Study Areas

Enslavement

20th Century History

October 30, 1809: Whitfield, enslaved by Benjamin Miller in Kentucky, escapes from Jacob Wyrich's Tavern in Washington, Pennsylvania.

Twenty Dollars Reward.
RANAWAY from the subscriber on the night of the 27th inst. from Jacob Wyrich's tavern, near Washington, when on his way to Kentucky, a negro man named WHITFIELD, about 23 years of age, near 6 feet high, slim made, with very white eyes, had on a blue surtout coat, jean pantaloons, and swansdown vest; he took with him a variety of cloathing, among which was a light grey coat and pantaloons; he carried his cloaths in a linen bag, and was seen crossing the Monongahela at Craig's ferry on Sunday morning the 29th. It is probable he may pass for a free man. Any person apphrehending said negro, and securing him so that the owner may get him again, or deliver him to his master living in Fleming county, Kentucky, shall have the above reward and all reasonable charges paid by BENJAMIN MILLER.
October 30, 1809.

Notes: The tavern from which Whitfield escaped is Jacob Weirich's Tavern. The Washington County Historical Society notes it was located on the original National Pike near the Sugar Hill area.

Sources: Pittsburgh Gazette, 08 November 1809

Covering the history of African Americans in central Pennsylvania from the colonial era through the Civil War.

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