 15-year old boy: "WANTED IMMEDIATELY, Either to purchase or hire,
A WHITE or NEGRO BOY, about fifteen years of age, of a small size, for a postillion to drive a carriage, who can be well recommended for honesty and sobriety. Apply to WILLIAM TOD, in Arch-street." By 1776, with the escape of his blacksmith Dick, Tod advertised his location as Front Street. For a detailed article on William Tod and his business, see "William Tod," The Adverts250 Project.
Source: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet, Daily Advertiser, 09 November 1772.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Cato
Sex: Male
Age: "about fifteen years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1759
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro lad" and "Negro Boy"
Notes: Ran away multiple times. Text of the first advertisement placed by Tod:
Philadelphia, August 12, 1774
TEN SHILLINGS REWARD.
RAN AWAY from the subscriber, about two weeks ago, a negro lad, named CATO, about fifteen years of age, four feet eight or nine inches high, square built; Had on, a hat that was painted, an oznabrug shirt and trowsers, a claret coloured broadcloth coat with white metal buttons, and good shoes. Whoever takes up and secures said negro, so that his master may have him again, shall have the above Reward, paid by
WILLIAM TOD.
Cato remained free only a few weeks before being captured in Chester. Joel Willis, the Chester jailer included him in a long list of other runaways committed as runaways advertised on September 5, 1774, describing him as: "A Negroe, named Cato, who says he belongs to William Todd, of Philadelphia." Todd apparently paid his costs and took him back to Philadelphia, but Cato got away again a few months later. The ad below ran through February 1775:
December 3d, 1774
TWO DOLLARS REWARD.
RAN AWAY from the subscriber, the 21st of Nov. ult. a Negro Boy, named CATO, about 4 feet 7 or 8 inches high, strong and well made; had on when he went away, a scarlet coatee, a superfine purple jacket, and a small hat. Whoever takes up said negro and brings him home, or secures his so that his master may get him again, shall have the above reward and reasonable charges, paid by
WILLIAM TOD.
Tod renewed his advertisement of December 1774 on February 1, 1775. This ad was still being published in April 1775, making it five months that Cato had been at large.
Dates of Records: 12 August 1774, 03 December 1774; 01 February 1775
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 04 October 1774 and 19 December 1774; Pennsylvania Gazette, 14 September 1774; The Pennsylvania Journal or Weekly Advertiser, 05 April 1775.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Dick
Sex: Male
Age: "about twenty two years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1754
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Dick escaped from Tod on October 18, 1776. Text of the escape advertisement placed by Tod:
RAN away the 18th instant, a Negro man named DICK, by trade a blacksmith, about twenty two years of age, near five feet six inches high. He had on, when he went away, a London brown short coat with yellow buttons, a scarlet jacket which had been turned, with yellow buttons, striped ticken trousers, an old beaver hat, new pumps, and plated buckles. It is supposed he is in or near this city, working at his trade. Whoever brings the said Negro to the subscriber, shall have TWENTY SHILLINGS reward.
ALEXANDER TOD
in Front street, two doors above Chesnut-street.
Philad October 19.
Dates of Records: 19 October 1776
Sources: The Pennsylvania Ledger, or the Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey Weekly Advertiser, 26 October 1776.
- Slaveholder Name: Trapnall, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Identified by Chester County iron master Samuel Flower as a previous owner of Sam, who escaped from Reading Furnace in July 1753. There was a John Trapnall with a farm in Kingsessing during that time.
Source:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Sam
Sex: Male
Age: "aged about 40 years"
Date of Birth: circa 1713
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Sam escaped from Reading Furnace on 20 July 1753 in company with fellow enslaved man James. Flower notes that Sam was formerly enslaved by John Trapnall in Philadelphia. Samuel Flower placed the following ad to try to recover the two men:
Philadelphia, July 26, 1753.
RUN away on the 20th inst. from Reading Furnace, Two Negro men; one named Sam, who formerly lived with John Trapnall, of Philadelphia, Blacksmith, aged about 40 years, an able bodied fellow, very talkative, and subject to laugh at his own discourse. The other named James, he formerly lived with Mr. Edward Jones, of Philadelphia, aged about 28 years, a stout able bodied fellow, his knees are much bending forwards; their cloathing is unknown. Whoever takes up and secures the said Negroes in any goal in this province, or brings them to Reading furnace, shall have Three Pounds reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
SAMUEL FLOWER.
Date of Record: 26 July, 1753
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 16 August 1753.
- Slaveholder Name: Trotter, Spencer
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Sea captain;
Notes: House on Front Street. Appointed Collector of Duties, Port of Philadelphia, 1759. Died circa 1761.
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 09 August 1759, 28 May 1761.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Not given in ad
Sex: Female
Age: Age not specified in ad, but described as a "young woman."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Young Negro Woman"
Notes: Advertised for sale beginning in April 1755: "A Likely young Negro Woman to be sold, enquire of the printer, or at the house of Spencer Trotter in Front street." The ad was published continuously through November 1, 1755.
Date of Record: 24 April 1755
Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal, or, Weekly Advertiser, 24 April 1755.
- Slaveholder Name: Turner, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Not given in ad
Sex: Male
Age: "about sixteen years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1764
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Turner advertised this teenaged boy for sale in the same ad offering two ships for sale:
Philadelphia, February 9.
TO BE SOLD BY JOHN TURNER,
In Front street, opposite Mr. Thomas Penrose's Ship-Yard,
[description of two ships, a snow and a brig, and their cargo]
Also to be sold, a Negro Boy of about sixteen years of age, good tempered, very honest, and has been bred to house-work.
Date of Record: 09 February 1780
Sources: The Pennsylvania Packet, 12 February 1780.
- Slaveholder Name: Turner, Joseph
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant, slave trader
Notes: See the page on Slave Traders for more on the slave trading firm of Turner and Allen.
Source:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Not given in ad
Sex: Male and female
Age: Ages not specified in ad, but probably a mixture of adults and young persons.
Date of Birth: Not known, varies
Status: Slaves for life
Description: "Negroes," "Negro Women"
Notes: Turner, along with Alexander Woodrop and William Allen, offered the following enslaved persons for sale in May 1736:
JUST arrived from Barbadoes, several likely Negroes; among which are two likely Women bred to House-work. To be Sold by Alexander Woodrop, William Allen and Joseph Turner.
Dates of Records: 06 May 1736
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 06 May 1736
- Slaveholder Name: Turner, Robert
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Market Street Wharf
Source:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Dick
Sex: Male
Age: "about fifty years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1728
Status: Slave for life; repeated escapes
Description: "Negro fellow"
Notes: Formerly owned by Lovett, in Bucks County. Has a wife in Bucks County. Ran away from Philadelphia in May 1777, and then again in late June or early July 1778. Text of the escaped slave advertisements placed by Turner:
RAN away from the subscriber, about ten months ago, a Negro fellow named DICK, about fifty years of age, lame in his body, near five feet high, and is supposed to have gone lately up the Reading road. Whoever apprehends said Negro, so that his master gets him again, shall have THREE POUNDS reward, and reasonable charges.
July 8. ROBERT TURNER, Market-street wharf.
An ad, several weeks later, gave a similar description but said Dick escaped "about four or five weeks ago," indicating the Turner may have captured Dick after his earlier ten month escape, but the man got away again:
FIVE POUNDS REWARD. RAN AWAY from the subscriber, about four or five weeks ago, out of the city of Philadelphia, a Negro man named DICK, about four and a half feet high, 50 years old, has a lameness in his body; it is supposed he is gone to Bucks County, as he has a wife there. Whoever takes up the above Negro and brings him to the subscriber on market street wharf, Philadelphia, shall have the above reward and reasonable charges, paid by ROBERT TURNER."
A second ad two months later added additional details:
TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD.
RAN AWAY from the subscriber, a Negro fellow named DICK, about fifty years of age, lame in his body, formerly belonged to one Lovett, of Bucks county, now the property of Robert Turner, of Philadelphia. I do forwarn all persons not to harbour said fellow at their peril. Any person taking him up shall have the above reward, and all reasonable charges, paid by
ROBERT TURNER. Sept 11.
An ad with almost identical wording, only leaving out the reference to Lovett in Bucks County, appeared in the Pennsylvania Journal, 03 February 1779, and ran for two weeks. Note that the later ads in September 1778 and again in February 1779 add the warning against harboring Dick. This may indicate that Turner learned of aid Dick received from persons in or around Philadelphia in his escape.
Dates of Records: 25 July, 11 September 1778; 02 February 1779
Sources: The Pennsylvania Evening Post, 08 July 1778; Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 25 July, 15 September 1778; The Pennsylvania Journal or Daily Advertiser, 03 February 1779.
- Slaveholder Name: Tyson, Daniel
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Importer and merchant
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Pirame
Sex: Male
Age: "about eighteen years of age"
Date of Birth: Circa 1765
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated October 1783
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Text of escape advertisement:
Twenty Dollars Reward.
RAN-AWAY from the sloop Charming Nancy, Tristham Pinkham, master, belonging to Grenada, and for sometime past laying at Humphrey's wharff, a Negro MAN, named PIRAME, about eighteen years of age, five feet two inches high, or thereabouts, speaks both French and English, likely features, but thick lips: had on when he went away, an oznabrig frock and trowsers, a brown woolen jacket, lined with white, and a round hat with binding: whoever will apprehend the said negro, and deliver him to Mr. DANIEL TYSON, shall receive the above reward, and any reasonable charges. Oct. 11.
Date of Record: 11 October 1783
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 16 October 1783.
- Slaveholder Name: Van Horne, Cornelius
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Advertised as the co-owner, along with Andrew Fesneau, of the escaped enslaved man listed below.
- 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: Vandergrift, Joseph
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Innkeeper, Sign of the Cross Keys, corner of Chestnut and Third Streets
Notes: Surname also spelled "Vandegrift"
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Male
Age: 20
Date of Birth: circa 1755
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Offered for sale in November 1775:
TO BE SOLD,
A STRONG, well made NEGRO MAN,
twenty years of age, has had the small pox, understands the management of horses, driving a team, and is as good a plowman as any in the province; the reason why he is to be sold is for want of employ. Also several good working HORSES.
