333.
Mostly Local Newspaper WWII and Churchill Highlights

A collection of eighteen newspapers (some first pages; some first sections) with highlights of WWII and the death of Winston Churchill. The Cleveland Plain Dealer: "Germans Invade Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg," first section, ( May 10, 1940); The Cleveland Plain Dealer: "War Ends on French Front," first section, (June 25, 1940); The Cleveland Plain Dealer: "Americans Land to Cut Off Bataan. Red Army Within 73 Miles of Berlin," first section, (January 31, 1945); The Cleveland Plain Dealer: "Train Bears F.D.R. Home for Funeral Today; Patton 90 Miles From Red Lines,Cuts Berlin Off From South Reich," first section, (April 14, 145);The Cleveland Plain Dealer: "US Forces Driving on Munich; Soviets Crack Spree River Line Before Berlin," front page, (April 20, 1945); The Cleveland Plain Dealer: "Russians 7 Miles from Berlin; Yanks Racing into South Reich," front page, (April 21, 1945); Akron Beacon Journal:" Berlin End Near; 3rd Hits Danube; Next Move in Polish Dispute Up to Stalin," front page, (April 24, 1945); The Cleveland Plain Dealer: "Yank Troops Seize Munich; Mussolini Executed, Body Kicked by Crowd," first section, (April 30, 1945); The Cleveland Plain Dealer: " Germans Report Hitler Dies At Command Post in Berlin," first section, (May 2, 1945); Akron Beacon Journal: "Germans Collapse in North; London Hears Nazis Negotiate for Peace," front page, (May 3, 1945);The Cleveland Plain Dealer: "Germans Surrender Berlin; Reds Report Hitler Suicide," front page, (May 3, 1945); Akron Beacon Journal: "Nazis Surrender Denmark, Holland, Northwest Reich," front page, (May 4, 1945); The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Society News Section regarding the end of the war; with photographs; pp. 13-24, (August 15, 1945); Akron Beacon Journal: "Yanks Within 160 Miles of Germany, Paris Falls, Allies Take Marseille," first section, (August 23, 1945);The Cleveland Plain Dealer: "MacArthur Raises Flag Over Tokyo in Simple Seven-Minute Ceremony," first section, (September 9, 1945); The Times (London): "Sir Winston Churchill Dies," (January 25, 1965); Manchester Guardian Weekly: "The Greatest Englishman of His Time," (January 28, 1965); The Times (London): "The Nation Pays Its Last Tribute," Churchill's funeral, pp. 5-8, (February 1, 1965);

25/50     SOLD: $103.50

334.
Record of Birth and Baptism

Allentown, Pennsylvania: Saeger and Leisenring, 1863
Mat size: 20" x 16"; image size: 15 1/2" x 12 1/2." Form document of baptismal record German in origin.

25/50     SOLD: $69.00

335.
The Story of Georg Schneider (1746-1793) in His Own Words

Georg Schneider is the father of our ledger writer, George Taylor. After the death of Schneider's father (Johann Nicholaus Schneider/ 1719-1764) in Germany, Schneider came to this country with his mother and four siblings. His mother died en route. Schneider wrote: "In the year Christi 1764, my mother emigrated from Germany with us (five) 5 children, but she died on the voyage upon the sea as we had yet three weeks before coming to the land." He was eighteen years old when he and his family arrived in America. In 1776, Schneider wrote in German a four and one-half page synopsis of his life. The letter chronicles his indenture with a Philadelphia baker, his marriage to Maria Baumann (mother of our ledger writer) and the births of all of his children. It has been translated into serviceable English by his son Johann Georg Schneider (aka George Taylor.) The letter has also been added to by Taylor (1772-1852) to include a synopsis of his own life's work and line. The English letter also includes a translation of a German document from a Lutheran pastor in Germany certifying that Schneider's mother was a member in good standing;the certificate with seal entitles the bearer to receive Holy Communion in "strange countries." This may have been the only item that Schneider managed to retrieve belonging to his poor mother who died at sea.This lot includes the original Good Standing Certificate with seal, in German (dated May 29, 1754); Georg Schneider's original letter detailing his life, in German (dated 1776); and George Taylor's English translation of the certificate, his father's letter detailing his life, and his own additions up to 1816. Taylor died at the age of 79 in 1852.

