PORTFOLIO
HOME
PORTFOLIO
ABOUT
PURCHASE
CONTACT ME

RUNAWAY! GOING, GOING, GONE
My mixed media painting series, Runaway: Going, Going, Gone, is inspired by a recent discovery of “Wanted” advertisements from the early 1800 (Library of Congress). These ads describe runaway enslaved people of African descent in, sometimes minute, details. Descriptions of hair color and styles, clothes, complexion, scars, size, and demeanor conjure vivid images in a real and tangible ways. 
Bilhah - 1764 Acrylic, Wax, Washi, and Mixed Media, 18" x 24" RAN-away from me the Subscriber, the 14th Instant, a Molatto Woman named BILHAH, aged 30 Years, a tall,, thick built, well proportioned Wench: had on a brown short camblet Cloak, a light colour’d stuff Gown, barr’d with Yellow, a blue camblet Quilt, and check’d linen Apron, black silk Bonnet, a large pair flower’d silver shoe-buckles, may possibly pretend to be a Free Woman, or may Change her Apparel for Men’s Cloathing. All Masters of Vessels are cautioned from carrying off said Molatto – Any Person who shall secure said Molatto Wench in any of His Majesty’s Goals shall have FOUR DOLLARS Reward and necessary Charges paid by JARED ELIOT. KILLINGWORTH, Mar. 21, 1764
Jack (Ran away from Abraham Lincoln's family) Acrylic, Wax, Washi, and Mixed Media, 24" x 36" RUN away on the 13th of September last from Abraham Lincoln of Springfield in the County of Chester, a Negro Man named Jack, about 30 Years of Age, low Stature, speaks little or no English, has a Scar by the Corner of one Eye, in the Form of a V, his Teeth notched, and the Top of one of his Fore Teeth broke; He had on when he went away an old Hat, a grey Jacket partly like a Sailor's Jacket. Whoever secures the said Negro and brings him to his Master, or to Mordecai Lincoln ... shall have Twenty Shillings Reward and reasonable Charges" Mordecai Lincoln (1686-1736) was great-great-grandfather of President Lincoln.
Jenny – 1796 Acrylic, Wax, Washi, and Mixed Media, 18" x 24 RAN AWAY from the Subscriber on the 17th Instant, at Night, a Negro WOMAN, named Jenny, about 25 Years of Age, large and of a lightish color, and has a flat large nose. She took with her a male Negro Child, about 17-Months old.
Jesse - 1803 Acrylic, Wax, Washi, and Mixed Media, 18" x 24" Stop a Thief and Runaway. Ranaway from the subscriber, on the 2d ult. A negro boy named JESSE, 17 years old, 5 feet 5 or 6 inches high, well made, is of a lively air and speaks good English; was born in North Carolina. Stole from me a grey coat and waistcoat, and nankeen overalls–from Providence, a two mast cedar boat. Who every will return said boy to me, or secure him so that I get him again, shall receive Thirty Dollars and all necessary expenses. All persons are cautioned against harboring said boy. BENJ. SHORES, jun.
