Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

Cyrus James (b. circa ? - d. circa ?)
MSA SC 5496-051238
Kidnapper, Caroline County, Maryland

Biography:

Cyrus James was raised by Patty Cannon, an infamous kidnapper from Delaware, since childhood. James was taught the skill of capturing fugitive slaves from Cannon and her gang which included Joe and Ebenezer Johnson. Cyrus James was a resident of Maryland but it is not clear whether he is from that state or Delaware. In 1829 he was captured in Delaware and brought before a justice of the peace. James told officials different stories about the capture and murder of slaves by Cannon and the Johnson brothers. He also told the justice that Patty killed a baby who was the child of a negro woman belonging to her. Authorities accompanied Cyrus James to Cannon's property and showed where all of the murdered bodies were buried. Patty Cannon was eventually arrested and placed in jail along with Cyrus James and another negro man named Butler who also assisted in the capture of slaves.

Return to Cyrus James's Introductory Page


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