Credit may be had if required. For further particulars enquire of Mr. JOSEPH VANDERGRIFT, at the Cross Keys, in Third-street.
WANTED, an elderly MAN, who writes a good hand, &c. and is qualified to keep a small school in the country. Apply as above.
Dates of Records: 13 November 1775
Sources: The Pennsylvania Packet, 13 November 1775.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Female
Age: 20
Date of Birth: circa 1756
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Wench"
Notes: Offered for sale in February 1776:
TO BE SOLD,
For want of employ,
A NEGRO WENCH, twenty years of age, has had the small-pox, understands housewifery and all sorts of country work in general; is sober and honest. For further particulars enquire of Mr. JOSEPH VANDEGRIFT, at the Cross Keys, the corner of Chesnut and Third-streets, Philadelphia.
Dates of Records: 26 February 1776
Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 26 February 1776.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Male
Age: "aged 28 years"
Date of Birth: circa 1752
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Offered for sale along with several other enslaved persons in August 1780:
To be SOLD at private Sale, At the house of the Subscriber, on the West side of Neshameny Ferry.
COWS, Horses, Sheep, Swine, a good new two horse waggon, with compleat sett of harness for two horses, cart and harness, sundry household and kitchen furniture, two Negroe men, one aged 28 years other 24, a likely Negroe girl aged 19 years; the above Negroes are sold for no fault, as the subscriber is going to move and will have no employment for them.
August 28, 1780. JOSEPH VANDEGRIFT.
N.B. The house and ferry to be let and entered upon the first day of November next. Enquire at the ferry.
Date of Record: 28 August 1780
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 09 September 1780.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Male
Age: "aged 24 years"
Date of Birth: circa 1756
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Offered for sale along with several other enslaved persons in August 1780. See above for text of ad.
Dates of Records: 28 August 1780
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 09 September 1780.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Female
Age: "aged 19 years"
Date of Birth: circa 1761
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro girl"
Notes: Offered for sale along with several other enslaved persons in August 1780. See above for text of ad.
Dates of Records: 28 August 1780
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 09 September 1780.
- Slaveholder Name: Verhulst, Stanford
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Verhulst boarded the enslaved people he was selling with Joseph Richards and Mrs. Rogers.
Sources:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Male
Age: Age not provided, but described as a "man."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Offered for sale along with two women and a child in May 1738:
Just Imported from BARBADOS,
And to be SOLD,
By STANFORD VERHULST,
A LIKELY Negro Man, and two Women, one of them having a Child. They may be seen at Mr. Joseph Richards in Water-street, or Mrs. Rogers in Arch-street.
Dates of Records: 18 May 1738
Sources: American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 18 May 1738.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Names not given in ad
Sex: Female
Age: Ages not provided, but described as "women."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slaves for life
Description: "Negro Women"
Notes: Offered for sale along with a man and a child in May 1738, the child belonging to one of the women. See above for text of ad.
Dates of Records: 18 May 1738
Sources: American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 18 May 1738.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Sex not indicated
Age: Age not provided, but described as "child."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro child"
Notes: Offered for sale along with a man and two women in May 1738, one of the women being the child's mother. See above for text of ad.
Dates of Records: 18 May 1738
Sources: American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 18 May 1738.
- Slaveholder Name: Verner, Frederick
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Jail Keeper
Notes: Loyalist, serving in the British service, was imprisoned in 1778 following the British evacuation of Philadelphia. Tried for treason in August 1778 and later freed in a prisoner exchange with the British.
Sources: Henry J. Young, "Treason and its Punishment in Revolutionary Pennsylvania," Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, 1966, Vol. 9, p. 299' Wilbur H. Siebert, "The Loyalists of Pennsylvania," Ohio State University at Columbus, 1905, online at Provincial Archives of New Brunswick, https://archives.gnb.ca/exhibits/forthavoc/html/PennsylvaniaLoyalists.aspx?culture=en-CA#link59, accessed 22 October 2024.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Tom
Sex: Male
Age: "25 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1750
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Offered for sale in April 1778:
TO BE SOLD,
A Likely NEGRO MAN named TOM, 25 years of age, has had the small-pox and measles; he is a good farmer in all its branches, is capable of driving a carriage, and waiting in a gentleman's family. Enquire of FREDERICK VERNER, keeper of the old goal.
Dates of Records: 15 April 1778
Sources: The Pennsylvania Ledger, or the Philadelphia Market Day Advertiser, 15 April 1778.
- Slaveholder Name: Wade, Francis, Colonel
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Brewer, militia officer during Revolutionary War
Notes: Francis Wade served as deputy quartermaster general in the Continental Army for Delaware and part of Maryland in the spring of 1778. He had previously served a short term as victualizing agent for the Pennsylvania navy in 1775.
Source: The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia, notes accompanying "Orders to Captain Francis Wade, 11 January 1777," and "To George Washington from Francis Wade, 6 February 1792," National Archives Founders Online, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-08-02-0044, and https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-09-02-0321 accessed 24 October 2024.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Joe
Sex: Male
Age: "about 25 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1738
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe man"
Notes: Joe was born in Virginia and was also previously enslaved in the West Indies and on a ship. Escaped from Francis Wade on September 14, 1763:
September 15.
TEN DOLLARS Reward.
RUN-away last night from Francis Wade, of this city: A lusty negroe man, named Joe, about 25 years of age, and speaks pretty good English; he has been for some years past in the West-Indies, and three or four years followed the sea; had on when he went away, a fine oznabrigs shirt and trowsers, a light blue German serge wastecoat, lined with black shalloon, without sleeves, a pair of olive coloured worsted plush breeches under his trowsers, and commonly wears a silk handkerchief about his head, but no shoes nor stockings nor hat when he went away, but perhaps may change his dress; he has a mild way of speaking, was born in Virginia, and it is supposed he may go that way. Whoever takes up said negro, and confines him in any goal, or brings him to his master, shall have the above reward of Ten Dollars, and reasonable charges paid by
FRANCIS WADE.
N.B. All master of Vessels are forbid to carry him off, and all others in town or country are desired not to harbour him as they may depend they shall be prosecuted as the law directs for so doing.
Dates of Records: 15 September 1763
Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal, 15 September 1763.
- Slaveholder Name: Walker, Lewis
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
Source:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Nat
Sex: Male
Age: In January 1781, Joseph Wharton identifed Nat's age as 20 years old.
Date of Birth: circa 1761
Status: Slave for life; mulitple escape attempts
Description: "Negro Lad"
Notes: Born in Philadelphia. Nat was previously enslaved by Joseph Wharton, from whom he escaped in January 1781. Wharton apparently sold Nat to Lewis Walker, but Nat escaped from Walker on the night of September 26, 1781. Walker placed the following escape notice and offer of reward in the Philadelphia newspapers:
RAN AWAY,
Last night from the subscriber, on the Lancaster road,
A NEGRO LAD, named Nat, a tall, slim fellow, his colour rather on the yellowish cast, was born in this city; in his walk is remarkably active, and is well known in Philadelphia and Burlington.
He lately belonged to Mr. Joseph Wharton. When he went off he had on a tow shirt and trowsers, the shirt was torn in the shoulder, and he took with him a bluish coloured vestcoat. He was seen walking towards Philadelphia, and there can be no doubt but he is now lurking in it.
Probably he will endeavor either to get to New-York or on board some vessel outward bound. Whoever will apprehend the said Negro, and confine him in the work-house or this city, shall have EIGHT DOLLARS reward, and reasonable charges paid by
LEWIS WALKER.
Philad. Sept. 27, 1781.
Dates of Records: 27 September 1781
Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, 10 October 1781.
- Slaveholder Name: Wallace, James
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant
Notes: Business located on Arch Street
- Enslaved Person's Name: Caesar
Sex: Male
Age: 15
Date of Birth: circa 1752
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Born in Jamaica and was sold and re-sold. James Wallace was his third owner, purchasing him from Captain Godfrey McDonnell in 1767. Wallace later sold Caesar to merchant Philip Wilson of Philadelphia. See that owner for more information.
Dates of Records: 1767
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 19 December 1774;
- Slaveholder Name: Wallace, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Residence on Chestnut Street.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
Sex: Female
Age: "about fourteen years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1738
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe girl"
Notes: Offered for sale in April 1752, along with a young boy. Text of ad:
To be SOLD,
A Likely young Negroe girl, about fourteen years of age, has had the small-pox, and is fit for town or country business.
Also a likely Negroe boy. Enquire of John Wallace, in Chestnut-street.
Dates of Records: 16 April 1752
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 16 April 1752.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given in ad, but described as a "young boy." Probably younger than the girl listed first in the ad.
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe boy"
Notes: Offered for sale in April 1752, along with a fourteen-year-old girl. Text of ad:
To be SOLD,
A Likely young Negroe girl, about fourteen years of age, has had the small-pox, and is fit for town or country business.
Also a likely Negroe boy. Enquire of John Wallace, in Chestnut-street.
Dates of Records: 16 April 1752
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 16 April 1752.
- Slaveholder Name: Walsh, Charles, Captain
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Venture
Sex: Male
Age: "about twenty Years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1722
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated October 1742
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Venture escaped from Captain Walsh on October 21, 1742. Walsh published his escape notice and offered a reward, directing people to return the escaped man to shipwright John Parret:
RUN away on the 21 Inst. from Capt. Charles Walsh, a Negro Man, named Venture, about twenty Years old, of middle Stature: Had on when he went away, a blue Coat, an old blue Breeches, and a check Shirt.
Whoever takes up and brings the said Negro to Mr. John Parret's, Shipwright, in Phiiadelphia, so that his Master may have him again, shall have Ten Shillings if in or near Town, if Twenty Miles off, Twenty Shillings, Reward paid by
Charles Walsh.
Dates of Records: 04 November 1742
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 04 November 1742.
- Slaveholder Name: Washington, Martha Custis
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Wife of George Washington, President of the United States
Notes: President and Mrs. Washington maintained a household in Philadelphia, then the national capital, while serving as president. They brought along several of the enslaved people from their Mount Vernon estate to serve them while in the city. Washington rotated the enslaved people he brought into Pennsylvania, ensuring that none resided with him for six months, at which time they would have become free persons under the Pennsylvania Gradual Abolition Act of 1780.
