Birth and Baptismal Certificate for Abraham Killian, circa 1812

01

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 of birds, flowers, hearts or other stylized figures. This hand-colored Fraktur records the birth and baptism of Abraham Killian from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1812.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Fraktur (Document)

Date Made

circa 1812

Subject Date

16 January 1812

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

61.154.2

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)
Ink
Watercolor (Paint)

Technique

Watercolor painting (Technique)

Color

Green
Yellow (Color)
Brown
Black (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 16 in (framed)
Width: 19 in (framed)
Height: 13 in
Width: 16 in

Inscriptions

Abraham Killian | ist gebohren den 16 ten Tag Jenner im Jahr | 1812 in Earl Tounschip Lancaster County | Tauf Zeugen waren Johannes und Christina | Beck Getauft von Johannes | Witt die Eltern waren | Jacob und Susana | Killian