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fromslaves.bsky.social
In November 1850 I ran from #110 Burgundy Street in New Orleans, and I was not found at least through January 1851. I may have left New Orleans to work as a hairdresser at a place I would get paid for my efforts. My name was AIME or EMMA. #slavery #Blackhistory #NOLA #freedomseekers
FIFTY DOLLARS REWARD--Ranaway on the 3d of November last, the griffe girl AIME or EMMA, well known in this city as a hairdresser. She is always neatly dressed, has a pleasant look, is about 4 feet 9 inches high, has a small scar on one of her wrists. The above reward will be paid if she is arrested out of this State and lodged in one of the New Orleans jails, or Twenty five Dollars if apprehended in this State. Information to be received at No. 110 Burgundy street, or address Box H No. 84 Post Office. J5-2t The Daily Picayune 1851-01-05
January 8, 2026 at 11:20 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
I ran from James K. Melvin about November 1850; his mother’s farm was at Cypress Creek in Bladen County, NC, not far from Angola Swamp and Holly Shelter, where I might find a community of other fugitives to start a new life. I was called ANTHONY. #BlackHistory #slavery #freedomseekers
TEN DOLLARS REWARD. RUNAWAY from the subscriber, residing at Cypress Creek, Bladen county, his negro boy named ANTHONY. Said Anthony is about five feet six or seven inches high, yellow complexioned, with good countenance. He was purchased from WM. REAVES, on the 24th day of July, 1850. All persons are hereby forewarned against trading for or harboring him. I will give the above reward of Ten Dollars for his delivery to me or for his confinement in any Jail in the State so that I can get him again, or a reward of Fifty Dollars for proof sufficient to convict any white person of harboring him. JAS. K. MELVIN. Cypress Creek, Bladen co., N. C., Nov. 29, 1850 12-tf Wilmington Journal 1850-11-29
November 27, 2025 at 11:46 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
In October 1850, I ran from the farm of James H. Gale in Still Pond, Kent County, Maryland. Gale was still looking for me in January 1851 but I was free. My name was JOE WRIGHT. #BlackHistory #slavery #freedomseekers
$200 REWARD. RANAWAY from the subscriber, on the 24th of October last, a negro man named JOE WRIGHT. Said negro is about 21 or 22 years of age, dark skin, about 5 feet 2 or 4 inches high, well made and regularly featured. He took with him a fine dress black coat and pantaloons, a drab great coat, a new pair of grey kersey pantaloons, a cassinet roundabout, well worn and a fur hat and cap. I will give the above reward for the apprehension of said negro, if taken out of the State of Maryland; $100 if taken out of the county, and $50 if taken in the county, in any ease to be lodged in the jail at Chester Town. JAS. H. GALE Still Pond, Kent county, Md. Nov. 16, 1850-4w The Cecil Whig and Smyrna will copy the above four times, shall send bills to this office for collection. Kent News 1850-11-16
November 13, 2025 at 1:02 PM
johnokeefe.bsky.social
Speaking on Lord Dunmore's proclamation, here's a dramatic account of the battle of Kemp's Landing, where a newly free man ended up fighting in close quarters against his former master: #skystorians #freedomseekers #americanrevolution #ushistory #250yearsago
November 9, 2025 at 9:41 PM
monriatitans.craves.coffee
@pbs.org | PBS Origins: "The Secret Group That Planned an Insurrection Against Slavery" | #RogueHistory #JoelCook #TheKnightsOfLiberty #MosesDickson#BlackHistory #USAHistory #UndergroundRailroad #TheAfricanMysteries #FreedomSeekers #CallSigns
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClWa...
