Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

Frances Abell (b. 1790 - d. 1837)
MSA SC 5496-050644
War of 1812 Claimant, St. Mary's County, Maryland

Biography:

Frances Abell was born December 17, 1790 to Cuthbert and Mary Simmons Abell. When Frances Abell came of age he owned a small enslaved labor force in St. Mary's County, Maryland. In 1804, he owned at least eight enslaved people. 

During the War of 1812 Francis Abell's slave Theophilus Tabb escaped to the British. In the month following the end of the war, Frances Abell married Nancy Hebb Jan 16, 1815 in St. Mary's County, MD. Following the war, Francis Abell filed a claim for reperations with the Department of State. Theophilus Tabbs name didn't appear on any of the list furnished by the British and hadn't returned to his owner. However, Francis Abell was awarded $280 for the loss of Theophilus Tabbs. Abell would continue to own enslaved people throughout his lifetime. By 1821, he owned eight enslaved people. 

Frances Abell died in 1837 and his will was probated on August 11th. He left his all of his property including his slaves to his wife and after her decease to be divided equally amongst their children. There were 16 slaves consisting of men, women, and children,  listed in Abell's inventory, which was submitted by his son in law James R. Thompson.

Return to Frances Abell's Introductory Page


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