Sarah Dyson (b. circa ? - d. circa ?)
MSA SC 5496-050702
War of 1812 Claimant, Charles County, Maryland, 1828
Biography:
Sarah Dyson was a property owner who lived in Charles County,
Maryland. Sarah, who was commonly called Sally was born in Maryland.
America
went to war with Britain in 1812. The following year the British
arrived in Maryland, placing a blockade on all waterways. British
admiral Alexander Cochrane issued a proclamation on April 2, 1814
offering immediate emancipation to any person wanting to take up arms
with the British military or looking to relocate to a British
territory. In August of 1814, an enslaved man, Reuben, who belonged to
Sally Dyson escaped to the British. At the time of his escape, Reuben,
was hired out to Mrs. M. A. Mitchell, who lived along the Potomac
river. British vessels were lying in the Potomac River just off the
property of Mrs. Mitchell.
Following the war, Maryland slave
owners submitted claims for lost property to the Department of State. A
commission was formed to handle the claims and it was decided that
Maryland slave owners would be compensated $280 for the loss of their
slaves. The claims included written depositions which were sworn before
local Justices of the Peace for various counties in Maryland. Sally
Dyson gave a testimony giving details of the escape of Reuben from Mrs.
M. A. Mitchell. Additional testimony was given by Jesse Posey, overseer
for Mrs. Mitchell. Dyson was awarded $280 for the loss of her enslaved
property.
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