Interestingly, the 1780 Gradual Abolition Act exempted members of the United States Congress from the six-month residency requirement, but did not exempt other federal officers, including the office of the President. As the Act made it illegal to rotate enslaved people in and out of the state to avoid the six-month residency freedom clause, George Washington instructed his secretary to rotate household slaves between Virginia and Pennsylvania in secret.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Ona Judge, a.k.a. Oney Judge
Sex: Female
Age: "about 20 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1774, per historians at Mount Vernon. Her age was underestimated in the escape notice published by Kitt.
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated May 1796
Description: "Light mulatto girl"
Notes: Ona Judge was legally owned by the estate of Daniel Parke Custis, the first husband of Martha Washington. Custis died intestate and Martha received dower rights over the estate and controlled all assets, including the enslaved persons that were part of the estate. Ona Judge escaped from the president's house on the evening of May 21, 1793, on the eve of the family's anticipated return to Virginia for the summer.:
Advertisement.
ABSCONDED from the houshold of the President of the United States, ONEY JUDGE, a light mulatto girl, much freckled, with very black eyes and bushy black hair, she is of middle stature, slender, and delicately formed, about 20 years of age.
She has many changes of good clothers, of all sorts, but they are not sufficiently recollected to be described -- As there was no suspicion of her going off nor no provocation to do so, it is not easy to conjecture whither she has gone, or fully, what her design is; -- but as she may attempt to escape by water, all masters of vessels are cautioned against admitting her into them, although it is probably she will attempt to pass for a free woman, and has, it is said, wherewithal to pay her passage.
Ten dollars will be paid to any person who will bring her home, if taken in the city, or on board any vessel in the harbour; -- and a reasonable additional sum if apprehended at, at brought from a greater distance, and in proportion to the distance.
FREDERICK KITT, Steward.
May 23
Ona Judge was never recovered by the Washington household. She had escaped on the brig Nancy, to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where she lived until her death in 1848.
Dates of Records: 23 May 1796
Sources: The Philadelphia Gazette and Universal Daily Advertiser, 24 May 1796. "Ona Judge," George Washington's Mount Vernon, The Mount Verson Ladies' Association, https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/ona-judge, accessed 04 June 2025.
- Slaveholder Name: Waterman, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Trader; ship's captain
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
Sex: Female
Age: "about fourteen Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1731
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Girl"
Notes: Advertised for sale in December 1745:
To be SOLD,
A Likely Barbadian Negroe Girl, about fourteen Years of Age, fit for Town or Country Business. Enquire of John Waterman, at Capt. John Elliot's, in Second-Street, Philadelphia.
N.B. There is also to be sold, very reasonable, by said Waterman, choice Claret, and sundry West-India Goods, at his Store, on Carpenter's Wharff.
Born in Barbados.
Dates of Records: 31 December 1745
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 31 December 1745.
- Slaveholder Name: Watkins, Joseph Jr.
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Tom Tony
Sex: Male
Age: "about thirty-five years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1734
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe man"
Notes: Acquired from Alexander Parker of Philadelphia. Escaped from Watkins on November 13, 1769:
RUN away from the Subscriber, of Philadelphia, on the thirteenth of this instant November, a NEGROE man, named TOM TONY, about thirty-five years of age, tall and slender; had on, a new felt hat, a wollen cap, a light coloured nap coat and jacket, a great coat of the same colour, half worn buckskin breeches, and white yarn stockings. He formerly belonged to the late Alexander Parker. Whoever secures said Negroe, so that his master may have him again, shall have Four Dollars reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
JOSEPH WATKINS, junior.
In December 1769, Lancaster jailer George Eberly advertised the capture of a man that he thought was Tom Tony, but Eberly's description of the man in his custody differs significantly in physical description and clothing from that provided here by Joseph Watkins, Jr. See Eberly's ad here for comparison.
Dates of Records: 23 November 1769
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 23 November 1769.
- Slaveholder Name: Watts, Stephen
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Residing on Arch Street
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided
Sex: Male
Age: "about 15 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1758
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Lad"
Notes: Offered for sale in May 1773. Ad placed by Watts:
To be SOLD, by
STEPHEN WATTS, in Arch-street, Philadelphia,
A LIKELY active NEGRO LAD, about 15 years of age, who has had the small-pox and measles, and is remarkably healthy; being a lad of great vivacity, he is too easily seduced from paying a proper attention to his master's business, by the various allurements which present themselves in a populous city; which is the reason of his being offered for sale; in the country, where fewer temptations occur, he would make an excellent servant. To prevent unnecessary applications, his price is 70£. and he will not be sold to any person residing to the southward of Pennsylvania.
May 14.
Dates of Records: 14 May 1773
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 19 May 1773.
- Slaveholder Name: Webb, William
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Residing with lawyer John Ord on Chestnut Street
- Enslaved Person's Name: Johnny
Sex: Male
Age: "about 18 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1762
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated November 1780
Description: "Negro Lad"
Notes: Johnny escaped from Webb on the night of Tuesday, November 14, 1780. Ad placed by Webb to recover him:
Philadelphia, November 16, 1780.
One Thousand Dollars Reward.
RAN-AWAY from Philadelphia, on Tuesday night, the 14th instant, a NEGRO LAD named JOHNNY, about 18 years of age, short of stature, square shouldered and well made, has a remarkable large nose, thick lips, a very solemn look and a lounging heavy walk: He had on, when he went away, a new woollen drab coloured coat with scarlet cuffs and cape, green broadcloth waistcoat and purple breeches, a pair of new shoes and brass buckles, but no stockings; and took with him a blanket and a leathern jockey-cap.
As he is a stranger in this city, it is probable he may endeavor to get on board some vessel in the river; all masters of which are hereby forbid to receive or entertain him.
Whoever will take up the said Negro, and secure him in any gaol or otherwise, so that his master may have him again, shall receive the above Reward, by applying at JOHN ORD's, Esquire, in Chesnut-street, to
WILLIAM WEBB,
N.B. If he returns of his own accord his fault will be overlooked.
Dates of Records: 16 November 1780; ad ran through December 9, 1780.
Sources: The Pennsylvania Packet or The General Advertiser, 18 November 1780.
- Slaveholder Name: Wells, George
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Ship's Captain
Notes:
Sources:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not stated in record
Sex: Female
Age: "about 19 Years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1721
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Bermudas Negro Woman"
Notes: Advertised for sale in October 1740: "TO BE SOLD, A Young Bermudas Negro Woman, about 19 Years of age has had the Small Pox, and can do any kind of Hous-hold Work. Enquire of George Wells next Door to the Pewter Platter in Front-Street."
Date of Record: 09 October 1740 (published through October 23, 1740)
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 09 October 1740.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Timothy Jeffreys
Sex: Male
Age: "about 40 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1717
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated March 1757
Description: "Mulatto Fellow"
Notes: Acquired by Wells from jail. Escaped from Wells on March 29, 1757:
RUN away the 29th inst. March, from the Subscribers, living in Philadelphia, a Mulatto Fellow, about 40 Years of Age, 5 feet 10 inches high, has round Shoulders, stoops when he walks, and calls himself Timothy Jeffreys; has been in Philadelphia Goal for some Time past, and was sold out for his Fees:
Had on when he went away, an old light coloured coat, a new blue double breasted Jacket, with [?] Sleeves without Lining, old Breeches, white Yarn Stockings, good Shoes, a new Ozenbrigs Shirt, Woollen Cap, and an old Hat: He stole and took with him about ten Yards of Ozenbrigs, and it is supposed he is gone to Kent County, in Maryland. Whoever secures said Fellow, so that the Subscribers may have him again, or brings him to us, shall have Forty Shillings Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by THOMAS and GEORGE WELLS.
Date of Record: 31 March 1757 (published through April 21, 1757)
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 31 March 1757.
- Slaveholder Name: Wells, Rebecca
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Widow of Thomas Wells
Notes: Residence "a few doors above the Bank Meeting-house." Executrix for Thomas Wells, who died circa 1750. As executrix, she advertised in December 1750 the lot of land on Front Street to settle the estate. In 1753 she was still advertising to sell the Front Street lot and added an additional parcel of 3 acres meadow land in Point-no-Point, as well as an ad for the woman. In 1757 she was still attempting to dispose of the same lots of land and added the enslaved man. The additional lot of meadow ground and the enslaved persons may have been her personal property and not part of the estate of Thomas Wells.
Rebecca Wells died in 1758.
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 31 August 1758.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not stated in record
Sex: Female
Age: Age not stated in record, but described as a "young woman"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe woman"
Notes: Advertised for sale in July 1753. Notice of sale on the end of an ad for a real estate parcel: "N.B. To be sold, a likely young Negroe woman, well acquainted with house business."
Date of Record: 12 July 1753
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 12 July 1753.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not stated in record
Sex: Male
Age: Age not stated in record, but described as a "man"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe man"
Notes: Advertised for sale in January 1757 along with a woman, possibly the same woman advertised in July 1753 (above). Notice of sale on the end of an ad for a real estate parcel: "N.B. Likewise to be sold a likely Negroe man and woman; the man is a good sawyer."
Date of Record: 06 January 1757
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 06 January 1757.
- Slaveholder Name: Welsh, Samuel
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Abbe
Sex: Female
Age: Age not specified in escape notice, but described as a "wench."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated November 1744
Description: "Negro Wench"
Notes: Abbe escaped from Welsh on November 25, 1744. Welsh advertised her escape as follows:
RUN away on the 25th Novem. from the Subscriber, in Philadelphia, a likely Negro Wench, called Abbe, but may change her Name: Had on a good Ozenbrigs Jacket and Petticoat.
Whoever takes up the said Negro Wench, so as her Master may have her again, if in Town shall have Ten Shillings, and if at 6 Miles distance in the Country, Twenty Shililngs Reward, paid by
Samuel Welsh.
Dates of Records: 14 December 1744
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 14 December 1744.
- Slaveholder Name: Wert, Jacob
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Jack
Sex: Male
Age: "about 18 years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1763
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated
Description: "Negro Lad"
Notes: Jack escaped from Wert in the spring of 1781. Wert advertised his escape as follows:
Two Silver Dollars Reward.
