Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

Franky Seale
MSA SC 5496-50981
War of 1812 Refugee, St. Mary's County, Maryland, 1814

Biography:

Franky Seale lived on Sotterley Plantation in St. Mary's County, Maryland, as a slave of John R. Plater. At age 20, Benjamin escaped from Sotterley in July of 1814 by boarding the British frigate Severn, captained by Joseph Nourse, in the Patuxent River. Franky was one of 49 slaves to escape from Sotterley during the War of 1812, and one of 44 slaves to escape via the frigate Severn. Among the slaves who escaped from Sotterley, 10 slaves share Franky's surname including: John Seale Sr. (50 years old), Maria Seale (44 years old), John Seale Jr. (17 years old), Maria Seale (17 years old), Patty Seale, Peggy Seale, Sophia Seale, Ignatius Seale, Benjamin Seale, and Ester Seale.1

1.    Claim of John Rousby Plater, St. Mary’s County, Case #310, Case Files Ca. 1814-28, 3.5 ft. entry 190, Record Group 76, National Archives, College Park.
 
 

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