Thomas Garrett

Born August 21, 1789, in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, Thomas Garrett came to Wilmington in 1822. A prominent merchant, his home and business were located nearby on Shipley Street. Committed to the anti-slavery efforts of his Quaker faith, he is credited with assisting more than 2,700 of “God’s Poor” to escape slavery through the secret network known as the Underground Railroad. Though he was convicted and fined by the U.S. District Court in 1848 for aiding runaway slaves, he refused to abandon the fight to abolish slavery. After his death on January 25, 1871, Black Wilmingtonians carried him to the Quaker Cemetery at 4th and West Streets in appreciation of his unwavering commitment to the emancipation of slaves.

Wilmington, Delaware · United States