Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

Priscilla Clayton
MSA SC 5496-51046
War of 1812 Refugee, Queen Anne's County, Maryland

Biography:

Priscilla Clayton alias Priscilla King was an enslaved woman who was owned by Jacob Tolson of Queen Anne's County. Priscilla was commonly called Priss by her master. Jacob Tolson died in 1810 and Priscilla became the property of Jacob Tolson's heirs. She worked at the home of Mary Alloway who was the mother of Jacob Tolson's five children. In 1814, while working for Mary Alloway of Kent Island, Priscilla Clayton escaped to British forces. At the time of her escape Priscilla was 30 years of age and valued at $300. Priss was never seen or heard from after the war between England and America was over. 

Following the war Maryland property owners submitted claims for reperations, seeking to be compensated for the loss of property taken or destroyed by the British. Jacob Tolson was deceased at the time claims could be submitted, but his heirs filed a claim seeking compensation. At the same time Mary Alloway also submitted a claim for compensation for the loss of Priscilla Clayton. The commission decided that Jacob Tolson's heirs would be awarded the money for the loss of Priscilla, while Alloway's claim was rejected.

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