Quaco

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This person of African descent has 2 related events in the database, listed at the bottom of this page.
Identifier
NJS-PER-05235
Given Name
Quaco
Sex
Male
Biographical Description
Quaco was a Black man who was enslaved by Joseph Carver in the 1760s. His date and place of birth are unknown. Information about him comes from a runaway advertisement that was published by Joseph Carver on August 20, 1761, after Quaco escaped. Quaco spoke "broken English," which suggests that he was probably born outside of British North America. He was also described as having numerous "short strokes" on his face, which may refer to culturally significant African face markings.

Quaco was held in bondage in Philadelphia for some time, although whether this was weeks or years is not known. Then, on August 11, 1761, he was taken to New Jersey via Daniel Cooper's Ferry (in present-day Camden). He was transported in shackles, which included an iron collar around his neck, handcuffs, and a six-foot chain. It is unclear whether he was being taken to a new master's house or whether he was brought to Daniel Cooper's Ferry to be sold there (this ferry location was known to hold captives and facilitate slave sales in this time period). A few days after arriving in New Jersey, he made an escape while still wearing the iron shackles on his body. Joseph Carver suspected that Quaco would try to get back to Philadelphia and published a runaway ad offering a reward for anyone who would apprehend Quaco. Joseph Carver did not mention his own place of residence in this ad, but noted that people with information should contact him at Daniel Cooper's Ferry. Quaco's fate after making this daring escape is not known.
Keywords
African descent person
Places
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Federal Street Ferry, Camden (Daniel Cooper's Ferry)
Enslaved by
Joseph Carver
Record Contributor
Jesse Bayker
Linked Events

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Resource class
Agent