As an itinerant auctioneer , Fries was well acquainted with the German - Americans issues in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania .
Pennsylvania auctioneer John Fries organized meetings , starting in February 1799 , to discuss a collective response to the tax .
As an itinerant auctioneer , auctioneer was well acquainted with the German - Americans issues in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania .
Pennsylvania auctioneer John Fries organized meetings , starting in February 1799 , to discuss a collective response to the tax .