Birth and Baptismal Certificate for Elisabetha Ombaden, circa 1847

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Artifact Overview

Early German immigrants created decorative keepsakes to commemorate important family events. These documents, known as Fraktur, usually incorporated intricate lettering, elaborate borders and colorful drawings. By the late 1700s, some Fraktur had printed elements. Philadelphia publishers Mentz & Rovoudt created this Fraktur depicting the Ten Commandments. Later, the images were hand colored and names were inserted. The Fraktur commemorates the birth and baptism of Elisabetha Ombaden.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Fraktur (Document)

Date Made

circa 1847

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

56.58.6

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Engraving (Printing process)

Color

Multicolored

Dimensions

Height: 23 in
Width: 18.438 in

Inscriptions

At head: Die zehen Geboten Within wreath: Geburts- und Tauf-Schein. | Diesen beyden Ehegatten, als: | Daniel Ombaden [or Umbaden?] | und seiner | ehelichen Hausfrau Barbara eine gebohrne | Ellenberger ist eine Tochter zur Welt | gebohren, den 20ten Tag Dezember im Jahr | unsers HErrn, 1845 Diese Tochter ist | gebohren in Sud Annvil Taunschip in Lebanon | Caunty, im Staat Pennsylvanien in Nord-Amerika; | und ist getauft worden und erhielt den Namen | Elisabetha den 4ten Tag Dezember | im Jahr unsers HErrn 1847 bey Hrn. Pfarr | Erast[?] Die Tauf Zeugen waren | Die Eltern selbst Imprint at bottom: Herausgegeben und zu haben bey Mentz und Rovaudt, No. 53 Nord Dritte Strasse.