Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)
Stephen Fuller
MSA SC 5496-51412
War of 1812 Refugee, St. Mary's County, Maryland
Biography:
Stephen Fuller was an enslaved child who was owned by Robert L.
Young of St. Mary’s County, Maryland. Stephen was the son of enslaved
parents Benjamin and Maria Fuller. His father Ben was owned by William
C. Somerville while his mother was enslaved by Robert L. Young.
During
the War of 1812, four enslaved people escaped from Young, who was a
minor. The slaves were taken on board the British ship called the Dragon,
lying in the Potomac River, which was commanded by Commodore Barry.
When the war ended the Fuller family was carried to Nova Scotia where
they settled.
At the end of the War of 1812, Maryland's
slave owners were devastated at the loss of their enslaved people. They
sent their complaints to the Department of State seeking to be
compensated for the loss of property. A commission was established to
handle the claims put forth by angry citizens. The commission decided
that Maryland's property owners would be compensated $280 for each
slave that escaped to the British. At the time of the escape Stephen
Fuller was 4 years of age and valued at $100. Robert Young's claim was
submitted
by his guardian Henry Smith Hawkins. The commission awarded Robert
Young
$1120 for the loss of his five enslaved people.
Return to Stephen Fuller's Introductory Page
|
This web site is presented for reference purposes under the doctrine of fair use. When this material is used, in whole or in part, proper citation and credit must be attributed to the Maryland State Archives. PLEASE NOTE: The site may contain material from other sources which may be under copyright. Rights assessment, and full originating source citation, is the responsibility of the user.
Tell Us What You Think About the Maryland State Archives Website!
|
© Copyright June 05, 2015 Maryland State Archives