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 Articles Indexed by TopicAugusta County : African-Americans/ Race RelationsNote: When you select an article from the list below you will be taken to the appropriate page of the newspaper. You may need to scroll down in order to find the particular article you are interested in reading. |
The Spectator, September 24, 1861, p. 2, c. 2:
"Runaways!"
Advertisement for three runaway slaves who were committed to the Augusta
County jail.
The Spectator, April 1, 1862, p. 1, c. 7:
"Two Runaways!"
Advertisement for two runaway slaves named Thornton and David who
ran away from Daniel Forrer at Mossy Creek Iron Works. Thornton was hired of Dr. Holloway
of Caroline County and David was hired of a slaveowner in Richmond.
The Spectator, January 6, 1863, p. 2, c. 2:
"The Price of Slaves."
Asserts that slavery is safer than it has ever been
and reports the results of a slave auction in Greenville.
The Spectator, January 20, 1863, p. 2, c. 2:
"Augusta Slaves on Fortifications."
Transcript of a letter received from Richmond informing
Augusta's slave owners of the health of their slaves in government service.
The Vindicator, February 20, 1863, p. 2, c. 6:
"$100 Reward."
Advertisement offering reward for return of fugitive slave, William
Hamilton, age 18, who escaped in Charlottesville on February 15. Owner is M. G. Harman of
Staunton.
The Vindicator, April 3, 1863, p. 2, c. 5:
"$100 Reward."
J. B. Lavell of Rockbridge offers $100 reward if his escaped slaves are
captured in Augusta or Rockbridge counties or $200 if captured elsewhere in the state. Lavell
bought Nelson three months ago from William J. Shumate of Augusta. The escaped slaves,
Nelson and Ezekiel, may be near Staunton, as one of them has a free wife there.
The Vindicator, April 17, 1863, p. 2, c. 5:
"$2,000 Reward."
George Talbot, about 22 or 23, with very open teeth; Archy Gower, about
36, very black, with a little bald spot; Nancy Ashby, mulatto girl, very fine looking; and Sarah
Gaskins, brown skin, very fine looking, ran away from near Staunton on Saturday, April 4. Their
owner, William J. Shumate, suspects they will try to make their way down the Valley, where he
purchased them. He offers $500 each or $2000 for the return of all four.
The Vindicator, April 24, 1863, p. 2, c. 4:
"$200 Reward!"
Sam, about 15, well formed, well grown, yellow complexion; Caroline,
black,
tall, straight, missing her left thumb; and her two children, Mary Adaline, about 7, and Armistead,
about 4, ran away from Mr. A. Atkinson's near Mint Spring, last Saturday, and are believed to be
heading toward Winchester. James H. Carson will pay $200 for the return of Sam, and Mr.
Atkinson will pay the same for the return of the others.
The Vindicator, May 22, 1863, p. 2, c. 5:
"$2,000 Reward!"
Three slaves ran away Saturday night, May 16, from their owner's home
on the
South River near Stuart's Draft. Gilbert, 26, 5 feet 6 inches, very black, fine set of teeth, very
polite when spoken to, wearing Osnaburg pants and shirt and carrying a fine black suit. Sam,
about 18, 5 feet 5 inches, dark brown, big nose, good teeth. Preston, about 18, 5 feet 4 inches,
very black, sharp features, good teeth. The owner believes they will head down the Valley and
offers a $2000 reward for return of the three or $1000 for the return of Gilbert.
The Vindicator, May 29, 1863, p. 2, c. 5:
"Public Sale of Negroes."
J. F. Johnson announces he will sell a young African-American
woman and two "likely" boys for cash on June 1, 1863, in Staunton.
The Vindicator, June 5, 1863, p. 2, c. 6:
"$1,000 Reward."
George Taylor, 23, 5 feet 8 or 10 inches, dark brown, open teeth, carries
right foot a little too much out when walking, wearing gray clothes; and William Ash, about 21, 5
feet 7 or 8 inches, copper color, heavy set, a little bow legged, wearing drab clothes, ran away
Wednesday night, June 3 from William J. Shumate. They ran away with several others on April 3
but were caught near Harrisonburg. Shumate believes they are trying to reach enemy lines and
offers $1000 for their return to him in Staunton.
The Spectator, June 16, 1863, p. 1, c. 5:
"$50 REWARD."