The Secret Group That Planned an Insurrection Against Slavery
YouTube video by PBS Origins
www.youtube.com
November 8, 2025 at 3:17 AM
johnokeefe.bsky.social
Slaves in Paris: Hidden Lives and Fugitive Histories
Miranda Spieler
newbooksnetwork.com/slaves-in-pa...
among other things: letters of cachet were used by the well connected to override freedom papers
#legalhistory #ancienregime #frenchhistory #booksky #freedomseekers #paris
Miranda Spieler, "Slaves in Paris: Hidden Lives and Fugitive Histories" (Harvard UP, 2025) - New Books Network
newbooksnetwork.com
November 1, 2025 at 6:32 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
I ran from Judge Thomas B. Berry’s plantation in Charles County, Maryland in October 1850; I might have headed for Washington, DC, hoping for help from my friends, or tried to go north. My name was JIM ENDERSON or ANDERSON. #blackhistory #slavery #Maryland #freedomseekers
ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD. — Run away from the subscriber, living in Charles county, near Piscataway Post office, Maryland. on the 24th inst., negro boy JIM ENDERSON; or ANDERSON, about twenty years of age, copper colored, rather slender made, and about five feet seven or eight inches high. He has an uncle living near the Eastern Branch Bridge, with Mr. Wm. Madox; and an acquaintance living in the District of Columbia on Capitol Hill, by the name of Sophia Hill, a free woman of color. It is believed Jim had on when he left, a roundabout jacket of nankeen, black pants, and an old cloth cap. I will give twenty five dollars if taken any where in Maryland or in the District of Columbia, and one hundred dollars in any non-slaveholding State, and Secured so that I get him again. o 28-2t THOS. B. BERRY. Baltimore Sun 1850-10-28
October 28, 2025 at 12:55 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
I ran from Joseph D. Murphy’s farm east of Clarkesville, Habersham County, Georgia in August 1850; I might have gone north into the woods of North Carolina from there. He was still looking for me in October. My name was WATT. #slavery #BlackHistory #freedomseekers
$10 Reward. RANAWAY from the Subscriber, 15 miles east of Clarksville, Ga., on the night of the 18th August last, a NEGRO MAN named WATT, 28 or 30 years of age; of a copper color, about 5 feet 7 inches in height, weighing 175 lbs. It is supposed he is in company with a yellow, well-dressed negro, reported by the negroes to have run from Coweta County, Ga. The above reward will be given to any person who will cause said negro to be delivered to any safe jail so that the subscriber can get him.--All communications concerning said boy will be directed to Walton's Ford, Habershem co., Ga. JOS. D. MURPHY. September 3, 1850. 9--6w. Hornet's Nest And True Southron 1850-10-19
October 24, 2025 at 6:07 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
In October 1855 I ran from the farm of James Penny, which was 6 miles south of Raleigh, NC. I had a wife who lived on Simeon M. Williams’ farm, not far away. Penny would have hunted me there, but I was still free in December 1855. My name was SYLVESTER. #slavery #freedomseekers #blackhistory
$10 REWARD. RANAWAY from the subscriber, about the 1st day of October last, my negro boy, SYLVESTER; five feet, 8 or 9 inches high; large front teeth, tolerable quick spoken. Said boy has a wife at S. M. Williams', about 8 miles south of Raleigh, on the Fayetteville road, and is supposed to be lurking in the neighborhood of the said Williams. The above reward will be paid for his delivery to me, six miles south of Raleigh, or Raleigh Jail, so I can get him again. JAMES PENNY. Nov. 5. 1855. 89-tf.
