Black History Collection, 1780-1984
Black History Collection, 1780-1984
Object ID: MG0240
2 boxes 33 folders, 128 items, 1,178 pages to scan 1 cubic ft.
Repository: LancasterHistory (Organization); PV7
Shelving Location: Archives South, Side 6
Scope and Content Note: This collection contains papers and local government records related to Black history in Lancaster County, including an index to Lancaster County’s register of enslaved persons; Mayor’s Register of Coloured Persons or Negro Entry Book, a census of free persons of color in Lancaster city; and a biographical account of Rev. James William Charles Pennington. There are local government records for enslaved persons and their children in Lancaster County, as well as for free persons of color. The collection also contains letters from anti-slavery societies, papers related to abolitionist activity, and a manumission paper from the state of Virginia.
The digital collection is available at Items related to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in Lancaster County
Creators: LancasterHistory (Organization); Pennsylvania. Court of Quarter Sessions (Lancaster County)
System of Arrangement:
Series 1 consists of the “Slave Registers,” official county records registering enslaved women and their children after 1780.
Series 2 contains the Mayor’s Register of Coloured Persons, bills of sale, manumission paper, letters, personal narratives, and other records.
Conditions for Access: Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment–contact research@lancasterhistory.org prior to visit. Restricted access for the Mayor’s Register of Coloured Persons found in Series 2, Folder 2: Use transcript in Folder 3 or microfilm.
Conditions Governing Reproductions: Collection may not be photocopied. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at research@lancasterhistory.org. Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Language: English
Source of Acquisition: LancasterHistory has custodial responsibility for Series 1, Register of enslaved women and their children who were born after 1780. This set of historic records is the property of the County of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Sources of acquisition for items in Series 2 are unknown unless otherwise noted at the item level.
Custodial History (Provenance): This collection was formerly called “The Slave Records of Lancaster County Collection.” Name changed to “African American Records Collection” and arrangement changed on 13 June 2007. Name changed again in 2022 to “Black History Collection.”
Accruals: LancasterHistory will continue to add items to Series 2.
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Black History Collection (MG0240), Object ID, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL. Date accessed (day, month, year).
People:
Anderson, James
Atchinson, John
Bacon, Izard
Baker, John H.
Barton, William
Bayly, James
Bigham, William
Black, Aaron
Boggs, Alexander
Boyd, William
Breading, David
Brubaker, Jack
Caldwell, Andrew
Carpenter, Samuel
Clark, Bryce
Clemson, James
Conkle, William
Cook, James
Cooke, Samuel
Crawford, James
Cunningham, Janett
Currin, James
Davis, Edward
Dewers, Thomas
Edwards, Susanna
Edwards, Thomas
Evans, James
Evans, John
Evans, Mrs. Frances
Ewing, John
Fordney, William B.
Franklin, Benjamin
Frazier, Phebe
Galbraith, Bartram
Gale, Anthony
Gamble, James
Gibbons, Daniel
Brubaker, Marianna Gibbons
Gibson, William
Givens, Joseph
Graves, B.
Grubb, Peter
Harrison, Thomas
Haydon, George
Heaton, Jeremiah
Henderson, Archibald
Henry, William
Hubley, John
Hudson, Edward
Jacobs, Cyrus
Jenkins, Dr. John Carmichael
Johnson, Henry
Johnston, John
King, Robert
Leman, Christian
Lockhart, Josiah
Long, Stephen
Lownes, Caleb
Martin, James
Maxwell, Robert
McCally, James
McCamant, Isaac
McClure, William
McIntire, William
McLaughlin, George
Michener, James B.
Middleton, Anne
Middleton, John
Miller, John
Moore, Zachary
Neal, Thomas
Neel, Thomas
Nicholas, Michael
Old, James
Oldden, John
Patterson, James
Peden, Hugh
Pembroke, Stephen
Pennington, James William Charles
Pennington, Thomas H. Sands
Porter, Andrew
Porter, William
Potts, David
Ramsey, Elizabeth
Reigert, Christopher
Ross, George
Samson, George W.
Sanderson, George
Scott, Alexander
Scott, Alexander
Sewell, Charles S.
