Robert L. Young (b. circa ? - d. circa ?)
MSA SC 5496-050786
War of 1812 Claimant, St. Mary's County, Maryland
Biography:
Robert L. Young was a property owner who lived in St. Mary’s county, Maryland. Young was born in St. Mary's County, Maryland the son of Joseph Young. His father, Joseph, died when he was a small child. Henry Smith Hawkins was appointed executor of Joseph Young’s estate and became the legal guardian of Robert L. Young.
America went to War with Britain in 1812. British vessels began to arrive in Maryland in 1813, where they placed a blockade on the state's waterways. Many slaves began to escape from their owners to British vessels. Robert Young's slaves, Robert "Bob" Coursey aged 61, Maria Fuller and her two sons Stephen and Thomas, escaped about November 1, 1813. The slaves fled to a British vessel lying in the Potomac River called the Dragon, commanded by British Lieutenant Barry. The British military decided that it would be of interest to partner with this unlikely ally. On April 2, 1814, British Admiral Alexander Cochrane, issued a proclamation offering immediate emancipation to any person that would take up arms against America or wishing to relocate to a British territory.
After the war many American
citizens were looking to be compensated for the property that they lost
during the War of 1812. A commission was formed through the Department
of State to handle the claims of individuals whose property was taken
or destroyed by the British. Many property owners lost their slaves,
tobacco, livestock, vessels, homes and household items. An estimated
value of enslaved people was issued by the commissioners to settle the
claims. Maryland and Virginia claimants were going to receive $280 for
each enslaved person that they lost to the British in difference to
claimants from more southern states like Georgia, and Alabama
which would be compensated $380. The highest compensated state
was Louisiana, whose claimants would receive $580 for each slave that
they lost. All other claims for tobacco, livestock, vessels, homes and
household items were thrown out no individual was compensated for this
loss. Robert L. Young's claim was submitted by Henry Hawkins.
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