Thomas Garrett

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Thomas Garrett

Thomas Garrett (* 21st August 1789 in Upper Darby , Pennsylvania ; † 25. January 1871 in Wilmington , Delaware ) was an American abolitionist , Quaker and a leading figure in the Underground Railroad , the escaped slaves helped in the Northern states to escape. According to Garrett, he helped around 2,700 people escape.

Life

Thomas Garrett came from a wealthy Quaker family who lived on a country estate in Delaware County , Pennsylvania. The family was fundamentally against slavery . Few in this family, however, turned against slavery with as much determination. Because he was a follower of the schismatic Quaker leader Elias Hicks , he separated from his Orthodox family and moved to Wilmington, Delaware, a state in which slavery was still practiced at the time. A business that specialized in hardware trading and with which he was economically very successful served as his economic basis . At the same time he worked for the Underground Railway and also publicly confessed to it. His house was one of the last stops for many escaping slaves before they reached the northern states. Delaware was well aware of its activities. However, he was never arrested. In 1848, however, he and another Quaker named John Hunn were tried and found guilty of helping a family of slaves flee north. Since Thomas Garrett was believed to be the main person responsible for this successful escape, he was fined $ 4,500. At that point, you could buy a small farm for $ 400. Thomas Garrett was able to pay this substantial sum with the help of friends. He continued his activities.

Thomas Garrett worked closely with Harriet Tubman during his time as an escape helper . She is of particular importance within the Underground Railway because as a former slave she voluntarily returned to the southern states several times to help other slaves to escape. Garrett probably already offered her shelter when she escaped. He supported her during her active time, among other things with money and clothes.

literature

Web links

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