USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > The German immigration into Pennsylvania through the port of Philadelphia from 1700 to 1775 : part II: The Redemptioners > Part 15
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From The Pennsylvania Berichte, May 16, 1748 :
" Robert and Amos Strettle, of Philadelphia, announce
1
Boch.Deutfch Senfylvanifipe 1
Sefdidf.
treiber,
Oder:
Sammlung
Wichtiger Nachrichten, aus dem natur , und Rirchen - Reich.
Erftes Stud, Muguft 20 / 1739.
Geneigter Lefer hen, in hoffnung es merbe nicht ohne emis gen nugen, menigft ber Hufmedtung und des Aufffchauens ben einigen, Die es fefen, fchaffen. Auch mochten mohl fünfftig eis nige 2Inmerdungen und ber Seit Dienliche ter andern Ubgotterny benen Die grobe und fubtille QBelt ber foges nanten Chriften Dienet, ift nicht Der Heringfte Der Rormit .. Curis ofiter und Begierde gerne offt mas" neues | Sagen ernfilichen Bemuthen zum nachfine
FAC-SIMILE OF PART OF FIRST PAGE OF CHRISTOPH SAUR'S PAPER, THE FIRST PERMANENT GERMAN PAPER PUBLISHED IN AMERICA.
Saur's German Newspaper.
207
208
The German Immigration into Pennsylvania.
that their contracts with their debtors expire on June 30, and all the Germans who came to Philadelphia from Rot- terdam on their ship and have not paid their passage money will be legally proceeded against unless they pay by that time."
From The Pennsylvania Berichte, Philadelphia, August I, 1749 :
"A letter has been received in Germantown, written in the beginning of August, 1749, in Virginia, in which two potters say they sailed from Rotterdam for Philadelphia. Their company contracted with the Captain of the ship to pay ten doubloons for their passage, but he deceived them and carried them all to Virginia, and sold them for five years. They ask whether there is no help for them, as they never entered into such a contract. It appears the ship belonged to the Captain and was not consigned to any agent in Philadelphia."
From The Pennsylvania Berichte, Germantown, Novem- ber 16, 1749 :
" The ships on which so many persons had put their chests, and which were so long in coming over, arrived on the 9 and II of the present month in Philadelphia. We hear that many of these chests were broken open. It is customary that when a ship captain receives goods and wares for delivery, he must turn them over to the owner as he receives them when the freight is paid, and what is lacking must be made good by him. But the Germans pay and must pay when their chests are robbed or when famished with hunger, even though their contracts are ex- pressly to the contrary."
From The Pennsylvania Berichte, December 1, 1749: " It is well known that after ships arrive in Philadelphia
209
Testimony of the Early Press.
with Newlanders, there is always a new crop of spurious twenty-shilling Philadelphia bills in circulation, dated August 10, 1739."
From The Pennsylvania Berichte, Germantown, July 16, 1750 :
" During the past summer Abraham Bär, of Madedeche, took with him on his trip to Rotterdam, two beggar boys who bound themselves to serve seven years for their pas- sage money. When they reached here they learned that they could not be made to serve longer than 4 years or until the age of 21 years."
From The Pennsylvania Berichte, No. 123, August 16, 1750:
" Six ships with Irish servants have arrived at Phila- delphia, and two ships with German Newcomers. Some say 18 more are on their way here; others say 24 and still others 10,000 persons."
From The Pennsylvania Berichte, Germantown, De- cember 16, 1750 :
" Capt. Hasselwood has arrived from Holland with the latest ship that brought Germans. It is the fourteenth that has come laden with Germans this year. 4,317 have regis- tered in the Court House. (The last one mutinied against the captain and all the chests of the salesmen and them- selves are under arrest.) Besides these, 1,000 servants and passengers arrived from Ireland and England."
From The Pennsylvania Berichte, Germantown, June 16, 1752 :
" On the 5th of the present month a ship with a few Ger-
210
The German Immigration into Pennsylvania.
mans reached Philadelphia. It is a year since they left Germany and they were five months in reaching the Dela- ware, which being frozen, they sailed for the island of Antiqua in the West Indies. They suffered much from lack of food and from scurvy, from which many died, among the latter being the captain himself. Out of 200 passengers only 19 sur- vived, besidesthe helmsman and two sailors. It is said they were Suabians and it became a second nature to them to use an oath to every second word, and they wished to each other that thunder and lightning would strike them. The kind of religion these people have is not known, but they BREAD TRAY, KNIFE AND PIĘ CRUST SCORER. use a hundred thousand cuss words."
