Stephen Fuller, MSA SC 5496-51412

Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

Stephen Fuller
MSA SC 5496-51412
War of 1812 Refugee, St. Mary's County, Maryland

Biography:

Stephen Fuller was an enslaved child who was owned by Robert L. Young of St. Mary’s County, Maryland. Stephen was the son of enslaved parents Benjamin and Maria Fuller. His father Ben was owned by William C. Somerville while his mother was enslaved by Robert L. Young.

During the War of 1812, four enslaved people escaped from Young, who was a minor. The slaves were taken on board the British ship called the Dragon, lying in the Potomac River, which was commanded by Commodore Barry. When the war ended the Fuller family was carried to Nova Scotia where they settled.

At the end of the War of 1812, Maryland's slave owners were devastated at the loss of their enslaved people. They sent their complaints to the Department of State seeking to be compensated for the loss of property. A commission was established to handle the claims put forth by angry citizens. The commission decided that Maryland's property owners would be compensated $280 for each slave that escaped to the British. At the time of the escape Stephen Fuller was 4 years of age and valued at $100. Robert Young's claim was submitted by his guardian Henry Smith Hawkins. The commission awarded Robert Young $1120 for the loss of his five enslaved people.

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