Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

Thomas C. Gantt (b. circa ? - d. circa 1829)
MSA SC 5496-009505
War of 1812 Claimant, Calvert County, Maryland

Biography:

Dr. Thomas C. Gantt was a property owner who lived near Huntingtown in Calvert County. Thomas Gantt was born about 1786, the son of Edward Gantt, Sr and his wife Mary Crompton. Gantt was the eldest of the Gantt children, which included his three siblings, Edward, Elizabeth and Ann. Thomas Gantt married Susan Gray. Dr. Gantt owned enslaved people and employed an overseer, Thomas Bowen. In addition to the slaves that he held in his possession, Dr. Gantt also held those belonging to his brother, Edward Gantt, Jr. Dr. Gantt requested that a writ de Lunatico Inquerindo be issued for his brother. He was appointed trustee for his brother Edward, who was born "destitute of common understanding" and "unqualified to govern himself or manage his affairs."

In May of 1810 four enslaved men, Dick, Bazil, Charles and Jim, escaped from Gantt's property in Huntingtown. The four men were seen near Milford, Delaware which information Dr. Gantt provided in an ad he placed in the Delaware Gazette. A few years later the war between the United States and Great Britain was underway. The British military arrived in Maryland and placed a blockade on the states waterways. During this time slaves began to escape to British vessels. The British took notice of the potential alliance that could be formed between themselves and the enslaved community. As a result, British Admiral Alexander Cochrane issued a proclamation granting emancipation to any person who would take up arms against the United States and willing to be resettled in a British territory. In August 1814, two of Gantt’s enslaved men, Richard Gantt and Robert, escaped from him. In addition two other enslaved men, Harry Gantt and Basil, belonging to Edward Gantt also escaped. Harry Gantt escaped with Richard Gantt, while Basil escaped in the following month. The four enslaved men went on board a British vessel where they remained until the end of the war. One of the men, Richard Gantt was reportedly on board a British vessel that remained in the Chesapeake after peace was made between the United States and Great Britain. The enslaved men were never seen or heard from again.

Following the war, many Maryland residents filed claims for indemnity with the Department of State. The claims that were submitted were for the destruction of property and loss of enlaved people, livestock, vessels, tobacco, and household items. A board of commissioners was formed to handle the claims and decided that Maryland and Virginia residents would be awarded $280. All other claims were rejected based on a lack of sufficient evidence. Dr. Gantt filed a claim for himself and as the trustee for Edward Gantt. Both men lost two slaves each during the war. Dr. Gantt was awarded $280 for each of the enslaved men that escaped during the war. 

Dr. Thomas C. Gantt died about February 1829. His widow, Susan Gantt, became the caretaker of his brother Edward. The widow Gantt and George Wilkinson, brother in law of Dr. Gantt, petitioned the courts to become the trustees of Edward Gantt, Jr. 

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