From The Pennsylvania Berichte, Boston, September 25, 1752 :
" On last Tuesday a ship arrived from Holland with 300 Germans, men, women and children. Some of them will settle in Germantown, and the rest in the eastern part of the Province. There were 40 births on board during the voyage, Among the mechanics and artists were a great many glass workers, and a factory will be established for them as soon as possible."
From The Pennsylvania Berichte, New York, October 16, 1752 :
2II
Immigrants Tricked by Newlanders.
" During the past week came Captain Pikeman with Palatines."
From The Pennsylvania Berichte, October 16, 1752 :
" From a letter received from Charleston, South Caro- lina, we learn that a vessel reached that harbor after a voyage of 18 weeks' duration. The people were all suf- fering from hunger and thirst. Another vessel that came from Rotterdam by way of Liverpool, also arrived with a cargo of Palatines, all of whom were fresh and well. When the Captains are stingy and save the money that should be used in buying provisions, the poor passengers die of starvation, while their friends must pay for their deaths. If however the Captains are liberal and buy suf- ficient food, then it is just to pay for the food."
From The Pennsylvania Berichte, Germantown, Decem- ber I, 1752 :
" While tyrannical Sea Captains for many years past kept the poor German immigrants in such a plight, that many of them died, the Government of the Province passed a law that when the newly arrived Germans made complaint hereafter, that they were not allowed the room on shipboard that was contracted for, nor the food agreed upon, the Captain should pay a fine of ten pounds. But nevertheless we hear that although the poor people almost died of hunger : when they reached the river Delaware they were informed by the Newlanders that visitors would arrive and would ask them whether they had room enough, and sufficient to eat, then they should all exclaim Yes ! yes ! but if they complained, they would not be allowed to land under four weeks' time. When the passengers are therefore tired of the sea and ship and of the want
212
The German Immigration into Pennsylvania.
of food, all who were able to do so called out, Yes ! yes. If they complained after they landed, concerning a lack of food and space, then there was no help for them. The tyrannical captains would rather spend a hundred pounds among Newlanders and visitors than a thousand pounds in fines."
From The Pennsylvania Berichte, March 1, 1753 :
" Captain Hyman Thompson, being about to return to Europe, all those who came over on his Ship, and are still indebted to him, are notified that the accounts have been placed in the hands of Mrs. Carl and Alexander Stedmann. If they do not come forward promptly they will be legally proceeded against and put into the costs."
From The Pennsylvania Berichte, September 16, 1755 : " Many Redemptioners having joined the army in Phila- delphia, they will again be delivered to their former mas- ters. They are sharply questioned whether they are servants, but when they declare they are not, when they really are, they are whipped."
From The Pennsylvania Berichte, Germantown, Feb- ruary 16, 1756:
" We have heard during the past fall that a ship with Germans was driven on the coast of France and many were drowned. The rest were taken to England and sent over in a merchant vessel to this country, and it is known that they were five months on the sea, when the ship sprung a leak which could not be found, compelling all on board to labor at the pumps for seven days and nights. At last they were overtaken by a ship bound for Charleston, when the Captain of the latter took off sixteen families with the
213
Sales of German Redemptioners.
necessary provisions and nothing else, soon after which the ship went down while the rescued ones reached Carolina."
From The Pennsylvania Berichte, Philadelphia, August 16, 1756:
" A ship having arrived from Ireland with servants, some artisans, those interested can call on Thomas Gardens, at Mr. Parnell's wharf, or on the Captain Nathanael Ambler on the ship. They are Irish."
From The Pennsylvania Staatsbote, November 9, 1764 : " GERMAN ARRIVALS.
" To-day the ship Boston, Captain Mathem Carr, ar- rived from Rotterdam, with several hundred Germans. Among them are all kinds of mechanics, day laborers and young people, men as well as women, and boys and girls. All those who desire to procure such servants are requested to call on David Rundle, on Front Street."
