Jane Jackson Thompson facts for kids

Jane Jackson Thompson (born around 1719) was an African American woman who was born into slavery. She lived with Talbot Thompson, who later became her husband. In 1769, Talbot was able to buy her freedom. He was a successful sailmaker, which meant he made sails for ships. He provided a good life for Jane and their family.

During the American Revolutionary War, Jane and her family became known as Black Loyalists. This meant they supported the British side. Their home and property were destroyed by fire in 1776. Many of her children and their families also joined the British between 1775 and 1780. They gained or kept their freedom by supporting the British, thanks to a special announcement by Lord Dunmore in 1775.

In 1783, when she was around 60 to 70 years old, Jane moved to Nova Scotia, Canada. Her family members lived in towns like Birchtown. Jane was a very important leader for the Nova Scotian Settlers. Many of her descendants later moved to Sierra Leone in 1792.

Jane's Early Life

Jane Thompson was also known as Jenny. She and her mother, Sabina, were enslaved by a man named John Tucker. He had moved to Virginia from the Caribbean in the early 1700s. Jane was born around 1719. In 1735, she was about 16 years old.

When John Tucker died in 1737, Jane was given to his nephew, Colonel Robert Tucker. Robert also took over John's large business. Jane continued to live as an enslaved person in Norfolk, Virginia. Records from 1750 show her on Robert Tucker's lists.

Marriage and Family

By the time she was about 18, around 1737, Jane had several young children. Some of her children had the last names Tucker, Jackson, and Thompson. These children are listed in records of Black Loyalists who moved to Nova Scotia.

Jane had children with the last name Jackson. She later married Talbot Thompson. Talbot was a skilled sailmaker. He bought his own freedom in 1761. Even though Jane was still enslaved by Robert Tucker, she and Talbot lived together.

After Robert Tucker died, Talbot bought Jane's freedom. This was officially recorded on June 14, 1769. Robert Tucker's son said Jane had been very loyal and helpful to their family. Jane and Talbot may have had two more children together, Samuel and James Thompson.

Talbot Thompson was a very successful sailmaker in Norfolk. He had several workers and apprentices. In 1770, Jane and Talbot bought a large property. It had a big two-story house, smaller houses, a garden, and fruit trees. They also had a place for dairy, pigs, and horses.

They became interested in a religion called Methodism around 1772. They went to church meetings with people of different races. Many of these people worked in shipping businesses.

American Revolutionary War and Freedom

During the American Revolutionary War, Jane's son, James Jackson, joined the British. He had been enslaved by Robert Tucker. Around 1775, he became a pilot for the British Royal Navy. He worked for Lord Dunmore, who was the governor of Virginia.

On November 14, 1775, Lord Dunmore made an important announcement. He said that all Black people—whether enslaved or free—would be set free if they fought for the British during the war.

Talbot and Jane decided to join Lord Dunmore's side. In January 1776, a fire in Norfolk destroyed all of Talbot's property. Talbot had already left in December 1775 to join the British. Jane joined Lord Dunmore in January 1776.

Jane's daughter-in-law, Grace Thompson, was with Jane and Talbot. Grace was Samuel Thompson's wife. She later left and rejoined the British in 1779.

Jane's grandson, London Jackson, also joined the British in late 1780. He and James Jackson were given land for their service. Another son, John Jackson, also served the British.

Sadly, Talbot died in New York in 1782. Jane tried to get money from the British for her property that was destroyed. But her claim was not approved.

Life in Nova Scotia

As a Black Loyalist, Jane traveled to Nova Scotia on a ship called L'Abondance. She was described as being about 70 years old and very tired. She traveled with her five-year-old grandchild. Her daughter-in-law, Hannah Jackson, and two grandsons, Robert and Peter Jackson, also came with her.

They all lived together in Birchtown. Her son John and his wife Nancy were on the same ship. In 1784, records show John was 41 and Nancy was 32. Betty Tucker, who might have been Jane's daughter, was also listed near Jane. Grace Thompson, Jane's daughter-in-law, and her two daughters also lived nearby.

In 1791, most of Jane's family moved to Sierra Leone in Africa. Jane chose to stay in Nova Scotia. In 1792, she was listed as being very poor and in need of help.

Family Members