John - 1796 Run-away from the subscriber the 4th inst. A Mulatto Boy named JOHN, 16 years old, short of his age and stocky; took with him 5 shirts, one ruffled on the bosom, one white silk and two bandanna handkerchiefs, two white and two striped linen do. one cravat three pair stockings, 3 jackets one of which is scarlet broadcloth two pair tow cloth overhalls two do. [overhalls] nankeen one do. [overhalls] dark broadcloth one green broadcloth short coat, one elastic great coat one pair new shoes one new round hat a pair boots a short lead colour’d jacket and a pair dark homemade overhalls. Whoever will take up said boy and return him, with the cloathing, or give information where he is kept, shall have a generous reward, or one farthing reward for said boy without the cloathing. All persons are forbid harboring or keeping said boy on penalty of the law. Raphel Fontienne. Hartford, March 9 1796
Julian Francois - 1802 Acrylic, Wax, Washi, and Mixed Media. 18" x 24" RAN-AWAY From the subscriber on the 24th inst. A negro man, named Julian Francois, between 19 and 20 years of age, speaks French and some broken English, has a very cross down look with him, thick lips and very black skin; has a fresh mark over his eye, and has two sores upon one of his legs; he carried away with him 2 short blue jackets, one lined with white and the other with green flannel, a new brown Great Coat and some other articles—Whoever will secure the said runaway in New London goal, or deliver him to the subscriber shall receive 20 dollars reward, and no charges paid.—The undersigned expects to sail in the course of next week for Trinidad, if the said Negro is not arrested before the departure of the subscriber, he will engage to pay any Captain who will deliver him in the latter place the sum of 100 dollars, or if delivered to Messrs. George Crudan and Co. in Martinico, the sum of 80 dollars. EMARI NOEL. Norwich, April 27, 1802
Mary – 1793 Acrylic, Wax, Washi, and Mixed Media, 18" x 24 Ran away from the subscriber, on the Night of the 28th Instant, a large, likely Negro Wench, named MARY, about 22 Years of age, speaks good English dresses her hair high; carried away with her One light Chintz Gown, One white Linen Ditto, One blue and white striped Linen Ditto, One purple Moreene Skirt, one white Diaper Ditto, Three Flannel Petticoats; One black silk Hat, one black figured Worsted Cloak, one light Chintz short Gown, one white Linen Ditto, One red and white Woollen Ditto, Shoes, Stockings, and a large supply of other wearing Apparel—Whoever will take up said Negro, and return her to the Subscriber, in Westerly State of Rhode Island shall have FIVE DOLLARS Reward, paid by JOSEPH NOYES.
Nelly - 1809 Acrylic, Wax, Washi, and Mixed Media, 24" x 36", 10 DOLLARS REWARD. RANAWAY from the subscriber on the 15th instant, a Negro Girl named Nelly, 16 years of age, stout built, rather short, yellow complexion, long Indian hair, curled before, bold, but rather down looking. Had on a white gown, light shawl, straw bonnet, and black shoes; also took with her a green umbrella with a fringe. Who ever will take up said girl, and return her to her mistress living near Stoney Brook, two and a half miles this side of Princeton, shall receive the above reward. AMEY CHESTION October 24, 1809
Sall and Her Son - 1792 Acrylic, Wax, Washi, and Mixed Media 24" x 36" RUN AWAY form the subscriber on the 17th of last Month his Negroe woman, Sall—She is about thirty-six years of age, to strangers of an insinuating behaviour, took with her a large bundle of wearing cloaths, and her infant male child, of about eight months of age—She was very lately in service in a public house in the City of Hartford, and perhaps may falsely assert that she has from her master obtained her freedom. All persons are cautioned against employing, secreting, or carrying away said Negroe woman, is in so doing, they may expect to answer the penalty of law. David Tod Suffield, July 20, 1792
Silva - 1784 Acrylic, Wax, Washi, and Mixed Media, 18" x 24" Run away from the subscriber the 17th instant, a Negro Wench named Silva, about 24 years of age, smallish size, thick and well made, had on and took with her a brown skirt and striped short gown. Whoever will take up and secure said wench and give information to the subscriber, shall have Five dollars reward and charges paid by, Elijah Hensdale - Farmington, June 19, 1784 NB Said Wench before she runaway threw a stone and fractured the skull of her master and otherwise much wounded him.
Simsbury (No Name) Acrylic, Wax, Washi, and Mixed Media, 18" x 24 TEN DOLLARS REWARD. Run away from the subscriber living in Simsbury, in Hartford county, on the day before the election at Hartford, a negro man about 27 years of age, about 5 feet and 8 inches high, and lisps some in his speech; had on when he went away a brown coat and red waist coat, a white Holland shirt, a new caster hat, a new pair of leather breeches, a pair of blue stockings, carried away with him a blue vest, two pair of stockings the one pale blue the other deep blue, two pair of shoes. Whoever shall take up said negro and return him to me shall have ten dollars reward and necessary charges paid, or secure him in any of his majesty’s goals and send me word so that I may have him again shall have five dollars reward and necessary charges paid, by TIMOTHY MOSES
Will (Ran away from George Washington's estate) - 1771 Acrylic, Wax, Washi, and Mixed Media, 24" x 36" Williamsburg, July 18, 1771. YORK County, July 3, 1771. RAN away, about the middle of June last, from Mr. John Park Custis's plantation, near the Capitol landing, a likely young Virginia born Negro fellow named WILL, about 6 feet high, very full faced, and full eyed. The Said Negro broke York goal some time ago, and was taken again, but in bringing him home to the Said plantation he made his escape from the overseer. AS he passed at York Some time for a free man, I have reason to believe that he will try to get on board Some vessel. Whoever will bring the Said Negro to me, near Williamsburg, Shall receive TWENTY SHILLINGS reward, besides what the law allows. He is out-lawed. JOSEPH VALENTINE. N.B. All masters of vessels are cautioned against taking him on board at their peril. Valentine was overseer of Custis estates when George Washington married Martha Custis in 1759.