From The Pennsylvania Staatsbote, December 14, 1773 : 1
"To be sold. A Dutch Apprentice lad, who has five years and three months to serve; he has been brought up to the tailor's business. Can work well."
From The Pennsylvania Staatsbote, January 18, 1774 : " GERMAN PEOPLE.
" There are still 50 or 60 German persons newly arrived from Germany. They can be found with the widow Kri- derin, at the sign of the Golden Swan. Among them are two Schoolmasters, Mechanics, Farmers, also young chil- dren as well as boys and girls. They are desirous of serv- ing for their passage money."
214
The German Immigration into Pennsylvania.
From The Pennsylvania Staatsbote, April 25, 1785 :
" For sale, a bound German maid-servant. She is a strong, fresh and sound person, and is not sold because of any defect, but only because she is unsuited to the work she is engaged in. She understands all kinds of farm labor, is very affable and suitable for a hotel. She still has five years to serve."
Not only farmers and mechanics were among these people, but students and schoolmasters also came into this work-market. Pastor Kunze tells us that he himself had this experience : A student who arrived was secured, and with his help a Latin school was started.128 In 1793 the elders of the Lutheran and Reformed church at Ham- burg, Berks county, secured a schoolmaster, John Fried- rich Schock, who served them three years and four months, in consideration of having his passage money paid, and receiving the customary outfit (gebräuchlichen Freiheits Kleidung) at the end of his term of service.
As an example of the manner in which the arrivals of ships bringing German passengers whose passage money was unpaid, was brought to public attention, I quote the following announcement from Bradford's Journal for September 29, 1773 :
" GERMAN PASSENGERS.
" Just arrived in the ship Britannia, James Peter, Master. A number of healthy GERMAN PASSENGERS, chiefly young people, whose freights are to be paid to Joshua Fisher and Sons, or to the Master on board the Ship lying off the draw-bridge."
128 Hallische Nachrichten, p. 1477.
GERMAN IMMIGRATION - MAILLESHIL
₹
PENNSYLVANIA OAKMAN FARM LIFF
214 The German !mme
From The Peroowym . " For sale Z-cervant. She in e strong, fre not sold because of any d. suited to the work
she
ederlamis ali kinds of farm labor,
IMir tir a hotel She still has five
www inacamkey were among these
al aibelim ders aisq came into this Work-M So that he himself had
this Cameranch ecured, and with li help a In 1793 the
Ham-
burg. Berke cóbank am
WHed-
rich Schock, wie veryce the .:
months, in consideration of having my fim paid, and receiving the customary outfit (gebrauchlichen Freiheits Kleidung) at the end of his term of service.
As an example of the manner in which the arrivals of ships bringing German passengers whose passage money was Erpaid, was brought to public attention, I quote the following announcement from Bradford's Journal for September 29, 1773 :
" GERMAN PASSENGERS.
i just arrived in the ship Britannia, James Peter. Muster. A. number of healthy GERMAN PASSENGERS, chiefly young people, whose freights are to be paid to Joshua Fisher and Sons, or to the Master on board the Ship Iving off the draw bridge-
128 Hallisthe Nachrichten p. 1477
GERMAN IMMIGRATION INTO PENNSYLVANIA.
PENNSYLVANIA-GERMAN FARM LIFE. MAKING CIDER FOR HOME USE.
4
215
Charges Against Immigrants.
From Rupp's collection of names I find this ship had reached Philadelphia eleven days before the advertisement appeared in the newspaper. A reasonable inference is that at that particular time the Redemptioner market was not as brisk as it might have been, and that special efforts were necessary to work off the human cargo.
The above-named firm seems to have been largely en- gaged in the business of bringing over German immi- grants.
Here is a partial list of the passengers on the already named ship Britannia, prepared in the office of Messrs. Joshua Fisher & Sons, showing the amount of the passage money due by each, as well as some additional expenses in- curred by them on the voyage, most probably for provi- sions, which were never over-abundant and generally in- sufficient.
Andreas Keym £26.7
Lena Bekker, his wife 22.2
Expense 16 days. 1.12
£50.1
Hendrick Soueau £20.15
Dorothea, his wife 20.1I .
