Slavery in Maine


Bill of lading for slave, 1719

Bill of lading for slave, 1719
Item 7372   info
Maine Historical Society

This bill of lading from the Brigandine Sarah was for a “One Negro Woman… Consigned to M: William Pepperell”, sailing from Barbados to the Piscataqua River. While her name was never recorded, a note on the side describes the woman as having a “Mark with a Y on ye right Sholder.” Not long after her delivery to Maine, Pepperell reported that “… one negro woman, marked Y. on the left breast, died about three weeks after her arrival in spite of medical aid which I procured. All the rest died at sea.”

William Pepperrell receipt for purchase of enslaved man, 1718

William Pepperrell receipt for purchase of enslaved man, 1718
Item 22513   info
Maine Historical Society

The most famous slave owner in Maine was Sir William Pepperell (1696 – 1759). In the early 1700s, the owning of slaves was a mark of wealth and success. Pepperell bought and sold slaves throughout his life, and left four slaves to his wife in his will. This receipt documents the sale of "one negro man" named Ceaser, about thirty five years old, sold by Sareth Mendum of Kittery to William Pepperell, also of Kittery.

Receipt for slave, Kittery, 1738

Receipt for slave, Kittery, 1738
Item 22517   info
Maine Historical Society

In 1738, James Fogg of Kittery paid one hundred and thirty pounds to Abraham Cross for a slave woman named Mezsa.

Will of Charles Frost, 1724

Will of Charles Frost, 1724
Item 9270   info
Maine Historical Society

As he neared death, Charles Frost (1678 – 1724) ensured that his last will and testament was up to date and directed the disposal of all his properties in Kittery and Berwick. This property included his four slaves, named Hector, Prince, Pompey, and Cesar. The will transferred ownership of these slaves to his sons, some only after the death of Frost’s wife.

Principal Slave Trade route, ca. 1765

Principal Slave Trade route, ca. 1765
Item 102708   info
Maine Historical Society

Principal slave trade routes to Falmouth (Portland) in Casco Bay, circa 1765 created by Charles P.M. Outwin.

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