Slavery in Pennsylvania: A Dissertation Submitted to the Board of University Studies of the Johns Hopkins University in Conformity with the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy, 1910

A historical account written in the early 20th century. The work delves into the intricacies of the slave system in Pennsylvania, tracing the origins, legal status, and socio-economic aspects of slavery in the state. The book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how slavery developed and functioned uniquely in Pennsylvania compared to other colonies. The opening of the book introduces the early presence of African slaves in Pennsylvania, documenting their arrival as far back as the founding of the colony. It highlights the mixed reception towards slavery among early settlers, particularly the Quakers who opposed it while recognizing the economic realities that led to various legislative attempts to restrict the importation of enslaved people. Turner establishes a narrative that charts the complex legal and social evolution of slavery in Pennsylvania, emphasizing the tension between economic benefits and moral objections that characterized the state’s approach to slavery in its formative years.