Expenses.
I.12
42.18
John Frederick Camerloo £23.15
Anna, his wife. 22. I
Expenses
1.12
£47.8
Simon Martz
Ann, his wife.
Anna Margaretta, daughter
Expenses. £ 2.8
216 The German Immigration into Pennsylvania.
Augustinus Hess £19.1
Maria, wife. 18.19
Anna Margtta daughter
19.4
Expenses ..
2.8
£59.12
Jacob Schott
£17.1
Anna, wife
Expenses.
1.12
18.13
Christopher Schever
}
£50.7
Anna, wife
1.12
£51.19
John George Kunkell
Anna, wife
£41.5
Catherina, daughter
Expenses
3.4
£44.9
Jacob Steyheler
£19.19
Catharina, wife
17.18
Expenses.
1.12
£39.9
Bernard Schmit
Margaretta, wife
£61.5
Turgen, son
Catharina, daughter
Expenses.
3.4
Andreas Otto
Sophi, wife
£41.7
Expenses
1.12
£42.19
John Danl. Roth
£49.8
Anna, wife
Expenses.
1.12
£51.
£64.9
217
Charges Against Immigrants.
Jacob Wanner }
£20.15
Maria wife
1.12
Expensse
£22.7
Daniel Spees
£38.17
Anna, wife
Expenses. 1.12
£40.9
Christian Habert
£43.4
Anna Maria, wife
1.12
Expenses.
£44.16
Daniel Spees Jr.
£36.17
Anna, wife
1.12
Expenses.
£38.9
Andreas Kirch
Anna Maria, wife
£44.9
Expenses.
2.8
Jacob Twytser
£42.7
Johanna Barbara, wife
Expenses
1.12
£43.19
Conrad Foltz
Susanna, wife
£51.
Maria, daughter
Expenses.
2.8
£53.8
William Schwartz
£35.16
Anna Maria, wife
Expenses. 1.11
£37.8
Christian Nell £20.
Expenses. .16
£20.16
Maria Elizabeth
£46.17
218 The German Immigration into Pennsylvania.
Johann Jeremiah Snell
£24.19
Expenses.
.16
£25.15
Gerrett Benengé
£23.II
Expenses
.16
£24.7
Anty. Guerin
£21. 3.6
Expenses.
.16.
£21.19.6
Pierie Mullott.
£21.
Expenses.
.16
£21.16
£17.18
Gertuna Vogelsand 129
.16
£18.14
129 The original of the foregoing interesting document is among the manu- script collections of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Rupp, in his Thirty Thousand Names, gives the names of the passengers on the Britannia, but not all of them. This list gives additional ones.
ROACH TRAP, BUGELEISEN AND BREI-PFANNE.
CHAPTER VI.
REDEMPTIONERS OR INDENTURED SERVANTS NOT ALL GER- MAN .- IRELAND, WALES, SCOTLAND AND ENGLAND CON- TRIBUTED LARGE NUMBERS TO CARRY ON THE WORK OF COMMONWEALTH-BUILDING IN PENNSYLVANIA.
"Be this my home till some fair star Stoops earthward and shall beckon me ; For surely Godland lies not far From these green heights and this great sea, My friend, my lover, trend this way Not far along lies Arcady."
HILE, of course, un- der the general title uitD of Redemptioners, I have ref- erence mainly to those of Ger- hoffe. man birth, these people were composed of nearly every Arbeite other nationality that contri- buted material to the upbuild- ing of the American com- monwealths. Such being the case, and while, when we find reference to indentured servants and Redemptioners AN EPHRATA SYMBOL. in many authors, the refer- ence, where no direct distinction is made, is to Germans. I have deemed it quite germane to the subject to devote a few
(219)
220
The German Immigration into Pennsylvania.
paragraphs to those of other nationalities, to the Irish, who, after the Germans, were the most numerous, the English, the Scotch and the Welsh. There was no legal distinction between any of them prior to the registry law of 1727. The Germans only were required to take the oath of alle- giance, that not being required of the others who were al- ready subjects of the British crown.
