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fromslaves.bsky.social
Runaway Project
@fromslaves.bsky.social
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We are a nonprofit organization using AI and data science to shine a light on the forgotten histories and figures of the past that resisted oppression and racial injustice.
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Runaway Project @fromslaves.bsky.social · Jul 10
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fromslaves.bsky.social
A Personal Act of Reparation | Kirk Savage
The long aftermath of a North Carolina man’s decision to deed a plot of land to his former slaves.
www.laphamsquarterly.org
November 14, 2025 at 2:10 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
I ran from the Broughton farm in Craven County, NC on Christmas 1849; I had been hired there by John Asa Beall Fitzgerald, who had inherited me from his father-in-law Lucas Benners. In 1870 he gave land to some of my freed relatives, but his widow took it back. My name was BEN. #slavery
$20 REWARD. THE above reward will be given to any person who will apprehend my negro man named BEN, and deliver him to the jailor of Craven county, or to any jailer in the State, so that I get him. Said negro formerly belonged to the estate of Lucas Benners dec’d. He left the premises of one Broughton, of Craven county, to whom he had been hired, about the 25th of December 1849, and is supposed to be still lurking in that neighborhood. Any person apprehending said negro will immediately notify the undersigned to what jail he has been committed. JOHN A. B. FITZGERALD. Waynesville, Haywood co. N. C. Nov. 5th 1850. 3w. 44 Newbernian And North Carolina Advocate 1850-11-19
November 14, 2025 at 2:00 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
fromslaves.bsky.social
JUBA and I ran from Hiram Runnels’ plantation in Bowie County, Texas, about November 1850. We were close to the border with the Choctaw Nation, and we hoped to find friends there to help us get away. On Christmas Day 1850, Runnels readvertised for me alone. My name was KIT. #slavery #texas
$100 REWARD. RANAWAY from the subscriber living in Bowie county, Texas, two negroes; Juba and Kit. The former is about 5 feet 10 or 11 inches high, yellow or copper color, bushy hair, with a bald spot near the top of his head. Speaks quick and strong and shows the Indian in his speech. One thumb is disfigured by a bone felon. Looks to be about 35 or 40 years old. Kit is a low black fellow, 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, and rather slender. Stands rather crooked in the back and crooked in the legs. Four front teeth cut. Speaks very slow when spoken to. About 32 or 33 years old; but looks as old or older than Juba. I will give the above reward for the apprehension and delivery of both, or $50 for either. H. A. RUNNELS. November 13, 1850-22-tf. Choctaw Intelligencer 1850-11-13
November 10, 2025 at 8:23 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
In November 1850, I ran from Enoch Mills’ farm near Prince Frederick, Maryland. It was close enough to the Patuxent River that he thought I might have taken a boat to Baltimore, but I might have found another way to go North. My name was ROSETTA MORSIL. #slavery #blackhistory
$100 REWARD will be given by the undersigned for the apprehension of my NEGRO WOMAN, ROSETTA MORSIL, about 21 or 23 years of age, if taken out of the State of Maryland, and Fifty Dollars if taken in the State of Maryland-in either case to be delivered to me, or secured in jail so that I get her. She is of medium height, tolerably black, two joints of her fore finger of the right hand are stiff, and the finger smaller than the corresponding one of the left hand. I think it likely that she is trying to get to a free State, and has taken passage in some boat from the Patuxent river for Baltimore. ENOCH G. MILLS near Prince Frederick, Calvert County, Md. n4-tf Baltimore Sun 1850-11-13
November 8, 2025 at 3:00 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
When this ad was placed in November 1850, I was a free person of color; I lived in Kent County, Maryland, and I may have worked at Marshy Point Farm but maybe I tried to quit. I was 15 years old. My name was BILL RESIN. #blackhistory
TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD. Ran away from the subscriber on Friday, 8th instant., a BLACK BOY named BILL RESIN, about 15 years old, 4 feet 2 or 3 inches high, thick lips, has a mark on one of his knees from a burn. He took with him a pair tweed pants and coarse long boots, blue cassinet jacket and blue frock coat. The above reward will be paid on his delivery to me. JOB GARRETSON, Marshy Point Farm. n11 8t* Baltimore Sun 1850-11-11
November 6, 2025 at 6:36 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
