Subject: Baptism

Printed baptismal certificate for Georg and Catharina Loeb, issued in Allentown, Pennsylvania on April 18, 1861. The certificate is filled in and signed in Hebrew by Martin Wetzler, a Jewish scrivener known for his work in the Lehigh Valley. The certificate features a Jewish star within the name of Benhiemer and Wetzler's Hebrew signature.

A filled and signed baptismal certificate in Hebrew (Yiddish), created on a printed form and completed with watercolors. The certificate is notable for being penned by Martin Wetzler, a Jewish scrivener, a rarity in the Lehigh Valley at the time. Wetzler, known as the "Jewish Dindamann" (penman) by Pennsylvania Germans, was proficient in Hebrew, German, and English, sometimes adding a Star of David and signing in Hebrew to these Christian certificates. This certificate was issued on December 25, 1864, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Printed baptismal certificate filled in and signed in Hebrew (Yiddish) by Martin Wetzler, a Jewish scrivener in Rockhill Township, Bucks County, PA, on October 4, 1864. The certificate is for Heinrich Roth. The form was completed with watercolors. This item is significant due to Wetzler's rarity as a Jewish scrivener in the Lehigh Valley at that time.

Printed baptismal certificate filled in and signed in Hebrew and Yiddish by Martin Wetzler, a Jewish scrivener in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on November 10, 1844. The certificate features a stylized drawing of Solomon's Temple and incorporates freehand coloring. This item is significant due to Wetzler's unique status as a Jewish scrivener in the Lehigh Valley at the time, where he was known as the "Jewish Dindamann" (penman).

A filled and signed Hebrew baptismal certificate, similar to those displayed at the Jewish Museum of New York in 1984. The certificate is printed on a form and filled in with watercolors. The scrivener, Martin Wetzler, was a rarity in the Lehigh Valley at this time; he was Jewish, yet he created baptismal certificates for Christians. The Pennsylvania Germans referred to him as the "Jewish Dindamann" (penman). He was proficient in Hebrew, German, and English. He sometimes added a Star of David and signed in Hebrew on these Christian certificates, and this practice seems to have been accepted. (See "Papers for Birth Dayes", Vol. II by Russell & Corinne Earnest). The certificate is dated January 1, 1862.

Account of Penalties listing Samuel Israel for $50.00, dated May 20, 1809, Philadelphia. Additional notes mention that Samuel Israel is the son of Israel Israel and was baptized at birth. The document also includes references to John Wright and Griffen Sneed.