Hannah Run away from the subscriber, a Negro or Mulatto Girl, named Hannah, but assumes the name of Hannah Wadson, had on a calico bonnet, and other thin cloths, middling size, with long black hair, was the property of Thomas Philips of Salisbury; from whom she pretends an emancipation in writing, but ‘tis an illegal one. It is supposed she intends to reside in Farmington, or to press on to Rhode-Island where said Philips brought her. Whoever will secure said Girl, so that the subscriber can get her, shall be entitled to Three Dollars reward and reasonable charges, paid on notice where she is secured. Adonijah Strong Salisbury, August 12, 1784
Bristol Acrylic, Wax, Washi, and Mixed Media 18" x 24" Ten Dollars Reward RUN-away last night from the subscriber, a Negro servant, named BRISTOL, about 34 years of age; carried with him two suits of Cloaths two pair of Leather Breeches, one pair mill dress’d; a red Great Coat, a Castor Hat, and a Violin. The above reward and necessary charges Shall be paid to any person that Shall return him, to Robert Breck
Hamon May 13, 1793 Acrylic, Wax, Washi, and Mixed Media 18" x 24"RUN-away from the subscriber on the 10th inst. A Negro man, named Hamon, more than middling for size, light complexion, one thumb off at the middle joint, about twenty-eight years of age; had on when he went away, a blue coat, a light brown jacket, and woolen trowsers, had with him a fiddle. Whoever will take up said Negro, and give me notice or deliver him to me, shall receive Ten Dollars reward and all necessary charges paid by me, HENRY TOMLINSON
Jeffery June 3, 1774. Run-away from Stephen Goodwin of Goshen, in the county of Litchfield, in the evening of the 2d of June instant, a negro servant about 25 years of age, named JEFFERY, speaks tolerable good English—He took with him one check linen shirt; one pair strip’d linen trowsers; one pair brown plain cloth breeches; one mix’d colour’d plan cloth coat; one brown plain cloth waistcoat; one blue broadcloth waistcoat; one pair torn’d pumps; one pair double soled shoes. Said Negro also at the same time stole and rode away from his master, a small iron grey horse, three years old, no brand. Said Negro was born in Colchester, and is a short thick well fet fellow. Any person that will take up said fellow, and confine him in any of his Majesty’s goals in this colony, so as that his master can have him again or return him to his said master, shall be entitled to Six Dollars reward for said Negro, and Four Dollars for said Horse and all necessary charges pain, by Stephen Goodwin.
Nancy April 1, 1815. Ran away from me the Subscriber on the 19th instant, A dark mulatto woman, named Nancy sometimes called Nancy Studdard – She is a woman rather under size, about 16 years of age; is neat in her person and walks with a quick step, has a fierceness in her eyes, which are around and small – She speaks in a small soft voice, but is very violent in her temper, and is uncommonly cunning and artful. She carried with her three dresses of plaid homespun cotton, one of which he wore away. Commonly wears a white turban in her head and had around her neck a piece of red flannel, which it is supposed she still wears. She has a mother and brother belonging to Brookes Boall of Montgomery county Md. To whom she once belonged. I suspect that she is either in Washington City or Alexandria. I will give ten dollars if she is taken in the District and locked in any jail so that I get her again. W. Baker, Georgetown
Nell & Child. Ten Dollars Reward, Ran away from the subscriber 16th instant, a Negro Wench, named Nell, twenty two years old had a child with her aged 3 months; the Wench is short and clumsey, her dress when she ran-away consisted of a tow-cloth short gown and petticoat, and a hat with a blue veil over it, she had some other cloathing with her, particularly a Callico gound, flowered figure and the sleeves lined with blue check. Whoever will secure her for the owner or cause her to be delivered to min at his house at Belfield within three miles of Norwalk post Office, shall receive the above reward and all necessary charges. Walter Dowdall. Hartford, Aug. 20 1796.
