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. (Letter is separating at folds and a corner is missing).
Letter is separating at folds and a corner is missing.
Object ID
MG0240_Ser02_F012_In02
Location of Originals
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Related Item Notes
Black History Collection (MG0240) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/2b3d42c6-a313-4ebc-966f-516114048136
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Black History Collection (MG0240), Series 2, Object ID, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL. Date accessed (day, month, year).
LancasterHistory is committed to preserving and providing access to materials chronicling Lancaster County's heritage. As a historical resource, this document reflects 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 In order to maintain the historical integrity and context of collection items, LancasterHistory does not censor historical documents or edit language, titles, or organization names when transcribing original content.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment--contact research@lancasterhistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-240, Series 2
Other Number
MG-240, Series 2, Folder 12, Insert 2
Classification
MG0240
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Transferred from Document Collection, 15 March 2012. Added to database on 28 March 2022.
Digitization of this document was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 202010016624, 2020-2023.
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.
Black History Collection (MG0240) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/2b3d42c6-a313-4ebc-966f-516114048136
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Black History Collection (MG0240), Series 2, Object ID, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL. Date accessed (day, month, year).
LancasterHistory is committed to preserving and providing access to materials chronicling Lancaster County's heritage. As a historical resource, this document reflects 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.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment--contact research@lancasterhistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-240, Series 2
Other Number
MG-240, Series 2, Folder 13, Insert 1
Classification
MG0240
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Transferred from Document Collection, 15 March 2012. Added to database on 28 March 2022.
Digitization of this document was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 202010016624, 2020-2023.
"Negro Entry Book, 1820-1849" or "Mayor's Register of Coloured Persons"
Description
"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.
1 item, 188 pages (many are blank and were not photographed)
Object Name
Register
Language
English
Object ID
MG0240_Ser02_F002_It01
Location of Originals
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Related Item Notes
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 with call no. 326 L244h.
See also the index (MG0240_Ser02_F001) and the transcription
(MG0240_Ser02_F003)
Black History Collection (MG0240) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/2b3d42c6-a313-4ebc-966f-516114048136
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Black History Collection (MG0240), Series 2, Object ID, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL. Date accessed (day, month, year).
LancasterHistory is committed to preserving and providing access to materials chronicling Lancaster County's heritage. As a historical resource, this document reflects 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.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
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.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-240, Series 2
Other Number
MG-240, Series 2, Folder 2, Item 1
Classification
MG0240
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Processed prior to 1997 and updated from 2007-present. Added to database on 18 January 2022.
Digitization of this document was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 202010016624, 2020-2023.
Booklet of blank forms used in the 1830s by the Mayor's Office of the city of Lancaster to record information for the "Mayor's Register of Coloured Persons" according to the "ordinance prescribing regulations concerning free persons of colour." Found loose within the "Mayor's Register."
Black History Collection (MG0240) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/2b3d42c6-a313-4ebc-966f-516114048136
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Black History Collection (MG0240), Series 2, Object ID, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL. Date accessed (day, month, year).
LancasterHistory is committed to preserving and providing access to materials chronicling Lancaster County's heritage. As a historical resource, this document reflects 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.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
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.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-240, Series 2
Other Number
MG-240, Series 2, Folder 2, Item 2
Classification
MG0240
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Processed prior to 1997 and updated from 2007-present. Added to database on 18 January 2022.
Digitization of this document was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 202010016624, 2020-2023.
Printed birth & baptismal certificate with infill & decoration by Francis D. Levan, made for the Werts family. Johanes Merts was born 17 Feb 1832 in Cocalico Twp. in Lancaster County and baptized 8 April 1833. He was the son of Jacob and Catharina Schweigart Werts.
Central text is in German with fraktur infill lettering. There is a border surrounding the text. On the top of the page is a cherub flanked by two boxes of text. Flanking the main text are two large angels. Below them on either side of the text are two branches, each with birds. Within the border, but below the main text is an open bible. Below this motif is an emblem with a lute and trumpet superimposed over music. The artist's signature follows, written as, "Francis D. Levane."
