[10][11] According to early nineteenth century newspapers, Hiester enslaved at least two young Black men during his farming years.
The Lancaster Intelligencer published the following advertisement of Hiester's in its September 20, 1800 edition:[12] "Ten Dollars RewardRAN-AWAY from the subscriber on Wednesday, the 10th inst.
a Mulatta lad, named SIGHE, about 19 or 20 years of age, 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, stout made, light complexion and generally wears his hair queued.
a mulatto man named LISH, about twenty-five years of age, five feet 8 or 9 inches high, stout built, smooth face, has a scar occasioned by a cut on his instep; is fond of spiritous liquors and when a little intoxicated his eyelids appear heavy, and his tongue thick; a great boaster of his activity, strength and capacity for working; his wool is short, being fresh shorn excepting a little on the back part of his head — Had on and took with him, a dark brown cloth coat, swansdown jacket, ribbed velvet pantaloons, and other clothes not known.Whoever takes up and secures said runaway, so that the subscriber gets him, shall have the above reward, and reasonable charges paid if brought home.GABRIEL HIESTER.Berne township, Berks county,June 21, 1806.
[17] Hiester died on his family's farm in Bern Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania on September 1, 1824.