Thomas Garrett

Thomas Garrett ( born August 21, 1789 in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, † January 25, 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. Garrett was instrumental in her escape by its own account about 2700 people.

Life

Thomas Garrett was born into a wealthy Quaker family, who lived on an estate in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The family was always against slavery. However, few in this family turned with a similar determination against slavery. As he was a follower of the schismatic Quaker leader Elias Hicks, he separated from his orthodox family and moved to Wilmington in Delaware, a state in which slavery was still in operation at this time. As an economic base served him a business that specialized in hardware stores and with which he was a major commercial success. Parallel to this, he worked for the Underground Railway and known publicly so. His house was one of the last stops for many entfliehende slave before they reached the northern states. In Delaware, one was aware of his activities very well aware. However, it was never arrested. In 1848, he and another Quaker, however, were provided with the name of John Hunn in court and found guilty of being befriended a family of slaves to escape to the North. Since Thomas Garrett was considered the main responsible person for this successful escape, he was sentenced to a fine of $ 4,500. At this point you could already buy a small farm for $ 400. Thomas Garrett was able to pay with the help of friends, this substantial sum. He continued his activities continued further.

Thomas Garrett worked during his time as smugglers closely with Harriet Tubman. You come within the Underground Railway of particular importance because they voluntarily returned several times as a former slave in the Southern States, to help other slaves escape. Garrett offered her probably at their own escape an accommodation. He supported them during their active time among other things, money and clothing.