Who was Patty Cannon and what were her primary criminal activities?

Patty Cannon, whose birth name might have been Lucretia Patricia Hanly, was an American illegal slave trader and serial killer. She was also the co-leader of the multi-racial Cannon–Johnson Gang, which operated in Maryland and Delaware during the early 19th century.

What was the main operation of the Cannon–Johnson Gang, and what was this practice known as?

The Cannon–Johnson Gang abducted hundreds of free black people and fugitive slaves along the Delmarva Peninsula. They then sold these individuals into slavery in southern states like Alabama and Mississippi. This illicit activity became known as the Reverse Underground Railroad.

What are the estimated birth and death dates for Patty Cannon?

Patty Cannon was born around 1759 or 1760, or possibly in 1769. She died on May 11, 1829, at an age estimated to be between sixty and seventy years old.

Where did Patty Cannon die, and what was the cause of death?

Patty Cannon died in her cell at the Sussex County Jail in Georgetown, Delaware. The cause of death is disputed, but some sources suggest it was suicide by poisoning.

What other names or aliases were associated with Patty Cannon?

Patty Cannon was also known by the names Lucretia P. Cannon, Patricia Cannon, Lucretia Hanly, and Martha Cannon. The name Lucretia P. Cannon became prominent in popular accounts later, though there's no evidence she used it during her lifetime.

What was Patty Cannon's marital status and family situation?

Patty Cannon was married to a local farmer named Jesse Cannon, who died around 1826. They had at least one daughter, who married two men involved in slave-stealing and kidnapping.

Who was Patty Cannon's most notorious partner in crime?

Patty Cannon's most notorious partner in crime was Joe Johnson, who was her daughter's second husband. Johnson operated a tavern and was deeply involved in the gang's illegal activities.

What were the geographical areas where the Cannon–Johnson Gang operated?

The gang primarily operated along the Delmarva Peninsula, spanning parts of Maryland and Delaware. Their territory also extended across multiple state lines, including operations reaching Philadelphia, New Jersey, Georgia, and other Southern United States locations.

What was the significance of the U.S. Congress banning the importation of slaves in 1807 in relation to the Cannon-Johnson Gang's activities?

The ban on importing slaves in 1807, coupled with the increasing demand for labor due to cotton cultivation and the invention of the cotton gin, made the domestic slave trade significantly more lucrative. This rise in the cash value of slaves created a strong financial incentive for kidnappers like Patty Cannon's gang.

Why was Philadelphia a particularly vulnerable target for kidnappers like Patty Cannon's gang?

Philadelphia had the largest population of free black Americans in the North during the antebellum period and lacked a professional police force. This made its residents, especially children who were easier to control, susceptible to kidnapping by gangs who operated with relative impunity.

How did the Cannon–Johnson Gang typically abduct their victims?

The gang would often troll waterfront areas, enticing young men aboard their boats by offering work as decoy laborers. They also used various methods to lure individuals close enough to be captured, sometimes employing accomplices to build trust.

What was the typical fate of individuals kidnapped by the Cannon–Johnson Gang?

Kidnapped captives were often chained and hidden in secret locations within Cannon's house before being transported. They were typically moved by wagon to Cannon's Ferry, then by schooner down the Nanticoke River to the Chesapeake Bay, and finally shipped to slave markets in states like Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi.

How did Joe Johnson treat the captives held by the gang?

Joe Johnson kept captives in leg irons and severely whipped those who insisted they were free, aiming to suppress their claims of freedom. His wife, Patty Cannon's daughter, was reportedly overheard expressing pleasure at these beatings.

What role did Patty Cannon's daughter play in the gang's crimes?

Patty Cannon's daughter was married to Joe Johnson and was involved in the gang's operations. She was overheard expressing satisfaction when captives were whipped by Johnson, indicating her complicity in the abuse.

What happened to Joe Johnson after the gang was indicted in May 1822?

In May 1822, Joe Johnson was indicted along with other gang members. He was sentenced to the pillory and received 39 lashes, which records indicate were carried out. Patty Cannon and other members charged at that time apparently were not prosecuted.

What actions did Mayor Joseph Watson of Philadelphia take against the Cannon–Johnson Gang?

Mayor Joseph Watson, a Quaker, made significant efforts to combat the gang. In 1826, he offered a $500 reward for information leading to arrests and cooperated with officials in southern states to help kidnapped free blacks regain their freedom and return to Philadelphia.

What was the outcome of the prosecution of gang members Henry Carr and John Purnell in 1827?

