Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

Phillis Lane (b. circa 1776 - d. ?)
MSA SC 5496-50837
War of 1812 Refugee, Calvert County, Maryland

Biography:

Phillis Lane was an enslaved woman who belonged to David Avis, Sr. of Calvert County, Maryland. Phillis who was born about 1776, was the wife of Samuel Lane. It is not clear if Samuel Lane was free or enslaved. Phillis and Samuel were the parents of a young slave boy Tom Lane who was also owned by David Avis. 

In 1814, America was at war with the British. During this time the British placed a blockade on American waterways. Many enslaved people in Maryland took this opportunity to escape from their owners. In the summer of 1814, Phyllis along with her 9 year old son Tom escaped to a British Vessel lying  at the mouth of the Patuxent River in Drum Point. Neither Phillis or Tom were ever heard of again.

Following the War a commission was put in place to handle the claims of Maryland slave owners who were seeking compensation for the loss of their slaves and other property. It was decided by the commission that slave owners in Maryland  would recieve $280 for each slave that ran off to or were carried away by the British. David Avis submitted a claim for the loss of his enslaved property, Phillis and Tom Lane. He was awarded $560 by the commission. 

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