October 13, 2025 at 1:27 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
I ran from Thomas Harrington’s Moore County, NC farm in September 1850. He offered only $10 for my capture, but raised it to $25 before giving up in March 1851. I might have found work in Fayetteville or hid in the forest nearby. My name was WESLY. #blackhistory #slavery #freedomseekers
$10 Reward. Ranaway from the subscriber on the 9th inst., a negro boy by the name of WESLY. Said negro is 27 years of age; about five feet nine inches high ; weighs about 160 or 65 pounds ; has rather a saucy look ; with a scar running across the forehead, above the eye-brow, and he is of a dark copper color. He has a large natural gap between the upper front teeth. The above reward will be paid for his apprehension and delivery to me, or for putting him in any jail so that I can get him again. Any information concerning him will be received if directed to me at Rollins’ Store, Moore county, N. C. THOS. HARRINGTON. Sept 21, 1850 604-tf North-carolinian 1850-09-21
October 9, 2025 at 10:25 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
In July 1850 I ran from butcher George W. Pappler of Baltimore, Maryland, near Hampstead Hill Street and Castle Alley. I managed to hide from him at least through September of that year. My name was ALEVIA. #blackhistory #slavery #freedomseekers
$20 REWARD.-Ran away from the subscriber, on or about the 15th July last, a NEGRO WOMAN, named Alevia, about 45 years of age; blind in one eye, and of very dark complexion; she is a muscular and well proportioned woman; when walking, of erect carriage; and is addicted to intemperance. The above reward will be given, if taken here or elsewhere, and brought home or lodged in jail, so that I obtain her. GEORGE W. PAPPLER, Hampstead Hill, Baltimore. 1t* Baltimore Sun 1850-09-17
September 26, 2025 at 1:27 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
In September 1850, I ran from the area near Elkridge Landing on the Patapsco River, in Anne Arundel County, Maryland; I left with a friend from the nearby Bradford farm. I might have found help and shelter in Baltimore. My name was NED TOOGOOD. #slavery #maryland #blackhistory #freedomseekers
ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD.-Ran away from near Elkridge Landing, Howard District, Maryland, on Wednesday, the 11th instant; my Negro Man, NED, who calls himself Ned Toogood. He about 23 years of age, very black, about 5 feet 6 or 7 inches high, good-looking, with considerable wool on his head-carries himself very erect, and when spoken to shows his teeth, which are very good, and speaks quick. Whoever takes up said Negro and secures him in jail so that I get him again, shall receive, if taken in the State, $50; or, out of the State, the above reward. I understand he went off with Mrs. Bradford's man, living near the above place. JNO. H. BROWN, s 17-5t* near Millersville, A. A. Co., Md. Baltimore Sun 1850-09-17
September 24, 2025 at 9:03 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
I ran from the Mayo estate in Elkridge, Maryland, then in Anne Arundel County, in mid-September 1850. I may have been making a break for freedom and running north. My name was JAMES HUNTER. #freedomseekers #slavery #blackhistory
ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD-Ranaway from the estate of J. Mayo, on Elkridge, on the 15th inst., a NEGRO MAN named JAMES HUNTER, about 27 years of age; black; rather under size; sharp features; somewhat bowlegged. The above reward will be paid on his delivery in any of the jails. s17-3t* Baltimore Sun 1850-09-17
September 22, 2025 at 6:24 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
In September 1850, I ran barefoot from the Eutaw Street house of William H. McLean, a Baltimore, MD grocer. He only advertised for a couple of days; I might have been caught quickly and brought back to him. My name was RACHEL. #slavery #freedomseekers #BlackHistory #baltimore
RAN AWAY. On Friday night. 6th inst., a Mulatto Girl, named RACHEL. She is short, thick lips and fleshy. She hesitates when spoken to, and frequently will not answer or speak at all. Had on when she left only her ordinary working clothes, with neither bonnet or shoes. A suitable reward will be paid for her recovery if brought home, or any information left at No. 11 S. EUTAW ST., regarding her whereabouts, will be received thankfully. se9 2t American and Commercial Daily Advertiser 1850-09-09
September 7, 2025 at 5:30 PM