Henry Carr and John Purnell were prosecuted for kidnapping free blacks, with testimony from freed captive Cornelius Sinclair. They were acquitted in Mayor's Court. Carr later died in Alabama, while Purnell was convicted in Philadelphia County Court on two counts of kidnapping, fined $4000, and sentenced to 42 years in prison, where he died five years later.

What led to Patty Cannon being indicted for murder in 1829?

In 1829, the remains of four black individuals, including three children, were discovered buried on farm property owned by Patty Cannon in Delaware. A tenant farmer found the remains while plowing, leading to a grand jury indictment against Cannon on four counts of murder.

What were the specific murder charges Patty Cannon faced in 1829?

Patty Cannon was indicted on four counts of murder for the deaths of: an infant female on April 26, 1822; a male child on April 26, 1822; an adult male on October 1, 1820; and a 'Negro boy' on June 1, 1824. These indictments were signed by James Rogers, the Attorney General of Delaware.

Who was Cyrus James, and what testimony did he provide regarding Patty Cannon?

Cyrus James was a mixed-race man who had been purchased as a slave by Cannon at age seven and grew up in her household, participating in her crimes. He testified that he saw Cannon take an injured 'black child not yet dead' out in her apron, and that the child never returned.

How many murders did Patty Cannon confess to before her death?

Before her death in prison, Patty Cannon confessed to nearly two dozen murders of black kidnap victims.

What is the uncertainty surrounding Patty Cannon's death?

While Patty Cannon died in prison on May 11, 1829, while awaiting trial, sources differ on the exact circumstances. Some claim she died of natural causes, while others, including the novel *The Entailed Hat*, suggest she committed suicide by poisoning. It is also unclear if she was convicted and sentenced to hang before her death.

Where was Patty Cannon initially buried, and what happened to her remains later?

Patty Cannon was initially buried in the graveyard of the Georgetown, Delaware jail. In the 20th century, before the land was developed, her remains were exhumed and reburied in a potter's field near the new jail.

What happened to Patty Cannon's skull after her burial?

Patty Cannon's skull was separated from her other bones and was eventually discovered during the excavation of a future parking lot. It was later put on public display in various venues, including on loan to the Dover Public Library in 1961 and the Smithsonian in 2010.

Why was Patty Cannon's skull loaned to the Smithsonian Institution?

The skull of Patty Cannon was loaned to the Smithsonian Institution in 2010 to enable scientists to conduct research and learn more about settler life in the Chesapeake region during that historical period.

What is the historical context provided by the novel *The Entailed Hat* regarding the War of 1812 and Cannon's activities?

The 1884 novel *The Entailed Hat* suggests that the War of 1812, during which the British offered freedom to slaves who joined them, may have contributed to a lack of interest from the local white community in prosecuting Cannon's crimes against black individuals. The novel describes British recruitment of slaves on islands like Tangier Island.

How did the Cannon–Johnson Gang use deception to capture victims?

The gang employed decoys, such as members like Henry Carr and John Purnell, to lure potential victims. They would entice young black men aboard boats with promises of work or make free blacks feel comfortable enough to collaborate, only to betray and capture them.

What is the significance of the name 'Lucretia P. Cannon' in relation to Patty Cannon?

The name 'Lucretia P. Cannon' first appeared in popular accounts, notably the 1841 pamphlet *Narrative and Confessions of Lucretia P. Cannon*. This name was likely chosen to associate her with the notorious poisoner Lucretia Borgia, although there is no evidence that Patty Cannon used the name 'Lucretia' herself during her lifetime.

What is the 'Reverse Underground Railroad'?

The 'Reverse Underground Railroad' refers to the illicit network, led by figures like Patty Cannon and her gang, that kidnapped free black people and fugitive slaves and transported them south to be sold into slavery. This was the opposite of the Underground Railroad, which helped enslaved people escape to freedom.

What efforts were made by Pennsylvania officials, Governor John Andrew Shulze, and Mayor Joseph Watson to combat the gang?

Governor John Andrew Shulze of Pennsylvania and Mayor Joseph Watson of Philadelphia collaborated to recover kidnapped free black individuals and prosecute gang members. They issued extradition orders to southern states and offered rewards for information, aiding in the return of some victims to Philadelphia.

What is the historical marker in Reliance, Maryland, related to Patty Cannon, and what is its context?

A historical marker was placed near the site of the 'Patty Cannon House' in Reliance, Maryland, in the 1990s. However, the structure itself was built around 1840, not during Cannon's active period. Her actual residence, built in the 18th century, was torn down in 1948. The marker was later updated to read 'Nearby Stood' to reflect this.

