Item Info

Scripts/Text: Fraktur; German script
Language: German
Weiser Number: 394
Physical Description: Leaf
Material: Laid paper; watercolor; ink
Transcription:

Joel, ist von Christlich \ und Ehrlichen, der Evangelisch \ Lutherischen Religion zu gethanen Eltern \ in Pennsilvanien Gebohren, in Weithal \ Taunschip, in Northampton Caunty, im Jahr \ unsers Herrn 1807. den. 24. ten September, und Getaufft \ worden von Herrn Pfarn, Johannes Gobrecht, \ den 25.ten October, Seine Eltern waren, Johan= \ nes Scheurer, und seine Ehfrau, Eva \ eine Gebohrne Ringerin, die erbetene Tauf= \ zeugen damals waren Georg Ringer, \ und seine Ehfrau Elisabetha. \ Sey Gott getreu, Halt seinen Bund, In deinem \ gantzen leben. Deiner Tauf gedenck \ zu aller stund Und thu dich \ gott ergeben. J. S.

[in heart on the left]
Liebes Kind \ Du musst beizeiten \ Dich zu deinem \ Tod berei= \ ten.

[in heart on the right]
Fromme Kinder \ führet Gott, In \ den Himmel \ durch den \ Todt.

Translation:

Joel was born to Christian and Honest parents, who belong to the Lutheran religion, in Pennsylvania, in Whitehall Township; in Northampton County, in the year of our Lord 1807, the 24th of September, and was baptized by Mister Pastor Johannes Gobrecht, the 25th October. His parents were Johannes Scheurer and his wife Eva, a born Ringerin. The requested sponsors back then were Georg Ringer and his wife Elisabetha. Be faithful to God, keep his covenant throughout your entire life. Remember your baptism at every hour, and give yourself to God. J. S. 

[in heart on the left]
Dear child, you must prepare yourself for your death in good time.

[in heart on the right]
Pious children are led by God into heaven through death.

Category: Birth and Baptismal Certificate (Geburts und Taufschein)
Media Type: Manuscripts
Source: Rare Book Department
Notes:

Hand-drawn; hand-colored; hand-lettered. The main text in fraktur and German script is within a circular frame in the center of the document. A crown is above the text. The circle is flanked by two pedestals in the lower corners. On top of them are two hearts with stems of leafy flowers, including tulips. The two admonishments are within the hearts. Formerly attributed to the J.S. Artist due to the initials at the end of the text on this document, which after related examples were discovered with varying initials it was learned that the initials are those of the children for whom the certificates were made. The Brothers Valley Artist worked in Northampton County until about 1810, when he began making fraktur for families in Somerset County.

Associated Names: Scheurer, Johannes
Provenance: Henry S. Borneman

Bibliography:

“Brothers Valley Artist” in Russell D. and Corinne P. Earnest, Papers for Birth Dayes: Guide to the Fraktur Artists and Scriveners (East Berlin, Pa.: Russell D. Earnest Associates, 1997), 2nd ed., vol. 1, pp 128-129. 

Creation Place Town/Township: Creation Place Note:Based on location of birth
Region/County:Northampton [now Lehigh]
City/Town/Township:Whitehall Township
State/Province:Pennsylvania

Creation Year (Single Year or Range Begin): 1810
Image Dimensions Width: 20 cm
ShelfMark: FLP 189
Creator Name: [Brothers Valley Artist (active c. 1805-1814)] - Decorator
[Brothers Valley Artist (active c. 1805-1814)] - Scrivener