RAN-AWAY from the subscriber, a NEGRO LAD, named JACK, about 18 years old, has an aukward, hobbling walk, about 5 feet 6 inches high; had on a brown short jacket, green cloth trowsers, bad shoes with holes cut through the upper leather. It is supposed he is lurking about in the city. Whoever will leave him in the Work house shall receive the above Reward and reasonable charges paid.
JACOB WERT.
N.B. Masters of vessels and others, are hereby warned not to harbour said Negro, or they shall answer for the same as the law directs.
May 7.
Dates of Records: 07 May 1781 (This ad ran through June 12, 1781)
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 08 May 1781.
- Slaveholder Name: Wescott, George
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: "Brasier" (An artisan who works in brass)
Notes: Business located on Third Street
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not stated in record
Sex: Female
Age: Age not stated in record, but described as a "woman"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Molattoe woman"
Notes: Advertised for sale in August 1751. Text of ad placed by Wescott: "TO BE SOLD, A Molattoe woman, has had the measles and small-pox, and is fit for town or country business. Enquire of George Wescott, brasier in Third-street."
Dates of Records: 29 August 1751
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 29 August 1751
- Slaveholder Name: Wharton, Joseph
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant
Notes: Lived 1707-1776. Owner of Walnut Grove, a luxurious country estate below Philadelphia that was the site of the May 18, 1778 Meschianza, a grand ball given by officers of the occupying British forces in the city to honor British General Sir William Howe.
Source:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Tom
Sex: Male
Age: adult
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Lad"
Notes: In 1757, Tom, an enslaved man of Joseph Wharton, became the first patient to die at Pennsylvania Hospital. His body was dissected by medical students for study.
Dates of Records: 1757
Sources: Wilder, Craig, remarks delivered in the program "Samuel Bard’s Legacy: Research from the Columbia University and Slavery Project," transcript page 5, 28 June 2022, Columbia University Libraries, online at https://columbiaandslavery.columbia.edu/content/dam/libraryweb/about/OurValuesinAction/videos-and-still-images/Samuel_Bard_Legacy_Recording%20Transcript_2022-06-28.pdf, accessed 27 March 2025.
- Slaveholder Name: Wharton, Joseph, Junior
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant
Notes: Previous enslaver of Nat, below, as noted in escape ad placed by Lewis Walker.
Source:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Nat
Sex: Male
Age: "20 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1761
Status: Slave for life; sold and escaped
Description: "Mulatto Lad"
Notes: Born in Philadelphia. In September 1780, Nat was convicted, along with three other enslaved persons, Jem, Cato and James, of stealing rum. All four were imprisoned, heavily fined and sentenced to be whipped. The following month the Supreme Executive Council heard a petition from the enslavers of the four, and ruled that the fines would be remitted. Although one of the men, James, had the whipping remitted, Nat, Cato and Jem still suffered that physical punishment.
In Council. Philad'a, Monday, Octo'r 9th, 1780.
The petition of Doctor John Baker, John Henry, jun'r, Joseph Wharton, and Mrs. Griffith, setting fourth that four Negroes, to wit: Jem, Nat, Cato, and James, belonging to them, have been convicted, at a court of Oyer and Terminer and General Goal Delivery, held at Philadelphia the 25th day of September last, of stealing a large quantity of rum, and sentenced by the said court, each of them to be whipped on their bare backs, to restore the value of the goods stolen, and to pay four several fines to the use of the State, amounting to the sum of £10,000, was read, praying remission of the said fines. A recommendation from the Justices of the said court, and a further representation of the said Doctor John Baker, respecting his negro James, being also read; on consideration,
Resolved, That the fines to the use of the State be remitted, and that the said negro James' punishment of whipping be also remitted.
Nat escaped from Wharton in early January 1781, three months after the court's decision. Wharton advertised his escape as follows:
Twelve Specie Dollars Reward.
Philadelphia, January 9, 1781.
RAN-AWAY from the subscriber, on Friday night, a MULATTO LAD, named NAT, of a slim make, 20 years of age, a smart, active fellow, born in this city: Had on a small hat, fiercely cock'd, a brown kearsey waistcoat, almost new, an under vest of green baize, a white shirt, black leather breeches, yarn stockings, and a pair of soal'd shoes patch'd at the sides. He also took with him a pair of spotted breeches and a yellow vest. Whoever will apprehend him, and secure him in any goal within the Thirteen States, shall have the above reward and reasonable charges,
JOSEPH WHARTON.
Not long after recovering Nat, Wharton sold him to Lewis Walker. Nat escaped from Walker on the night of September 26, 1781. Walker placed an escape notice and offer of reward in the Philadelphia newspapers in which he identified Nat as "lately belonged to Mr. Joseph Wharton."
Dates of Records: 09 October 1780 (Court decision); 09 January 1781 (Wharton's ad); 27 September 1781 (Walker's ad)
Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal or Weekly Advertiser, 10 January 1781, 10 October 1781; Colonial Records of Pennsylvania, Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, Vol. 12, May 21, 1779 to July 12, 1781, Harrisburg, 1852, pp. 501-502.
- Slaveholder Name: White, Mr.
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant
Notes: Identified by Berks County ironmaster Thomas Potts as a previous enslaver of the woman Beck.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Beck
Sex: Female
Age: Age not specified, but described as a "woman."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated in May 1737 from Thomas Potts
Description: "Negro Woman"
Notes: Ownership of Beck was acquired by Thomas Potts of Berks County by 1737. Beck escaped from Thomas Potts while visitng the fair in Philadelphia. Potts placed the following advertisement in The American Weekly Mercury:
RAN-away from Thomas Potts, of Colebrook-Dale Iron-Works, at the Fair in May past, a Negro Woman named Beck, middle siz'd, born at Bermuda, speaks very good English, is of a yellowish Complexion; and formerly belong'd to Mr. White, Merchant, of this City. She had Liberty to come down to the Fair, where she happen'd to meet with a Sailor, who, taking a Fancy to her, intic'd her away.
All Persons are forwarn'd of Entertaining of her or of carrying her off, as they will answer it at their Peril.
Whoever takes up the said Negro Wench, and returns her to her said Master, or to Mr. Schull, at the Workhouse in this City, shall be Rewarded as follows,
If taken in this City or County, Twenty Shilings;
If out of this County & in this Province, Forty Shillings;
If in any other Province, Three Pounds;
And all reasonable Charges, paid
By Thomas Potts.
Date of Record: 02 June 1737
Source: The American Weekly Mercury, 02 June 1737.
- Slaveholder Name: White, James
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant, shop located "near the Draw-bridge" (1750s)
Notes: Identified by South Carolina brickmaker William Hopton as the first enslaver of Dublin, a Philadelphia-born man who was sold south by White, then re-sold multiiple times and eventually escaped from Hopton's brick yard in August 1767. This James White is the father of North Carolina politician James White.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Dublin
Sex: Male
Age: Age not stated in record, but described as a "man"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Dublin was born in Philadelphia. James White sold him to a man in Cross Creek, North Carolina. Dublin was then sold and resold, ending up on an auction block in Charleston, South Carolina, where he was purchased by brickmaker William Hopton. Dublin escaped from Hopton on August 17, 1767, and Hopton placed the following runaway ad in the Charleston South Carolina Gazette:
RUN away from the subscriber's brick yard, at Wando, in Christ-Church parish, on Monday, the 17th of August instant, a NEGRO man named DUBLIN, a black, well set fellow, about five feet seven inches high; has a large scar on one of his cheeks, speaks good English, has a gruff voice, and bold countenance; can mould bricks. He was born at Philadelphia, and belonged to one James White there, who sold him to Josiah Parvezole of Cross Creek in North Carolina, who sold him to John Bohanson of Mecklenburgh county, and he to John Roy of the same county, and he to James M'Clenashan, of Charles-Town, of whom the subscriber bought him, at public vendue, in June last. It is supposed he will make for North Carolina. Whoever will apprehend him, and deliver him to the subscriber in Charles-Town, or to the warden of the work house, shall have Twenty Pounds reward, besides the charges allowed by law.
WILLIAM HOPTON. August 19, 1767.
Date of Record: 19 August 1767
Source: South Carolina Gazette (Charleston, SC), 31 August 1767.
- Slaveholder Name: White, Thomas
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Chocolate maker
Notes: Business located on Front Street, "opposite to Norris's Alley"
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not stated in record
Sex: Male
Age: Age not stated in record, but described as a "young man"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Advertised for sale in August 1749. Text of ad placed by White: "To be SOLD, A Likely young Negroe man, by trade a painter, and very fit to wait upon a gentleman. Enquire of Thomas White, chocolate maker, opposite to Norris's Alley, in Front-street, Philadelphia."
Dates of Records: 31 August 1749
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 31 August, 7 September 1749
- Slaveholder Name: Whitehead, James
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Workhouse Keeper
Notes: As Keeper of the city Workhouse, Whitehead was sometimes charged with selling enslaved persons confined there. In addition, slaveholders would often have troublesome or captured runaway slaves confined in the Workhouse while they advertised them for sale.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
Sex: Female
Age: "about 23 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1733
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro woman"
Notes: Advertised for sale with or without her three-year-old child in January 1756: "TO be SOLD, A Likely Negro woman, about 23 years of age, fit for town or country business, with her child, 3 years old, last May; she will be sold with or without the child. Enquire of James Whitehead, at the Work-house." The listing for her child is below.
Dates of Records: 08 January 1756
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 08 January 1756
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
Sex: Gender not given in ad
Age: "3 years old, last May"
Date of Birth: May 1752
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Child"
Notes: Advertised for sale with or without the mother, in January 1756: "TO be SOLD, A Likely Negro woman, about 23 years of age, fit for town or country business, with her child, 3 years old, last May; she will be sold with or without the child. Enquire of James Whitehead, at the Work-house." The listing for the mother is is above.
Dates of Records: 20 November 1755
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 20 November 1755, 08 January 1756
- Enslaved Person's Name: Will
Sex: Male
Age: "about 28 or 30 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1733 - 1735
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Advertised for sale in May 1763: "To be SOLD, A Lusty Negroe Man, named Will, has had lately the Small-pox, about 28 or 30 Years of Age, fit for Country Business. Enquire of James Whitehead, at the Work-house."