How has Patty Cannon been represented in other media?

Patty Cannon has been featured in various forms of media, including folkloric stories, the 1841 pamphlet *Narrative and Confessions of Lucretia P. Cannon*, George Alfred Townsend's 1884 novel *The Entailed Hat*, and more recently in novels like James McBride's *Song Yet Sung* and Clive Cussler's *Spartan Gold*. She has also appeared in TV shows like *Homicide: Life on the Street*, *Deadly Women*, and WGN's *Underground* (though depicted anachronistically).

What is the significance of the 'Patty Cannon Estates'?

Patty Cannon Estates is a housing development established in the early 1970s on the Delaware side of the Nanticoke River. It is named after Patty Cannon, reflecting her enduring, albeit controversial, presence in local history and folklore.

What was the role of Joe Johnson's tavern in the gang's operations?

Joe Johnson, Patty Cannon's son-in-law and partner, operated a tavern a few miles from the Cannon house. This tavern served as a holding place for kidnapped captives before they were transported south for sale into slavery.

What does the source suggest about the reluctance of local white communities to act against the gang?

The source suggests that local white communities generally did not take action on behalf of free blacks who were kidnapped, if they were even aware of such events. This inaction may have been due to fear of the gang's violence or a general lack of concern for the welfare of free black individuals.

What was the nature of the 'Cannon–Johnson Gang'?

The Cannon–Johnson Gang was a multi-racial criminal organization that operated in the early 19th century. It included both white and black members, who engaged in kidnapping, illegal slave trading, slave stealing, and murder.

What is the historical context of free black populations in Maryland and Delaware during Patty Cannon's era?

In Maryland and Delaware, which were still slave states, there were significant populations of free black Americans. Many gained freedom through manumissions after the Revolutionary War, while others were descendants of mixed-race families formed by unions between white women and African men in colonial times. These free individuals were vulnerable to kidnapping and forced sale into slavery.

What was the 'Reverse Underground Railroad' and how did it function?

The Reverse Underground Railroad was a criminal enterprise that kidnapped free black people and fugitive slaves and transported them to be sold into slavery in the Southern United States. It operated by deception, force, and often violence, exploiting legal loopholes and the vulnerability of black communities.

What role did the invention of the cotton gin play in the context of Patty Cannon's crimes?

The cotton gin made the cultivation of short-staple cotton profitable, leading to a significant expansion of cotton culture in the Deep South. This increased the demand for enslaved labor, driving up the cash value of slaves and creating a powerful economic incentive for kidnappers like Patty Cannon's gang to abduct and sell people into slavery.

How did the 1841 book *Narrative and confessions of Lucretia P. Cannon* contribute to Patty Cannon's notoriety?

The 1841 book, published anonymously, popularized the story of Patty Cannon and her crimes. It introduced the name 'Lucretia P. Cannon,' associating her with Lucretia Borgia, and inspired subsequent sensationalist pamphlets and literature, solidifying her image as a ruthless figure in popular culture.

What was the significance of the illustration depicting Cannon holding a child near a fireplace?

The illustration, found in the 1841 book *Narrative and confessions of Lucretia P. Cannon*, visually depicts a brutal act attributed to Patty Cannon—holding a black child by the arm and pushing them towards a fireplace. This image serves as a stark representation of the violence and cruelty associated with her criminal activities.

What does the term 'yellow man' or 'mulatto' signify in the context of the Cannon-Johnson gang members mentioned?

The terms 'yellow man' or 'mulatto' refer to individuals of mixed racial heritage, typically meaning they had one white parent and one black parent. In the context of the gang, members like John Purnell were described this way, indicating the multi-racial composition of the group.

What was the 'Cannon's Ferry' mentioned in relation to the gang's operations?

Cannon's Ferry, now known as Woodland Ferry, was a location used by the Cannon–Johnson Gang to transport their kidnapped victims. From this ferry, captives were often put aboard a schooner to travel down the Nanticoke River towards the Chesapeake Bay for sale further south.

What does the source imply about the legal system's effectiveness in prosecuting the Cannon–Johnson Gang?

The source implies that the legal system was often ineffective against the Cannon–Johnson Gang. While some members like Joe Johnson faced punishment, Patty Cannon and others were often not prosecuted for initial charges. Efforts to prosecute were more successful only when authorities discovered bodies, and even then, convictions were difficult to secure, especially for white members.

