Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

David Avis, Sr. (b. circa ? - d. circa ?)
MSA SC 5496-050648
War of 1812 Claimant, Calvert County, Maryland, 1828

Biography:

David Avis, Sr. was a property owner who lived in Calvert County, Maryland. Avis owned 143 acres of Elton Head Manor in the 3rd District of Calvert County. David Avis married Anne Ferguson September 21, 1779 in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. 

In the summer of 1814, while America was at war with the British, two enslaved people escaped from David Avis.  Phyllis, who was 38 years of age, along with her 9 year old son Tom,  fled to British Vessels that were lying at the mouth of the Patuxent River in Drum Point. More than 200 slaves escaped from Calvert County slave holders during this time.

Following the War a commission was put in place to handle the claims of Maryland slave owners who were seeking compensation for the loss of their slaves and other property. It was decided by the commission that slave owners in Maryland  would recieve $280 for each slave that ran off to or were carried away by the British. Slave owners had to submit evidence to the commissioners that included depositions from family and acquaintances who were familiar with their slaves and were eyewitnesses.David Avis submitted a claim for the loss of his enslaved property, Phillis and Tom Lane. Two Calvert County residents, Isaac Smith and John Allen gave depositions that they were familiar with Phillis and Tom Lane and saw them escape to the British during the war. He was awarded $560 by the commission. 


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