Dates of Records: 26 May 1763
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 26 May 1763.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
Sex: Male
Age: "about 28 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1737
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Advertised for sale in July 1765: "TO BE SOLD, A Likely strong made Negroe Man, about 28 Years of Age. For further Particulars enquire of JAMES WHITEHEAD, Workhouse-keeper."
Dates of Records: 18 July 1765
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 18 July 1765.
- Slave Name: Name not given
Sex: Female
Age: 24
Date of Birth: circa 1744
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Wench"
Notes: Advertised for sale in April 1768: "TO BE SOLD, A LIKELY healthy NEGROE WENCH, 24 Years old, can do all Sorts of House-work, such as Cooking, Washing, Spinning, &c. fit for Town or Country Business. Enquire of JAMES WHITEHEAD."
Dates of Records: 7 April 1768
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 7 April 1768.
- Slave Name: Joe, a.k.a. John MItchell
Sex: Male
Age: Age not specified but described as a "man."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Imprisoned as a suspected escaped slave from Virginia.
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Captured as an escaped slave and placed in the city Workhouse. The keeper published the following notice:
Philadelphia, January 25, 1770.
WAS committed to the Workhouse of this City, a Negroe Man, named JOE, alias JOHN MITCHELL, says he belongs to William Rowan, Esq; near Hobb's Hole, Essex County, Virginia; and MARY RAUENSWORTH, says she belongs to Philip Wetheall, in Frederick Town, near Newtown, Maryland. As I have wrote to both Masters, and have had no Answer, this is to let them know, that if they do not come, or send for the Negroe, and White-woman, in two Months from this Notice, they will be turned out, by
JAMES WHITEHEAD, Keeper of said Workhouse.
This ad reveals several interesting things. Workhouse keeper Whitehead advertised Joe along with the captured white woman Mary Rauensworth. They may have been traveling together, or more likely were simply captured and placed in the workhouse at about the same time. Typically, jailers would advertise the capture of an individual and leave it at that, but Whitehouse states that he wrote letters to the respective owners informing them that he had their enslaved people in custody. He also is allowing an additional two months to hear from the respective owners, at the end of which, if they did not claim their people, the man and woman would be "turned out." This differs from the common practice, in the 1760s, of selling the prisoners to recover the costs associated with imprisoning them. As the name implies, inmates of the Workhouse performed labor and produced products instead of simply sitting in jail cells. The value of that labor or products produced may have been applied to and covered the cost of imprisoning them.
Dates of Records: 7 April 1768
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 01 February 1770.
- Slaveholder Name: Whitely, Anthony
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Ship's captain, schooner Industry
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Female
Age: Age not given, but described as a young woman
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe woman"
Notes: Advertised for sale along with a five-year-old girl, possibly her daughter, by the captain of the schooner Industry, in May 1752, just prior to a voyage to South Carolina:
For SOUTH-CAROLINA,
The Schooner INDUSTRY,
Anthony Whitely, Commander,
Now lying at Edward Chew's wharff, will be ready to sail in 15 days. For freight or passage, apply to James Rennals, Alexander Alexander, or said commander, either on board, or at his house, next door to Capt. Huston's, on Society-hill. Said vessel has good accommodations for passengers.
N.B. Said Whitely has a likely young Negroe woman, and a Negroe girl, about five years old, to dispose of; she is a very good house wench.
Several years prior to this advertisement, Whitely advertised a woman with child, possibly the same persons:
TO BE SOLD
A Likely English servant lad's time, has seven years to serve, is about 15 years of age, and is very fit for country business.
Also a likely negroe woman, with a young child, about ten months old; she is fit for town or country business. Enquire of Anthony Whitley, at the ship aground, on Chestnut-street wharff.
Dates of Records: 14 May 1752, 15 June 1749.
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 14 May 1752, 15 June 1749.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given in ad
Sex: Female
Age: "about five years old"
Date of Birth: Circa 1747
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe girl"
Notes: Advertised for sale along with an adult woman, possibly her mother, by the captain of the schooner Industry, in May 1752, just prior to a voyage to South Carolina. See above for text of ad.
Dates of Records: 14 May 1752
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 14 May 1752
- Slaveholder Name: Whyte, Robert, Capt.
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Ship's captain
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Lewis
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given, but described as a "man."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life -- Escaped slave
Description: "Spanish Indian slave"
Notes: Escaped from Whyte in winter 1761:
RUN-away last Sunday night, from Capt. Robert Whyte, of this City, a Spanish Indian slave, a sailor, speaks Spanish and French and very little English, named Lewis, is a thick short fellow, with black Hair; had on a blue Jacket and short Trowsers. Whoever takes up said Indian and secures him so that he may be had again, shall have Three Pounds reward, and reasonable charges paid by
ROBERT WHYTE.
Dates of Records: 03 December 1761
Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser, 03 December 1761.
- Slaveholder Name: Wikoff, Isaac
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided in ad
Sex: Female
Age: "about 16 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1764
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated April 1780
Description: "Negro Girl"
Notes: Escaped from Wikoff in early April in company with a white woman.
Two Hundred Dollars Reward,
RUN-AWAY last week from the subscriber, a Negro GIRL, about 16 years of age, of a very yellow and pale complexion, and bad teeth, she rather inclines to be fat: Took with her, a dark calico gown, a yellow baize jacket, black petticoat, and black bonnet: she may perhaps change her cloathes. She has been seen going out of town with an ordinary white woman. Whoever secures said girl, and brings her home, shall have the above reward, and all reasonable charges, paid by ISAAC WIKOFF.
April 18, 1780.
Dates of Records: 18 April 1780
Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal or Weekly Advertiser, 19 April 1780.
- Slaveholder Name: Wikoff, John and Peter
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Importers and merchants
Notes: Store on Front Street between Market and Chestnut at the corner of Black Horse Alley.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not provided in ad
Sex: Male
Age: "about 14 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1752
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro boy"
Notes: Advertised for sale in January 1766: "January 30. JOHN and PETER WIKOFF...have also for sale a fine likely active negro boy, about 14 years of age who has had the small pox."
Dates of Records: 30 January 1766
Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal or Weekly Advertiser, 29 May 1766.
- Slaveholder Name: Wilcocks, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Grigg or Grig
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given, but described as a man
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life -- Escaped slave
Description: "Creole Negroe Man"
Notes: Escaped from Wilcocks in 1761:
RUN away from the Subscriber, a Creole Negroe Man, named GRIGG, about 5 Feet 10 Inches high, of a yellowish Complexion, large Bones, follows the Sea, wears Sailor's Apparel, and it is likely he may change his Clothes. Whoever takes up the said Negroe Man, and secures him, so that the Subscriber may have him again, shall have Forty Shillings Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by
JOHN WILCOCKS.
Wilcocks subsequently sold Grigg to Thomas Mullan, keeper of the Tun Tavern in Philadelphia. Mullan in turn sold Grigg to Joseph Hugg of Gloucester, New Jersey. In August 1769, Grigg escaped from Hugg. Hugg placed an ad to recover Grigg, in which he stated that he believed he was being "harboured about Spring-Garden, or somewhere near the city."
Dates of Records: 20 August 1761
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 20 August 1761.
- Slaveholder Name: Wilcox, Alexander
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Caesar
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given, but described as a man
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life -- Self-emancipated
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Escaped from Wilcox in late 1777 or early 1778, during of the British occupation of the city.
THREE GUINEAS Reward.
RUN-AWAY a negro man, called CAESAR, five feet seven inches high, square shouldered, has a large head, with much wool on it, generally well combed, remarkable large eyes and thick lips: Had on when he went away, a short green coat and waistcoat, leather breeches and blue stockings. He took with him many other clothes, both for winter and summer, particularly a fine white cloth coat, without lining, and a red waistcoat. Whoever will deliver the said negro to the subscriber, his master, shall be paid the above reward.
ALEXANDER WILCOX.
Dates of Records: 03 January 1778
Sources: The Pennsylvania Ledger, or the Philadelphia Market-Day Advertiser, 03 January 1778.
- Slaveholder Name: Wilkinson, Brian
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Ship Carver
Notes: Son of ship carver Anthony Wilkinson
- Enslaved Person's Name: Charles
Sex: Male
Age: "about 21 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1731
Status: Slave for life -- Self-emancipated June 1752
Description: "Negroe Man"
Notes: Escaped from Wilkinson on June 28, 1752. Wilkinson published the following escape notice:
RUN away on Sunday, the 28th of June last, from Brian Wilkinson, of this city, ship-carver, a Negroe Man, named Charles, about 21 years of age, has thick lips, and is parrot toed: Had on when he went away, An old castor hat, cloth blue coat, brown jacket, ozenbrigs shirt and trowsers, old white stockings, and new shoes. He has been used to the carving business, and pretends to play on the fiddle.
Whoever takes up and secures said Negroe, so as his master may have him again, if taken in or within ten miles of Philadelphia, shall have Fifteen Shillings reward, and if taken farther, Thirty Shillings, and reasonable charges, paid by BRIAN WILKINSON.
Dates of Records: 09 July 1752
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 09 July 1752.
- Slaveholder Name: Williams, Thomas
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant, shop on Second Street
Notes: In 1749, Williams acted as the city contact person for William Currie, a farmer in rural Plymouth Township, who was selling an enslaved teenaged girl.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not mentioned
Sex: Female
Age: "about fifteen years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1734
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe girl"
Notes: Offered for sale in August 1749: "A Likely Negroe girl, about 15 years of age, fit for town or country business. Enquire at Thomas Williams's, in Second-street."
Dates of Records: 31 August 1749
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 31 August 1749
- Slaveholder Name: Willing, Mr.
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Probably either Thomas or James, both prominent Philadelphians at this time.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Larey
Sex: Male
Age: "about twenty-two years of age" (at time of escape from James Wilson)
Date of Birth: circa 1756 or 1757
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Larey was enslaved by Willing of Philadelphia "some years ago." He escaped from James Wilson on New Years Day, 1779.
Dates of Records: 12 January 1779
Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet & General Advertiser, 12 January 1779
- Slaveholder Name: Willing, Charles
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant and politician. Mayor of Philadelphia, 1748-1749 and 1754. Founder and trustee of Academy and College of Philadelphia (University of Pennsylvania). Served as Justice on City Court.