Skiles, Henry
Slaymaker, Amos
Smith, Joseph
Smith, Margaret
Smith, William
Spear, Robert
Steel, William
Stevens, Thaddeus
Thomas, Mary B.
Walker, Isaac
Wallace, Robert
Watson, John
Weld, Theodore D.
Whitehill, James
Wilson, Samuel
Work, Joseph
Yeates, James
Zantzinger, Paul
Subject Headings:
African Americans–History
Free blacks
Freedmen
Liberty
Slave records–Pennsylvania–Lancaster County
Slaveholders–Pennsylvania–Lancaster County
Slavery–Pennsylvania–Lancaster County
Slaves–Emancipation
Search Terms:
Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery
Black men
Black women
Certificates
Children
Court of Quarter Sessions
Emancipation
Enslaved persons
Enslavers
Finding aids
Free persons of color
Freedmen
Manumission papers
Manuscript groups
Persons of color
Slaveholders
Slavery
Related Materials:
The items in Series 1, Folders 1-9 are also found on microfilm and as bound copies in the library. “Record of the returns made in writing and delivered to me as Clerk of Lancaster by possessor of Negro or mulatto children born after March 1, 1780…agreeably to an Act of Assembly of the State of Pa. entitled ‘An Act to explain and amend an Act entitled an Act for the gradual abolition of slavery’.” This volume includes the years 1788 to 1834. Original manuscript documents are in Series 1. Copies are found in the library on microfilm #206 and bound at 326 R294p Oversized.
Hopkins, Leroy Taft. The Negro entry book : a document of Lancaster city’s antebellum Afro-American community. This typescript copy was later published in the Lancaster County Historical Society Journal (v.88, no.4). 326 H794.
Negro registry ; or Mayor’s register of coloured persons, 1820 – 1849 ; or Negro entry book. Transcribed by Dr. Leroy T. Hopkins, Jr., 1984. Original manuscript is in Series 2, Folder 2. Microfilm of the volume is found in the library in Drawer 3, sec. 2, #205, and a transcription is available, 326 L244h.
Processing History: Processed prior to 1997 and updated from 2007-present. This collection has been documented, preserved and managed according to professional museum and archives standards. The finding aid was updated using DACS conventions.
Archivist’s Note: The Mayor’s Register of Coloured Persons was conserved by the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts in Pennsylvania in 2007-2008. This project was funded by the Ressler Mill Foundation.
Harmful Language Statement: LancasterHistory is committed to preserving and providing access to materials chronicling Lancaster County’s heritage. As a historical resource, these items reflect the racial prejudices and actions of the era. In order to maintain the historical integrity and context of collection items, LancasterHistory does not censor historical documents or edit language, titles, or organization names when transcribing original content.
Series 1 Register of enslaved women and their children who were born after 1780, 1780-1834 (17 folders, 89 items, .25 cubic ft.)
This compilation of papers filed by holders of enslaved persons show date; name and place of residence of slaveholder; name of mother (usually an enslaved person) and child; date of birth; sex of child; age when the child will be freed; official seal and signatures; and date when filed. Copies of items in Folders 1-9 are also on microfilm in the Research Center Library (Drawer 3, sec. 2, #206) and bound (326 R294p Oversized).
