Existing comment:
Rockville's African American Heritage Walking Tour Site #4
Dr. James Anderson House
100 South Washington Street
Long before the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, some enslaved people freed themselves by escaping to Canada. In 1856, Alfred Homer walked and ran more than 500 miles from this site to freedom, despite the dangers of the Fugitive Slave Law.
Dr. Anderson's house was located on this site, before the present 1893 house built by his daughter. On May 31, 1856, his slave Alfred Homer escaped bondage by fleeing Rockville on foot, finding temporary refuge with the Philadelphia Vigilance Committee and finally gaining freedom in Canada.
The Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 required the return of runaway slaves even from the non-slavery northern states. Being caught meant severe punishment or being sold into worse conditions in the Deep South.
One hundred dollars reward. - Ran away from the subscriber, living in Rockville, Montgomery county, Md. on Saturday, 31st of May last,
NEGRO MAN, ALFRED,
about twenty-two years of age; five feet seven inches high; dark copper color, and rather good looking.
He had on when he left a dark blue and green plaid frock coat, of cloth, and lighter colored plaid pantaloons.
I will give the above reward if taken out of the county and in any of the States, or fifty dollars if taken in the county or the District of Columbia, and secured so that I get him again.
John W. Anderson |