Joseph Viney (b. 1817 - d. ?)
MSA SC 5496-8016
Fled from slavery, Dorchester County, Maryland, 1857
Biography:
On October 24, 1857, Joseph Viney fled with twenty-eight slaves from the Cambridge District in Dorchester County. According to an interview conducted by William Still, Viney was owned by Charles Bryant of Alexandria, VA, though there is little other information about his earlier life. Joe was probably hired out to work in the burgeoning maritime and timber trades around Cambridge, near his wife, Susan Viney, and their four children. The latter members were owned by Samuel Pattison, a prosperous farmer who was hit particularly hard by the increased incidence of flight. He claimed to have lost at least 15 slaves during the October exodus. In a November 14 letter, Pattison expressed his exasperation and proposed a $2650 reward for "a fair proportion" of those chattel that had escaped him.
Joe Viney is a central character in the account, though the slave holder does not attempt to lay blame upon him. Henry, Joe, and Tom, 16 to 22 year old fugitives, are also identified as the elder Viney's children. Still says that "Joseph had very nearly finished paying for himself." However, it would have been difficult to pass up the opportunity of obtaining freedom for his whole family. The Vineys braved continuous storms, hunger, and the ever-present threat of slave catchers. Some members of the large group, who were armed with numerous guns and knives, had a violent engagement with "several Irishmen" while being conducted through Delaware. Joe and his family were able to reach Philadelphia, from which they were directed to safe territory further North. The Vineys were able to settle within the large fugitive community in St. Catharine's, Ontario. Joe is listed as a laborer in the 1871 Census, but little else is known about his life as a free man in Canada.
Return to Joseph Viney's Introductory Page
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