I ran from William Major the 3rd and final time on November 4, 1850, after twice trying to escape from his Culpeper, VA farm to get to my aunt in Winchester. I may have gone to Washington, DC or to the north; he advertised until May 1851, but didn’t find me. My name was JUDY. #slavery #blackhistory
$100 REWARD Ran away from the subscriber, nine miles south of Culpeper Court house on the 4th of November, 1850, a mulatto woman named JUDY, about five feet high, 27 years of age; stoutly built, sandy colored hair; has a scar over or near the corner of the left eye : two upper front and several jaw teeth out, and has a twisted nail on the forefinger of one of her hands, caused by a bone felon. She has attempted twice before to get off; once got as far as Warrenton and to Front Royal. She has a number of acquaintances in Washington and Alexandria, and an aunt living in Winchester. I will give $100 if taken out of this State, and secured in jail so that I get her again; and $50 if taken in Winchester or its vicinity, or Alexandria or its adjoining counties. nov 8 tf W M. MAJOR Daily National Intelligencer 1850-11-08
November 4, 2025 at 7:49 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
In early October 1850, I ran from the Harrison County, Texas plantation of William S. Richardson, who had died of typhoid in May. His son Samuel ran a saw mill and left the running of the plantation to an overseer. I took guns with me for my escape. My name was WILLIS. #slavery #texas
Run Away. RAN AWAY from the plantation of W. S. Richardson, deceased, three miles northwest of Marshall, about the 4th of October, a negro boy named WILLIS, of the following description: Of a dark copper color, with a light spot on the under lip, about five feet ten inches in height, and well built. He had on cotton clothes and a white wool hat when he left. He also carried with him a double barrel gun--one a rifle, the other a shot gun, and a brace of pistols. Any information concerning said boy will be thankfully received or a liberal reward will be given for his apprehension and delivery to the Overseer at the plantation in this county. SAM J. RICHARDSON. November 2 tf. Texas Republican 1850-11-02
November 2, 2025 at 11:30 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
I ran or was taken from Henry Barringer, farmer of Rowan County, North Carolina, on October 30, 1850, when I was twelve years old. He advertised for me for two weeks, but I was gone. My name was MARY. #slavery #blackhistory #northcarolina
Stop the Runaway. RANAWAY or was persuaded off by some evil disposed person from the subscriber on the 30th inst., a negro girl named MARY, aged about 12 years, and yellow complected. Any person taking her up and giving the subscriber information will be liberally rewarded. Also for proof sufficient to convict any one of having tampered with her or of having persuaded her to runaway. Letters may be addressed to the subscriber at Salisbury; HENRY BARRINGER. Oct. 30, 1850. 25. Carolina Watchman 1850-10-31
November 1, 2025 at 9:41 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
I was caught in south Lavaca County, TX, and taken to the jail in adjacent Victoria County in October 1850. I did not speak English, but told them I worked with a ‘Capitan Manwell.’ I was held in jail until June of 1851, when I was probably sold for expenses. I was called JIM. #slavery #texas
A Runaway Negro was committed to the jail of Victoria County on the 28th instant. Said negro is quite black, is about 5 feet 7 inches high, about 40 years old, light made, has small hands, is narrow across the forehead, nose tolerable flat, and wears small whiskers. He says his name is Jim, and that he worked with a man whom he calls Capitan Manwell; but will not say when it was or where Manwell lives. Said man appears to be an African negro, and speaks a few words of Spanish and Congo, so mixed that it is difficult to understand what he says. He was arrested on the 25 th instant by Mister Richard Heath of Lavaca County, near the lower line of that county, and was committed to the jail of this county for safe keeping. The owner of said negro is therefore requested to come forward, prove property, pay charges, and take him away. George W. Wright, Victoria, October 29, 1850-27-till found V.c. The Texian Advocate 1850-10-31
October 31, 2025 at 2:43 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
In September 1850, DANIEL and I ran from the Trapier plantation of Georgetown County, South Carolina, where James H. Trapier, a major in the SC state militia, lived with his cousins. We might have headed north in hope of freedom and honest work. My name was GABRIEL. #slavery #blackhistory
$200 Reward. RANAWAY from near Georgetown, S. C., in September last, two Negro Fellows, GABRIEL & DANIEL. GABRIEL is about 38 years old, 5 feet 6 inches high, not very black, is very intelligent and a good Cooper. DANIEL is 34 years old, 5 feet 7 inches high, stout built, and very black ; has lost one or two front teeth. $100 will be paid for either of these negroes, delivered in Charleston. $200 for both. J. H. TRAPIER. Georgetown, S. C., Oct. 27th, 1850. 87 3t Raleigh Register 1850-10-30
