Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

David Gant
MSA SC 5496-50836
War of 1812 Refugee, Prince George's County, Maryland

Biography:

David "Davy" Gant was an enslaved man who was owned by Austin Allen of Prince George's County. When Austin Allen died in 1805, Davy Gant was passed down to his son, Benjamin W. Allen. In August 1814, while the British were passing through Upper Marlboro on their return from burning Washington, Davy escaped from Benjamin W. Allen. Gant, who was 15 years of age when he escaped, fled with three other enslaved men Tom Magruder, 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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