carter0712.bsky.social
#slavenarratives
#freedomseekers
#undergroundrailroadhistory
#rootsmusic
#elvislegacy
#rocknrollhistory
#gracelandmemphis
#sunrecords
#nashvillemusic
#bellemeadeplantation
#civilwarhistory
September 6, 2025 at 5:31 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
I broke out of the Chatham County, NC jail in August 1850; I may have headed back to see friends or family at the Brooks place, or gone to nearby Raleigh to live as a free man. They were still looking for me in October. My name was HENRY. #slavery #blackhistory #freedomseekers
$25 Reward. BROKE Jail, in Pittsboro', Chatham County, on Sunday morning, the 11th inst., a negro man, by the name of HENRY, the property of Mr. William Merrit, of this County. Said boy is a dark mulatto, about 35 years of age, 5 feet 10 or 11 inches in height, and is much inclined to laugh when speaking ; has a tolerably bushy head of hair, and is much inclined to be straight. There is no particular scar or mark recollected, by which he could be described more accurately. He was formerly the property of a Mr. Brooks, of this County. I am authorized to offer the above reward for his apprehension and delivery to me in Pittsboro', or $10, for his apprehension and confinement in any Jail in the State, so that his owner can get him again. S. L. REDDLE, Jailor. Pittsboro', Aug. 31, 1850. (Pr. Adv. $3.) 71 6t Raleigh Register 1850-09-04
September 3, 2025 at 7:15 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
In August 1850, I ran from ship captain Gassaway Tucker, who lived near Baltimore harbor on Fell’s Point. I may have changed my name and found work as a free man elsewhere in Baltimore. I called myself SAMUEL MYERS. #blackhistory #freedomseekers #slavery #Baltimore
Three hundred dollars reward ran away from the subscriber , living in Baltimore city, on Monday night, the 26th of August, my Negro man Sam, who calls himself Samuel Myers. He is about 24 years of age, about 5 feet 7 inches in height, tolerable well built for strength, tolerable thick lips, looks down when spoken to slow to speak, has a good set of teeth, one upper tooth out; took away with him a pair of black pants and black coat, other clothing not recollected. I will give the above reward to whoever takes up said negro and delivers him in Baltimore Jail so that I get him again. Gassaway Tucker. No. 254 Pratt street, Fell’s Point. [Baltimore Sun 1850-09-04]
September 1, 2025 at 6:37 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
In August 1850, I ran from the farm of William Gray in Port Republic, Maryland, near the Chesapeake River. I may have had to leave my children behind when I ran. He was still looking for me a month later. I was called DIODEMA. #BlackHistory #slavery #freedomseekers #maryland
$50 REWARD.- Ran away from the subscriber, on Tuesday, the 15th instant. NEGRO WOMAN DIODEMA, about 28 years of age; five feet high, with a notable scar or mark upon her face. The above reward will be given for her apprehension, if taken out of the county and lodged in jail. WILLIAM GRAY, Port Republic. Calvert. County. Md. a21 Baltimore Sun 1850-09-16
August 30, 2025 at 2:18 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
When MARTHA and I were sold in June 1850, I carried a free pass with me all the way from Baltimore, MD to Eli Bishop’s farm in Lancaster, SC. On August 22, 1850, I took a horse, got MARTHA and our daughter from the Stinson farm, and rode to freedom. My name was JOHN. #slavery #freedomseekers
Fifty Dollars Reward. RANAWAY from the Subscriber, on the night of the 22nd ult., HIS NEGRO MAN, JOHN, about 24 years of age, near 6 feet 6 inches high, black complexion, with a large visible scar on his right cheek bone occasioned by the kick of a horse. He wore off a blue casinet round-coat, a cloth cap, light pants, a striped homespun shirt, and carried with him a blue flannel shirt and blue cloth pants, half worn or more; and rode off a fine dark chesnut sorrel horse, with a fine Spanish saddle, (black,) with silver-plated stirrups, a double rein-bridle, and martingales, with pearl rings, all new and black. He also carried off MY NEGRO WOMAN, MARTHA, with her infant daughter, 2 1/2 months old, from Mrs. Stinsons, where I had placed her for trial before trading to Mrs. Stinson. Martha is of middle size, and about 25 years of age. It is supposed that JOHN has a free pass, and aims to get to a free State, or back to Baltimore, Md, where I bought him, on the 24th of last June, ...
