Social Reformer. He served as one of the "Station Masters" on the Underground Railroad during the mid-1800's. Along with Harriet Tubman, he was responsible for the escape of hundreds of slaves to freedom. In 1848, Thomas Garrett and a fellow abolitionist John Hunn were tried and convicted in the New Castle Delaware Courthouse by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger B. Taney for aiding in the escape of the Hawkins family, who had been slaves in Maryland. Both men were given considerable fines which rendered them nearly bankrupt. In his closing address, Thomas Garrett regaled those in the courtroom with a redoubled commitment to help runaway slaves. He said to Judge Taney: "Thou has left me without a dollar,....I say to thee and to all in this court room, that if anyone knows a fugitive who wants shelter....send him to Thomas Garrett and he will befriend him." Following the Civil War, he continued his work for minority groups in America. In 1870, when black Americans were given the right to vote by the establishment of the 15th Amendment, Garrett was carried on the shoulders of his supporters through the streets of Wilmington as they hailed him "Our Moses".
Social Reformer. He served as one of the "Station Masters" on the Underground Railroad during the mid-1800's. Along with Harriet Tubman, he was responsible for the escape of hundreds of slaves to freedom. In 1848, Thomas Garrett and a fellow abolitionist John Hunn were tried and convicted in the New Castle Delaware Courthouse by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger B. Taney for aiding in the escape of the Hawkins family, who had been slaves in Maryland. Both men were given considerable fines which rendered them nearly bankrupt. In his closing address, Thomas Garrett regaled those in the courtroom with a redoubled commitment to help runaway slaves. He said to Judge Taney: "Thou has left me without a dollar,....I say to thee and to all in this court room, that if anyone knows a fugitive who wants shelter....send him to Thomas Garrett and he will befriend him." Following the Civil War, he continued his work for minority groups in America. In 1870, when black Americans were given the right to vote by the establishment of the 15th Amendment, Garrett was carried on the shoulders of his supporters through the streets of Wilmington as they hailed him "Our Moses".
Bio by: Russ Pickett
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