USA > Pennsylvania > Delaware County > Chester > History of the Underground railroad in Chester and the neighboring counties of Pennsylvania > Part 13
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Gertrude K. Burleigh, youngest daughter of Emmor and Susanna Kimber, was born at Kimberton, Chester county, Pennsylvania, on the 14th of June, 1816.
In a cultured home, she was remarkable for her sprightliness and power of entertaining others. In this she had a life-long training.
Her mother, a member of the Chester county Jacksen family, was characterized by such sweetness of disposi- tion that everybody loved "Friend Susan," and throughout the wide circle of the pupils educated at the Kimberton Boarding School, few were greater favorites than she. The rare qualities of her nature reappeared in her daughters as an active benevolence which had for its object the welfare of others under all the circum- stances of the life which surrounded them. Gertrude was a most loyal friend, noble and high-minded to a superlative degree, exercising a powerful influence on the pupils of the school. As a matter of course, she became an enthusiastic anti-slavery woman, and when in the height of his splendid oratorical powers, C. C.
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Burleigh was welcomed to her father's residence, mated natures were found.
In writing concerning her, William Lloyd Garrison says : " Mrs. Burleigh, long before she became a wife and mother, warmly espoused the cause of the enslaved millions at the South, and throughout the long and eventful struggle for the overthrow of slavery, remained faithful to her early convictions and cheerfully accepted whatever of private ostracism or public obloquy at- tended those not ashamed to be known as abolitionists of an uncompromising stamp. In whatever she did she was sure to be thoroughly persuaded in her own mind, and to act independently of all con- siderations of selfishness or worldly expediency. She had rare elements of character, which, as opportunity presented, fitted her to be a true heroine; one afraid of no deprivation, disposed to shrink from no cross, and at all times prepared to decide for herself what was right and where the path of duty lay. I shall always cherish her memory and remember with pleasure that she placed me on the list of her closely attached friends."
She died at Florence, Mass., on the 26th of August, 1869, in the fifty-fourth year of her age, mourned and loved by the community in which she had zealously la- bored. Her true worth was fully understood and most highly appreciated by these co-workers, and at her funeral, Florence Hall was so densely crowded that all could not find seats, some of the discourses being ex- ceedingly appropriate and touching.
CHAPTER XIII.
ELIJAH F. PENNYPACKER .- Incidents .- Parentage .- Member of Legis- lature .- Marriage .- Enters Ministry .- JOSEPH P. SCARLETT .- Saved Life of Dickerson Gorsuch at Christiana .- Arrested .- Ac- quitted .- THOMAS LEWIS .- THOMAS READ .- Incidents .- Daniel Ross .- Amusing Incident at Company .- Public Opinion .- DR. JACOB L. PAXSON .-- Assists Parker, Pinkney and Jolinson .- Inter- esting Colored Family.
ELIJAH F. PENNYPACKER. (Born Eleventh Mo. (Nov.) 29th, 1804.)
Of the many hundreds of fugitives whom Elijah F. Pennypacker assisted on their way to freedom, no record was ever kept. And of the hundreds of incidents rela- tive to their passage through his hands, a distinct recol- lection of the entire circumstances connected with one case apart from others was not so engraven upon the mind as to be related with accuracy after the lapse of many years. The aid given to each one of this poor oppressed portion of the human family, as they indi- vidually applied for assistance, was the work of the moment prompted by the spirit of benevolence, of right, of justice, and was only fixed in memory as the con- sciousness of a good act done leaves its impress upon the mind for time and for eternity.
The cause which they almost always said induced them to seek freedom northward was the natural inborn love of liberty in connection with a sense of the tyranny and injustice of the slave system. Ill treatment was ofttimes an exciting cause. The traffic in slaves be-
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tween the Northern Slave States and those bordering on the Gulf, was always a terror to the slaves. They had a deep and intense horror of being "sold to go to Georgia," as they expressed it. If they saw a slave- trader, or overheard some remarks which induced them to believe there was to be a sale, their only safety was in escape. This they effected by night, starting on foot, or taking their master's horses and wagon, and going as far as they could toward the North Star by morning, then turning the horses loose, secreting themselves by day and traveling at night. The many expedients re- sorted to by them for escape, which they related to Elijah, he has remarked, would fill a volume.
