Item Info

Scripts/Text: Fraktur; 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 Pathemore and his Wife \ Elenen a born Gerberich \ was born a child on the 16th Day of \ Augustus in the year of our Lord 1835. \ This CHILD was born in Sivatara Township \ in Dauphin County, in the \ State of Pennsylvania in North America; \ was baptised by the Rev. Finkel \ and received the name George Washington.
Witness present at the Act of Baptism: \ His Parents.

‘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 baptized, 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 baptiz’d I have, \ This, only this, my soul can save. \

[on eagle’s banner]
E PLURIBUS UNUM

[in upper left corner]
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!

[on bottom]
Printed & for sale by Moser & Peters, Harrisburg—1827
 

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

Hand-lettered, hand-colored, on printed form. The central text in Roman print with blanks infilled by hand is in a decorated rectangular frame in the center of the document. A basket with flowers and one of the verses are below it. Two verses are in frames 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. A spread-winged eagle holding a banner in its beak is in the upper center. In each lower corner are two birds perched on a tree with leaves and fruits. Between them are two baskets with flowers as well as three bunches of flowers. The entire page is enclosed by a decorative border.

Associated Names: Peters, Gustav S.
Bibliography:

Klaus Stopp, The Printed Birth and Baptismal Certificates of the German Americans (East Berlin, Pa.: Russell D. Earnest Associates, 1998) vol. 3, p. 46.

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

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): 1827
Image Dimensions Width: 40.6 cm
ShelfMark: FLP 1175
Creator Name: Johann B. Moser (1800-1874) - Printer/Publisher
Gustav S. Peters (1793-1847) - Printer/Publisher