Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

Jesse Edwards (b. circa ? - d. circa ?)
MSA SC 5496-050709
War of 1812 Claimant, Charles County, Maryland, 1828

Biography:

Jesse Edwards was a resident and property owner in Charles County, Maryland. Edwards had one daughter who was sent to a boarding school.

America declared war on Britain in June of 1812. By 1813, British vessels of war arrived in the Chesapeake Bay, placing a blockade on Maryland Waterways. In 1814, British officers landed at Benedict and then arrived at the home of Jesse Edwards. Fearing that the enemy would come to his home, Edwards took precautionary measures sending his enslaved people into the woods with an ox cart. However, Edwards slaves were already found by another party of British officer. The officers returned the oxen, cart and slaves with the exception of Edwards enslaved man Phil. This slave was used to help the British carry a cannon to their camp headquarters at Benedict. 

After the war Marylanders submitted claims to the Department of State for the loss of their property to the British. Jesse Edwards claim was sworn before John J. Estep, a Justice of the Peace in Charles County, Maryland. Edwards was awarded $280 for the loss of Phil who was worth $500. The residue of the claim, for the loss of the oxen, was rejected by the commission.


Return to Jesse K. Edward's Introductory Page


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