John Keys to Levin Richardson, 1835 January 18

The collection contains materials related to Levin Richardson (1783-1874), a public notary and shipbuilder, who lived in Church Creek, Dorchester County, Maryland. Series I contains correspondence to and from Richardson and primarily concerns shipbulding as well as his work in the House of Delegates. There is also a letter from Richardson's son-in-law, James L. Dorsey, dated 1861 April 19 describing the Pratt Street Riot in Baltimore, Maryland. Series II contains documents, such as deeds and plats, related to Richardson's work as a public official.

Of particluar note in Series II, is a document listing the individuals enslaved by Anthony Thompson (1762-1836) of Peter's Neck, Dorchester County, Maryland created by his son, Dr. Anthony C. Thompson (1793-1868), in January 1839 for probate purposes. This list is organized by name and includes information such as time left to serve as well as notations on familial relationships. Identified by scholar Dr. Kate Clifford Larson, the first name listed is that of Benjamin "Ben" Ross (circa 1785-1871), the father of abolitionist Harriet Tubman (1822-1913). The information provided indicates that by 1839 Ross had one year and four months to serve before manumission with a "Wife and Children belonging to Edward Brodess," who was the enslaver of Tubman and her mother Harriet "Rit" Green. Enslaved families were often separated due to sale by an enslaver or an inheritance bequest.