Item Info

Scripts/Text: Roman print; Roman script
Language: English
Physical Description: Leaf
Material: Wove paper; watercolor; ink
Transcription:

CERTIFICATE \ OF \ Birth and Baptism.
TO THESE TWO PARENTS, \ As John Sheaffer and his \ Wife Elizabeth a born Feather \ was born a Daughter on the 14th, Day of \ June in the year of our Lord 1804. This child was born in Warwick Township \ in Lancaster County, in the State of Pennsylvania in North America; \ was baptised by Rev. Helfenstein. \ and received the name Esther. Witness present as the act of Baptism: Mrs \ Esther Sheaffer G. M. 

‘Twas the commission of our lord \ To teach the Nations and Baptise: \ The Nations have received the word \ Since HE ascended to the skies.

Repent and be baptised, he said, \ For the remission of your sins: \ And thus our sense assists our faith, \ And shows us what his gospel means.

An inward baptism of pure fire, \ ‘Tis all my longing soul’s desire; \ Kindle in me the living flame, \ Baptise me in Jesus’ name! \ Wherewith to be baptis’d I have, \ This, only this, my soul can save.

Printed & for sale by Moser & Peters, Harrisburg—1828.

[in eagle’s banner]
E PLURIBUS UNUM

[in upper left]
Our wasting lives grow shorter still \ As days and months increase; \ And every beating pulse we tell, \ Leaves but the number less.

[in upper right]
Infinite joy or endless woe \ Attends on every breath; \ And yet how unconcern’d we go \ Upon the brink of death!
 

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

Hand- lettered; color-printing; printed form. The central text and three verses in Fraktur are within a frame in the center of the document. Two additional verses within rectangular frames are in the upper corners. The main text is flanked by two large inward-facing angels with lyres, one holding a wreath and the other with a bird. Below the main text are two baskets and three bouquets of flowers. A spread-winged eagle, with a banner in its beak, is in the upper center. In each of the lower corners are two birds perched on a leafy tree. An urn with flowers is above the verses in the center. The entire document is framed by a decorative border.

Associated Names: Sheaffer, John
Bibliography:

Klaus Stopp, The Printed Birth and Baptismal Certificates of the German Americans (East Berlin, Pa.: Russell D. Earnest Associates, 1998) vol. 3, p. 47.

Secondary Place Town/Township: Geographic Coverage State/Province:Pennsylvania
Geographic Coverage City/Town/Township:Warwick Township
Geographic Coverage Note:Based on location of birth
Geographic Coverage Region/County:Lancaster

Creation Place Town/Township: Creation Place Note:Based on location of printshop
Region/County:Dauphin
City/Town/Township:Harrisburg
State/Province:Pennsylvania

Creation Year (Single Year or Range Begin): 1828
Image Dimensions Width: 40.7 cm
ShelfMark: FLP 1170
Creator Name: Johann B. Moser (1800-1874) - Printer/Publisher
Gustav S. Peters (1793-1847) - Printer/Publisher
Anonymous - Scrivener