William Harker (slave trader)

William Harker was a 19th-century American slave trader notable for his longevity. As historian Frederic Bancroft put it in Slave Trading in the Old South (1931): "There seems to have been less slave-trading in Maryland during the 'fifties than during the 'thirties but somewhat more than during the 'forties. The scouring of all agricultural counties continued. The pride of possessing slaves was lessening and the profit of selling them was increasing. With each year new traders came and some of the old were lost sight of. William Harker was a remarkable exception, for he was 'in the market' for a quarter of a century—1835–59, and he bought 'all likely negroes from 8 to 40 years of age'."

An 1852 newspaper advertisement placed by Harker caught the attention of Harriet Beecher Stowe, warranting comment in her non-fiction polemic A Key to Uncle Tom's Cabin:

"NEGROES WANTED. I wish to inform the slave holders of Dorchester and the adjacent counties that I am again in the Market. Persons having negroes that are slaves for life to dispose of will find it to their interest to see me before they sell, as I am determined to pay the highest prices in cash that the Southern market will justify. I can be found at A. Hall's Hotel in Easton, where I will remain until the first day of July next. Communications addressed to me at Easton, or information given to Wm. Bell in Cambridge, will meet with prompt attention.

WM. HARKER.

Mr. Harker is very accommodating. He keeps himself informed as to the state of the Southern market, and will give the very highest price that it will justify. Moreover, he will be on hand till July, and will answer any letters from the adjoining country on the subject. On one point he ought to be spoken to. He has not advertised that he does not separate families. It is a mere matter of taste, to be sure; but then, some well-disposed people like to see it on a trader's card, thinking it has a more creditable appearance; and, probably, Mr. Harker, if he reflects a little, will put it in next time. It takes up very little room, and makes a good appearance."

Research into the history of the slave trade in Baltimore has found that Harker had an office on South Calvert Street near the intersection with Baltimore Street.