Maria Smith (b. circa 1825 - d. ?)
MSA SC 5496-1270
Fled from slavery, Prince George's County, Maryland, 1857
Biography:
Most of Maria Smith's story was reported by her husband, Adam Smith. Adam ran from Isaac Scaags' farm near Beltsville in Prince George's County, leaving behind Maria and their four children. Scaggs owned eight adult slaves and nine young slaves. Adam Smith claimed Scaggs was "a real country ruffian, member of no church and a great drinker and gambler.."1 Adam reported that he left because he didn't like how he was treated by Scaggs. About a week after Adam's disappearance, Scaggs placed another ad for runaway slaves including Maria Smith and her children: Dall age thirteen, Lem age eleven, Bill "Shug" age eight, and Ben age two. William Still, who offered Adam assistance, verified that he made it to Philadelphia with two other slaves. There is strong reason to believe that Adam's mother, living in Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C., aided his escape. Adam found refuge in Philadelphia and then returned later to take his family with him to freedom.
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