Furthermore, in the early days of the history of Pennsyl- vania and the three Lower Counties of New Castle, Kent and Sussex, many of the indentured servants came over as already such, having been either in the service of well-to- do masters at home, or, having been taken into such ser- vice there to supply the needed labor on the lands which their masters had already bought from the Proprietary. Once here, all the other conditions were applicable to them as to those from foreign countries. They received the same outfit upon the completion of their term of service, and were equally entitled to take up fifty acres of land at a nominal annual rental.
Such being the state of the case, the indentured servants, whatever their nationality, naturally fall into the same category and may be considered together. A further reason for so doing is found in the fact that those writers who have dealt with the general question, have given their attention almost exclusively to those who came from Ger- many, while the rest have barely received mention and in most cases have been passed by without any reference whatever.
So greatly was the value of colonists regarded by Penn, that when he prepared his frame of laws in England, in 1682, a section was given to the manner in which these persons should be registered, treated and otherwise cared for. Special advantages were offered to such as should
221
Servants Sent to Care for Property.
bring along servants. Both the master and the servant were entitled to fifty acres of land upon the conclusion of the latter's term of service, upon special conditions. The servant under the conditions imposed was not necessarily a menial. His standing might be as good as his master's and some were sent here to take charge of the property of owners who remained behind. William Penn himself sent over about a score of such indentured servants, the list of which is still extant.
The result was that during the first decade or two after Penn's acquisition of the Province, a large number of these people were brought over. Evidently, all who could bring servants did so. Either the arrivals were not all registered as the law provided, or else the registry books have been lost. James Claypole was appointed register in 1686 and a registry book in his handwriting is still extant, covering a period of about three years, which in a measure reveals the extent to which these indentured servants were brought into the Province at that time. A few extracts are here quoted from the book.
"Came in the ship Endeavour of London. George Thorp M: Richard Hough, of Maxfield in Cheshire hus- bandman, (Servants) Fran. Hough, Jam : Sutton, Tho. Woodhouse, Mary Woodhouse.
" In ditto shipp : Fran : Stanfield & Grace his wife late of Garton in Cheshire Husbandman. (children) Jam : Mary, Sarah, Eliz : Grace (and) Hannah Stanfield. (Servants) Dan : Browne, Theo: Maxsey, Isa : Broohesby, Rob. Sidbotham, John Smith, Rob! Bryan, Wm Rudway, Tho. Sidbotham.
"John Maddock, in ditto shipp. Servants, George Phillips Ralph Duckard.
" The Providence of Scarborough Rob! Hopper M: Grif-
222
The German Immigration into Pennsylvania.
fith Owen & his wife Sarah and their sone Rob! & 2 daugh- ters Sarah & Elenor & 7 servants named Thos. Armes, John Ball 4 years, Robert Lort for 8 years, Alexander Edwards ; Jeane, Bridget & Eliza Watts 3 years.
" Henry Baker & Margaret his wife & their Daughters Rachell, Rebecca, Phebey & Hester and Nathan & Samuel their sones. Mary Becket & 10 servts named John Slidell for 4 years, Hen : Slidell 4 yers, James Yeates 5 ye", Jno Hurst 4 yers, Tho : ffisher 4 yer", John Steadman 4 years, Thos. Candy for Joseph Feoror 4 yers, Deborah Booth 4 yrs. Joshua Lert 4 years.
"The Bristoll Merchant John Stephens Commander Arrived here the Ioth of 9th Month 1685.
" The passengers names are as followeth viz :
" Jasper Farmer, Senior, his Family (names given).
" Jasper Farmer Junior's family (names given).
" Their Servants are as followeth viz .:
" Ioone Daly, Philip Mayow and Helen his wife, John Mayow, John Whitloe, Nicholas Whitloe, George Fisher, Arthur Smith, Thomas Alferry, Henry Wells, Robert Wilkinson, Elizabeth Mayow, Martha Mayow, Sara Burke, Shebe Orevan, Andrew Walbridge.
" In the Lion of Leverpoole.
"Joseph Fisher & Elizabeth Fisher his wife late of Stillor- gin near Dublin in Ireland, Yeoman, born in Elton in Ches- ire in old England. (Children) Moses, Joseph, Mary, and Marth Fisher.
