Oney Judge
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Oney Judge, born in 1773, was a slave at George Washington's home, Mount Vernon. Oney was an expert at needlework, and she became Mrs. Washington's body servant. After Mrs. Washington informed Oney that she would be given to her eldest grandaughter, Elizabeth Custis, as a wedding present in 1796, Oney made escape plans.
She planned her escape with the aid of her free black friends. During the Washingtons' trip to Philadelphia, she slipped away one night while they were eating dinner. Oney had her friends hide her until they found a northbound ship, which ended up taking her to New Hampshire.
In New Hampshire, Oney was discovered. She could have been captured and returned under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793, which George Washington had signed into law. Judge, however, was not captured and returned, in order to avoid public controversy.