Advertisement for a runaway slave.
The Vindicator, July 10, 1863, p. 2, c. 4:
"A Specimen Parson."
Rev. Mr. Harvy, Chaplain of the 110th Ohio Regiment, was taken at
Winchester. Evidence reveals that he helped slaves run away, in one case aiding in the escape of
Sarah Jenkins, a slave of W. J. Shumate of Augusta County. The Richmond Enquirer requests
that he be handed over to state civil authorities at once in order to be prosecuted.
The Vindicator, July 24, 1863, p. 1, c. 3:
"Burglary."
On Saturday night between eleven and twelve o'clock, the store of Gabriel Hirsh
was burglarized. Two gold watches, several silver watches, cloth, handkerchiefs, and other
articles, valued between $3000 and $4000, were stolen. A slave boy belonging to Mrs. Tap and
working for Mr. Hirsh was arrested and jailed. He confessed and tried to implicate a free man,
Tom Champ, who had a legitimate alibi.
The Vindicator, August 14, 1863, p. 2, c. 6:
"Look Here!"
Three slave men ran away from M. G. Harman's the night of August 9.
The Vindicator, August 28, 1863, p. 2, c. 5:
"$25 Reward."
Scott, a slave, 12, light complexion, straight hair, ran away on August 13
from John A. Bickle. Bickle thinks Scott is still in the area and offers $25 for his return.
The Vindicator, September 11, 1863, p. 2, c. 6:
"$100 Reward."
Cynthia, a slave woman about 20, brown skin, "pretty good looking,"
wearing a black silk dress with several flounces, one of purple marino and one of dark calico, ran
away two weeks ago from Peter Hanger.
The Spectator, October 13, 1863, p. 2, c. 4:
"Draft for Slaves on Fortifications."
Upon the request of William A. Burnett, deputy clerk of
Augusta County, the paper notifies the public that a request has been made for the requisition of
eighty male slaves to labor on fortifications of public defense for a term of sixty days.
The Vindicator, January 15, 1864, p. 2, c. 3:
"The Trial of Beverly."
Reports the trial of Beverly, slave of Colonel Bowcock of Albemarle,
and Spencer, slave of Mrs. Boxley of Hanover, for breaking into the cellar of A. M. Bruce,
Esquire, of Staunton, and taking two barrels of brandy, and the trial of John, slave of William
Eskridge, Esquire, of Staunton, for receiving the brandy took place last Monday and Tuesday
before the Hustings Court in Staunton. The men were sentenced to receive thirty-nine lashes, and
their owners bound for $10,000 each for their good behavior within Virginia.
The Vindicator, January 29, 1864, p. 2, c. 4:
"$50 Reward."
James C. Brown offers a reward of $50 for the return of Mary Ann, who ran
away on January 24, 1864 and is supposed to be in the area of Estiline Furnace. She is about 20,
has a defect in her right eye, and was wearing a worsted dress.
The Spectator, February 9, 1864, p. 1, c. 7:
"For The Spectator."
Explains that rising prices have made it difficult to purchase corn for
soldiers' families. The letter writer supports keeping slaves at home to continue planting and
harvesting corn.
The Spectator, March 15, 1864, p. 2, c. 1:
"Negro Genius."
Reports on the creation of a wooden steam engine by Bob, a slave of Mrs.
Margaret A. Crawford. The author says that this indicates "genius" on Bob's part and he argues
that Bob should be given work in a machine shop.
The Vindicator, April 29, 1864, p. 2, c. 6
"$100 Reward."
John Nunan offers a reward for the return of Jane, an African-American girl,
age about 17, who ran away from him on Tuesday night, April 26. She is slim, tall for her age,
black skinned, and was wearing a red calico dress and white hood with black net. Nunan bought
her from Samuel Bowman of Rockingham County and understood that she was raised in
Hampshire County. Nunan offers $50 for her return from within the county and $100 for her
return from outside the county.
The Vindicator, May 6, 1864, p. 2, c. 3:
"$150 Reward for Davy."
J. L. Timberlake offers a reward of $150 for the return of Davy,
about 16 and well grown, black skin with a small scar "I think about his face," wearing a hat and
blue Yankee coat. He was hired to Major H. M. Bell, Quartermaster at Staunton.
