S138
The Charleston Courier
Fugitive Slave Ads
December 8, 1834
The Charleston Courier (Now The Charleston Post and Courier, founded in 1803 it brands itself as the oldest daily newspaper in the South and one of the oldest continuously operating newspapers in the United States. This copy features editor's marks which were what the ad office used to show how many more times an ad would run.
Fugitive slave ads are an ironic source of details about the lives of slaves who might otherwise be lost to history. When slaves managed to escape their captors, slave owners would often publish ads in the classifieds sections of newspapers all throughout the country offering a reward for the runaway’s recapture and return. Even George Washington took out an advertisment to recapture one of his slaves. Ironically, these ads have become an important resource for historians trying to learn more about the lives of slaves who they would otherwise know nothing about.
Slave auction ad: Negroes belonging to estate of Mr. James H. Merritt: Cain, a stout fellow and store worker, Nelly, a plain cook and washer, and her four children: Philip, Ned, Emma, and Robert. Sold by Thomas Milliken of Charleston.
Runaway Slave illustrated ad: Three Negroes belonging to Mr. David Jordon -- Penny, age 35-40 years, upper teeth decayed, her son James, 14-15 years old, daughter Milly, about two years old. Taken from the house of David Jordon in Horry County, SC and believed to be in Georgetown.
Runaway Slave illustrated ad: Negro man "Ben", 22-23 years old, scar on side of his face. Writes with a tolerable hand and will try to pass himself off as a free man. Ad placed by owner James Beal.
For more information on Fugitive Slave Ads please visit:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/archive-fugitive-slave-ads-could-shed-new-light-lost-histories-180959194/
Fugitive slave ads are an ironic source of details about the lives of slaves who might otherwise be lost to history. When slaves managed to escape their captors, slave owners would often publish ads in the classifieds sections of newspapers all throughout the country offering a reward for the runaway’s recapture and return. Even George Washington took out an advertisment to recapture one of his slaves. Ironically, these ads have become an important resource for historians trying to learn more about the lives of slaves who they would otherwise know nothing about.
Slave auction ad: Negroes belonging to estate of Mr. James H. Merritt: Cain, a stout fellow and store worker, Nelly, a plain cook and washer, and her four children: Philip, Ned, Emma, and Robert. Sold by Thomas Milliken of Charleston.
Runaway Slave illustrated ad: Three Negroes belonging to Mr. David Jordon -- Penny, age 35-40 years, upper teeth decayed, her son James, 14-15 years old, daughter Milly, about two years old. Taken from the house of David Jordon in Horry County, SC and believed to be in Georgetown.
Runaway Slave illustrated ad: Negro man "Ben", 22-23 years old, scar on side of his face. Writes with a tolerable hand and will try to pass himself off as a free man. Ad placed by owner James Beal.
For more information on Fugitive Slave Ads please visit:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/archive-fugitive-slave-ads-could-shed-new-light-lost-histories-180959194/