Van Metre v. Mitchell, 28 F. Cas. 1036 (C.C.W.D. Pa. 1853)
Van Metre (plaintiff) against Mitchell (defendant) regarding aiding the escape and harboring of Jared, a fugitive slave.
Forks Twp. Poor Overseers v. Catawessa Twp. Poor Overseers, 3 Binn. 22 (Pa. 1810)
A case to determine who is responsible for the maintence of Samuel Williamson, his wife, and his two children. Williamson was previously enslaved by John …
Oliver v. Kauffman, 18 F. Cas. 657 (C.C.E.D. Pa. 1850)
Cecilia Oliver, Ellen R. Oliver, Catharine Oliver, by their next friend Eli Stake (plaintiffs) against Daniel Kauffman, Stephen Weakley, and Phillip Breckbill (defendants) regarding their …
Penn & Slavery Project
A project analyzing the relationship that the University of Pennsylvania had with the institution of slavery. Access the project here: http://pennandslaveryproject.org/
Heavy Weights–Arrival of a Party at League Island
Fifteen escaped people from Norfolk arrived at League Island (below Broad Street, Philadelphia) on July 4, 1856; illustration from “The Underground Railroad,” a book by …
The Way They “Catch Men” in Pennsylvania
An illustration from the 1838 Anti-Slavery Almanac.
A Bold Stroke for Freedom
Six people escaped in a wagon stolen on Christmas Eve 1855, four reached safety; illustration from “The Underground Railroad,” a book by William Still.
Rescue of Jane Johnson and her Children
Jane Johnson and her children were rescued in 1855, lawsuits filed including prosecution of Passmore Williamsom; illustration from “The Underground Railroad,” a book by William …
Portrait of Mary Millburn
Mary Millburn escaped from Norfolk dressed as a man and stowed away on a boat to Philadelphia in 1858; she settled in Boston and became …
An Illustration of the Christiana Tragedy
In 1851, free black residents of south central Pennsylvania resisted kidnappers, one of whom was killed – they were tried for treason by a two-judge …