The Vindicator, May 13, 1864, p. 2, c. 3:
"$50 Reward."
Isaac, a slave, ran away from Esteline Furnace in Augusta County on Monday
night, April 23, 1864. He is about five feet five inches tall, about 25 years old, is very black, is "a
quick active boy," and talks very fast. He was hired by M. F. Gooch, Sheriff of Louisa County
and belongs to Richard Cottom. The firm of Burke and Junkle offers a reward of $50 for his
return.
The Vindicator, May 27, 1864, p. 2, c. 4:
"Moses."
P. T. Burkholder of Fishersville, Augusta County, offers a liberal reward for the
return of Moses, 40 years old, six feet tall, heavy set, with black whiskers tinged with gray.
Moses ran away last Saturday night. He belongs to C. T. Butler of Shepherdstown, Jefferson
County.
The Vindicator, May 27, 1864, p. 2, c. 4:
"$1000 Reward."
William Jordan of Rockbridge Baths offers a reward of $1000 for the
return of all four or $250 for the return of any one of his slaves who ran away the night of May
22. Peter is about 25, is black and "Pox marked," and came from Richmond. Asbury, about 20,
is a light copper color, about five feet five or six inches tall, and "likely." He was wearing a Jane's
coat and pants and a homemade hat. He was raised in Augusta County. Wesley, about 20, is five
feet three or four inches tall and came from near Martinsburg. Malvin, about 21, is black and
"likely." He was wearing a suit of janes clothes, walnut color.
The Vindicator, July 8, 1864, p. 2, c. 5: "$200 Reward."
John Keller offers a reward of $200 for the return of Jack, who ran away from West View,
Augusta County, on Thursday night, June 30. Jack is about 19, copper color, with a white speck
in the ball of one eye. He was wearing a green slough hat and a pair of capped boots. He was
raised in Petersburg and is supposed to be heading in that direction.
The Vindicator, July 15, 1864, p. 2, c. 4: "Runaways!"
Samuel A. Hoshour, Steward of the Central Lunatic Asylum in Staunton, announces that the
Yankee army took from the asylum on June 9 and 10 a number of slaves hired to the asylum.
The Vindicator, July 22, 1864, p. 2, c. 4: "Runaways."
John D. Brown advertises that two African Americans left with Yankee troops on June 10.
Brown offers a reward of $150 for Bob, between 25 and 30, dark brown, five feet eight or ten
inches, with a scar on his breast, with "rather a down look when spoken to." Anderson belongs to
the estate of D. Fishburn of Waynesboro, is stout, black, about the same height as Bob, and about
20. Brown offers to pay legal expenses for Anderson's return.
The Vindicator, July 22, 1864, p. 2, c. 4: "Notice."
Someone from Hillsborough, Pocahontas County, Virginia, advertises that an African-American
man, about 25, "tolerably dark complexion," about five feet tall, of "pleasant countenance, smiling
when spoken to," was wounded in the knee and is at the home of Mr. Kennerson. The
African-American man seems familiar with the people and place of Staunton but claims to be free.
The advertiser supposes he belongs to someone in the Staunton area. The advertiser notes that
the man was armed when wounded and that the area around Hillsborough is not safe.
The Vindicator, July 22, 1864, p. 2, c. 4: "Notice."
An
advertiser states that two African-American children were left at the house of William Swadley, in
Hightown, Highland County, by the Yankees when they were on their way to Beverly. The boy is
about five, dark, with a large scar from the elbow to the wrist on his left arm caused by a burn,
and calls himself Hugh. The girl, about the same age and color, no marks, calls herself Lue. The
advertiser believes the children belong to someone near Middlebrook and requests that the owner
come get the children and pay charges.
The Vindicator, July 29, 1864, p. 2, c. 3: "$300
Reward."
F. E. Dellinger offers a reward of $300 for the return of Mary, who ran away the
morning of July 25 from Waynesboro. Mary is about 21, is quite short, is heavy set, has no
known marks, and may be recognized by her speech, which is sharp, quick, and almost
unintelligible, particularly when she is excited. She took a cotton and two calico dresses, a calico
sun bonnet, and a Shaker bonnet trimmed in blue and white.
The Vindicator, August 19, 1864, p. 2, c. 4: "$200
Reward."