Folder 1
1. Cloth identifying strip from the original file drawer: “Slave Registers, 1780-1788.” (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
2. Label from the original file drawer: “Entries of Negro and Mulatoe children born after the year 1780.” (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
3. Return of James McCally from Salisbury Twp. Samuel, age seven. Ruth, age five. 7 June 1788. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
4. Return of James Clemson of Salisbury Twp. Julia and Pompy. 9 August 1788. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
5. Return of Solomon Etting of Lancaster. Margaret, age three, and Henry, age six months, children of Dinah, an enslaved woman. 11 August 1788. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
6. Return of Thomas Edwards of Lancaster. Dina, age one year, daughter of Jude, an enslaved woman. Jere, age one year, son of Reach, an enslaved woman. Jude and Reach had formerly been held by Christopher Reigert. 16 August 1788. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
7. Return of William Smith of Earl Twp. Benor, age six months, son of Margaret Smith. 30 August 1788. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
8. Return of Andrew Caldwell of Leacock Twp. Darkus, age two years. 31 October 1788. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
9. Return of Robert Wallace of Earl Twp. Neal, age four, and Peter, age two. Abbe, four months old. 5 November 1788. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
10. Return of James Anderson of Salisbury Twp. Dina, age six months, daughter of Hannah, an enslaved woman. 13 November 1788. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
11. Return of Isaac McCamant of Salisbury Twp. Mingo, ten months old, son of Bet. 13 November 1788. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Folder 2
1. Return of Alexander Scott of Little Britain Twp. Thomas, age three, and Charles, six months old, sons of Judith, an enslaved woman. 5 January 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
2. Return of Robert Spear of Hempfield Twp. Prince, age three, and David, age two, sons of Debe, an enslaved woman. 9 January 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
3. Return of Robert Maxwell of Drumore Twp. Girl, age eight, daughter of Beck, an enslaved woman. 5 February 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
4. Return of William Bigham of Drumore Twp. Isaac, age one, son of Nance. 7 February 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
5. Return of George McCullough of Little Britain Twp. Girl, age one, daughter of Philies, an enslaved woman. 7 February 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
6. Return of Paul Zantzinger of Lancaster. Isaac, nine or ten months old, son of Jude, an enslaved woman. 25 February 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
7. Return of John Hubley of Lancaster. Hannah, age one, daughter of Juddy, an enslaved woman. 26 February 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
8. Return of Aaron Black of Little Britain Twp. Jim, age two, daughter of Moreeah, an enslaved woman. 27 February 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
9. Return of David Breading of Little Britain Twp. Jane, age one, daughter of liberated Ruth. 2 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
10.Return of James Old of Caernarvon Twp. Philis, age five; Frank, age five; Pheoby, age four; Fann, age two; Sall, age two; Mark, age ten months; and Hannah, age nine months. 3 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Folder 3
1. Return of William Gibson of Little Britain Twp. Moriah, age eight, daughter of Fillis, an enslaved woman. 4 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
2. Return of James Bayly of Donegal Twp. Violet, age seven, daughter of Fillis, an enslaved woman. (1 item, 2 pages to scan) March 1789.
3. Return of John Evans of Drumore Twp. Ned, age seven, and Will, age six, sons of Silve, an enslaved woman. Pet, nine months old, son of Peg. 5 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
4. Return of Cyrus Jacobs of Warwick Twp. Dine, age eight, daughter of Pol, an enslaved woman. 10 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
5. Return of Amos Slaymaker of Salisbury Twp. Lidge, age seven, son of Esther. 17 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
6. Return of Henry Skiles of Salisbury Twp. Abel, age two. 22 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
7. Return of James Patterson of Rapho Twp. Dinah, age seven; Tom, age five; and Deb, age two, children of Hannah, an enslaved woman. 23 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
8. Return of John Johnston of Sadsbury Twp. Ben, age four, and Ruth, age one, children of Esther, an enslaved woman. 25 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
9. Return of Phebe Frazier of Little Britain Twp. George, age three, son of Hannah, an enslaved woman. 25 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
10. Return of Phebe Frazier of Little Britain Twp. John, age two, son of Hannah, an enslaved woman. 25 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
11. Return of James Cook of Donegal Twp. Timothy, age eight. Hannah, age four. Sall, age two. 25 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Folder 4
