Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

James Woolfley (b. ? - d. ?)
MSA SC 5496-8123
Fled from Slavery, Dorchester County, Maryland, 1857

Biography:

James Woolfley successfully escaped from Dorchester County, Maryland in 1857 and fled toward Canada.  He originally set out with six other slaves, and narrowly escaped returning to his master while jailed in Dover, Deleware.  He escaped, however, and reached Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, aided there by individuals connected with the Underground Railroad.  Woolfley was owned by Samuel Harrington of the Cambridge District, where Woolfley's wife, Lavina, remained at his departure.  Harrington was a member of the "old time Methodist Church."

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