Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection open for research .

Use Restrictions

Physical characteristics and conditions affect use of this material. Photocopying not permitted.

Preferred Citation

Runaway Slave Advertisement, Leesburg, VA, August 1860 (OM 012), Thomas Balch Library, Leesburg, VA..

Acquisition Information

Lewis Leigh, Jr., Leesburg, VA

This document was acquired for Thomas Balch Library through the generosity of the following organizations and individuals: Black History Committee of Friends of Thomas Balch Library, Inc., in memory of Raimo Morefield, son of Fred and Betty Morefield; Loudoun County Civil War Round Table; Loudoun County Historical Society; Friends of the Thomas Balch Library, Inc.; Mary Randolph; Deborah Lee, and Alexandra S. Gressitt.

Alternative Form Available

None

Accruals

2009.0086

Processing Information

Processed by Alexandra S. Gressitt, 25 June 2009.

Historical Information

For many and varied reasons, prior to emancipation slaves sought freedom by running away. Federal laws—fugitive slave acts—were enacted to protect the right of slave owners to pursue runaway slaves by having them incarcerated and held until returned. It was illegal for a free person to assist runaway slaves though some did. Advertisements were placed by owners or their representatives in newspapers. While these often appear only in the region of the runaway slaves many slave owners also posted advertisements in northern newspapers. Virginia slave owners placed ads in the Maryland and Pennsylvania press.

Runaway slave advertisements have become a significant resource for historical research and can provide information useful for genealogical researchers. Advertisements may include age, physical description, distinguishing characteristics, description of clothing, a given name and occasionally a family name, and a destination.

Jane D. Wildman (1796-1880), nee Hamilton, was the widow of Enos Wildman (d.1829) a tavern keeper at Leesburg. She was a resident of Loudoun County Virginia. According to the 1860 US Census Wildman is listed with real property having a value of $23,000, personal property of $31,000 and 20 slaves.

C[harles] F[enton] Fadley/Fadeley (1818-1872) married to Orra Moore Drish (1823-1900) resided in Waterford, Virginia, where he was a farmer and livery stable keeper. According to the 1860 U S Census Fadely was a farmer with real property having a value of $12,000, personal property of $20,000 and 18 slaves.

Scope and Content

Broadside, 13" x 15-3/4" with tears and missing portions along sides, announcing a $500 reward for three runaway slaves, printed at the office of the Washingtonian , Leesburg, VA, 20 August, 1860:

$500 Reward. Ranaway from the subscribers, residing in Leesburg on the night of the 19th of August a negro Boy BILLY, a bright Mulatto, about 5 feet, ten or 11 inches high, rather spare, clothing not remembered, and a negro Woman LOUISA, with a Boy 5 or 6 years old, the boy heavy and well made, very black, thick lips, eyes white. The woman is about 24 years old, rather delicately made, black, with thick lips, her teeth rather defective, clothing not recollected. Two hundred dollars will be given for the boy, (the property of Mrs. J. D. Wildman,) if taken out of this State, and one hundred if taken in this State. Three hundred dollars will be given for the woman and the boy, (the property of C.F.Fadely,) if taken out of this State, and one hundred and fifty if taken in this State. All to be secured so that we can get them.

Leesburg, Loudoun Co., Va. Aug. 20th '60 J. D. Wildman, C. F. Fadeley. (sic)

Printed at the Washingtonian Office, Leesburg, Va.

Related Material

Fadely's Livery Stable Account Book, April 6, 1870- April 8, 1873 (NUCMC15) and Souders, Bronwen C. and John M. Souders compilers, Runaway Slaves: As Advertised in the Genius of Liberty published in Leesburg, , Loudoun County, Virginia 1817-1843 [Waterford, VA], 2005 (VREF975.528 RUN)

Adjunct Descriptive Data

Bibliography

Family Search International Genealogical Index

"Suicide" Baltimore Patriot 07-07-1829, GenealogyBank

U. S. Census Records including Salve Schedules, 1860

Wertz, Mary Alice, Marriages Loudoun County , Virginia, 1757-1853, 1985

Other Finding Aid

None

Technical Requirements

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