Moderate staining overall. Creases, especially at top and left side. Tear at bottom near center. Small loss on left side near top. Small tears and small area of soiling on lower left side. Paper is darkened at lower corners. Framed in archival materials in 2/2000 by Lancaster Galleries.
Object ID
P.00.9.1
Notes
According to Klaus Stopp, this printed form by Ritter was done c. 1843-44. Stopp uses the number 695 for this variant of the form. Papers for Birth Dayes give Levan's working dates as c. 1826-50.
Silk ribbon printed as a memorial to General Lafayette. Framed.
Ribbon is printed in black ink. There is a strong horizontal line about one inch from the top as well as one inch from the bottom. Centered between these lines are two images with text. At the top is "LAFAYETTE' over an image of Lafayette in profile within a laurel wreath. Underneath his image is the phrase "THE FRIEND AND COMPANION OF WASHINGTON." Below this is a mourning scene of a cloaked woman mourning at a tomb surmounted with an urn, all underneath a willow tree. The inscription reads, "Born 1757, Died at Paris, May, 1834." A final line of text states, "THE NATION MOURNS A HERO GONE."
Provenance
Was installed in the Slaymaker's home museum. The ribbon was likely acquired and descended through the family because of the fact that according to family tradition, Lafayette stopped at Amos Slaymaker's hostelry, "The Pennsylvania Arms."
A favorite of George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette fought in the American Revolution, commanding American troops in several battles. In 1824, he returned to the United States for a grand tour where he was greeted with cheers and received many honors. His death ten years later in Paris was marked by a sincere outpouring of grief in the United States as well as in France. This particular mourning scene includes a cloaked woman grieving at a tomb topped with an urn underneath a weeping willow tree.
The urn on top of the tombstone symbolizes death since urns were often used in Greece and Rome to store cremated remains. The weeping willow, so named because of the way raindrops run down its long leaves causing some to think it looks like the tree is crying, serves to reinforce the emotions of grief and mourning.
Overall deterioration, fragile and fraying. Top 1/2 inch of ribbon is nearly separated where hinge is still attached. Overall soiling with damp stains.
Object ID
G.98.30.2
Notes
See paper object file for:
-excerpt "Two Canes: On Family's Story" detailing Slaymaker family and history of this mourning ribbon
Framed silhouette of gentleman in profile, facing viewer's right. He is perhaps early-to-middle-age years, dressed in high collar and coat. Below is the name "Amos Ellmaker" handwritten in cursive in faded black ink.
Image is cut out of a rectangle of white wove paper, superimposed on a matching piece of black silk and secured with stitches at periphery. There is a window mat of faded marbelized paper, frame is molded walnut.
Same marbelized paper also covers back of frame. Clipping from printed biographical article is pasted to back.
Moderate wear and aging overall. Wove paper is darkened with fold lines and pin holes. Frame is worn with loose joints. Frame backing paper shows wear at corners and was cut to remove artwork, replaced and secured with cellophane tape, now removed except for bottom strip, leaving adhesive residue.
Object ID
P.03.11.01
Notes
According to the Biographical Annals of Lancaster County, Amos Ellmaker (b. 2-2-1787 and d. 11-28-1851) was a man of intellect and attainment. He was grandson of immigrant Leonard Ellmaker (Germany to Earl Twp in 1726) and son of Nathaniel Ellmaker. He attended Princeton College, then law school in Litchfield, Conn. He began practice in Hbg., served as an officer in the War of 1812, later was appointed prosecuting attorney for Dauphin Co., elected to the State House of Representatives, appointed Presiding Judge for the district composed of Dauphin, Lebanon and Schuylkill counties, was later appointed Attorney General of Pa., but resigned in 1821 to move back to Lancaster. Judge Ellmaker was in 1832 a candidate of the anti-Masonic party for Vice-President of the U.S. In 1816, he had married Mary Rachel Elder of Harrisburg. They had six children.
