Thomas L. Maccubbin (b. circa ? - d. circa ?)
MSA SC 5496-050760
War of 1812 Claimant, Prince George's County, Maryland, 1828

Biography:

Thomas L. Maccubbin was a property owner who lived in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

In the summer of 1814, the War of 1812 between America was at war with Great Britain was underway. In August of 1814, Maccubbin’s enslaved man Isaac Dines escaped to the British Fleet, which was lying in the Potomac River between Fort Washington and Mount Vernon. On December 24, 1814, the Treaty of Ghent was signed, signaling the end of the War of 1812.

Following the war, Maryland residents filed claims for indemnity at the Department of state for property lost or destroyed by the British. Among the stolen and destroyed property were homes, warehouses, vessels, livestock, tobacco and household items. The Department of State formed a Board of Commissioners to handle the claims. It was decided by the commissioners that Maryland residents would receive $280 for each enslaved person that they lost at the hands of the British. Maccubbins slave Isaac was a valuable skilled worker who was worth $500. In order to be awarded money, Maryland residents needed to prove that their property was lost to the British. Claimants gave depositions before local Justices of the Peace who were often times close friends, family, and neighbors. There were also depositions given by family members and friends of the slave owner as well as those of escaped slaves. Maccubbin like other Maryland residents sought financial compensation for the loss of his property. In 1824, Maccubbin gave testimony about the events that happened during the war that caused him to lose his property. John Oden and John Smith, both residents of Prince George’s County gave depositions in support of Maccubbin’s claim.
 

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