Quam Run away from the subscriber the 19th instant, a likely negro fellow named Quam, about twenty-five years old, is a very black negro—small eyes, has a small longish scar on the upper part and on one side of the forehead,, is about five feet and four inches, is a very sober fellow, had on a blue outside-jacket, brown under-waistcoat, red coating trousers and check flannel shirt; whoever will take up said fellow shall have TEN DOLLARS reward, and all necessary charges paid by the subscriber, John Miller. New-London, 20th May, 1790.
Sampson Ten Dollars Reward. RUN away from the Subscriber in Canterbury on the Night following the 26th Instant a Mulatto Slave named Sampson, about 5 feet 8 inches high, and thirty Years of Age. He is a Slender built Fellow, has thick Lips, a curled, Mulatto Head of Hair, uncut, and goes stooping forward. He had on and carried with him, when he eloped from his Master, a half wore Felt Hat, a black and white Two Shirt, a dark brown jacket, with Sleeves and cuffed, and Pewter Buttons down before, a Butter Nut coloured Great Coat, with Pewter Buttons, a Pair of striped long Trowsers, and a Pair of short white Ditto, a Pair of Tow Stockings, and a Pair of single channel Pumps. Whoever will take up said Slave, and deliver him to the Subscriber, in Canterbury, shall have the above Reward, and all necessary Charges, paid by me Daniel Tyler
Simile Run away from the Subscriber, on the 12 inst. A negro girl named Simile,--about 18 years of age—trim built—very thick lips--had on a light coloured striped quilt---a brown loose gown---a crimson cloak and a black bonnet. Whoever will bring said negro to the subscriber, shall have Four Dollars reward, and necessary charges paid. Elizur Talcott, jun’r. Glastenbury, March 23, 1788.
Tony. Ran-away from the Subscriber the Evening of the 4th Instant a Negro Man named Tony, about 25 Years of Age, about 5 Feet 10 Inches high, well Set and very Black; took with him when he went away, a new coat and Vest of a claret Colour, mixed with red and white, yellow metal Buttons, and one gray ditto some ware, and a Vest Striped red and white; one pair Deer Skin Breeches, and Check’d long trowsers, two Holland Shirts, and one stripe ditto, and one check’d ditto, speaks good English and as he walks lops very one side and the other. Whoever will take up said Negro and secure him in any of his Majesty’s Goals or return him to his Master, shall have Three Dollars Reward, and all reasonable Charges paid by Samuel Gilbert, ju
Absalom Ran away on the 25th of November last past from his master Mr. Caleb Bennet of Portsmouth on Rhode-Island an Indian Lad named Absalom Jennings, about 16 Years of Age of a middle statue and well fit, had on when he went away a dark mors-colur’d Wastcoat, another grey waistcoat, with flannel sleeves, striped red and blue, a flannel shirt strip’d blue and white, a pair of breeches made out of a sheep-skin, a pair of trowsers, a pair of good stockings near the colour of his upper waistcoat, and an old hat cut round like a jockey cap. He has a scar upon the outside of one of his legs, about half way from his knees to his ankle, right across his leg. He can work ant the Weaver’s trade. Whosoever shall apprehend the said Run-away, him safely convey to his said Master, or secure him in any of his Majesty’s Goals so that his Master may have him again, shall have Five Pounds Reward old tenor, and all necessary charges paid. Portsmouth, April 22d 1743.
Jack. 1785 On Tuesday evening the 25th instant, ran away for my Tas Works, my Negro Man JACK, aged about 24 years, about 5 feet and half high, marked with a large gash or cross on each cheek, and part of his scalp taken off the back part of his head, he cannot straighten his right little finger---Whoever will take up said servant and return him to me or confined him in some Jail, shall have all necessary charges paid and be handsomely rewarded. Thomas Denny