Ishmael was enslaved by Samuel Hinsdale of Deerfield. Only a handful of records document Ishmael's presence. His first appearance in the records was in 1749, when Dr. Thomas Williams charged Hinsdale “to Phleb. Yr Servt Negroe”, meaning Dr. Williams treated Ishmael by bloodletting, a common 18th century treatment for a variety of illnesses, including fever. In fall, 1751 Hinsdale paid to have shoes made for Ishmael. Ishmael last appeared in Deerfield records in December, 1751, when he purchased vest buttons at Elijah Williams's' Deerfield store.
| Entry | Source | Vol Name | Date | entry id |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| • Ishmael Negro Sam el Hindsdells Servant Dr to 20 vest Buttons @ 5/ | Elijah Williams Day Book | Sept 15, 1751- Oct 15, 1753; Volume 3 | 1751 Dec 13 | 2015 |