There was generally an influx of fugitives after the Christmas holidays. They took advantage of the privi- leges given them at that season, many having passes given them by their masters to attend meeting, or to visit some distant relatives, which they used as pass- ports to freedom.
Men frequently said that if an attempt were to be made by their masters to reclaim them it would involve a question of "liberty or death."
One stalwart man who had lived in that vicinity many years went back to Maryland after the Emanci- pation Act to visit the old "quarters," the abode of his early years. While it was to him a matter of special interest to view the old slave-buildings, the fields where he and others had toiled under the austere commands of a driver, where weary backs and limbs had accom- plished tasks under the daily crack of the whip, and where the soil had been watered by the tears of sorrow- ing hearts whose children, parents, companions or loved
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ones had been sold and driven off, they knew not where, he could not say with Woodworth :
" How dear to this heart are the scenes of my childhood When fond recollection presents them to view !"
But now how marked the change! The prayers of the bondman and the prayers of Northern abolitionists had been answered. The quondam slave stood there a free man, and all around were free.
The residence of Elijah F. Pennypacker was the most eastern station in Chester county, and the point where the three most important routes converged. One having its starting point in York, Adams and other counties westward along the line bordering on Mary- land and Virginia, passing through Columbia, Lancas- ter and the northern part of Chester county ; and another starting along the line of Delaware and Mary- land, passing through the middle of the county and joining the former at John Vickers, whence they passed on as one by way of Kimberton; and the third starting froin the same points as the latter and passing through Kennet and Willistown.
. - From Elijah F. Pennypacker's the fugitives were sent to Philadelphia, Norristown, Quakertown, Reading and to various other stations, as occasion demanded. They crossed the Schuylkill river into Montgomery county at different points. Some crossed the bridge at Phoenix- ville, some at Pauling's, and some in paddle canoes at Port Providence. It is recalled to mind that in one year forty-three were passed over within a period of two months.
From this the reader may form some idea of the amount of business conducted at this station, bearing in
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mind however, that all fugitives were not passed along these three lines. Hundreds were sent to the many branch stations along interlacing routes, and hundreds of others were sent from Wilmington, Columbia, and stations westward direct to the New England States and Canada. Many of these passed through the hands of the Vigilance Committee connected with the anti- slavery office in Philadelphia.
Elijah kept a large two-horse dearborn in which he took loads of fugitives by day and by night. If they reached his house in the night, and there was urgency to proceed, they were taken on without delay. In case they were taken in day-time, the women and children were placed in the rear end of the wagon, the children covered up, and the women disguised by wearing veils. The men walked singly so as not to excite suspicion. They were sensible that their security from arrest de- pended upon their getting away from the Slave States as fast as possible.
One man arrived at Elijah Pennypacker's, leaving his wife behind in slavery. He remained and worked until he had acquired sufficient means to obtain her es- cape. Their reunion took place at Elijah's. They then went to Canada. They wrote back some time afterward stating that they were doing well, and acquiring pro- perty.
A remarkably kind, obliging and noble man, who had escaped from Maryland, arrived here and remained two years. He went to school two winters and made progress in learning. When the Fugitive Slave Law was passed he went to Massachusetts. The climate not agreeing with him, he became consumptive and died.
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Just after the passage of the Fugitive Slave Law, twelve fugitives who had been residing temporarily in Elijah F. Pennypacker's vicinity, summarily left. He took a two-horse dearborn load of women and children to Philadelphia and the men walked. From there they scattered in different directions, some to New York, some to Massachusetts and some to Canada.
One time when Elijah's mother was staying with her daughter, Catharine Rinewalt, two fugitives came there and got refreshments and went on. They felt they owned themselves and walked off from their reputed inaster. Soon after they left two men came and in- quired for them. His mother said they were not there, knowing at the same time they were not far away. After a little parley she invited the pursuers to stop long enough to have some coffee and refreshments. They objected and wished to hurry on. She insisted with such friendliness and hospitality that they eventu- ally said: " Well, madam, we are hungry and will be glad of some coffee." Gifted with the power of being entertaining she used it to good advantage on that oc- casion in detaining the two men while John Rinewalt, Catharine's husband, who carried on merchant milling at Moore Hall mill, took the fugitives across the river to a place of security.
