About the latter part of December, 1857, Isaac and Edmondson, brothers,
succeeded in making their escape together from Petersburg, Va. They
barely escaped the auction block, as their mistress, Mrs. Ann Colley, a
widow, had just completed arrangements for their sale on the coming
first day of January. In this kind of property, however, Mrs. Colley had
not largely invested. In the days of her prosperity, while all was happy
and contented, she could only boast of "four head:" these brothers,
Jackson, Isaac and Edmondson and one other. In May, 1857, Jackson had
fled and was received by the Vigilance Committee, who placed him upon
their books briefly in the following light:
"RUNAWAY--_Fifty Dollars Reward_,--Ran away some time in May
last, my _Servant-man_, who calls himself _Jackson Turner_. He
is about 27 years of age, and has one of his front teeth out. He
is quite black, with thick lips, a little bow-legged, and looks
down when spoken to. I will give a reward of Fifty dollars if
taken out of the city, and twenty five Dollars if taken within
the city. I forewarn all masters of vessels from harboring or
employing the said slave; all persons who disregard this Notice
will be punished as the law directs.