Notes: House on Front Street (1733), then Third Street (1747)
- Enslaved Person's Name: Names not given
Sex: Female
Age: Age not specified but described as "women"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slaves for life
Description: "Negroe Women"
Notes: Two women advertised for sale in July 1733:
To Be SOLD.
TWO likely Negroe Women fit for House or Country work, both having had the Small Pox. Enquire of Charles Willing at his House in Front-street Philadelphia.
Dates of Records: 12 July 1733
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 12 July 1733
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
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 in September 1747 at the end of a long list of imported goods: "also a likely negro woman."
Dates of Records: 03 September 1747
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 24 September 1747
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
Sex: Male
Age: Age not specified but described as a "man"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe man"
Notes: One of two men advertised for sale in November 1747: "Philadelphia, November 26, 1747. To be SOLD, BY CHARLES WILLING, at his house in Third-street, two likely Negroe men, fit for town or country business. Also a great variety of woollen and other goods suitable for the season."
Dates of Records: 26 November 1747
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 12 December 1747
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
Sex: Male
Age: Age not specified but described as a "man"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe man"
Notes: One of two men advertised for sale in November 1747. See above for text of ad.
Dates of Records: 26 November 1747
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 12 December 1747
- Slaveholder Name: Willing, Richard
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Robin
Sex: Male
Age: "about 17 years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1755
Status: Slave for life; self-emancipated September 1772
Description: "Negro boy"
Notes: Robin escaped from Willing on September 24, 1772. Willing placed the following escape notice in the Pennsylvania Journal:
FOUR DOLLARS Reward.
RUN AWAY the 24th ult. a Negro boy, named ROBIN, about 17 years old, 5 feet 5 inches high, and country born: Had on when he went off, a leather jockey cap, claret coloured coat, brown linen jacket, and oznaburg trowsers.
He has a remarkable large wen on the right side of his neck.
Whoever takes up said Negro, and delivers him to the subscriber, shall be paid the above reward, and reasonable charges.
RICHARD WILLING. October 7.
Dates of Records: 07 October 1772
Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal or Weekly Advertiser, 21 October 1772.
- Slaveholder Name: Wilson, James
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Larey
Sex: Male
Age: "about twenty-two years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1756 or 1757
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Larey was enslaved by Willing of Philadelphia "some years ago." He escaped from James Wilson on New Years Day, 1779:
ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWEARD.
RAN AWAY from the subscriber, on Friday the first inst. (January) a Negro Man named LAREY; he is short, neat and well made, about twenty-two years of age, speaks English well, is lively, plausible and artful; he had on a new suit of blue cloaths. He belonged some years ago to Mr. Willing, of this city.
Whoever apprehends and delivers the said Negro to the subscriber, shall receive the above reward and reasonable charges.
JAMES WILSON.
Dates of Records: 12 January 1779
Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet & General Advertiser, 12 January 1779.
- Slaveholder Name: Wilson, John
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Bay
Sex: Male
Age: Age not given in description, but described as a "man."
Date of Birth: not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Bay escaped from John Wilson on July 21, 1763:
RUN away, on the 21st of July last, from John Wilson, a Negroe Man, named Bay, about six Feet high, a little marked with the Small-Pox, a clean neat-limb'd Fellow, and talks very little English: Had on, when he went away, a Flannel Shirt, a red great Coat, the Skirts cut off about the Waist, with large Whitemetal Buttons, another red Coat, with the same Sort of Buttons, a Pair of Buckskin Breeches, old Shoes, with Strings, old Stockings, and a Cap, made of Tow Cloth. Whoever takes up and secures said Negroe, so that his Master may have him again, shall have Twenty Shillings Reward, and all reasonable Charges, paid by me
JOHN WILSON.
Dates of Records: 18 August 1763
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 18 August 1763.
- Slaveholder Name: Wilson, Philip
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant and importer
Notes: Store on Wate Street in the 1770s, then moved to Front Street near Chestnut Street in the 1780s. Wilson traded with more than 22 English merchants and held interests in thirteen ships and or cargoes. During the war he regularly endured losses to British warships, and in 1783 the merchant vessel Mentor was completely destroyed by a British warship with the loss of all cargo at Cape Henlopen, effectively ruining Wilson. He relocated to London shortly thereafter to seek damages, but was unsuccessful. In 1798 he petitioned the US Congress for relief from losses incurred during the war.
Source: The North American, 23 April 1798; Wilson, Philip, "The declaration and case of Philip Wilson, a citizen of the United States of America, and late a merchant of Philadelphia, respecting the capture and destruction of his ship, called the Mentor, at Cape Henlopen, on the 2d day of April 1783," London, 1796, Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections, accessed online at https://trislandora-production.brynmawr.edu/object/hc27563.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Caesar
Sex: Male
Age: "about 22 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1752
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Born in Jamaica and was sold and re-sold. Philip Wilson was his fourth owner, purchasing him from James Wallace of Philadelphia. Escaped from Wilson in late June 1774. Wilson placed the following advertisement for his return. The ad is unusually detailed, including an extensive physical description of Caesar, his personality, abililities, wardrobe and a timeline of former owners:
FIFTEEN POUNDS REWARD.
RAN AWAY, about the 24th of June, 1774, from the subscriber living in Philadelphia, a Negro man named CAESAR, of a middling black colour, about 22 years of age, 5 feet 3 or 4 inches high, well made, with a long neck and falling shoulders, walks very upright, has bandy well made legs, with thick muscular calves, a large mouth and lips; is much inclined to laugh, and when he laughs shews much of his gums and teeth; is talkative and impertinent, with often an elevated voice, where he dare make free; is insolent and ready to box amongst his companions, and is fond of playing scraps of tunes on the fife, of which he has several; He having taken a Bristol pipe box, about two feet and a half long, with sundry cloaths, may change his dress, but may have on either a mended cloth colour, or an old dark blue, superfine cloth coat, a blue knap round-about, or short sea jacket lined with white flannel, a read and white narrow striped waistcoat, green plush or black stocking breeches, remarkable narrow striped Irish ticken breeches and trowsers, thread stockings, &c.--
The reward of FIVE POUNDS with reasonable charges, on delivering the said Negro at Philadelphia, or the above reward of FIFTEEN POUNDS, on proving and prosecuting to conviction the person who aided, assisted or carried him off, will be punctually paid by
PHILIP WILSON.
N.B. He was born at Jamaica, lived with Thomas and James Lucas and Co. of the Grenades, anno 1766; they sold him to Captain Godfrey McDonnell, who sold him to James Wallace of Philadelphia, anno 1767.
Dates of Records: 14 December 1774
Sources: Pennsylvania Packet, 19 December 1774; Pennsylvnia Gazette, 14 December 1774.
- Slave Name: Ben
Sex: Male
Age: "about twenty-four years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1754
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Man"
Notes: Escaped from Wilson in early October 1778. Wilson placed the following advertisement for his return:
EIGHT DOLLARS REWARD.
RAN AWAY about the 8th of October last, from the subscriber living in Philadelphia, a broad well set Negro Man named BEN; he is not very black nor fleshy, is about twenty-four years of age, but looks older and wrinkled; he is lame of a leg, having been shot in the back leaders thereof which makes him loose or weak in the heel, walk wide, and wag his body in bringing up that foot; is fond of a brass-headed cane or stick which he sometimes carries in his hand. He had on when he went away, a white cloth coat, but had also one of a light blue colour, a red plush short jacket, a white round hat with narrow gold lace, the under side of which was lined with green silk, and also a black one. Persons who harbour him and thereby encourage such elopements, which he is much given to, may depend on being prosecuted; also any of his Negro associates may expect the punishment that the law inflicts. Information where he is will be thankfully received, and the above reward paid, by PHILIP WILSON.
Ben was captured in Chester County somewhere between Marcus Hook and Chester Borough, and placed in the Chester jail. Chester Sheriff Robert Smith advertised in early 1779 for someone to come claim him.
Dates of Records: 26 December 1778
Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet & General Advertiser, 26 December 1778.
- Slaveholder Name: Wilson, Robert
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Friday
Sex: Male
Age: "about 18 years of age"
Date of Birth: circa 1790
Status: Escaped
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Friday escaped from the Lioness, docked in Philadelphia harbor.
TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD.
DESERTED from on board the brig Lioness, from Charleston, laying at Clifford's wharf, belonging to the subscriber, a negro man named FRIDAY, about 18 years of age, 5 feet 5 or 6 inches high -- has three scars on his forehead, slim made, jet black -- had on, when he went away, a blue jacket, grey cassimere pantaloons, white neck handkerchief, and waistcoat -- it is probable he may change his dress. For his apprehension the above reward will be paid by the subscriber, or in his absence by JOHN ANGUE, No. 109, north Second street, who is duly authorized to take possession of him, and to secure him for me.
ROBT. WILSON.
October 14
Dates of Records: 14 October 1808
Sources: Aurora General Advertiser (Philadelphia), 18 October 1808.
- Slaveholder Name: Wirtz, Mr.
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: Cited as the previous owner of Cesar Rodney, below.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Cesar Rodney
Sex: Male
Age: "about 22 years of age"
Date of Birth: 1780 (calculated)
Status: Self-emancipated
Description: "negro man"
Notes: Rodney escaped from Frederick Stump of Columbia, Lancaster County, on June 12, 1802 in company with a woman. Stump's escape ad included the note "It is supposed he is in company with a negro wench, and is gone towards Philadelphia, having been raised by Mr. Wirtz, of that city."
Date of Record: June 26, 1802 (Stump's ad was published through September 22, 1802.)
Source: Lancaster Journal
- Slaveholder Name: Witherspoon, Thomas
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: May also be from New Castle County, Delaware.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Frank
Sex: Male
Age: "about 20 years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1744
Status: Self-emancipated
Description: "Young Mulattoe Fellow"
Notes: Frank escaped from Witherspoon in June 1764. By November Witherspoon had not yet recovered him. See the ad placed by Witherspoon, below.
FIVE POUNDS Reward.
