Jacob Brake's Run Away Slaves

In the summer of 1775, a white servant and two slaves ran away from their master, Jacob Brake, Sr, of Brake's Run on the South Fork, 15 miles south of Moorefield, W(VA). Following is the transcription of the bulletin posted by Brake in the July 25, 1775 Virginia Gazette. Also shown is a photocopy of the original notice as presented on page 48 in Colonel Edward Jackson, 1759 - 1828, Revolutionary Soldier by Nancy A. Jackson and Linda Brake Meyers (Copies of this authoritative, wonderfully-referenced, 1135-page book are still available - visit the link).

Image of run away slaves bulletin

Here is the transcription.....

"Run away from the Subscriber, on the south fork of the South Branch, in Hampshire County, a Servant Man named JOHN YOUNG, an Englishman. he took with him a Linsey-frock, lisps in his speech, stoops very much when he walks, and his Hair clipped on his Forehead.---Also two NEGRO MEN, one named JOE, with a Linsey Frock, and other Clothes usual for a labouring Slave. He ran away before, and was taken up at Port Royal, to which Place it is probable he intends again. The other Negro is named DICK, with the same Kind of Apparel that Joe had, and one of his Feet is much longer that the other. They took with them a Rifle and Ammunition, a large Buck-skin and Elk-skin dressed, and a Tow Sheet and Bag.---Whoever brings the said Servant to me, or secures him so that I may get him, shall have 40 s. Reward, besides what the Law allows; and whoever brings me the said Negroes shall have what the law allows.
JACOB BRAKE
I forewarn all Persons from harbouring them, and Masters of Vessels from carrying them off the Continent."

Submitted by Perry "Buzz" Brake, Tacoma, WA, PudlJumper at aol.com.


Back to Brake Family History home page.
Page maintained by Dan Hyde, hyde at bucknell.edu Last update January 28, 1999

Copyright © 1999
By Daniel C. Hyde