100/200     SOLD: $57.50

336.
Two Ledger Books From Georg Schneider

Schneider (and later his son, George Taylor) wrote every business transaction down. They each had ledger books, check books, deposit accounts, and handwritten copies of each. Not only did they record the debts they owed others but the signatures of creditors to prove their debts had been satisfied. Both Georg pere and fils included personal comments within the business ledgers along with the price of flour, sugar, the repair of shoes and the cost of making several pairs of red flannel drawers.The lot includes two or possibly three of Georg Schneider's ledger books (two different sizes: 6 1/2" x 4 1/2" and 13 1/2" x 4 1/2".) Covers are missing but the pages are mostly in order. Pages include ciphering, inkblots, and mistakes. Besides the record of the daily life of a baker in the 18th century Philadelphia, the ledgers contain tidbits of popular thought of the day. In one of Schneider's books, he copies out the cure for cancer. ewolfs publishes this treatment as a public service: "For the Cancer: Take sweet fern bushes, bayberry bushes, and the green bark of Black Ash; burn a large quantity of them to Ashes, then put the Ashes into a large kettle with six times as much water. Let them boil slowly one hour; when settled, pour off the clear lye, and put in one 1/3 (3) as much of the same kind of clear Ashes, and boil them again one hour, when settled, boil the lye to the thickness of molasses. For common spots or bunches of cancers, put some of the ? on lint, and apply to the cancer, with more lint around it. Let it be on one, 2 or 3 hours. So proceed untill it is killed. Then poultice with Indian meal until well, bleed and physic often every year." Schneider also includes concoctions for killing insects on fruit trees. Most of the entries in Schneider's ledgers are in English; sometimes, he slips in either German words or writes with German syntax. What is especially telling, however, is that Schneider signs most of his receipts "George Taylor;" the only receipt that he signs "Georg Schneider" is the subscription to the German language newspaper.

50/100     SOLD: $34.50

337.
The Ledger of George Taylor (1772-1852)

George Taylor's ledger is the center piece of this collection of documents. Covering more than fifty years (with several years missing), Taylor's entries detail aspects of his commercial bakery but also of his personal life and late eighteenth century and early nineteenth century Philadelphia. Georg Schneider, Taylor's father, died in 1793 at the age of forty-seven. His son, George Taylor, was twenty-one years old. He lived with his widowed mother and continued the bakery business. After his marriage in 1800,he built a residence for himself and his new wife and began to expand the business.At his father's death, George Taylor not only took over the support of his mother and the operation of the bakery, he actually continued his father's commercial ledger. In this ledger, Georg Schneider's short entries include a partial 1771, no entries for 1772, a partial 1773, complete 1774-1780, no 1781 or 1782, complete 1783 and an almost complete 1793. A thrifty and meticulous businessman/documentarian, Taylor just kept on writing in his father's blue book (12" x 8 1/2") and, in fact, pasted his name label over the top of his father's. The binding is broken; the cover is splattered with ink stains, and for some unknown reason, the word "chloroform" is written like a doodle in Taylor's handwriting around the "Receipts" label on the back cover. A copy of his father's estate settlement is enclosed as well as the cost for flour, sugar, milk, food, chimney sweep services, grapevine trimming, shoe repair, etc.) There is no indication that the bakery ever experienced financial difficulties. By all indications, Taylor led a comfortable and, perhaps, prosperous existence. He writes in his birthday entry on September 20, 1850: "My dear Mother's blessing still rests upon me, when she told me in her dieing Breath I would always do well in this world, I thank thee Almighty God and thy Beloved Son for health and strength." Over the years, Taylor buys more property in Philadelphia, expands the business, and becomes a landlord. It appears that early 19th century Philadelphians were extremely litigious. Taylor sued bad tenants and property owners and was himself sued at least once. There are many comments in the ledger about the stability of the currency and the ongoing see-saw of paper versus gold money which culminated in the Specie Acts; there are discussions of property taxes, poor taxes, the deaths of presidents and popular political figures, and fees for pew rentals at the Zion Lutheran Church.As Taylor grows older and retires, the entries become more philosophical and religious.There is also a great deal of family history included. He writes about the numerous jobs his son Henry seems to procure and lose. He writes about the death of his daughter-in-law from consumption; the death of his grandson and the subsequent disintegration of his daughter's marriage. Taylor writes about the terrible occurrence of fires and the scope of destruction of life and property that is difficult to imagine. He tells of gruesome murders and horrible weather, but he also describes beautiful white, red and blue grapes and the flowering of the "apreecot" trees. He also gives a very full picture of the diet of the day. Taylor purchases all of the food for the household, makes his own "sour crout" and "blackberry Brandie."He is a vigorously healthy man; there are few physical complaints listed in the ledger and usually Taylor is giving thanks for his robust constitution. When he does become ill, Taylor visits the doctor, usually pays him $5.00 and, then, gets "bled" and "cupped." The last entry (May 10, 1852) gives no indication that Taylor is ailing. He dies, however, in August - one month shy of his eightieth birthday. Taylor's ledgers cover the years 1795-1840. The years 1841, 1842 and 1843 are missing. The ledger is complete once again from 1844 through May 10, 1852. Binding is broken. Several pages have been taped. Some pages are torn and dog-eared.

