Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

Ephraim Ennis
MSA SC 5496-8605
Fled from slavery, Kent County, 1858

Biography:

    Ephraim Ennis had been enslaved by Michael Newbold, before making off for the North in 1858. Along with Lydia Johns and Asbury Irwin, Ennis reached Philadelphia, where abolitionist William Still provided support for the freedom seekers. He also recorded some details of their time in Maryland, particularly regarding Ennis's owner. Michael Newbold was "a backsliding member of the Society of Friends," whose experience was much different than most local Quakers.1 This religious group had largely stood against the evils of slavery, comprising many of the prominent abolitionists in the region. Many had even moved from Maryland and other southern states in order to avoid interaction with the institution. Newbold, on the other hand, moved south from New Jersey in the 1830's, perhaps for the express purpose of entering the system. 

    Still did not record many specifics from Ephraim, only that he "spoke of Newbold in terms of strong condemnation." However, fellow fugitive Asbury Irwin described their owner as a violent man, who also a heavy drinker. He claimed that this behavior had even caused Newbold's wife to return to her family in Philadelphia.2 The two freedom seekers also sited these characteristics as their reason for fleeing the farm near Millington, Kent County.3 Still further described Ennis as  "a man of superior physical strength, and from all outward appearance, he possessed qualities susceptible of ready improvement."4 However, the activist did not explain what happened to the trio after they left his office. Therefore, little is known about Ephraim Ennis's life after the brief stop in Pennsylvania. 
       
Footnotes -

1. Still, William. Underground Rail Road: A Record of Facts, Authentic Narratives, Letters, etc. Philadelphia, PA: Porter & Coales, Publishers, 1872, pp. 485-6.

2. Ibid.

3. Simon J. Martenet, Map of Kent County, 1860, Library of Congress, MSA SC 1213-1-471.

4. Still.

Researched and written by David Armenti, 2012. 

Return to Ephraim Ennis's Introductory Page


 
 
 


This information resource of the Maryland State Archives is presented here for fair use in the public domain. When this material is used, in whole or in part, proper citation and credit must be attributed to the Maryland State Archives. PLEASE NOTE: Rights assessment for associated source material is the responsibility of the user.

Tell Us What You Think About the Maryland State Archives Website!

[ Archives' Home Page  ||  All About Maryland  ||  Maryland Manual On-Line  ||  Reference & Research
||  Search the Archives   ||  Education & Outreach  ||  Archives of Maryland Online ]

Governor     General Assembly    Judiciary     Maryland.Gov

© Copyright November 28, 2012 Maryland State Archives