RUN away from the Subscriber on Saturday, the 30th of June last, a young Mulattoe Fellow, about 20 years of Age, named Frank, about five Feet five Inches high, well set, full faced, short black curled Hair, very apt to swear when angry; had on and with him, when he went away, a coarse home-made Tow Shirt and Trowsers, a Woollen Jacket, home-made, old Hat and Stockings; it is supposed he has changed his Cloathes, and perhaps his Name by the Time; it also is supposed he is some where in the Cedar Swamps in the Jerseys, down Delaware River, as his Mother, and others of his Acquaintance, live near Cohansey, where the Fellow I believe was bred. Whoever secures said Mulattoe in any Goal, or brings him to his said Master, shall have the above Reward, besides reasonable Charges, paid by
THOMAS WITHERSPOON.
The family of twenty-year-old Frank, in Cohansey, may have supplied him with whatever provisions he needed to remain in the swamps for so many months. Runaway slaves, white servants and others formed a community with the remnants of the regional Nanticoke tribe who inhabited the swamps and waterways of Kent and Sussex Counties in Delaware and New Jersey. The people living in this area came to be known as the Delaware Moors, and although much of their history is not fully known, it is possible that this mixed race community was the result of a cooperative Maroon community of fugitive black slaves, local Native Americans, and white servants. Watermen of this and other nearby regions would later become important links on the Underground Railroad, and would transport many fugitive slaves out of bondage in Virginia and Maryland and pass them into freedom in Philadelphia and Wilmington. For a more detailed discussion of this area, see Chapter Six of The Year of Jubilee.
Date of Record: 22 November 1764
Source: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 22 November 1764.
- Slaveholder Name: Witt, Christopher, Dr.
City or Township: Germantown
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Physician, clockmaker
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Robert Clymer or Claymer
Sex: Male
Age:
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Manumitted 1765, lived as a free person until his death in 1816.
Description: "Mulatto"
Notes: Upon the death of Dr. Witt, in 1765, his will manumits his enslaved man "commonly known as Robert Claymer, and also gives to him a certain tract of land in Germantown on the north side of Keyser's lane, which I bought of Adam Holt."
"Also to said mulatto Robert, all my tools, instruments and utensils belonging to or appertaining to the making of watches and also my great clock which strikes every quarter. Also all household goods belonging to me which shall be found at the time of my decease, in my old house where I formerly lived next door above Andrew Keyser's (alias Pistorias)."
The land bequeathed to Clymer by Witt was a 3-acre lot on the northwest side of Abington Lane. In 1767 Clymer purchased additional land. These adjoining lots were located on the west side of present day Germantown Avenue near Walnut Lane. The deeds listed Clymer as a "practitioner of physic." Clymer became prominent as Germantown's first Black physician.
Clymer enrolled in the Pennsylvania Militia, serving in Christian Snyder's Battalion in Philadelphia from 1778-1780. Trained in medicine by Dr. Witt, Clymer served as a battalion surgeon and, per local legend, surgically removed a bullet from British general James Agnew, who was wounded at the Battle of Germantown.
Clymer married in 1788 and moved from Germantown to Bensalem Township, Bucks County, where he took up farming. Some time toward the end of his life he moved again to Southwark, where he died in 1816.
Dates of Records: Will dated 07 November 1761; Witt died January 1765 and his will was proved 04 February 1765.
Sources: Ancient and Modern Germantown, Mount Airy and Chestnut Hill, S. F. Hotchkin, Philadelphia, 1889, pp. 178-179; African American Heritage Guide to Philadelphia's Historic Northwest, Gloria David Goode, Germantown Historical Society, 2007, p. 5; "Blacks in Germantown Before the Civil War," Germantown Crier, 40:2 (Spring 1988), p. 41.
- Slaveholder Name: Wood, Joseph
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Captain of the Sloop Polly
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Jack
Sex: Male
Age: Age not specified in ad, but he is described as a "man."
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Presumed enslaved for life; self emancipated in 1784
Description: "Negro man"
Notes: Jack escaped from the Sloop Polly and the ship's captain, Joseph Wood, placed the following ad for his return:
Eight Dollars Reward.
RAN away from on board the Sloop Polly, Joseph Wood Master, a negro man named JACK, about five feet high, and very black, has a scar at the corner of his right eye, and his hair cut in scallops on the top from ear, to ear. had on when he absconded, a white frock and trowsers, and carried with him, his bag of clothes. Whoever will apprehend and deliver the said negro to Messrs. Elliston and John Perot, or to Captain Joseph Wood, on board said vessel, laying at the Bird in hand wharf, will receive the above reward.
All Masters of Vessels, and other persons are forbid harbouring employing, or carrying off the said negro on Penalty of the Law.
Philadelphia, August 20, 1784.
Dates of Records: 20 August 1784
Sources: The Pennsylvania Journal and Weekly Advertiser (Philadelphia), 21 August 1784
- Slaveholder Name: Woodrop, Alexander
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Merchant, slave trader
Notes: Offered a "Parcel" of enslaved persons for sale from the wharves in 1723 and several enslaved persons in October 1729. In May 1736 he advertised several persons "Just arrived from Barbadoes." This ad was in conjunction with slave merchants Turner and Allen. See the page on Slave Traders for more on these men.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Not given in ad
Sex: Male and female
Age: Ages not specified in ad, but described as "women, boys and a girl."
Date of Birth: Not known, varies
Status: Slaves for life
Description: "Negro Women," "Negro Boys," "Negro Girl"
Notes: Wooddrop offered the following enslaved persons for sale in April 1723:
TO be sold by Mr. Alexander Wooddrop in Water-street, near the Crane on Abraham Bickley's Wharf
A Parcel of very likely Negroes, viz. Two Negro Women two Negro Boys and one Negro Girl. Also Several sorts of good Cordial Waters at 5 s. per Gallon by the Quantity.
Dates of Records: 11 April 1723
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 11 April 1723
- Slave Names: Not given in ad
Sex: Not determined
Age: Ages not specified in ad
Date of Birth: Not known, varies
Status: Slaves for life
Description: "Negroes"
Notes: Wooddrop offered the following goods and enslaved persons for sale in October 1729:
To be SOLD.
BY Alexander Wooddrop, several sorts of Dry Goods, as Ginger, Nutmegs, Black-Pepper, Rum, and Sugar of several sorts, Mallasso'es, Lyme-Juice, Nailes, Bar Iron, Riggin both Old and New, sweet-Oyl, Oyl of Turpentine; also one Case of Super-Fine Bohea-Tea: He has also a Servant Woman's Time to dispose of, being near five Years to come; and likewise three Negroes to be Sold, at his House near Mr. Carpenters Wharf.
Dates of Records: 09 October 1729
Sources: The American Weekly Mercury (Philadelphia), 09 October 1729.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Not given in ad
Sex: Male and female
Age: Ages not specified in ad, but probably a mixture of adults and young persons.
Date of Birth: Not known, varies
Status: Slaves for life
Description: "Negroes," "Negro Women"
Notes: Wooddrop, along with William Allen and Joseph Turner, offered the following enslaved persons for sale in May 1736:
JUST arrived from Barbadoes, several likely Negroes; among which are two likely Women bred to House-work. To be Sold by Alexander Woodrop, William Allen and Joseph Turner.
Dates of Records: 06 May 1736
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 06 May 1736
- Slaveholder Name: Woodrow, Henry
City or Township: Northern Liberties
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Lumber merchant
Notes: Residence on Front Street; died 1778
- Enslaved Person's Name: Stephen
Sex: Male
Age: "between 14 and 15 years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1754 to 1755
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Mulattoe boy"
Notes: Stephen escaped from Woodrow, probably in the spring of 1769 (escape ad does not specify when he left):
RUN away from the subscriber, a Mulattoe boy, named Stephen, between 14 and 15 years old, middling tall, but slim, with black curled hair, tolerable good countenance; had on, when he went away, a blue cloth jacket, with a strap buckled round him, ozenbrigs shirt, a pair of thickset breeches, too long for him, old stockings and shoes, with buckles; he has followed sweeping of chimneys some time past, and perhaps may have got a blanket and materials for sweeping. Whoever takes up the said Mulattoe boy, and secures him, so as his master may have him again, shall have Fifteen Shillings reward, if taken in the country; and Ten Shillings, if taken up in Philadelphia, and all reasonable charges, paid by HENRY WOODROW, living in Front-street, above Pool's bridge.
N.B. All masters of vessels are desired not to take him off at their peril.
Dates of Records: 06 April 1769
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 06 April 1769.
- Slaveholder Name: Wright, Hugh, Captain
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
Sex: Male
Age: "about 14 Years of Age"
Date of Birth: circa 1749
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Boy"
Notes: Advertised for sale in February 1763: "To be SOLD, A Very healthy likely Negroe Boy, about 14 Years of Age, this Country born, has had the Small-pox, sold for no Fault, but for want of Employ. Enquire of Capt. HUGH WRIGHT, at Capt. Gibbon's, in Spruce-street."
Dates of Records: 18 July 1765
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 24 February 1763
- Slaveholder Name: Wright, John
City or Township: Moyamensing
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
Sex: Female
Age: "about 20 years old"
Date of Birth: circa 1763
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Woman"
Notes: Advertised for sale along with her infant son to settle the estae of John Wright:
TO BE SOLD,
A STOUT, healthy NEGROE WOMAN, about 20 years old, and her Male CHILD, about 9 months old; said to be part of the estate of John Wright, late of Moyamensing, deceased.
JOHN LEE, Acting Executor.
N.B. If said Negroe Woman and Child are not sold before the 16th instant, they will on that day be sold by public Sale, at Mount-Pleasant, near Mountholly, New-Jersey, precisely at three o'clock in the afternoon.
Jan. 1, 1783.
Only one day remained for the private sale of this woman and her child when this ad was re-published on January 15, 1783. If not sold by the end of the day, she and her child were to be publicly auctioned off at John Lee's house in New Jersey. As this was to settle the estate, the executor probably had little or no say regarding whether the mother and child had to be sold together, or were to be sold apart.
Executor John Lee had advertised this woman for public sale a year earlier to settle Wright's estate. The sale was advertised for January 7, 1782 at John Wright's "late dwelling house" on Second Street in Southwark. The sale included: "all the Negroes, Stock, and HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE &C." The woman was described as "ONE likely Negroe Wench, about twenty years old, fit for town or country work." No mention was made in that ad of her child. Apparently Lee was unable to see her, as she appears a year later in his further ads for settling Wright's estate.
