Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

Tom Magruder
MSA SC 5496-50835
War of 1812 Refugee, Prince George's County, Maryland

Biography:

Tom Magruder was an enslaved man who was owned by Austin Allen of Prince George's County, Maryland. When Tom's master died in 1805 he became the property of his son, Benjamin W. Allen. In August 1814, while the British were passing through Upper Marlboro on their return from burning Washington, Tom escaped from Benjamin W. Allen. Magruder, who was 16 years of age when he escaped, fled with three other enslaved men Davy Gant, Dennis Magruder, and Sam Tyler. The four men were never seen or heard of after their escape. Following the war many Marylanders filed claims for reparations with the State Department, seeking compensation for the loss of their property to the British. Benjamin Allen filed a claim for the loss of his four enslaved men. He was awarded $260 for each of the slaves that escaped. 

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