Over the last few days I've been busy exploring the escape of [Ona Maria Staines, escaped slave of George Washington Ona "Oney" Maria Staines (Judge)]. Not only was she a runaway, but she was a runaway from our founding father, George Washington, and his wife Martha. She was a dower slave that came to Martha upon the death of her 1st husband, Daniel Parke Custis.
Oney decided to make her escape when she found out that she was going to be a wedding gift for Martha's granddaughter. The escape was made easier by the fact that she was in Pennsylvania at this time with the Washington family. Pennsylvania was a "free" state so there were friends there that were willing to help her in her escape. Along with the ones that helped her escape were also those that helped remain free even after [George Washington, 1st President of the United States George Washington] found out where she was.
Among those that helped her escape to New Hampshire was Capt. John Bolles (or Bowles). Capt. John Bolles partner, Thomas Leigh, might have been involved at least indirectly. [Gov. John Langdon, Signer of the US Constitution Gov. John Langdon] and [Joseph Whipple Joseph Whipple] helped her remain free after she got to New Hampshire.
I had her mini tree almost complete. All I had expected from the start was to do was a small family tree. I had added her sister, half brother, children, and parents. The tree was complete, or so I thought. Then I thought I'd give it one more google to see if I could find out more about Oney's parents. I googled "Delphy Judge". What an unexpected surprise! It didn't lead me to more about their parent. It was even better. It got Oney's mini tree connected to the World Tree. I just followed the trail blindly, and it lead me there. The story was out there waiting to be found.
Delphia's full name was [Philadelphia Costin, freed slave of Custis family Philadelphia Judge]. She had married another slave named [William Custis Costin, freed slave of Custis family William Custis Costin]. He was the son of [Ann Costin, freed slave of Custis family Ann Dandridge] a slave, and half sister to Martha Washington! However, it didn't end there. William Custis Costin's father was Martha Washington's son, [John Parke Custis John "Jack" Custis]. This means that Oney's brother-in-law was the grandson (and also half-nephew) of Martha Washington. I had my mini tree attached!!
Thank you [Erica Howton Erica] for recommending that I research Oney! Thank you [Private User Tammy] for your assistance! I had no idea what an interesting journey it would be!
I invite all who are interested to read Oney's profile. It tells about her journey to freedom in her own words.
