Subject: Birth certificates

This is a colorful, hand-colored birth and baptismal certificate (Geburts- und Taufschein) for Bieber Georg Kohler, born December 19, 1863, in Maxatawny Township, Pennsylvania. The certificate states it was printed by Saeger and Leisenring in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 1863, and it was completed and signed by the scrivener Martin Wetzler on December 29, 1864. The item features ornate illustrations typical of Pennsylvania German folk art, including two winged angels (one holding a horn and harp, the other a wreath and chalice), an eagle with a banner, and four birds perched on leafy branches at the bottom. The central text, written in German script and Fraktur, details the birth and baptism information, along with a poem. 3.

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.

Birth certificate for a child of Jacob Crefsmans and wife Maren Morgarethe, filled in and signed in Hebrew (Yiddish) by Martin Wetzler. The document, printed in German, also includes a note indicating a marriage on October 28th, 1849. The document features a Jewish star and is written in Hebrew, German, and English.

Birth certificate of Junius Brutus Booth, Jr., son of Junius Brutus Booth and Mary Ann Booth. The certificate, dated February 21, 1822, is an affidavit signed by Junius Brutus Booth and notes that the child was born December 21, 1821, on Clifford Street, Charleston, South Carolina, at the dwelling of Mr. Solomon Moses, Jr. The document is significant due to the involvement of Solomon Moses, Jr., a prominent Charleston resident and slave trader.

Birth certificate of Michael Cassyte, created on April 10, 1861 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The certificate is a Taufshine, a type of Pennsylvania German birth certificate, filled in and signed in Hebrew and German by Martin Wetzler, a Jewish scrivener. The document is significant due to Wetzler's Jewish identity, a rarity for a scrivener in the Lehigh Valley at the time. Wetzler's signature includes a Star of David.