October 30, 2025 at 3:46 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
On Monday, October 21, 1850, I ran from the Calvert County, Maryland plantation of Nathaniel Duke. My time of freedom was short, as I was caught in Charles County, a few miles to the west, on November 16, and thrown in jail there. My name was ISAAC KELSON. #slavery #blackhistory
ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD. Ran away from the subscriber, in Calvert county, on Monday, the 21st Inst., Negro man ISAAC, or ISAAC KELSON 28 years of age, about six feet high, well made, copper color, Short and knotty hair, thin beard, and a down look when spoken to. His cloths were white cotton and yarn jacket and pants; palm leaf hat, mixed cloth pea coat of a brown cast. The above reward will be given if taken out of Calvert county, and secured jail, so that I get him or $50 if taken in Calvert and so secured. He can be identified by applying at No 8, Light St, wharf. NATHANIEL DUKE. Baltimore Sun 1850-10-29
October 29, 2025 at 11:57 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
In October 1850, I jumped ship in Baltimore and escaped from Captain Benjamin Shannonhouse of the schooner ‘Martha Ann Reid’. The ship had a regular route between Elizabeth City, NC, where I was from. The ship left and I stayed behind. I was called JACK. #slavery #blackhistory
ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD. Ran away from my vessel, in this place, on the night of 24th October, my negro man JACK. He is about five feet, 6 inches high, stout built, and a little web footed; speaks quick when spoken to, has a grum look, and is about 28 years old. I have left the the matter in the hands of Messrs. Potee, Graham, and McKinley, Police Officers, No. 10 Frederick Street, Baltimore. Any persons communicating any information will be liberally rewarded. B.J. SHANNONHOUSE. o28 6t Baltimore Sun 1850-10-28
October 27, 2025 at 9:56 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
ALECK and I were caught north of Austin, Texas in October, 1850, and taken to the Travis County jail; we may have been heading to Mexico. We were advertised until November 16th and then were likely auctioned off to cover jail expenses. My name was ELIAS and I was 16 years old. #slavery #blackhistory
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that on the 12th day of October, 1851, two NEGRO BOYS who call their names ALECK and ELIAS, were apprehended by William H. Thompson, Daniel M’Kenzie and Nicholas Hays, as Runaway Slaves, about ten miles north of the city of Austin, and brought before George B. M’Closky, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for Austin Precinct, county of Travis, who examined them and satisfied himself that they were runaway slaves, and ordered them to be placed in the county jail and safely kept till the proper owner should come forward, prove property, pay charges and take them away. Aleck is about 22 years old, 5 feet 9 or 10 inches high, has three front teeth out--two above and one below--and is quite black. Elias is about 16 or 18 years old, about 5 feet 4 or 5 inches high, and is also black. The owner of said slaves is hereby notified to come forward, prove property, pay charges, and take them away, or they will be dealt with as the law directs. October 14, 1850. 4w:9
October 23, 2025 at 1:24 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
I went north after running from Richmond, Virginia grocer John Clash; I got as far as Wilmington, North Carolina before I was caught and jailed. My name was SOLOMON. #BlackHistory #slavery #richmondva
TAKEN UP AND COMMITTED TO the Jail of New Hanover County, North Carolina, a negro man about 25 years of age, who says his name is SOLOMON, and that he belongs to JOHN KLISH, of Richmond, Va. The owner of said negro is requested to come forward, prove property, pay charges, and take him away, or he will be dealt with as the law directs. OWEN FENNELL, Sheriff, By JERE. NICHOLS, Jailor. Wilmington, Oct. 9, 1850 5-tf Wilmington Journal 1850-10-18
October 20, 2025 at 2:44 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
I ran from farmer Edward Pigford, about 40 miles north of Wilmington, NC, in June 1850. I likely hid for a while in the swamp at Holly Shelter, and went to see friends at Rocky Point, not far from there. Pigford was still looking for me in April 1851. My name was JACK. #slavery #blackhistory