1. Return of William McIntire of Drumore Twp. Nane, age seven, and Thom, age eight months, children of Comfort, an enslaved woman. 25 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
2. Return of William Henry of Salisbury Twp. Infant. 27 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
3. Return of William Porter of Leacock Twp. Rechel, age eight, and Jacob, age six. 27 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
4. Return of James Currin, executor of the will of William Currin. Thom, age seven, and Rose, age five, children of Lucy, an enslaved woman. 27 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
5. Return of James Anderson of Donegal Twp. Hannah, age two, and Patrick, infant, children of Poll or Mary, an enslaved woman. 27 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
6. Return of Alexander Boggs of Donegal Twp. Caesar, age seven. 27 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
7. Return of John Whitehill of Donegal Twp. Prince, age two, son of Hannah (who was registered by John Middleton). 27 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
8. Return of Brice Clark of Donegal Twp. Girl, age eight, daughter of Eve. 27 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
9. Return of Ann Middleton of Donegal Twp. Barbara, age three, daughter of Jean, an enslaved woman (who was registered by John Middleton). 27 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
10. Return of David Cook of Donegal Twp. Esther, age two, daughter of Rose, an enslaved woman (registered by Robert Spear). 28 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Folder 5
1. Return of William Steel of Drumore Twp. Maria, age seven. 30 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
2. Return of Joseph Work of Donegal Twp. Lydia, age seven, and Frank, age four, children of Bett, an enslaved woman. 31 March 1789. (1 item, 4 pages to scan)
3. Return of Andrew Porter of Little Britain Twp. Ben, age eight, and Pegg, age seven, children of Fanny, an enslaved woman. Nance, age one, daughter of Jane, an enslaved woman. (Fanny and Jane were registered by William Porter.) 31 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
4. Return of Hugh Peden of Rapho Twp. Bob, age five. 30 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
5. Return of Alexander Scott of Rapho Twp. Tom, age six, son of Hannah. 31 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
6. Return of Bartram Galbraith of Donegal Twp. Sall, age four or five. 31 March 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
7. Return of Archibald Henderson of Salisbury Twp. Dina, five months old. 6 April 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
8. Return of Elizabeth Ramsey of Bart Twp. Boy, five months old. 5 August 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
9. Return of James Evans of Caernarvon Twp. Sylvy, age six months. 28 November 1789. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Folder 6
1. Return of Samuel Cooke of Donegal Twp. Boy, six months old, son of Dina, an enslaved woman. 6 January 1790. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
2. Return of Joseph Work of Donegal Twp. Charity, six months old, daughter of Alice, an enslaved woman. 1 May 1790. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
3. Return of Michael Nicholas of Donegal Twp. Sally, age one, daughter of Phillis, an enslaved woman. 22 September 1790. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
4. Return of John Hubley of Lancaster. Phillis, daughter of Juddy, an enslaved woman. 8 July 1790 or 22 September 1790. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Folder 7
1. Return of Thomas Neel of Drumore Twp. Ven, five months old, daughter of Lid, an enslaved woman. 25 February 1791. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
2. Return of Thomas Edwards of Lancaster. Nathaniel, five months old, son of Jude, an enslaved woman (who was registered by Christopher Reigart). 20 April 1791. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
3. Return of John Miller of Lancaster. Jull, two months old, daughter of Phillis, an enslaved woman. 8 July 1791. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
4. Return of James Martin of Earl Twp. Jeffrey, six months old, son of Phillis. 3 August 1791. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
5. Return of Joseph Hubley of Lancaster. William, age four months, son of Poll Footman, an enslaved woman (who was registered by William Parr). 26 September 1791. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
6. Return of William Porter of Little Britain Twp. Benjamin, age four months, son of Jane, an enslaved woman. 15 October 1791. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
7. Return of Andrew Porter of Little Britain Twp. Benjamin, five months old, son of Jane, an enslaved woman who was formerly held by William Porter. 25 November 1791. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
8. Return of James Evans of Caernarvon Twp. Nancy, six months old. 10 December 1791. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
9. Return of Elizabeth Ramsey of Bart Twp. Bristo, one month old, son of Hester, an enslaved woman. 13 December 1791. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
