Subject: Scribes

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.

A baptismal certificate, printed in German and filled in by hand in Hebrew (Yiddish) with watercolor and red ink. The certificate includes a Jewish star and was completed by Martin Wetzler, a Jewish scrivener, in Rockhill Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, on October 1, 1858. The document is notable for Wetzler's unique practice of using Hebrew and a Jewish star on a Christian baptismal certificate.

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).

Filled-in and signed baptismal certificate, dated April 28, 1869. The certificate is printed on a form and features watercolor additions. It was printed in Allentown, Pennsylvania by Leifenring in 1865. The certificate is notable for being filled out by Martin Wetzler, one of only two known Jewish scriveners in the Lehigh Valley at that time. Wetzler, who was known as the "Jewish Dindamann" (penman) by Pennsylvania Germans, wrote in cursive Yiddish and included a Star of David. He was proficient in Hebrew, German, and English and sometimes added a Star of David and signed in Hebrew to Christian certificates. This was apparently not objectionable to his clients. (See "Papers for Birth Dayes", Vol. II by Russell & Corinne Earnest)

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.

A colored and filled-in baptismal certificate (Taufshine), signed by Martin Wetzler. Dated September 2, 1864. The certificate is notable for being created by a Jewish scrivener, Martin Wetzler, who was a rarity in the Lehigh Valley at that time. Wetzler was known for his knowledge of Hebrew, German, and English; he sometimes included Jewish symbols on Christian certificates.