Charles Purnell (b. circa 1829 - d. ?)
MSA SC 5496-8319
Fled from Slavery, Worcester County, Maryland, 1855

Biography:

Charles Purnell fled Worcester County, Maryland on January 1, 1855 at the age of twenty-six.  Both he and fellow slave Peter Derrickson successfully escaped Berlin, Maryland, fleeing to Canada in search of freedom.  Purnell left his parents, three brothers, and five sisters when he fled.  Though little has yet been recovered about his life after escape, Purnell is known to have reached Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was aided there by individuals connected with the Underground Railroad.  

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