Dates of Records: January 1, 1783
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 15 January 1783; Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 05 January 1782.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Name not given
Sex: Male
Age: "about 9 months old"
Date of Birth: circa March 1782
Status: A child of this age would be a term slave for 28 years. Sale of the child outside of Pennsylvania would have been illegal.
Description: "Male Child"
Notes: Advertised for sale or auction along with his mother to settle the estae of John Wright. see above for the full text of the ad. Note that only one day remained for the private sale of this mother and child when the ad was re-published on January 15, 1783. If not sold by the end of that day, the pair were to be publicly auctioned off at John Lee's house in Mount Pleasant, New Jersey. As this was to settle the estate, the executor probably had little or no say regarding whether the mother and child had to be sold together, or were to be sold apart.
A subsequent ad placed by executor John Lee in Dunlap's Pennsylvani Packet, date January 10, 1783, formally announced the public sale of the woman and child, and gave the child's age as "about 9 months old."
Dates of Records: January 1, 1783
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 15 January 1783; Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and Genearl Advertiser, 11 January 1783.
- Slaveholder Name: Yard, Shandy
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Grocer and Mariner
Notes: A free African living in Philadelphia, Shandy Yard is believed to have been born in West Africa about 1772. He was a close friend to James Forten and was originally indentured to James Yard. He married Sarah Fortune on July 11, 1799. Yard was serving aboard the Brig Franklin, captained by Andrew Morris, sailing from Marsailles for the West Indies when it was captured by a Tripolitan corsair in June 1802. A state of hostilities then existed between the Barbary states and the United States and the American consul at Algiers persuaded the Dey of Algiers not to sell the American crewmen into slavery. In October, Yard, the captain and two other men were ransomed for $6500. His fortunes began to wane upon his return to Philadelphia, likely causing his sale of the two slaves listed below.
Sources: Clarence M. Busch, Record of Pennsylvania Marriages Prior to 1810, Vol. 1, Pennsylvania Archives, Second Series, Vol. 8, "Marriage Records of the Swedes Church (Gloria Dei) 1750-1810," p. 382; Julie Winch, A Gentleman of Color: The Life of James Forten, Oxford University Press, 2002, p. 137; Lieutenant Felix Howland, U. S. Marine Corps Reserve, "The Blockade of Tripoli, 1801-1802," United States Naval Institute Proceedings, Vol.63/12/418 (December 1937); Insolvent Debtor notice, Aurora General Advertiser, Philadelphia, 7 April 1812, p. 3.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Un-named girl
Sex: Female
Age: Not known; described as a "girl"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for a term of years--having 7 or 8 years to serve.
Description: "Negro Girl"
Notes: Offered for sale in September 1805. Text of advertisement:
FOR SALE,
THE time of two NEGRO GIRLS who have from 7 to 8 years to serve, the time of both is sold for the want of employ, they are perfectly well acquainted with house work of every kind, and understand plain cooking, &c. &c. For terms enquire of
SHANDY YARD.
Walnut street, No. 77,
Sept. 4
Date of Record: 04 September 1805
Sources: Aurora General Advertiser, Philadelphia, PA, 18 September 1805, page 1.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Un-named girl
Sex: Female
Age: Not known; described as a "girl"
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for a term of years--having 7 or 8 years to serve.
Description: "Negro Girl"
Notes: Offered for sale in September 1805. See text of advertisement, above.
Date of Record: 04 September 1805
Sources: Aurora General Advertiser, Philadelphia, PA, 18 September 1805, page 1.
- Slaveholder Name: Yeldall, Anthony
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Surgeon; eye surgeon; druggist
Notes: Arrived in Philadelphia in 1770 and established his residence and practice on Market Street. Anthony Yeldall became regionally famous for successful cataract surgeries. A vigorous self-promoter, Yeldall travelled throughout the region performing surgeries and, backed by a stage show of acrobats and high wire performers, sold drugs from the stage. He remained a British Loyalist, though, and in 1778 was denounced as a traitor by Pennsylvania's revolutionary government, charged with treason and advised that his estate and wealth was subject to forfeiture. He fled to London where he continued his medical practice, and in 1794 patented a magnetic belt for the treatment of various ailments.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Prince
Sex: Male
Age: 20
Date of Birth: circa 1753 or 1754 (age is reported as both 20, and 19 years)
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro man" His ears are pierced.
Notes: Escaped from Yeldall repeatedly, first in late 1773. SeetText of runaway advertisements:
Philadelphia, November 30, 1773.
THREE POUNDS Reward.
RUN away from the subscriber, living in Market-street, a NEGROE man, named PRINCE, 5 feet 5 or 6 inches high, 20 years of age, smooth faced, has one if not both his ears bored; had on when he went away, a black velvet cap, brown coat, waistcoat and breeches. Whoever takes up the said Negroe, and brings him to his master, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges, paid by
ANTHONY YELDALL.
Prince was captured and returned to Yeldall, but in July 1774 escaped again. Yeldall's advertisement seeking his return adds additional details about this enslaved man:
FIVE POUNDS REWARD.
RAN AWAY the 18th of July last from the subscriber, a negroe man, named PRINCE, about nineteen years old, five feet four or five inches high, is a smart active fellow, a very black complexion, and is apt to grin and laugh when talked to by his equals, and is fond of strong liquor; Had on and took with him a brown cloth coat and jacket, with red collar and cuffs to the coat, white shirt and trowsers, pretty good shoes, and an old hat;
He is a sly fellow, and has run away from his former masters, both here and in New England, from whence he came, and it is likely he may go that way, as he has before attempted to do, and been taken up and brought home. Whoever takes up and secures him, so that his master may have him again, shall have the above reward and reasonable charges, paid by JOSEPH FOX, blacksmith and farrier, in Philadelphia, or
DR. ANTHONY YELDALL.
Prince was at large for several weeks but was finally captured and jailed in New Castle, Delaware. The county jailer, Thomas Pusey, advertised descriptions of several persons committed to his jail, including Prince:
New-Castle, September 5, 1774.
NOW in the goal of said county, the following persons, viz.
A Negroe lad, who calls himself Prince, and by an advertisement of Doctor Anthony Yeldall's, in the Pennsylvania Packet, and confession of said Negroe, appears to be the person therein described.
Date of Records: 30 November 1773, 22 August 1774 and 5 September 1774.
Sources: Pennsylvania Gazette, 02 February 1774; Pennsylvania Packet, 22 August 1774; Pennsylvania Gazette, 14 September 1774.
- Slaveholder Name: Young, Charles
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes: In September 1779, Young placed an ad seeking to purchase two slaves: "WANTED TO PURCHASE, A NEGRO WENCH acquainted with cooking and house-work; also a NEGRO MAN or BOY for family purposes, taking care of horses, &c. Enquire of CHARLES YOUNG, the corner of Lombard and Third-streets, Philadelphia." (Source: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 21 September 1779.)
- Slaveholder Name: Young, John, Jr.
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation: Saddler
Notes: Son of John Young, Sr., saddler. John Young, Jr. operated his business "at the sign of the English Hunting Saddle," at the corner of Front and Market Streets in Philadelphia. Saddler Young appears to have had multiple business dealings beyong making saddles for wealthy Philadelphians. His ad below, in addition to selling an enslaved young girl, offered a large number of new lots for rent and a huge quantity of fresh orange juice for sale. For a fascinating description of his business and advertising style, see the article by Carl Robert Keyes in the source below.
Source: Carl Robert Keyes, "John Young, Jr.," The Adverts 250 Project, 2017, online at https://adverts250project.org/tag/john-young-jr/, accessed 12 April 2025.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Un-named female
Sex: Female
Age: Not known; described as a "wench" indicating a young woman or older teenaged girl
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negroe Wench"
Notes: Offered for sale in June 1768. Text of advertisement:
To be LETT on Groundrent for ever,
SUNDRY Lots of Ground, in the Northern Liberties, ten of which are on Second-street continued, 20 Feet front, and 210 Feet deep, to St. John's Street; four Lots on Third-street continued; and 35 upon Charlotte and Fourth-streets; the whole of which are laid out square, and have the Advantage of a pleasant Situation, and two Fronts. Any Person inclining to take any of said Lots, may see the Plan, and know the Terms, by applying to JOHN YOUNG, junior, Sadler, opposite the London Coffee-House; who has 600 Gallons of choice fresh Orange Juice to dispose of, and a likely healthy young Negroe Wench, Country born, can cook, wash and iron, and do all Kinds of House-work exceedingly well; she is fit for Town or Country Business, and sold for no Fault.
Date of Record: 16 June 1768
Sources: The Pennsylvania Gazette, 16 June 1768.
- Slaveholder Name: Young, Samuel
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Un-named female
Sex: Female
Age: Not known; described as a "wench" indicating a young woman or older teenaged girl
Date of Birth: Not known
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Negro Wench"
Notes: Offered for sale in August 1779. Text of advertisement: "TO BE SOLD, A NEGRO WENCH. Enquire of SAMUEL YOUNG, near the Draw-bridge, Philadelphia."
Date of Record: 14 August 1779
Sources: Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet and General Advertiser, 14 August 1779.
- Slaveholder Name: Young, William
City or Township: Philadelphia
County: Philadelphia County
Occupation:
Notes:
- Enslaved Person's Name: Un-named woman
Sex: Female
Age: "aged 33 years"
Date of Birth: Circa 1756
Status: Slave for a term of years
Description: "Mulatto Woman"
Notes: Offered for sale in September 1789 along with her male child. Text of advertisement:
TO BE SOLD.
A Mulatto Woman, aged 33 years, duly registered, with a MALE CHILD 2 years old, also registered; she is a very good cook and house wench; understands pickling and preserving; likewise, the management of a dairy. The owner going to quite this state, is the real reason of his parting with her. Enquire of Mr. WILLIAM YOUNG, in Arch street, between Seventh and Eighth streets.
Date of Record: 28 September 1789
Sources: The Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser, 28 September 1789.
- Enslaved Person's Name: Un-named child
Sex: Male
Age: "2 years old"
Date of Birth: Circa 1787
Status: Slave for life
Description: "Male child"
Notes: Offered for sale in September 1789 along with his mother. See above for the text of advertisement.
Date of Record: 28 September 1789
Sources: The Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser, 28 September 1789.
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Enslavement
