Item Info

Scripts/Text: Fraktur
Language: German
Weiser Number: 320
Physical Description: Leaf
Material: Wove paper; watercolor; ink
Transcription:

Diesen beyden Ehegatten, als Conrad Pier und \ seiner ehelichen Hausfrau Elisabeth eine gebohrne \ Peter Köfferin, ist ein Sohn zur Welt gebohren, \ Namens Jacoby Pier im Jahr unseres Herrn Jesu \ Christi 1811 den 26ten January um 6 5 \ Uhr Abends Dieser Jacobi Pier ist gebohren \ und getauft in Amerika, im Staat von Pennsylvanien, in \ Northampton Caunty und in Lecha Taunschip. \ Obgemeldter Jacobi ist getauft worden den \ 20 sten Tag März 1811 von Herrn Prediger \ Friedrich Wil. Mensen Taufzeugen waren bey dieser \ Heiligen Handlung der Ehrsame Johannes Köffer und \ deszen Ehefrau Elisabeth.

[in small frame]
Ich bin getauft und eingeschrieben; \ Mich schließt das Buch des Lebens ein, \ Mein Vater wird mich ewig lieben \ und seinem Kinde gnädig seyn.- \Es ist mein Name Gott bekannt: \ Mein Name steht in seiner Hand ........

[on eagle’s banner]
E PLURIBUS UNUM

Translation:

To these two married poeple, namely Conrad Pier and his lawful wife Elisabeth, a born Peter Köfferin, a son was born into the world, named Jacoby Pier, in the year of our Lord Jesus Christ 1811, the 26th January at 5 o’clock in the evening. This Jacobi Pier was born and baptized in America, in the state of Pennsylvania, in Northampton County and in Lehigh Township. Above mentioned Jacobi was baptized on the 20th day March 1811 from Mister preacher Friedrich Wilhelm Mensen. Sponsors at this Holy action were the honorable Johannes Köffer and his wife Elisabeth.

[in small frame]
I am baptized and inscribed; the book of life encloses me. My Father will love me always and have mercy with his child. My name is known to God, my name is written in his hand.

[on eagle’s banner]
E Pluribus Unum.

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

Hand-drawn; hand-colored; hand-lettered; printed form. The main text in printed Fraktur, with blanks infilled by hand, is within a rectangular frame in the lower portion of the document. The printed verse within a small rectangular frame is above it. In the upper center is a printed image of the Great Seal of the United States, consisting of a spread-winged eagle bearing a shield, arrows, and an olive branch. Above it is a burst of light and stars in the midst of clouds. The upper portion of the document also contains hand-drawn floral motifs.

Associated Names: Pier, Jacoby
Provenance: Henry S. Borneman

Bibliography:

“Martin Brechall” 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), 2^nd ed., vol. 1, pp. 117-123.

Klaus Stopp, The Printed Birth and Baptismal Certificates of the German Americans (East Berlin, Pa.: Russell D. Earnest Associates, 1997) vol. 1, p. 151.

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

Creation Year (Single Year or Range Begin): ca. 1813
Image Dimensions Width: 35.5 cm
ShelfMark: FLP 302
Creator Name: [Martin Brechall (c. 1757-1831)] - Decorator
[Martin Brechall (c. 1757-1831)] - Scrivener
[Joseph Ehrenfried & Co. (1812-1815)] - Printer/Publisher