Elijah F. Pennypacker owns and resides on part of a large farm formerly owned by his father in Schuylkill township, Chester county. He was born at the mansion place of that farm Eleventh mo. (November) 29th, 1804. His parents were both of Gerinan descent, and in early married life were connected with the Society of Men- nonites. Later in life they connected themselves with
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the Baptist denomination, and were earnest and de- voted members of that sect of Christians. They were both very exemplary and circumspect in their life; felt an interest in the temperance and anti-slavery move- ments, and in the success of the workings of the Under- ground Railroad.
His mother was remarkable for wisdom and an in- tuition or insight into questions or movements which relate to the present and their bearing upon the future. This innate quality of mind was transmitted in a large degree to her son.
He was a member of the State Legislature four ses- sions-that of 1831-2, 1832-3, 1834-5 and 1835-6, was elected secretary of the Canal Board, Second mo. (Feb- ruary) 1836, and continued in that position till Second mo. 1838, when he was appointed by Governor Ritner, a member of the Canal Board.
In Second mo. 1839, he retired from political life, and soon thereafter engaged heartily in the anti-slavery cause, and also in the Temperance movement. His mind was so constituted as always to be directed toward reform. His fine organization was such as to sympa- thize with the suffering and the oppressed wherever found, or from whatever cause. His great and sincere object in life was to strive by precept and example to ınake men purer, wiser, better.
"For mankind are one in spirit, and an instinet bears along Round the earth's electric circle the swift flash of right or wrong : Whether conscious or unconscious. yet Humanity's vast frame, Through its ocean sundered fibres feels the gush of joy or shame, In the gain or loss of one race all the rest have equal claim."
During his connexion with the affairs of the State he was much interested in its improvements by railroads
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and canals, in a general system of education by com- mon schools, the currency question and the protective system. And now, when the period of seventy-eight cycles marks the point he has attained in the pathway of time, it is a satisfaction, while looking back through the vista of years to feel and know that all the public positions he held were voluntary offerings-the gift of a people who acknowledged and appreciated his intelli- gence, sincerity and marked probity. It was said of him by one who was intimate with his private and pub- lic life, "that mentally and morally, as well as in phy- sical stature, he stood head and shoulders above the ma- jority of others."
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He has been twice married. His present wife, Han- nah, is a daughter of Charles and Mary Corson Adam- son. His first wife, Sarah W. Coates, to whom he was married in the Tenth mo. 1831, descended from Moses Coates, one of the earliest settlers in that vicinity, and who purchased a tract of one hundred and fifty acres in 1731. Both his wives were in full sympathy and ac- cord with him in assisting fugitives, and both were mem- bers of the Society of Friends. He united himself with that religious organization about a year after his retire- ment from political life.
About two years after his admission to membership he obeyed the Master's call to the ministry. Being a radical and progressive thinker his communications re- ceived the approbation of those who united with him in the sincere and earnest support of every reform calcu- lated to advance the welfare of humanity, while they were as heartily disapproved by those who were con- tent with
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" Treading the paths the ir sires before them trod,"
and who looked upon reforms as heterodox innovations and fanatical errors.
During the course of a sermon one First-day (Sun- day) morning, in Philadelphia, in 1848, he said : "My mind has been occupied with the misdirection of the human mind, by which man's veneration and devotion are excited toward organizations and conventional laws, rather than the truth of God in his own soul; and men are led to tolerate and patronize legalized and popular crimes, while they denounce individual sins." IIe then expatiated upon the evils of war, slavery and intempe- rance. This was too much for some of the staid and conservative Friends, who would rather let God remove these curses to humanity "in His own good way and time" than to bring the subject into the church and make themselves active agents in His hands for the removal of those specified crimes. An uneasiness was manifest among some of the Friends when one arose and requested him to take his seat. Another, speaking commendably of his remarks, and of his being a mem- ber of that Quarterly Meeting, hoped he would be allowed to proceed without interruption. Another Friend "relieved his mind " by requesting the speaker to sit down, and then in religious accent counselled patience among the members, which advice, remarked the reporter, seemed very much needed on the "high seats." At this several members requested him to go on. A women then fainted, and amidst the confusion the meeting was broken up by some of the elders.
