J Haas and John Haas imprints are shown in GAWP5 with a candidate Johannes Haas (1814-1856) identified from Upper Mahantongo TWP, Schuylkill Co., PA.
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Based on earlier details of the toted grooving plane marked J : Haas (GAWP5 imprint (A)), a revisitation of the craftsman's identity was undertaken. (Dan Linski provided the photos and the plane dating question in the Facebook Group 1700s and 1800s Planemakers - Toolmakers of South Central Pennsylvania on 11-3-2024.)
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A candidate, carpenter John Haas, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia Co., PA, b 1777, is put forward as an alternative possibility for the J: Haas imprint.
J : Haas
J : Haas
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GAWP5 presents two imprints, J:Haas and John Haas, for the combined entry. The provided identity of Johannes Haas, 1814-1856, from Schuylkill TWP, PA fits with the ca 1835 date estimate of the imprint B, John Haas. However examination of the toted groove plane with the J:Haas imprint A raises the question of whether the craftsman identity applies to this plane as well. The groove plane's flat chamfers, turn out chamfer stops, riveted skate, skate cut-out design and wedge finial all point to an earlier date (roughly 1800-1810) than ca 1835 date that would be associated with Johannes. (The plane photos and age question were provided by Dan Linski in his entry in the Facebook Group 1700s and 1800s Planemakers - Toolmakers of South Central Pennsylvania, dated 11-3-2024.)
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A search of 1800-1850 census records and tax records for Pennsylvania was conducted looking for candidates. The counties with J Haas individuals included Northampton, Berks, Montgomery, Northumberland, Lehigh, Washington and Philadelphia. Johannes was found in Schuylkill County. Only one other J Haas was found with a related trade; John Haas, carpenter, b ca 1777, who was found in the 1850 census from the Northern Liberties Ward 7, just north of Philadelphia proper. (While this individual certainly fits into the right timeline and the right area for the plane, uncertainties involving the possibility of other candidates remain. As an illustration, earlier J Haas individuals were found in the same general region from tax lists dating between the 1740s and 1760s but not all of the counties have deeds from those early dates that are available for study. Without the deeds, establishing their trades can be difficult. Coverage for individuals from the 1790-1810, the range for this plane, is definitely better, but it's not "perfect".)
John Haas, carpenter b ca 1777, Northern Liberties Ward 7, has few other details that are currently known. His wife was probably Rebecca, who is also included in the cited 1850 census.
John and Rebecca Haas in the 1850 census for Northern Liberties Ward 7
J : Haas Groove Plane
The plane reported in GAWP5 for this imprint. 10 15/16" long, applewood. Photos courtesy of Dan Linski.
