Uncovering the Story of a Runaway Slave From Baltimore’s Inner Harbor

A look back at the story of a runaway slave from Baltimore's Inner Harbor in 1858. Through research, the Edwards family was found in the 1870 U.S. Census. Learn more about the runaway slave notice from the Baltimore Sun in 1858.

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There are so many notices like this in the newspapers back before the Civil War. The notice below is from the Baltimore Sun, printed on July 3rd, 1858. The address on Lombard St. is right down by the Inner Harbor.

runaway slave notice - July 3rd, 1858 — runaway slave notice – July 3rd, 1858

165 years ago seems like a really long time ago, but at the same time, shockingly close when you consider the fact that man was literally enslaving man., with the backing of the United States government.

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We found Lewis in the 1870 U.S. Census. He was listed as a wagon driver, living with his family. He was also listed in the city directory through the 1870s with various occupations like waiter, oyster shucker, sawyer, and laborer.