August 22, 2025 at 7:55 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
I ran from the farm of Nicholas Brian on this day in 1850. The farm was in Rossville in eastern Baltimore County, Maryland, not far from the Chesapeake. I might have followed the river north in search of freedom. My name was OLIVER TURNER. #BlackHistory #slavery #freedomseekers
ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD. Ran away on the 20th instant, my NEGRO MAN, named OLIVER TURNER. He is about 25 years of age; about 5 feet 10 or 11 inches in height; stoutly made; pleasant when spoken to; wore a grey cloth jacket, blue cotton pants, and straw hat. I will give the above reward if he is taken out of the State of Maryland, or $50 if taken in the State-in either case he is to be properly secured so that I can get him again. NICHOLAS M. BRIAN, Rossville, Baltimore county, Md. a22-6t* Baltimore Sun 1850-08-22
August 20, 2025 at 6:19 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
On the night of August 7, 1850, I took a horse and ran from the plantation of Joseph Mason in Marshall, Texas; I was 18 years old. He thought I might have been lured or stolen and was on my way to New Orleans. My name was ZACHARIAH. #BlackHistory #texas #slavery #freedomseekers
$100 REWARD. RUNAWAY or stolen from the subscriber, on the night of the 7th inst., a negro boy named Zachariah, about 18 years of age, bright complexion, 5 feet 6 inches high, weighs about 140 pounds; has had the Small pox by which he is badly marked; he is an active sprightly boy, and good house servant. He rode a bay horse unshod, ten or twelve years old, paces tolerably well, but hops. The boy is supposed to have been decoyed away by some white man, and both may probably attempt to reach New Orleans. The above reward will be given for the apprehension and delivery of said boy at Marshall, Harrison county, Texas, and the arrest and conviction of the thief: or a reasonable reward for the boy alone, or boy and horse, or if lodged in any jail so that he can be put in possession of the subscriber. J. MASON. Marshall, August 17, 1850. n10 tf. Texas Republican 1850-08-17
August 7, 2025 at 5:54 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
On the night of August 2, 1850, I slipped away from the farm of Emily Beale in Bloomingdale, District of Columbia, a couple of miles from the Capitol. Her son George Beale advertised to get me back. I called myself JOHN PINKNEY. #blackhistory #DC #slavery #freedomseekers
RANAWAY from the subscriber, on the night of the 2d of August, a black boy, who calls himself John Pinkney, about five feet ten or eleven inches high; the thumb on his left hand is cut off at the first joint; he has also several marks or cuts on his legs, one caused by the kick of a horse. He carried with him two check linen coats, one pair of white pants, and one grey vest. A liberal reward will be given if taken and secured in jail so as i may get him again. GEORGE BEALE, aug. 5— Bloomingdale, near Washington, D. C. Daily National Intelligencer 1850-08-05
August 2, 2025 at 11:07 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
On the night of July 31st, 1850, I ran from farmer David Best of Frederick, Maryland. I may have headed north to the Pennsylvania border, or gone south to find family members. My name was LEWIS OWENS. #maryland #slavery #BlackHistory #freedomseekers
$50 Reward. RANAWAY from the subscriber, living near Frederick, on the Georgetown road, on the night of the 31st July, a Negro Man NAMED LEWIS OWENS, about 30 years of age, about 6 feet high, copper color, slim sharp face, and naked forehead: had on when he left a pair of cotton twilled Pants, Straw Hat, and Shoes. I will give the above reward of $50 if taken out of the State, or $25 if taken in the State, and lodged in Frederick County Jail. DAVID BEST. august 9- 4t. Republican Citizen 1850-08-09
July 31, 2025 at 5:56 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
In July 1850 I ran from John S. Willis’s farm near the Cape Fear River in Bladen County, North Carolina. He searched for me to the southwest in Lumberton, but I was not there; he was still looking for me in February of 1851. My name was MORRIS. #blackhistory #slavery #freedomseekers
RANAWAY From the subscriber on the 22d of July, a negro man named MORRIS. He is 6 feet 1 or 2 inches high, but slender built; yellow complected; rather blink eyed; has a scar on one cheek. When last heard from, he was making his way towards Lumberton, where he has relations. I will give TWENTY DOLLARS for his delivery to me, or his confinement in any jail so that I can get him again. JOHN S. WILLIS. Prospect Hall, Bladen county, N. C. August 5, 1858. 598-tf North-carolinian 1850-08-10
July 23, 2025 at 8:35 PM