10. Return of Samuel Cooke of Donegal Twp. Boy, three months old. 28 December 1791. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Folder 8
1. Return of William Boyd of Salisbury Twp. Girl, three months old, daughter of Cathrin, an enslaved woman. 24 January 1792. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
2. Return of Robert King of Drumore Twp. Jonathan, three months old, son of Mintua, an enslaved woman. 30 April 1792. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
3. Return of Oliver Caldwell of Little Britain Twp. Joseph, four months old, son of Ruth, an enslaved woman. 29 May 1792. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
4. Return of William Conkle of Bart Twp. Hannah, five months old, daughter of Sib. 1 June 1792. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
5. Return of Stephen Long of Little Britain Twp. Samuel, four months old, son of Pegg, an enslaved woman (who was registered by John Atchinson). 15 June 1792. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
6. Return of Joseph Work of Donegal Twp. Sophia, six months old, daughter of Alice, an enslaved woman. 20 June 1792. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
7. Return of Joseph Work of Donegal Twp. Lydia, six months old, daughter of Sall, an enslaved woman. 20 June 1792. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
8. Return of John Watson of Donegal Twp. Briton, two months old, son of Addah, an enslaved woman. 17 December 1792. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
9. Return of William McClure of Bart Twp. Shirkey, four months old, son of Jude, an enslaved woman. 31 December 1792. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Folder 9
1. Return of Thomas Edwards of Lancaster. Michael, three months old, son of Jude, an enslaved woman. 8 February 1793. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
2. Return of John Evans of Caernarvon Twp. Priscilla, five months old, daughter of Abigail, an enslaved woman. 10 May 1793. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
3. Return of Zachariah Moore of Donegal Twp. Rachel, five months old, daughter of Lucia, an enslaved woman. 29 May 1793. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
4. Return of Robert Spear of Hempfield Twp. Fanny, five months old, daughter of Deborah, an enslaved woman. 29 May 1793. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
5. Return of Thomas Neal of Drumore Twp. George, six months old, son of Lydia, an enslaved woman. 13 June 1793. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
6. Return of Janett Cunningham of Lancaster. Ben, five months old, son of Jane, an enslaved woman (who was registered in Chester County). 15 June 1793. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
7. Return of James Evans of Caernarvon Twp. Hannah, six months old. 13 August 1793. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
8. Return of David Cooke of Donegal Twp. Juliet, six months old, daughter of Rose, an enslaved woman. 7 October 1793. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
9. Return of Michael Nicholas of Donegal Twp. Benjamin, six months old, son of Phillis, an enslaved woman. 13 November 1793. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Folder 10 Return of George McLaughlin of Martic Twp. Benn, age three. Paul, six months old. 24 March 1789. (Not on microfilm.) (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Folder 11 Return of James Gamble of Drumore Twp. Fan, age seven. 6 February 1789. (Not on microfilm.) (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Folder 12 Return of Samuel Cooke of Donegal Twp. Charles, age six. 28 March 1789. (Not on microfilm.) (2 items, 2 pages to scan)
Folder 13 Return of Jasper Yeates of Lancaster, executor of the estate of Peter Grubb, late of Warwick Twp. Hannah, age four, and Amy, age one, daughters of Nance, an enslaved woman. Fanny, age six, daughter of Amy, an enslaved woman. (Both mothers registered by Peter Grubb.) 22 September 1788. (Not on microfilm.) (2 items, 2 pages to scan)
Folder 14 Official copy of return by Clerk of Quarter Sessions, 21 August 1800. Bartram Galbraith of Donegal Twp. registered Batt, age twenty seven, and Jacob, age fourteen, both enslaved persons. 19 October 1780. Samuel Scott of Donegal Twp. registered Charity, age twenty eight, and Davy, nine months old, both enslaved persons. 30 October 1780. Bartram Galbraith of Donegal Twp. registered Sall, age four or five. 31 March 1789. Photocopy of item in the George Steinman Papers, MG-184, Series 2, Folder 98, Insert 1. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Folder 15 “An Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery.” Printed in Philadelphia by T. Bradford. Was to be read in the May 1788 and August 1788 sessions of the Court of Quarter Sessions. Transferred from Quarter Sessions Papers. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Folder 16 Index to the Register of Enslaved Persons, 1780-1834. Entries list name of slaveholder and date entered. Indexed alphabetically by surname of owner. (1 item, 368 pages to scan, can open to 180 degrees)
Folder 17 Handwritten copy of the Register of Enslaved Persons for 1780, and the names from the index for that year. Transcriber unknown. (1 item, 100 pages to scan, can lay flat)
Series 2 Black History Records, 1779-1984 (17 folders, 35 items, .5 cubic ft.)