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Patty Cannon: An Overview

Identity and Era

Patty Cannon, whose birth name may have been Lucretia Patricia Hanly, was active in the early 19th century. Born approximately between 1759/1760 or 1769, she died on May 11, 1829. She is recognized as an illegal slave trader, a serial killer, and the co-leader of the infamous Cannon–Johnson Gang.

Operational Domain

The Cannon–Johnson Gang operated primarily along the Delmarva Peninsula, spanning Maryland and Delaware, and extending its reach across state lines into areas like Philadelphia, Georgia, and Mississippi. Their activities were concentrated in the period leading up to Cannon's death.

Notorious Activities

Cannon's notoriety stems from her central role in the "Reverse Underground Railroad." This illicit network specialized in the abduction of free black individuals and fugitive slaves, whom they then sold into forced servitude in the Southern states. Her gang was also implicated in numerous murders.

The Cannon–Johnson Gang

Composition and Leadership

Co-led by Patty Cannon and Joe Johnson (her son-in-law), the gang was multi-racial, comprising both white and black members. This diverse composition likely facilitated their operations, with some members serving as decoys to lure victims.

Context: The Domestic Slave Trade

The gang's activities intensified following the U.S. Congress's ban on the international slave trade in 1807. The burgeoning cotton economy in the Deep South created immense demand, making the domestic trade and kidnapping of enslaved individuals highly lucrative. This economic incentive fueled the gang's criminal enterprise.

Targets and Methods

The gang primarily targeted free black Americans, particularly children, residing in areas like Philadelphia, Maryland, and Delaware. They also abducted fugitive slaves. Victims were often lured under false pretenses, then captured, chained, and transported, often via waterways like the Nanticoke River and Chesapeake Bay, to be sold into slavery.

Criminal Operations and Violence

Deception and Confinement

Victims were frequently held in clandestine locations within Cannon's residence or Joe Johnson's tavern, including basements, attics, and secret rooms. Leg irons were commonly used, and resistance was met with severe physical punishment, as evidenced by victim testimonies.

Transportation and Sale

The gang utilized various methods for transporting captives, including covered wagons and schooners. The Nanticoke River and Chesapeake Bay served as crucial routes for moving victims south to markets in Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, where they were sold into perpetual slavery.

Brutality and Murder

The gang's operations were marked by extreme violence. While specific numbers are debated, Cannon confessed to nearly two dozen murders of black kidnap victims. The discovery of multiple bodies on her property led to her indictment for murder, highlighting the lethal nature of their enterprise.

Legal Pursuits and Evasion

Official Intervention

Figures such as Philadelphia Mayor Joseph Watson and Pennsylvania Governor John Andrew Shulze made concerted efforts to combat the gang. They worked to recover kidnapped individuals and sought to prosecute gang members, offering rewards and issuing extradition orders.

Challenges in Prosecution

Despite these efforts, prosecuting the gang, particularly its white members, proved difficult. Many escaped justice due to the gang's reputation for violence and their ability to evade local authorities by crossing state lines. The legal system often failed to protect free black citizens from these predatory networks.

Notable Prosecutions

While many escaped, some gang members faced consequences. John Purnell, a biracial accomplice, was convicted of kidnapping in Pennsylvania and sentenced to a significant prison term. Henry Carr was also prosecuted but died before facing full judgment.

Indictment and Final Capture

Discovery of Remains

In 1829, the discovery of the buried remains of four black individuals, including three children, on property owned by Patty Cannon in Delaware, precipitated her final legal confrontation. A tenant farmer uncovered the remains during agricultural work.

Murder Charges

Cannon was subsequently indicted by a grand jury on four counts of murder. The charges detailed specific victims and dates of their demise, underscoring the gravity of the crimes attributed to her. The Attorney General of Delaware signed these indictments.

Imprisonment

Following her indictment, Cannon was held at the Sussex County Jail in Georgetown, Delaware. She remained incarcerated while awaiting trial for the murder charges, a period during which she reportedly confessed to numerous other killings.

Death and Disputed Circumstances

Final Days

Patty Cannon died in her prison cell on May 11, 1829, at an estimated age of 60 to 70 years. Her death occurred while she was awaiting trial for the murder charges brought against her.

Cause of Death

The precise cause of Cannon's death remains a subject of historical debate. While some accounts suggest suicide by poisoning, others indicate death from natural causes. The lack of definitive contemporary records contributes to this ambiguity.

