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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