Henry Townsend (b. circa
1836 - d. ?)
MSA SC 5496-8713
Fled from Slavery, Caroline County, Maryland 1857
Biography:
Henry Townsend successfully escaped from slavery in Caroline County, Maryland, in the latter part of 1856, when he was twenty-one years old.1 He left behind his two brothers and one sister. Townsend is known to have reached Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he was aided by individuals connected to the Underground Railroad network. The young man claimed to have been owned by a farmer, "E .Townsend" near "Purnell P.O., Maryland." In recounting their brief interaction, accomplice William Still stated that Townsend had fled largely due to a brutal whipping by his master. He actually observed the injuries, saying, "a most frightful picture was presented; it[his back] had been thoroughly cut in all directions."2
The 1850 Census does not list any such head of household, who owned slaves in Caroline County.3 Nor do municipal accounts provide any information regarding property ownership or legal issues of anyone fitting that description.4,5 Henry may have been misinformed, or purposely given inaccurate information so that he would not leave any clues that might lead to his capture. Even when on free soil, fugitives still had to be wary of slave catchers and could not completely trust anyone they encountered. Townsend's injuries certainly provide proof of his time in bondage, regardless of his exact origins.
Researched and Written by David Armenti, 2011.
Return to Henry Townsend's Introductory Page
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