Runaway Slave Announcement – 1861
Image courtesy of the History Museum for Springfield-Greene County.
On Monday June 3, 1861, three slaves ran away from their owners in Springfield, Missouri. G. P. Shackelford, Louisa Campbell and H. Fulbright filed a joint runaway announcement describing the men.
Wash a boy about five feet Ten inches high rather heavy built weighing some 160 lbs and of light Copper collar and has rather heavy hair inclined to be bushy. Has rather a down look and is slow spoken but has good sence Had on when lift common clothes and is some thirty years old
Henry about five feet 4 or 5 inches high Dark copper color heavy set Twenty two years old Had on when left dark pants Janes coat & black hat
Luke a boy some six feet high black color and is about Twenty six years old
The announcement appears to be designed for publication in a Springfield, Missouri newspaper; however, the description provides more detail than is commonly found in a traditional runaway handbill. The owners offered a “liberal reward” for the apprehension and delivery of the three slaves.
Contributed by the The History Museum for Springfield-Greene County
