Deed (indenture) printed by Ephrata Cloister on vellum for John Miller, blacksmith of Lancaster Borough, and his wife Elizabeth, for use in selling lots in the "Town Called "Millers Burgh." Blank areas are filled in by hand for sale of property to Margaret Stout for 50 pounds. Initially filled in on May 1, 1764, and completed at bottom on March 8, 1765. Pink linen ribbons and red sealing wax are affixed at bottom right. The headpieces printed at top left is done in elaborate letter style using the first two words "This indenture." Each initial line is done in the distinctive illuminated manner of Ephrata Cloister, employing floral and foliate designs.
Reverse is also used as a deed for the transfer of property for Margaret Stour to Patrick McElkar, begun 1770 and completed 1771. Red linen ribbons and red sealing wax are affixed to bottom right (of reverse).
Generally good, darkened and soiled on sections of reverse side, sprinkled stains and light soiling overall. Bottom right corner torn off. Three vertical and two horizontal fold lines.
Framed for 2006 Printed Word Exhibit.
Condition
Good
Condition Date
2004-07-28
Condition Notes
Generally good, darkened and soiled on sections of reverse side, sprinkled stains and light soiling overall. Bottom right corner torn off. Three vertical and two horizontal fold lines.
Printed angel form B & BC in English for Harriet Miller born 7 Jan 1828 in Elizabeth Twp. to parents Peter Miller and wife Elisabeth, dau. of D. Buffenmeyer. Baptism performed by Rev. William Bates.
A variant of the standing angel form has a heavy medallion border enclosing entire page. Angels flank center text block titled "CERTIFICATE / OF / BIRTH & BAPTISM" bio info follows. with a center basket of flowers and religious verse below. At top is an eagle; at bottom center are three sprays of flowers over two baskets of flowers. Flanked by a pair of perching birds. Short verses found in two small bordered boxes at top corners.
Color decorated with yellow and red. At very bottom, below baskets is "Printed and for sale by G.S. Peters,---Harrisburg, Pa."
Infill Lancaster; printed Harrisburg
Provenance
Pencil inscription on back reads: "From Catherine D. Miller estate / Paoli, Pa".
Center nail hole at top has a tear up to edge with cellophane tape repair on back. Some ragged edges. Bottom edge has very dark brown stain and both corners have been torn off
Object ID
2004.751
Notes
Found in the list of the Fraktur Collection appraised by Rev. Fred Weiser, Sept. 1988. Listed as Fraktur # 51.
This c. 1835 imprint by Gustav S. Peters of Harrisburg is a color-printed variant of the angel form and is numbered 378.3 in Klaus Stopp's "The Printed BBCs of the German Americans", vol. III, p.64.
Printed angel form B&BC in German is infilled and decorated for Susannah Miller, born 15 April 1835 in Dauphin County and baptized 15 June 1836 by William Findley. Parents were Peter Miller and wife Elizabeth nee Boffenmeyer. Baptism sponsor was "The Mother." Infill is in both German and English!
Main text block has two tailpieces and 4 lower stanzas. Imprint at bottom is "Reading, / Gedruckt und zu haben bey / Johann Ritter und Comp." (Printed circa 1828-1835). Angels, putto, birds and tailpieces all crudely paint decorated with a dense, dark red, areas of which are now crackled and raised above surface. Some minor use of a yellowish color.
Infill by unknown artist, likely in Dauphin County; Printed in Reading.
Two paper mends pasted to back at center of top and bottom; both are tears about 2.5" long. These areas are both buckled or wrinkled, particularly at top. Red paint is crackling and raised. Edges ragged, esp. right side. Moderate foxing. Heavy brown stains at upper corners, middle of sides and all along bottom where pasted.
Object ID
2004.739
Notes
Appraised by Rev. Fred Weiser, 2 Sept 1988. Assigned #39. This B&BC is related to both 2004.738 and 2004.242, having the same surname of Bofemeyer/Bosemeyer.
Possible provenance info: Two pieces of mending paper pasted to back have printing. Lower one is letterhead printed with "John Hancock Mutual" and typescript below is" R. Norris / Box 154 / Sea Isle City, NJ". Upper paper has "
Unable to identify this edition in Klaus Stopp, B&BCs of the German Americans, Vol. 4. Upper tailpiece below main text was rarely used (see p. 164).
Recognizance, charged with abuse by George Foltz, Daniel Riblet.
Additional recognizances: Charles Hamilton, Jacob Bailey, George Foltz, Daniel Riblet, Christian Eberman, Jacob Hafer, Henry Stauffer, Michael Glaser, George Eicholtz.
1 item, 1 piece
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at Reference Desk; photocopy made by staff member.