Servants.
Time to Serve.
Payment in Money.
Acres of Land.
Edward Lancaster
4
£4.10
50
W. Robertson
4
50
Ed. Doyle.
4
-
50
Ben : Cilft.
4
-
50
223
Redemptioners in Delaware.
Servants.
Time to Serve.
Payment in Money.
Acres of Land.
Tho : Tearewood.
4
50
Robert Kilcarth.
8
50
Peter Long.
2
6.
50
Phill Packer.
4
-
50
Wm. Conduit.
4
3.
50
Mary Toole.
4
3.
50
Elez : Johnson
4
50130
REDEMPTIONERS IN DELAWARE.
The Duke of York made provision for the holding of indentured servants in his Colony of Delaware, in 1676. Under the law of September 22d of that year servants were not permitted to give or sell any commodity whatever during their term of service. All were compelled to work at their callings the whole day, with intervals for food and rest. Runaways could be seized and brought back. If cruelly treated by master or mistress, servants could lodge complaint, and if lamed or an eye struck out, they were to be at once freed and due recompense made. If, however, servants complained against their owners with- out cause, or were unable to prove their case, they were "enjoyned to serve three Months time extraordinary (Gratis) for every such ondue Complaint." No servants except slaves could be assigned over to other masters " by themselves, Executors or Administrators for above the Space of one year, unless for good reasons offered." Finally the law said, " All Servants who have served Dilli- gently ; and faithfully to the benefit of their Masters or Dames five or Seaven yeares, shall not be Sent empty away, and if any have proved unfaithful or negligent in their Service, notwithstanding the good usage of their Masters,
130 Penna. Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. VIII., pp. 328-335.
This Indenture MADE the Thusenth Day of may
in the Year of our Lord one thousand, Seven hundred and ceghty ou BETWEEN Alex? Begge of Broughshame inthe ferenty of Antwon Tayler Consent of his) of the one Part, and. Formi Buchung of fullybarthey of the other Part, L'in Mudar WITNESSETH, that the faid lerom my BBcard doth hereby covenant, promife and grant, to and with the faid, John G Suchey - - his --- Executors, Administrators and Affigns, from the Day of the Date hereof until the firft and next Ghelade phia-in America, and after for and during the Term Arrival at
John Dehey
of Three Years to ferve in fuch Service and Employment as the faid or his Affigns fhall there employ according to the Custom of the Country in the like Kind. In Consideration whereof the faid Jeho
1 Diard -- doth hereby covenant and grant to and with the faid clear
to pay for fun Paffage, and to find allowfromMeat, Drink, Apparel and Lodging, with other Neceffaries, during the faid Term ; and at the End of the faid Term to pay unto him the ufual Allowance, according to the Cuftom of the Country in the like Kind. IN WITNESS whereof the Parties above-mentioned to thefe Indentures have interchangeably put their Hands and Seals, the Day and Year fire above written.
Signed, Sealed, and Delivered, in the Prefence of
Alex Beard John Daher-
IRISH REDEMPTIONER'S INDENTURE.
224
The German Immigration into Pennsylvania.
225
About Irish Redemptioners.
they shall not be dismist till they have made satisfaction according to the Judgment of the Constable and Overseers of the parish where they dwell." 131
IRISH REDEMPTIONERS.
Almost every writer who has dealt with the Provincial period of our history has had something to say about this servant slavery among the German immigrants, and yet it is rare to find allusions to the Irish servants who either came voluntarily or were sent over, who were also disposed of in precisely the same way, and who were as eminently deserving of the name of " Redemptioners " as any pas- sengers that ever came from the Rhine country. The only distinction I have been able to find between the Ger- man and Irish trade is that those who came from the Ger- man provinces, while for the most part poor and needy, were nevertheless honest peasants and handicraftsmen, who were not expatriated for any crimes, but who volun- tarily forsook their homes to better themselves in Pennsyl- vania; while, on the other hand, those who came from Ireland did but rarely come of their own free will, were not honorable and industrious members of the body politic, but on the contrary, were largely composed of the criminal classes whom it was deemed desirable to get out of the country, and who were hurried on ship-board by any and every expedient that would accomplish that purpose.
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