$12 REWARD. RUNAWAY from the subscriber, residing at Sill's Creek, New Hanover county, his negro man JACK. Said Jack is about 5 feet 5 inches in height, and dark complexioned.He is supposed to be lurking about Holly Shelter, in this county, or he may be in Sampson, as he has a good many relations in that county. I will pay the above reward of TWELVE DOLLARS for his delivery to me, or his lodgment in the Wilmington Jail, or the Jail of Sampson county, and a reward of FIFTY DOLLARS for proof sufficient to convict any white person of harboring him. EDWARD PIGFORD. Sill's Creek, New Hanover co., N. C., Oct. 11, 1850.---5-tf Wilmington Journal 1850-10-18
October 19, 2025 at 3:59 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
I left the Person Street, Fayetteville, NC house of Mrs. Ellen McIntyre about September 1850, but stayed in town. I might have been hoping for work at the brickyard to earn my own money. She was still looking for me in November. My name was JACKSON MCINTYRE. #blackhistory #slavery
$10 Reward The above reward will be paid for the apprehension and delivery to me of my boy JACKSON, known as Jack McIntyre. Said boy has been skulking about town for some weeks. He is of middle size; about 21 years of age; when last seen, had on light-colored coat and dark pantaloons. His usual place of resort, as I understand, is about the premises of John W. Matthews, near Matthews’ Brick Yard. ELLEN McINTYRE. October 12, 1850. 607-tf North-carolinian 1850-10-12
October 17, 2025 at 9:35 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
I ran from Francis Young’s farm in Iredell County, NC in September 1850; he was looking for me through the middle of October. I might have rode north and gone to a free state. When Young died in 1854, I was not among the enslaved people distributed in his will. My name was BOB. #slavery
$25 Reward. RANAWAY from the subscriber on the 12th September last, a Negro boy named BOB, 21 years old, six feet high, handsomely formed, weighs 160 or 165 pounds, bright color, full eyes, thin in the jaws and chin. It is believed he has procured free papers, and will attempt to pass as free and make his way to a free State. He rode a small bay mare, droop rump, and main rubbed off by a yoke, and may be in company with movers. The above reward will be paid upon his delivery to me, or secured in jail so that I get him again. FRANCIS YOUNG. Mt. Grove, Iredell Co., Oct. 3, 1850. 2t22 Carolina Watchman 1850-10-10
October 16, 2025 at 11:53 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
Near Beltsville, Maryland, I ran from Philip T. Belt in October 1850, in company with two men from the neighboring Vansville plantation of Richard Beall Walker. We may have run towards Baltimore to the northeast, or towards Washington, which was nearer. My name was ISAAC BEALL. #slavery
TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD - Ran away from the subscriber, on Saturday night last, near Beltsville, Prince George's county, Md., my Negro Man ISAAC BEALL, about 30 years of age, of copper complexion; about 5 feet 6 inches high; stammers, and when confused can hardly be understood. Left in company with two of Mr. Richard B. Walker's men - and without provocation. I will give the above reward if delivered to me in Baltimore. PHILIP T. BELT. Baltimore Sun 1850-10-10
October 11, 2025 at 10:51 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
I was caught and held in the Clarksville, TX jail in September 1850, after running away from Bowie County, about 40 miles to the east. I might have run from Bertram Elliott, the son of old Richard Elliot, a minister. My name was HARRY. #slavery #blackhistory
TAKEN UP. WAS COMMITTED TO THE JAIL, of Red River county, at Clarksville, on Thursday the 19th inst., a negro boy who calls his name HARRY, and says he belongs to Mr. Richard Elliott, living within five miles of Boston, Bowie county. Harry is about 30 years old, 5 foot 8.5 inches high, of a dark copper color. Had on when arrested a white cotton Linsey roundabout and pants, and white cotton shirt. The owner of said negro is requested to come forward, prove property, pay charges, and take him away or he will be dealt with as the law directs, in such cases and provided. ADAM RIBBLE, Jailor, Red River county, Texas. Sept. 21, 1850.--No. 4.--3ts.--Prs. fee $4. The Northern Standard 1850-09-21
October 7, 2025 at 5:11 PM
fromslaves.bsky.social
In August 1850, I ran from Nathaniel Lewis, one of the merchant partners in the supply train freight business of Lewis and Groesbeeck of San Antonio, Texas. I was about 45 years old when I ran, and they were still looking for me in October 1851. My name was JOHN. #slavery #blackhistory
$100 REWARD. RUNAWAY from this city, on the night of Monday, the 26th instant a negro man, belonging to Nat Lewis, named John, from forty to fifty years old, about six feet high, spare and thin, somewhat bow-legged, sedate and quiet in his demeanor. One hundred dollars will be paid for his delivery here. LEWIS and GROESBEECK. San Antonio August 29, 1850. 46::tf Western Texan 1850-09-19
October 4, 2025 at 12:24 PM