Series 2, Black History Records, contains the Mayor’s Register of Coloured Persons or Negro Entry Book, a census of free persons of color living in Lancaster city; a biographical account of Rev. James William Charles Pennington; and items related to early twentieth century Black History in Lancaster County. The collection also contains letters from anti-slavery societies, papers related to abolitionist activity, a letter regarding the American Colonization Society, and a manumission paper from the state of Virginia.
Folder 1 Index to the Mayor’s Register of Coloured Persons [or Negro Entry Book], 1820-1849. Compiled by Dr. Leroy T. Hopkins, Jr. (1 item, 10 pages to scan)
Folder 2 Mayor’s Register of Coloured Persons, 1820-1849. This volume was also called the Negro Registry or Negro Entry Book. The volume contains entries of free persons of color in Lancaster City, who were required to register with the Mayor’s Office from 1820-1849. (Restricted access. Use transcription in Folder 3 or microlfilm. Please make an appointment with Research Staff to use the original volume.)
Microfilm of the volume is found in the research center in Drawer 3, sec. 2, #205, and the transcription is also available in the Research Center Library, calll no. 326 L244h. (1 item, 188 pages to scan)
Booklet of blank forms used in the 1830s by the Mayor’s Office of the city of Lancaster to record information for the above register according to the “ordinance prescribing regulations concerning free persons of colour.” Found loose within the above register. (1 item, 22 pages to scan)
Folder 3 Negro Entry Book [or Negro Registry or Mayor’s Register of Coloured Persons], 1820-1849. Transcribed by Dr. Leroy T. Hopkins, Jr. 1984. Arranged by date of entry. Also available in the research center with call no. 326 L244h. (1 item, 98 pages to scan)
Folder 4 Return of Samuel Wilson of Bart Twp. Isaac, six months old, son of Diana, an enslaved woman. 30 May 1792. (Not on microfilm.) Purchased February 1985. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Folder 5 Bill of sale of an enslaved woman, Nann (Ann). To Thomas Dewers by James Crawford, 1779. Then to David Potts by Thomas Dewers, 1780 (on reverse). (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Folder 6
Return of Josiah Lockhart of Lancaster. Mary, age six; Bill, age three; and Prissilla, age two. Children of Mary Brown, an enslaved woman. 1 September 1788. Transferred from Document Collection, Box 6, Folder 20, Item 7, January 2000. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Return of Susanna Edwards of Lancaster. Jesse, five months old, son of Jude, an enslaved woman. 22 May 1798. Transferred from Document Collection, Box 1, Folder 17, Item 3, February 2000. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Return of Charles S. Sewell of Manor Twp. James, five months old, son of indentured servant, a woman or color named Sylfa. Witnessed by William Barton. 1807. Transferred from Document Collection, Box 2, June 2007. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Folder 7
Exemplification (or official copy) of sale between William Porter of Little Britain Twp. and Andrew Porter for enslaved persons named Abner, Abbe, Senaca, Fann, Reach, Dark, Jean, Ned, Peg, Benn, Else, Cyrus, and Sam; farm animals; and household furniture. 26 July 1785. Recorded and signed by George Ross, Recorder of Deeds, 17 March 1800. Transferred from Document Collection, Case 1, June 2007. (1 item, 4 pages to scan)
Bill of sale between William Porter of Little Britain Twp. and Nicholas Boyd of Drumore Twp. for the sale of a person of color named Abraham, a mare, and household items. Signatures of William Porter, Andrew Roat, Philip Gloninger, and William Bausman. Recorded and signed by George Ross, Recorder of Deeds. 10 November 1800. Transferred from Document Collection, Case 1, June 2007. (1 item, 4 pages to scan)
Folder 8
Manumission paper for George Haydon, who was granted freedom by an act of the Virginia General Assembly authorizing the emancipation of the enslaved persons held by Izard Bacon, deceased, 11 February 1819 and that was effective on 15 June 1819. Transferred from the Document Collection, Case 2, June 2007. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Certification of registration for Abraham and Maria Burge, Abraham listed as a laborer, according to “An ordinance prescribing regulations concerning free persons of colour.” Signed by Samuel Carpenter, Mayor. 28 February 1823. Transferred from Document Collection, Box 6, Folder 20, Item 6, January 2000. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Folder 9
The following items may not be photocopied or scanned. Transferred from Document Collection, Case 1, June 2007.
