|
Published jailer notices provide information on local, state and out of state African Americans arrested and committed to the county jail as suspected escaped slaves. Enslavers of such persons, seeing the notices in regional newspapers, were expected to come to the jail, provide proof of ownership, and pay the costs associated with keeping, feeding, advertising, and filling out paperwork on the captured esapee.
Jailer Notices
-
Names: Sam
Date of item: 17 July 1789
Location: Pittsburgh
Item: Jailed as suspected escaped slave belonging to Nathaniel Breading in Fayette County.
Details/Text: "Pittsburgh, July 17, 1789.
COMMITTED to the jail of Alleghany county, on the 14th instant, a Negro Man, who calls himself SAM, says he belongs to Nathaniel Breading, who live on Delaps creek, in Fayette county. This is therefore to notify his said master, that unless he releases him before the 20th of August next, he will on that day be sold for fees.
ANDREW ROBINSON, Jailer"
Notes:
Source: Pittsburgh Weekly Gazette, 18 July 1789.
-
Names: Ephraim and Bristo
Date of item: 23 August 1800
Location: Pittsburgh
Item: Jailed as suspected escaped slaves from New Jersey
Details/Text: "Take Notice.
EPHRAIM, a Negro Man, who says he belongs to John Axford, sen. and BRISTO, a Negro Man, who says he belongs to Peter Burgh, both living in Sussex county, New-Jersey near Oxford Furnace, were committed to the Gaol of Allegheny County on the 26th day of May last, as runaways that unless the said Masters come and pay the expences of apprehending them, and their gaol fees, in one month from this date, they will be sold to defray the same.
EPHRAIM JONES,
Sheriff of Allegheny County,
Pittsburgh, August 23, 1800."
Notes: Both men had been imprisoned for three months when Sheriff Jones set the sale date as September 23, 1800, if not claimed.
Source: Pittsburgh Weekly Gazette, 23 August 1800.
Allegheny County Index Page | Enslavement Main Page | Afrolumens Project Home
|
