Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)
William Matny
(b. circa 1802 - d. ?)
MSA SC 5496-51932
Biography:
William Matny was an enslaved African American man who
belonged to Stewart Keene (b. 1795-d. 1865).1 He was about five feet eight to nine inches tall in
1827, when he was around twenty five years old. His complexion was
"between a black and a chestnut colour."2
William Matny ran away from Stewart Keen on May 30th, 1827. Keene's description of
Will reveals that he-- or his owner-- took great care in his personal
appearance. William Matny's ears were pierced, and he had beads in one of his
ears.3 He wore clothing that was not homespun. The day that Will escaped he was
wearing an outfit consisting of a fur hat, a white and red striped cotton over
jacket, a ruffle shirt, red silk cravat, and a pair of blue cassinett
pantaloons. He also had a bag with him in which he carried the rest of his
clothes.4
On June 9, Stewart Keene advertised for his runaway slave in the Cambridge Chronicle and Eastern Shore Advertiser.
He offered a $25 reward for Will's return if he was found in Dorchester
County, if he was recaptured outside of the county the reward was
increased to $50.5 It is unknown if William was succesful in his escape.
1. "Stewart Keene." Find a Grave. http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=38976505&ref=acom
2. "25 Dollars Reward." Cambridge Chronicle and Eastern Shore Advertiser. June 30, 1827.
3. Ibid.
4. Ibid.
5. Ibid.
Researched and written by Emily Huebner, 2014.
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