Thomas Garrett (1789-1871)"
"I used to worry about how I would care for my wife and
children. You have relieved me of that worry. I tell you, any of you, if you
know any man in need of help, send him to Thomas Garrett!"- Thomas Garrett
Thomas Garrett wss an abolitionist and leader in the UGRR movement before the Civil War.He was born into a Quaker family that led fugitive slaves to freedom. He became an abolitionist because when he was little a slave hired by his family was caught by his master and sent back to the south to become a slave again.This was a hard time in his life and from their he knew he would dedicate his life to the abolitionist cause. In his lifetime he helped 2,700 slaves escape to freedom. Garrett acted as a key Station Master on the eastern line of the UGRR. His activities brought him in contact with Philadelphia Station Master William Still. The relationship between the two men, saved and published by Still, provides people with an intimate perspective of their struggle and those of countless agents and conductors on the eastern line of the UGRR. While trying to escape the Hawkins Family Garrett and John Hunn were covicted for aiding escaped slaves. Both were fined with $5,400. When blacks were given the right to vote in 1870 Garrett was carried on the shoulders of black supporters through Wilmington.