Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

Benjamin Duckett (b. circa 1831 - d. ?)
MSA SC 5496-8398
Runaway slave from Prince George's County

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Original advertisment for Ben Duckett placed in The Planter's Advocate (Upper Marlboro, Prince George's County, MD), October 1, 1856.

 
"Oct. 6/56...Benj. Duckett came from Bell Mountain..."  -- Entry in "Journal C of Station No. 2 of the Underground Railroad, Philadelphia, Agent William Still, 1852 - 1857.  William Still's notes from Benjmain Duckett's arrival are on the right.  The line drawn down the center of each page likely represent editorial marks as these journals were the basis for Still's 1872 publication The Underground Railroad.  In the account of Duckett's arrival, the southern accent with which Ben spoke are evident in the translation by the Philadelphia: "Bell Mountain" was actually "Belmont," the Berry estate from which he fled.  "Sicke Perry" meant "Zach Berry" his owner.  Likewise his family was held by Marcus Duval, not "Devoe," as it must have sounded to northern ears.  Source: "Pennsyvania Anti-Slavery Society, 'Journal C of Station No. 2. of the Underground Railroad (Philadelphia, Agent William Still), 1852 - 1857, Pennsylvania Abolition Society Papers, Pennsylvania Abolition Society Collection at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Series 5, Reel 32, MSA SC 5496-2-1, Courtesy of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

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