300/400     SOLD: $207.00

338.
Commercial Documents of Georg Schneider

This lot includes five various commercial documents related to Georg Schneider (1746-1793) often referred to as George Taylor the older or George Taylor, Sen. Included are: A mortgage between Lydia Bettle and James Stephens for the Strawberry Alley property (a dwelling house, commercial building and two lots ) that will eventually belong to the Taylors (dated February 6, 1773); a legal document from Lydia Bettle's estate conveying one-third interest to George Taylor (aka Georg Schneider) in Strawberry Alley property (dated June 2, 1774); a note between George Taylor (aka Georg Schneider) and Mary Wolf documenting a 200 pound loan and satisfaction thereof (dated December 6, 1783); a small document wherein George Taylor and his wife Mary acknowledge some sort of contract, sealed and stamped (dated February 13, 1784); a list entitled "Return of Absentees in the Sixth Comp. Second Battalion Philadelphia Militia," partial document, no listing of either the Taylor or Schneider names (dated 1784).

50/100     SOLD: $11.50

339.
Commercial Documents of George Taylor (1772-1852)

This lot includes various commercial and personal documents of George Taylor. They are: a note in which George Taylor either borrows from or owes 600 pounds to Joseph Wert, painter. George's wife's maiden name was Wert; it is unknown if Joseph was a relative (dated February 12, 1784); apparently, George was sued by Wert's estate for the money; a judgment was entered against him on November 6, 1789. This document is an agreement between Barbara Wert, et al (heirs of Joseph?) and George to pay, at least, 100 pounds of the debt (dated January 24, 1793); rental agreement to let some land around Strawberry Alley property to George; also allows him to tear down a building (dated August 11, 1791); pew rental receipt for Zion Lutheran Church (dated June 22,1804); lawyer's summary of land transaction of Strawberry Alley property. Lydia Bettle transaction to Georg Schneider. Georg Schneider dies and his wife Mary inherits. Mary dies and each of her six children are devised one-sixth interest. One of Mary's children dies; her two daughters share her one-sixth interest. All of the siblings transfer their interest in the property to their brother John Taylor. John takes four-sixths interest from them plus his own one-sixth and ends up owning five-sixths of the property. One-sixth still belonging to his two nieces. George Taylor eventually buys out John and the two nieces (dated October 14, 1808); little pocket sized notebook detailing financial matters including the care of the nieces, medical bills for deceased brother, setting the estate of parents (dated variously through 1808); George Taylor's checkbook showing balance of approximately $3,000 every year (dated December 31, 1797 through December 31, 1811); George Taylor's hand drawn map of sublots of Budd Alley, later called Bank Street (dated May 26, 1840).

25/50     SOLD: $46.00

340.
George Taylor: Additional Commercial Documents

Ten documents reflecting the litigious nature of late eighteenth-century/early nineteenth century America: George Taylor has borrowed money from Joseph Wert, who may or may not be related to his wife; Wert places a lien on Taylor property until debt is repaid (dated February 12, 1784); indenture agreement between George Taylor and Jacob Frederick Asher (?) for Asher to learn baker's trade (dated October 23, 1786); George Taylor acknowledges a debt (dated December 3, 1787); George Taylor's copy of the deed conveying property to John Taylor, his uncle (February 28, 1804); Taylor has ordered what amounts to a lien search on his property. Title on Strawberry Alley propery was searched to 1796 with no evidence of any mortgage being recovered (dated January 4, 1805); statement of expenses associated with foreclosure/eviction of Camden, New Jersey property (dated March 9, 1810); eviction notice (September 1815); expenses related to eviction (August 13, 1816); George Taylor rents out his house at the northwest corner of Bank Street and Elbow Lane at 3 months for $60.00 (dated December 7, 1842); George Taylor rents out the same property. Beautiful calligraphy on agreement (dated July 1, 1845.)