David D. Koiner offers a reward of $200 for the return of Tom, who ran away
from near Waynesboro on Sunday morning, August 14. Tom is about 19, has black skin, is about
five feet seven or eight inches tall, was wearing a blue coat, gray cloth hat, and brown pants.
Tom is thought to be heading toward the mountains, intending to escape by traveling through
it.
The Vindicator, September 9, 1864, p. 2, c. 4:
"Runaway!"
John Myers of Churchville offers a liberal reward for the return of William, his
slave who ran away Saturday night. William is "very black, low and chunky built, height not
known, about eighteen years old, and dressed with a roundabout coat and cotton pants."
The Vindicator, September 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 4: "$200
Reward."
Henry, a slave boy, ran away on August 5, 1864. He is about five feet nine inches
tall, has a "color between that of a dark mulatto and a black," no known marks, and a down look
when spoken to. Michael G. Harman offers a reward of $200 for his return from outside the
county and $20 for his return from inside the county.
The Vindicator, November 11, 1864, p. 2, c. 6: "One Cent
Reward!!!"
George Freeman, age 23, with yellow complexion, very stout and healthy, ran
away from near Jennings Gap on October 7, 1864. John Sanderson offers a reward of one cent
for his return.
The Vindicator, November 25, 1864, p. 2, c. 4: "$100
Reward."
W. J. Hopkins offers a reward of $100 for the return of his slave, a male, about 21
years old, a "bright mulatto," five feet nine inches tall, with no identifiable marks, named
Isham.
The Vindicator, December 2, 1864, p. 2, c. 5: "$400
Reward."
Pitman, about fifteen years old, tall and slender, a clear black color, wearing a gray
jacket, brown pants, and a brown shirt, and carrying a hand satchel thought to be black, ran away
from Hugh W. Sheffey on November 24, 1864. Pitman, who can read and "has an appearance of
simplicity when spoken to and often twists up his forehead when addressed," is probably on his
way to Gordonsville or Charlotte County. Sheffey offers a reward of $400 for the return of
Pitman to him.
The Vindicator, December 2, 1864, p. 2, c. 5: "$100
Reward."
George Lee, a mulatto boy about fifteen years old who "walks with his toes
somewhat inward," ran away from Joseph T. Hess in Greenville, Augusta County, on October 26,
1864. Hess offers a reward of $100 for his return.
The Vindicator, February 10, 1865, p. 2, c. 4:
"$500 Reward."
George, about five feet tall, a bright mulatto boy with straight hair, between
14 and 15 years old, ran away from E. G. Marshall near Staunton on January 20, 1865. He was
wearing a roundabout and pants of brown janes and a gray cap. Marshall offers a reward of $500
for George's return.
The Vindicator, February 24, 1865, p. 2, c. 3:
"$100 Reward."
Harvey, an African-American man about 21 years old who is five feet eight
or nine inches tall, of dark brown color, and who was wearing a dark brown Janes coat and
slouched hat, escaped from the jail of Augusta County on the evening of February 21, 1865.
Harvey was jailed for a felony. George Harlan, jailor, offers a reward of $100 for Harvey's return.
Harvey belongs to John McClanahan.
The Vindicator, February 24, 1865, p. 2, c. 3:
"$500 Reward."
Andy, an African-American man about twenty years old who is five feet nine
or ten inches tall, is slender and of dark color, and who was wearing a new jeans frock coat with
metal buttons, a pair of gray jeans pants, a white felt hat, and a cloth cap, ran away from William
D. Anderson on the night of January 26, 1865. Andy belongs to John C. Heiskell of Hampshire
County. Anderson offers a reward of $500 for Andy's return.
The Vindicator, February 24, 1865, p. 2, c. 4:
"$200 Reward."
Harriet, an African-American girl "about 15 years old, well grown and
heavy set," with "a bushy head of hair, and a small scar on her left cheek near the mouth," ran
away from the subscriber near Hebron Church on January 25, 1865. She is "a bright mulatto" and
was wearing "linsey" clothes. Z. D. Shafer offers a rewards of $200 for her return.
The Vindicator, March 24, 1865, p. 2, c. 3:
"$100 Reward."
Charles, "a bright mulatto boy" about fifteen years old and five feet four
inches tall, ran away from the General Hospital in Staunton on the night of February 20, 1865.
Thomas Opie offers a reward of $100 for the return of Charles.
