1792, Sam, Freedom seeking (Resistance)

Item

Title
1792, Sam, Freedom seeking (Resistance)
Identifier
NJS-EVE-00173
Event Description
Sam, an 18-year-old Black man, ran away from enslaver James Stevenson of Amwell, Hunterdon County, on April 24, 1792. James Stevenson published a runaway ad offering a reward of $8 for Sam's capture. The ad provided a description of Sam's appearance, scars, and clothing.

The following is a transcript of the ad:

"Eight Dollars Reward.
RAN away from the subscriber the 24th inst. a Negro Boy named Sam, eighteen years of age, five feet six or seven inches high, had on when he went away, a wool hat, sailor coat, waistcoat, and trowsers, all grey linsey, stript linsey shirt, grey stockings, old shoes, a remarkable scar on one of his legs; any person apprehending said negro and securing him so that his master may get him again, shall receive the above reward and all reasonable charges paid by me,
JAMES STEVENSON.
Amwell, Hunterdon County, April 27, 1792."
Action Status
Completed
Date
24 April 1792
Location
Amwell, NJ
Primary Participant
Sam (b. 1774)
Primary Participant Description (verbatim)
Negro Boy
five feet six or seven inches high
a remarkable scar on one of his legs
Sex
Male
Age
Young Adult
18
Freedom Status
Enslaved
Enslaver of Primary Event Participant
James Stevenson (1763-1839)
Source
Runaway ad for Sam
Runaway ad for Sam, by James Stevenson. Brunswic Gazette. May 1, 1792.
Record Contributor
Jesse Bayker