25/50     SOLD: $34.50

341.
Estates of Georg and Mary Baumann Schneider

Georg Schneider (1746-1793) was survived by his wife, Mary Baumann (1744-1804) and his six children. At his death, all of his assets passed to her. At Mary's death, their holdings were devised. The oldest son, George Taylor (1772-1852), is the executor of his estate. Finally settled in November of 1807, the legal document (16 1/2" x 12") is a handsome writing listing the satisfaction of debt. In addition to attorney fees, the cost of grave digging and coffin building, the document shows that each of the children (and the guardian for two grandchildren) received around 10 pounds as inheritance. This is George Taylor's copy; there is a seal from the Register Office in Philadelphia certifying that it as true. After the father dies, Mary is in possession of the three story brick bake house and residence on Strawberry Alley. Her son own a lot on Bank Street adjoining the Strawberry Alley address. He wants to build a new bake house and residence (he is recently married and wants his own place). So they go to court and draw up a legal agreement to create a 9'x 15' "alley" (or, essentially, an easement) between the two houses (August 8, 1800). The new house is completed in 1801. The remainder of Mary's estate consists of small receipts for payment of services, (e.g., $8.00 payment to a doctor for " a visit at night by me" and "sundry visits and medicines, $20.00 for a mahogany coffin,etc.), an inventory of items in the house at her death including cash in the house, jewelry, furniture, mirrors and tea kettles. Some of Mary's clothing and household items went to her daughter, Elizabeth Warren. There is also a recorded will. She appoints George and another son, John, as her executors. She gives individual children special items giving John all of the baking equipment. This may imply that John was also in the business along with George. She also leaves her children different amounts of money. At the time of this writing, she has only two grandchildren, Maria and Elizabeth Glaus. Her daughter and mother of the girls, Mary, is still alive but will predecease her. The girls' father is already deceased (dated May 11, 1802.) Additionally, there is an account settlement (much like her deceased husband's) dated November 1807 enumerating all debts.

25/50     SOLD: $11.50

342.
Estates of Taylor Relatives and Friends

The Schneider/Taylor family was fairly large. Their were six children who originally came from Germany in 1764. Georg Schneider (1746-1793) had six children, and his son George (1772-1852) had eleven children. Perhaps because of his relative prosperity or perhaps due to his attention to detail and helpful nature Son George became the executor of the estates of many of his relatives. The items in this lot are the wills and various other accompanying documents. There is a receipt of payment for " a long coat, vest and pantaloon of black for mourning" for his brother Joseph (1786-?). There is a will, account settlement document and inventory of household goods (Scantling owned a pistol) for Mary Scantling, Spinster who died in 1790. Mary was probably George Taylor's aunt, one of the original German émigrés. Apparently, Mary was severely burned in a house fire dying as a result of those injuries. There is a separate letter from her estate acknowledging the debt to a nursing home that attended to her "after being burned in a very severe Manner." Not only did the nursing home "attentively and tenderly" nurse her but arranged for the corpse to be "carried to the Ground." An account settlement is included for an Ann Krouse or Crouse who died around 1795. Her executor was originally Georg Schneider and his wife Mary, but as he predeceased her Son George assumed the responsibility. As Ann's account shows nursing home fees, we presume she is older. She is not a sibling of either of the Georges and may be a relative of Mary's. There is another will (dated June 19, 1809)for a man known as "Alexander Turner alias Alexander Shevenin;" George Taylor is the executor. There are four documents regarding the widow Rosanna Margaret Garrett who died in 1787 naming Georg Schneider her executor. She leaves a part of her estate to Mary Taylor Glaus, sister to George Taylor and mother of Elizabeth and Maria Glaus, and also part to Jacob Frederick Asher/Esker who is indentured to George Taylor to learn the baking trade. She calls the elder Georg her "friend." Two handwritten wills, one recorded will and a partial inventory of goods. There are three documents (one will and two account settlements) from the widow Catherine White, the mother of Rosanna Margaret Garrett and friend of the Taylors.Account settlement for Andrew Taylor (aka Andreas Schneider/1748-1808, one of the original German children, brother of Georg Schneider, uncle of George Taylor), recorded will (Andrew was a carpenter),and six receipts for purchase of goods($26.00 for a coffin) and services. There are several documents for John Taylor (aka Johannes Schneider/1752-1809, one of the original German children, brother of Georg Schneider, uncle of George Taylor) including an account settlement, note, rental agreement, lien search, three receipts, and a recorded will. The will is interesting in that it was made, literally, on his deathbed. John called in an attorney and some witnesses believing that he might "go off in one of those weak fits and that he wished to make his Will." The large part of the will (11/12ths) are the witnesses' statements attesting to the veracity of the dying man's requests. The remaining one-twelfth of the will reads: " I give to my Brother Andrew One thousand Dollars; Betsey Three hundred and Fifty Dollars and Maria two hundred and fifty Dollars and likewise Elizabeth Two hundred and fifty Dollars." "Betsey" may be his niece Elizabeth Taylor Warren; "Maria" and "Elizabeth" are certainly his orphaned great-nieces. Also included here are three miscellaneous documents pertaining to Maria and Elizabeth Glaus.

25/50     SOLD: $34.50