A correspondent of one of the papers in commenting upon this transaction said : " Thus, a man universally
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beloved and revered by those who know him, for his gentleness of spirit, his integrity of character, benevo- lence of heart, and soundness of mind; an irreproach- able member of that society, whose pure life is an orna- ment to his professson-was silenced in his own society. Had Elijah F. Pennypacker spoken thus in any politi- cal, social, or religious meeting in Plicnixville, (near which he resides), we believe he would have been heard with respect, for however men may differ with him in opinion, they there know and esteem him too well to lay a finger upon those lips which always breathe bless- ings and speak words of love."
He does not believe in mystifying religion, but in making it so plain and applicable to our every-day transactions in life that "he that runs" may compre- hend its meaning, its laws and its requirements. He recognizes as a fundamental principle, that the whole universe of mind and matter is governed by fixed and immutable law ; that God is as immanent in a grain of sand or the lower orders of nature, as in the highest which is the mind of man :
" Breathes in our soul, informs our mortal part, As full, as perfect, in a hair as heart."
He does not inculcate the belief that the divinity of Jesus was super-natural, but that his divinity was natu- ral-the gift of the Creator (differing in measure) to every rational being-" the true Light which lighteth . every man that cometh into the world:" or as George Fox succinctly termed it, " the Light within."
He has lived to see the national sin, slavery, which disturbed the fraternal relationship of the country, abolished ; he maintains with wonted vigor his testi-
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mony against the legislative sanction of liquors as a beverage; he is desirous of promoting that policy be- tween governments of settling differences by arbitration instead of the sword, that the finer sensibilities of man may not be blunted, nor his fiery passions inflamed by scenes of war and bloodshed; that the love of the Father may unite His children upon earth into the one great brotherhood of man, and that Peace may yet weave her olive branch around every nation's sceptre.
JOSEPH P. SCARLETT.
(Born Third Month 15th, 1821 .- Died Seventh Month 14th, 1882.)
Joseph P. Scarlett, Philadelphia, resided during the earlier period of his life on the farm of his mother, Elizabeth Scarlett, in Robinson township, Berks county, six miles from Morgantown on the Chester county line.
As far back as 1838 slaves were sent to their place, chiefly by James Williams-" Abolition Jim"-of Sads- bury, Chester county. Williams gave them a paper containing the names Waynesburg, Morgantown, Joanna Furnace, and Scarlett's. Arriving at the latter place they were cared for, and assisted on their way to- ward Canada. No especial plan was taken to secrete them. Being so far from the Border Slaves States, their section was rarely visited by slavehunters.
Fugitives frequently hired with farmers in the neigh- borhood. One named Washington lived with Elizabeth Scarlett a number of years. Yearning to see his wife and children again, and if possible have them with him, he went back to his former home in Virginia, hoping to be able by some means to succeed in bringing theni North. He saw them, but before he could consummate
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any plans for their escape he was captured and sold to go South, and never saw his family again. He was kept at hard work and closely watched, but finally succeeded in getting away, and made a safe journey to Daniel Gibbons. After resting awhile he proceeded on the bal- ance of his way to Elizabeth Scarlett's, having been ab- sent about six years. He was now becoming an old man, but was industrious and honest, and was given constant employment by the neighboring farmers among whom he lived the remainder of his days.
After Joseph P. Scarlett moved into Lancaster county he frequently gave employment and assistance to fugi- tives, but did not engage in the work as a regular agent.
He was living near Christiana at the time of the riot in that place. His interest in the colored people and the excitement occasioned by the firing led him to the spot during the contest to see what was happening. Ar- riving at the place where Dickerson Gorsuch lay wounded, and seeing some of the colored men who were frenzied by the fight pressing forward with vengeful spirit to kill him, he placed himself between them and Gorsuch, and advised them against taking his life. Having great respect for Scarlett and a warm attach- ment to him as their friend, they yielded to his moni- tions and left their enemy in his protection. Yet, not- . withstanding he thus calmed the fury of the negroes in the intensest heat of their excitement, and saved the · life of one of their antagonists whom they sought to de- stroy, the very fact of his being on the ground at the time of the conflict and of his being a well known abolitionist who would not under any circumstances as- sist in arresting a fugitive and remanding him to
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slavery, were sufficient grounds for rewarding his kind- ness by arrest and imprisonment upon charge of aiding and abetting armed resistance to the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act, constituting as they alleged, High Treason against the United States.