Indenture of Fanny, a formerly enslaved woman held by Jeremiah Heaton in Harford County, Maryland. She became an indentured servant in exchange for her manumission on the advice of her guardian, Thomas Harrison. 14 September 1811. Transfer of indenture to John Ewing in Allentown, Pennsylvania. 30 September 1813. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Terms of manumission of Fanny, presented to the Justices of the Peace of Maryland by Jeremiah Heaton. Received and recorded in Harford County, 22 July 1809. Certified 4 November 1813. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Transfer of indenture for Fanny from John Ewing to John H. Baker in Philadelphia. 28 January 1814. Transfer of indenture from John H. Baker to Anthony Gale of Southwark. 4 February 1814. Transfer of indenture from Anthony Gale via B. Graves to Edward Hudson of Philadelphia. 23 July 1814. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Transfer of indenture of Fanny from Edward Hudson to Mrs. Frances Evans of Lancaster. 15 April 1815. Transfer of indenture from Mrs. Frances Evans to Christian Leman of Strasburg Twp. 2 April 1818. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Folder 10 Letter from George W. Samson in Washington, D.C. to Hon. H. Cobb regarding the American Colonization Society’s responsibilities in Liberia to enslaved persons who were manumitted and outlines services for the former enslaved persons which were provided by the society at the cost of the former slaveholders. 7 September 1858. Transferred from Document Collection, Case 2, July 2007. (1 item, 4 pages to scan)
Folder 11 Transcriptions of three letters written by Dr. John Carmichael Jenkins, a former resident of Lancaster County, in Natchez, Mississippi, to William B. Fordney Esq. in Lancaster. These letters, which address the subject of slavery “in all its bearings—moral, political and financial,” were published in The Lancaster Intelligencer. Transferred from Document Collection, Case 5, July 2007.
Insert 1 Transcription of editorial by George Sanderson of The Lancaster Intelligencer regarding the letters of Dr. Jenkins. 24 February 1852.
Transcription of letter from Dr. Jenkins to William B. Fordney regarding a sermon by Rev. Dr. Wheaton of New England, the Fugitive Slave Law, the values of Northern and Southern exports, marriage, social and moral values, and a reference to the Gorsuch family of the Christiana Resistance. 1 November 1851. (The reference to Scrapbook #81 on the title page is no longer valid. The archives staff has not found a scrapbook which contains information about the Jenkins family of Churchtown.) (1 item, 32 pages to scan)
Insert 2 Transcription of letter from Dr. Jenkins to William B. Fordney regarding the British—British East India Company, China, the opium trade, enslaved persons from India, trade and business practices, collieries, mines, destitution, morals, education—and slavery in the United States. 5 November 1851. (1 item, 30 pages to scan)
Insert 3 Transcription of letter from Dr. Jenkins to William B. Fordney regarding the cultural history and intellectual equality of Africans, the practice of slavery throughout Africa, the Fugitive Slave Law, abolitionism and free African Americans, the American Revolution, Thaddeus Stevens, taxes, revenue, and Pennsylvania politics. 10 November 1851. (1 item, 40 pages to scan)
Folder 12 Anti-Slavery Societies. Gift of the Brubaker and Gibbons families of Bird-in-Hand, July 1990. Transferred from the Document Collection, 15 March 2012.