Pictorial needlework, silk embroidery on linen depicting two females at the right, one in blue, the other in yellow. On the left is a tree on a hillock with some flowers at the base of the trunk. To the left of the tree is the following poem: "margaret m Grosh is my name/ marietta is my station/ heaven is my dwelling Place/ and christ is my salvation/ when i am dead and in my/ grave and all my bones ar/ rotton when this you see/ remember me or I shal/ be forgotton"
Another inscription at the bottom reads "MarGaret Grosh Sampler made in Marietta in the year of our lord/ 1830"
The piece has a rose-beige ribbon border, and is in a period mahogany veneered frame.
The sampler has dark marks over all, brown marks, especially in the upper left are and between the two female figures.
There are losses in the upper left, lower left and upper right corners of the frame and the frame has also split in the upper left and lower right corners.
Printed Birth & Baptismal Record, Christian Schelly
Description
Printed birth and baptismal certificate, pictorial fame with central text block. Infill and hand coloring attributed to Heinrich Keyser, a school mast working in Warwick Twp.
The pictorial frame consists of eight different plates around a perimeter. The four corners each have a Gospel reference withing a floral oval (two from St. Matthew and two from St. John). The other four prints depict scenes of Christ: is baptism, crucifixion, ascension and his welcoming the children to come to him. Prints are hand-colored.
The central text block is printed in German, in traditional form, under the title: "Geburts und TaufSchein." Infill is executed in black ink in both fraktur-style lettering and script.
Certificate was done for the birth and baptism of Christian Schelly, son of Johannes and Catarina Kericher Schelly, born Dec. 18, 1823 (?) in Rapho Twp. and baptized 1833. At bottom of text is written that Christian was born under the sign of Pisces, under which a tiny pen and ink drawing is executed of two fish. (Written by Wendell Zercher.)
(more info on Schoolmaster Keyser in file)
Provenance
From Strasburg Antique Marker, Strasburg, PA for $245.00. Received on Aug. 11, 2000.
Generally acid-burned overall; extreme burn at edges of top and left side. Two liquid stains in lower text block which bleached the paper. Heavy fold lines have resulted in tears. with a triangular loss at terminus of right fold line. Additional tears at end of left fold line as well as two inches above this; also tear along bottom edge, one inch from right corner. Entire piece is pasted to acidic cardboard backing.
Presentation fraktur attributed to David Frey is a watercolored drawing of a bird on a tulip. Executed on a rectangular piece of tan wove paper, the watercolor is done in yellow, green, red, pink, blue, black and brown. The nicely detailed bird faces the viewer's right, perched on the bent stem of a tulip with one yellow bloom at tip: plant is growing out of the ground. Frame is softwood with a dark mahogany veneer on beveled face.
Inscribed in ink on reverse side in elegant script is "Catharina Frey. 1832." Seller believes this may be a daughter of David's son, Jacob Frey (b. 1785) and wife Elizabeth of Rapho Twp. Hess says Catharina is likely the younger sister of Anna (Nancy), recipient of drawing P.04.49.2.
(Written by Wendell Zercher.)
Provenance
Sold by Mr. Clarke E. Hess of Lititz, PA, for $1.100. Mr. Hess purchased the drawing in Bucks County. (2004)
Very significant insect damage with tears at left edge extending inwards one inch toward wing tips; also two smaller holes below legs and on stem. Original damage appears to have occurred over liquid stain. Old repair on reverse using additional backing paper is now adhered only at bottom. The reverse side carries the residue of pigment missing from P.04.49.2, indicating that the two pieces of paper had been stored together for a long time. Minor flaking/losses of pigment. Minor soiling of paper. Replaced wood back with acid-free matboard.