Accordingly, a few days after the riot, a constabulary force of twelve men came to his place at Cooperville, arrested him, and with Castner Hanway, Elijah Lewis, and thirty-five negroes arrested under same charge, he was cast into Moyamensing prison in Philadelphia, and confined there ninety-seven days. After the acquittal of Castner Hanway, he and the others were released without a trial, but were immediately taken to the jail at Lancaster to answer at the next term of court to the charge of riot and murder. He was released on bail. At the opening of next court the jury, as stated in the chapter on the Christiana tragedy, ignored the bills, and all were set at liberty.
THOMAS LEWIS.
The home of Thomas Lewis, Robinson township, Berks county, was one of the stopping places of the fugitive on his way to Canada, after leaving the border of Chester county. Many were either brought or sent by Joseph Haines, near Christiana, while many came by way of other stations. Some remained a few days to work and earn money. One, while sawing wood in the cellar, observed his master ride by. As soon as he was out of sight the colored man left.
Slaves came, showed papers, or gave some signs of recognition, were fed, cared for in whatever way was necessary and passed on. All was done in such a quiet, smooth way that persons about the house seldom ob- K
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served any difference between them and other colored people.
A party was brought there one very wet day by two colored men from Joseph Haines. At dinner some curiosity was manifest as to their character and purpose. Seeing this they said they were moving and that the other part went by way of another road.
They certainly were moving.
THOMAS READ.
(Born Second Month, 1793 .- Died Ninth Month 23d, 1856.)
In 1841, Thomas Read lived in a retired place along the Schuylkill, four miles west of Norristown. The fugitives he received were chiefly men, who following directions given them, came in the night. Some were brought. He sent many to J. Miller McKim, at the anti-slavery office in Philadelphia, William Still being generally the receiving agent. Others were sent in various directions. Some remained and worked for him when required.
At one time four came, three of whom were large, intelligent young men, the other was an old man who was making his second effort at escape. His first at- tempt was successful, and he had enjoyed his freedom for some years, when he was betrayed by a colored man and reclaimed by his master. These four men were, there- fore, very suspicious of persons of their own color in the North. They remained for some time and worked for Thomas Read ; but one day a colored man appeared who said he was a fugitive, and showed numerous scars, but from his actions was suspected of being a spy. The four nien threatened him with instant death if they dis- covered his story was not true. He left the next night,
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but so frightened were the real fugitives that they were anxious to leave the place. They were at once for- warded further North.
A mulatto came and remained during the winter. Toward spring he became frightened at rumors that slavehunters were on his track, and he was anxious to make his way to Canada. He was taken by Thomas Read to Philadelphia. The day was very cold, and he wore his coachman's overcoat of a peculiar light color. When nearing the city he grew apprehensive that the color of his coat might identify him too easily, and he insisted upon removing it and riding in his shirt sleeves, which he did, bearing the cold without a murmur; be- lieving that his ruse made the chances of detection less. He reached Philadelphia safely, and was forwarded to more Northern agents.
In 1848 Thomas Read moved to Norristown, and the fugitives received there were mostly women and children. For years they were forwarded to Quakertown, but this system was too laborious, the distance being twenty-two miles, and the driving to be done at night. To change this a few abolitionists organized to unite their efforts in securing money to forward fugitives by night trains to the anti-slavery office in Philadelphia. The prime movers in this were Rev. Samuel Aaron, Dr. Wm. Corson, Isaac Roberts, John Roberts and others, whose names are not now recalled. The fugitives were housed by an old colored man named Daniel Ross. He started out with his basket and gathered up clothes, money and provisions, provided by this abolition organization. He was questioned at times by Mary R. Roberts, daughter of Thomas Read, whether or not all were fugitives ; were
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