Biography of thomas garrett

American abolitionist

For other people named Thomas Garrett, see Thomas Garrett (disambiguation).

Thomas Garrett (August 21, 1789 – January 25, 1871) was an American abolitionist and leader in the Underground Railroad movement before the American Civil War.

He helped more than 2,500 African Americans escape slavery.

For his efforts, he was threatened, harassed, and assaulted. A $10,000 (equivalent to $366,240 in 2023) bounty was established for his capture. He was arrested and convicted for helping Emeline and Samuel Hawkins escape slavery.^[1]

Personal life

Garrett was born on August 21, 1789, in Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania, outside Philadelphia,^[1] to Sarah Price and Thomas Garrett.

Biography of thomas garrett obituary

The family were members of the QuakerDarby Friends Meeting.^[2] His family lived on their homestead called Riverview Farm.

In 1813, Garrett married Mary Sharpless, with whom he had five children. He became a member of the Wilmi