Way, John

John Way was man of African-American and Native American ancestry.  In September 1769, he ran away from Eliakim Deming, in whose household he was serving.  At that time, Way was described as being about 6 feet tall with a slim build.  Speaking with a small voice, his English was good.  He wore his hair tied behind his head, which he kept shaved.  When he went missing, Way was wearing an old felt hat, a light flannel vest without sleeves, a checked linen shirt, short white tow trousers, blue yarn stockings, and a pair of single-soled shoes.

 

By 1770, Way had married Abigail Adams, a member of the prominent Qunnipiac Adams family.  The couple lived on the Tunxis Indian reservation until Abigail sold the property in 1806.

 

Run Away Advertisement, Connecticut Courant, September 18, 1769.  Sources for this biography come from the Related Digital Heritage Items listed below.