Tweets_From_Runaway_Enslaved_People

Commemorating the self-liberation documented in these ads using novel AI-based technology.
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[Tweets_From_Runaway_Enslaved_People @FromSlaves]

In May 1852, I walked away from Stuart's property in Taylorville, Anne Arundel County, MD. I had served Baltimore's public houses for years. I knew every face and every exit. Stuart offered $150 for my return. I was already gone. My name was CHARLES GROSS. #MD #blackhistory

[Tweets_From_Runaway_Enslaved_People @FromSlaves]

In February 1852, Tarleton and I left Mott's property in Belvoir, near Lenoir, Caldwell County, NC. Mott ran the finest school in the county. He taught children to read while he kept us in chains. We had enough. My name was JERRY. #slavery #NC #BlackHistory

[Tweets_From_Runaway_Enslaved_People @FromSlaves]

In May 1852, Bonham had the state of North Carolina issue a legal order to kill me on sight. I had lived free for over a year. Any person could shoot me dead without penalty. What happened next, no record says. I hope I kept walking. My name was SAM. #slavery #NC #BlackHistory

[Tweets_From_Runaway_Enslaved_People @FromSlaves]

In April 1852, I walked away from Foy's Poplar Grove Plantation on Topsail Sound, NC. Foy built his mansion with the hands of the people he kept in bondage. My wife was waiting in Wilmington, 15 miles north. I decided to build something for myself. My name was SAM. #slavery #NC

[Tweets_From_Runaway_Enslaved_People @FromSlaves]

In April 1852, I was 15 when I left Kirkley's house on Republican Street, Baltimore, MD. Both sides of my face were marked with Indian ink. They thought that would stop me. Kirkley valued my return at $5, but freedom had no price. My name was JOSHUA MYERS. #MD #BlackHistory

[Tweets_From_Runaway_Enslaved_People @FromSlaves]

In April 1852, I walked out of Scott's Mount Pleasant estate in Upper Marlboro, Prince George's County, MD. I was brought there at 11 years old to raise his children, and did that for 17 years. I packed my dresses and told him I was going home. My name was LOUISA. #slavery #MD

[Tweets_From_Runaway_Enslaved_People @FromSlaves]

In April 1852, I left Beery's property and stayed close to Long Creek in New Hanover County, NC. I had not gone far. I stayed near the people I knew. Beery offered twice the reward to find them as he did to find me. My name was FRED LANE. #slavery #NC #BlackHistory

[Tweets_From_Runaway_Enslaved_People @FromSlaves]

In April 1852, I fled Richardson's estate in Elizabethtown, Bladen County, NC. He hired me from Hannah Pridgeon in February. I did not stay long. I carried a name that was already mine. I was nobody's hired property. My name was TOM PRIDGEON. #slavery #NC #blackhistory

[Tweets_From_Runaway_Enslaved_People @FromSlaves]

In 1852, literacy among enslaved people was not only rare but illegal in North Carolina. (see full text from “An act to prevent all persons from teaching slaves to read or write, the use of figures excepted” from 1830)

[Tweets_From_Runaway_Enslaved_People @FromSlaves]

In April 1852, I left Barrier's land in Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina. Few of us could write, but I was one of them. I had a new name ready and a pen to forge my own path. Barrier searched two states. I was already gone. My name was MORRIS. #blackhistory #slavery #NC

[Tweets_From_Runaway_Enslaved_People @FromSlaves]

In April 1852, I left Barrier's land in Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina. Few of us could write, but I was one of them. I had a new name ready and a pen to forge my own path. Barrier searched two states. I was already gone. My name was MORRIS. #blackhistory #slavery #NC

[Tweets_From_Runaway_Enslaved_People @FromSlaves]

In April 1852, I walked off Merritt's plantation on Blossom Hill Road, 16 miles from Shreveport, LA. My right hand still carried the scars from his cotton gin. Merritt advertised across state lines into Texas. I had given enough. My name was GREEN. #slavery #LA #blackhistory

[Tweets_From_Runaway_Enslaved_People @FromSlaves]

In April 1852, I was jailed in Hunt County, Texas. I am a minister of the gospel and a house carpenter. I traveled 130 miles well-dressed for my mission to be free. The state recorded my trades but left my name in the silence. My name is mine alone. #blackhistory #TX

[Tweets_From_Runaway_Enslaved_People @FromSlaves]

In April 1852, I left Kirkey's house on West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD. I was 18, bound to him by papers I never signed for myself. I walked to the harbor and looked for work on a vessel. The water was my way out. My name was WILLIAM H. KING. #slavery #MD #BlackHistory

[Tweets_From_Runaway_Enslaved_People @FromSlaves]

In April 1852, I departed Kent's Rosemount plantation in Bladensburg, MD. I was 60 years old and had spent a lifetime on that land. The Kent family had power and money. I had a gray suit and a black hat. It was enough. My name was LEN BROWN. #slavery #blackhistory #MD

[Tweets_From_Runaway_Enslaved_People @FromSlaves]

In January 1852, I left Nathan King in Cumberland Co., NC. King hired me from a dead man's estate like I was a tool for rent. They called me a “runaway,” but I was just a husband going home to my wife in Fayetteville. My name was MIKE. #slavery #BlackHistory #NC

[Tweets_From_Runaway_Enslaved_People @FromSlaves]

In March 1852, I left Turner's land in Granville Co., NC. My right ankle bends outward, causing me to walk with a hop. They thought that would stop me. I am moving toward a new identity where I am no longer "property," but a free man. My name was WASHINGTON. #NC #slavery

[Tweets_From_Runaway_Enslaved_People @FromSlaves]

In March 1852, I left Bryan's estate in Fayetteville, NC. I didn't run for the border yet. Instead, I stayed close to the familiar place, remaining near the community I know. I am still walking these streets but a step closer to freedom. My name was CHARLES. #slavery #NC

[Tweets_From_Runaway_Enslaved_People @FromSlaves]

In March 1852, I left Clark's house in Baltimore, Maryland. I was 19. I had two directions. I may be heading north to Pennsylvania and freedom. Or south to Winchester, Virginia, where my parents were. Only I knew which way I went. My name was LEWIS EUSTACE. #blackhistory #MD

[Tweets_From_Runaway_Enslaved_People @FromSlaves]

In February 1852, I was captured in Lavaca County, Texas. I fled James Hansbury's estate near Richmond on the Brazos. I made it 100 miles before they caught me. Now, my journey is stalled behind iron bars in the Hallettsville jail. My name was JOHN. #TX #blackhistory #slavery

[Tweets_From_Runaway_Enslaved_People @FromSlaves]

On the night of Feb. 26, 1852, I left Thornton's property in Oglethorpe County, GA. John Woods brought the horse. I brought a silk dress, fine clothes, and a disguise. I could pass as a boy. Thornton called it theft, but we called it freedom. My name was DILCEY ANN. #slavery #GA