On August 8 and September 6, 1850, David Best placed the following advertisement in the Republican Citizen:
$50 REWARD. RANAWAY from the subscriber, living near Frederick, on the Georgetown road, on the night of the 31st July, a Negro Man, NAMED LEWIS OWENS, about 30 years of age, about 6 feet high, copper colour, _____ sharp face, and naked forehead: had on when he left a pair of Cotton-twilled pants, Straw Hat, and Shoes. I will give the above reward of $50. if taken out of the State, or $25. if taken in the State, and lodged in Frederick County Jail . august 9---4t. DAVID BEST.
Lewis Owens's fate is unknown. The advertisement states that Owens left on July 31, 1850. On the Frederick County Slave Schedule dated July 29, 1850, David Best claimed ownership of seven people, including a 25-year old male mulatto. Was this man Lewis Owens?
