Oct 5

Oct 5 Absconded From the Household of the President - Ona Judge's Escape

Ona Judge was a slave of the Washington’s who escaped to freedom while George was President of the United States.

Technically, Ona was owned by Martha Washington’s first husband so she would not have been qualified to receive liberation in George’s will, meaning her only hope was to take the risky running into her own hands.

Ona Judge

During the administration of President Washington, Ona Judge was the personal servant of First Lady Martha Washington.

Often called Oney, she was in her mid-20’s and despite her white father and light complexion, Judge had followed her mother into slavery.

Then, on May 20, 1796, Ona saw an opportunity for freedom.

Skirting the Law

While Ona was in her mid 20’s, President Washington was still serving in the temporary capital of Philadelphia.

Although slavery had been outlawed in Pennsylvania, the State quietly looked the other way while he skirted the rules.

During this time, Martha informed Ona that she would be given as a wedding present to one of the Washington’s hot-tempered granddaughters.

Understanding that her treatment could turn dramatically worse should she be given over to another master, Judge decided to go on the run.

Escape

While the Executive Mansion was being packed for a return trip to Virginia, Ona slipped out of the building.

Aided with the free Black community of Philadelphia, she made her way to the ship Nancy which sailed north.

Judge found her freedom in Portsmouth, NH.

Evading Arrest

President Washington was not too happy when he learned that Ona had ‘absconded’ from his service.

He twice attempted to have her brought back.

The first time, she was confronted by the man who was supposed to return her but when he asked why she left she simply told him that she desired freedom. The man, Joseph Whipple, thought that made a whole lot of sense and refused to arrest her.

The second time, she was to be abducted but friendly Portsmouth citizens gave her warning and helped her hide.

After that, Washington (whose opinion was already turning against slavery) decided to let her be.

I Am Free

Though Ona would marry, have several children, and live 50 more years, it is interesting to note where he life went after freedom.

As one of the most high-profile servants in the Washington household, Judge always wore the finest clothing. Additionally, she was often given money by Washington for recreational purposes.

After her escape, however, Ona lived the life of a pauper and barely scraped by.

But, when asked decades later if she regretted the difficult life she went on to live, Ona’s reply coincided with the lofty goals of the American Revolution.

“No,” she said, “I am free...”

Portsmouth had a thriving community of free Black Founders.

Here are a few of them:

Dinah Whipple Educates Portsmouth’s Black Community

Pomp Springs - Portsmouth’s ‘Gentleman from Africa’

Ona Judge’s story is special, so there have been several books written about her life.

One of the most recent is ‘Never Caught’ which has been published as both a grown- up and young adult version.

If you’d like a copy you can get one through the Amazon affiliate link below (you’ll support this site, but don’t worry, Amazon pays me while your price stays the same).