Confession and Legacy

Prior to her death, Cannon reportedly confessed to involvement in nearly two dozen murders of her victims. This confession, coupled with her documented criminal activities, cemented her legacy as a figure of significant historical infamy.

Enduring Legacy

Historical Markers

Cannon's impact is marked by historical markers in Maryland and Delaware, acknowledging the atrocities committed by her gang. These markers serve as somber reminders of this dark chapter in American history.

Naming Conventions

A housing development on the Delaware side of the Nanticoke River, established in the early 1970s, bears the name "Patty Cannon Estates," reflecting the enduring, albeit controversial, presence of her name in the region's geography.

Macabre Post-Mortem Fate

Following her burial in a potter's field, Cannon's skull was exhumed and subsequently displayed in various venues, including loan to the Smithsonian. This unusual post-mortem fate highlights the continued fascination and morbid curiosity surrounding her life and crimes.

Representation in Media

Literary Depictions

Cannon's life has been extensively fictionalized. Key works include the anonymous 1841 pamphlet Narrative and Confessions of Lucretia P. Cannon, George Alfred Townsend's popular 1884 novel The Entailed Hat, or, Patty Cannon's Times, and James McBride's 2008 historical novel Song Yet Sung.

Television and Film

Her story has inspired characters and narratives in television series such as Homicide: Life on the Street and Underground. The latter series notably featured an anachronistic portrayal of Cannon, depicting her as a younger figure decades after her death.

Scholarly and Folkloric Interest

Beyond fiction, Cannon features in collections of folkloric ghost stories and scholarly works examining the history of slavery and crime in the region. Her life continues to be a subject of interest for historians and cultural commentators.

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References

Kaminkow, Marion J. Maryland A to Z: A Topographical Dictionary. Baltimore, Maryland: Magna Carta Book Company, 1985. p285

Ecenberger, William. Walkin' the Line: A Journey from Past to Present along the MasonâDixon, New York: 2000, p. 50

Frank, William P. "Interview with genealogist George Valentine Massey," Wilmington News (Delaware), 2 September 1960, quoted in Ted Giles, Patty Cannon: Woman of Mystery, Easton, Maryland: The Easton Publishing Co., 1965

Paul Heinegg, Free African Americans of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland and Delaware, 1995â2005

Shields, J. The Infamous Patty Cannon in History and Legend. Dover, DE : Bibliotheca Literaria Press, 1990.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Patty Cannon Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. Historical interpretations can vary, and this content reflects the information presented in the source material.

This is not historical or legal advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional historical research, legal consultation, or academic study. Always consult primary sources and scholarly works for a comprehensive understanding of historical events and their complexities.

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Shadows of the Peculiar Institution

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Patty Cannon: An Overview ⚖️

👤 Identity and Era

🗺️ Operational Domain

⛓️ Notorious Activities

The Cannon–Johnson Gang 🔗

👥 Composition and Leadership

📈 Context: The Domestic Slave Trade

🎯 Targets and Methods

Criminal Operations and Violence 🔪

🏠 Deception and Confinement

🚢 Transportation and Sale

💀 Brutality and Murder

Legal Pursuits and Evasion 🏛️

📜 Official Intervention

⚖️ Challenges in Prosecution

🔗 Notable Prosecutions

Indictment and Final Capture 🚨

🔎 Discovery of Remains

⚖️ Murder Charges

🔒 Imprisonment

Death and Disputed Circumstances ⚰️

⏳ Final Days

❓ Cause of Death

📜 Confession and Legacy

Enduring Legacy 🌟

📍 Historical Markers

🏘️ Naming Conventions

💀 Macabre Post-Mortem Fate

Representation in Media 🎬

📖 Literary Depictions

📺 Television and Film

📚 Scholarly and Folkloric Interest

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Patty Cannon: An Overview

Identity and Era

Operational Domain

Notorious Activities

The Cannon–Johnson Gang

Composition and Leadership

Context: The Domestic Slave Trade

Targets and Methods

Criminal Operations and Violence

Deception and Confinement

Transportation and Sale

Brutality and Murder

Legal Pursuits and Evasion

Official Intervention

Challenges in Prosecution

Notable Prosecutions

Indictment and Final Capture

Discovery of Remains

Murder Charges

Imprisonment

Death and Disputed Circumstances

Final Days

Cause of Death

Confession and Legacy

Enduring Legacy

Historical Markers

Naming Conventions

Macabre Post-Mortem Fate

Representation in Media

Literary Depictions

Television and Film

Scholarly and Folkloric Interest

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice