James A. Wilkins (b. ? - d. ?)
MSA SC 5496-8659
Fled from Slavery, Cecil County, Maryland, 1859

Biography:

James Andy Wilkins successfully escaped from Cecil County, Maryland, in 1859 with his wife, Lucinda, and son, Charles.  His owner was George Biddle, a bachelor and farmer, whom Wilkins viewed somewhat favorably and described as a "moderate man in talk."¹  Biddle owned two other slaves, named Rachel Ann Dumbson and John Price.  Though little information has been recovered regarding his life after his escape, Wilkins is known to have reached Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was aided there by individuals connected to the Underground Railroad.

¹Still, William. Underground Rail Road: A Record of Facts, Authentic Narratives, Letters, etc. Philadelphia, PA, Porter & Coales, Publisher, 1872. 504.

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