Insert 1 Letter from the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery to the Delaware Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery stating that they would send printed copies of several acts of the Pennsylvania legislature regarding the gradual abolition of slavery and the constitution of their society. The letter describes the acts of a Philadelphia ship owner in transporting Africans to the West Indies for slavery and then making port in Wilmington, Delaware to circumvent the laws in Pennsylvania and requesting that the Delaware society encourage their governor to abolish slavery. Signed by Thomas Harrison, Caleb Lownes and John Oldden. Benjamin Franklin, president of the society. Philadelphia. 3rd month, 17th day, 1788. (1 item, 4 pages to scan)
Insert 2 Letter from Theodore D. Weld, Office of the American Anti-Slavery Society in New York to Daniel Gibbons in Enterprise, Lancaster County requesting first-hand accounts of the conditions of slavery and also information about friends, family and neighbors who have moved to or from a state that supported slavery and/or married a slaveholder. 25 December 1838. (Letter is separating at folds and a corner is missing.) (1 item, 4 pages to scan)
Folder 13 Letters to Daniel Gibbons. Gift of the Brubaker and Gibbons families of Bird-in-Hand, July 1990. Transferred from the Document Collection, 15 March 2012.
Insert 1 Letter to Daniel Gibbons from James B. Michener in Horsham, Montgomery County requesting information for his employee, Isaac Walker, about Isaac’s brother and sister. He shares Isaac’s location and also that of Joseph Smith. On reverse: inventory of the clothes of Henry Johnson. 5th month, 22nd day, 1834. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Insert 2 Letter to Daniel Givens in Bird-in-Hand from Stephen Smith in Columbia regarding the status and location of three enslaved persons who were reportedly captured south of Lancaster. 5 March 1840. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Insert 3 Letter to Daniel Gibbons in Enterprise from Mary B. Thomas in Downingtown regarding the three Freedom Seekers now under her protection, who are anxious about being captured and wish to move on to Canada as soon as the woman’s son can join them. 5th month, 6th day, 1841. (1 item, 4 pages to scan)
Folder 14 Rev. James William Charles Pennington, Freedom Seeker and abolitionist. Gift of the Brubaker and Gibbons families of Bird-in-Hand, July 1990. Transferred from the Document Collection, 15 March 2012.
Insert 1 Letter to Miss Marianna Gibbons in Bird-in-Hand from T. H. Sands Pennington, adopted son of Rev. Pennington, in Saratoga Spring, New York, enclosing the detailed accounts of the capture, trial and return of his father’s relatives to slavery and regretting that he cannot furnish information about Harper’s Ferry. With envelope. 1 August 1897. (2 items, 6 pages to scan)
Insert 2 “Prominent events in the life of Rev. J. W. C. Pennington, D.D.,” as recorded by his adopted son, Thomas H. Sands Pennington of Saratoga Springs, New York. No date. (1 item, 12 pages to scan)
Insert 3 “Capture, trial and return of the fugitives, Stephen Pembroke and his two sons, to slavery.” Brother and nephews of Rev. J. W. C. Pennington, D.D. [As recorded by his adopted son, Thomas H. Sands Pennington] No date. (1 item, 6 pages to scan)
Folder 15 Lists of enslaved persons. Transferred from the Document Collection, 11 February 2014.
List of enslaved persons in Caernarvon Township, Lancaster County, list compiled by John Lapp. 4 October 1800. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
List of enslaved persons in Caernarvon Township, list compiled by Edward Davis. 5 November 1807. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
List of enslaved persons in Donegal Township, compiled by Christian Ober. 13 November 1807. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Folder 16 Gift of Leroy T. Hopkins, Ph.D., in memory of Mrs. Maude W. Ball, 20 October 2018.
Photocopy of The Negro Civic Congress of Lancaster County held in Lancaster County Court House, October 3rd and 4th 1918. The booklet includes background information about this civic congress of Blacks in Lancaster, a biography of Rev. F. T. M. Webster, program of events, committee and ladies’ auxiliary members, pictures of speakers and Lancaster’s Black leaders, advertising for local businesses, historical and statistical data, and distinguished Pennsylvanians. 1918. (1 item, 28 pages to scan)
Facsimile of photograph of the Negro Civic League of Southeastern Pennsylvania at Thaddeus Stevens’ grave. 1920. (1 item, 2 pages to scan)
Folder 17 Return of James Jacks of Lancaster. Anthony, age five, son of Sue, an enslaved woman. 19 August 1788. Transferred from the Document Collection, 20 January 2022.