USA > Pennsylvania > Delaware County > Chester > History of the Underground railroad in Chester and the neighboring counties of Pennsylvania > Part 9
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pursue him through that mud, water and tangled fen. He went to Thomas Spackman's, where he was safely ensconced, and sent for his wife. Gravner Marsh was also informed. He went there and consulted with Thomas as to the best means for their escape. They deemed it expedient for him and his wife to go entirely out of the neighborhood into some distant parts, and to change their names, and then gave them the necessary amount of money to go with. After some time they wrote back stating that they had arrived at their desti- nation, and were safe.
Gravner Marsh died in 1848. His widow continued to aid fugitives as before, assisted by her ever earnest and energetic daughter, Sarah, (Born First month 30th, 1819), who still made her journeys at night. No thought of its being a trouble ever marred the pleasure that filled her heart in thus forwarding slaves to liberty. No sombre clouds of selfishness could ever bedim the rays of happiness that fell upon, and lightened her spirit in those nightly missions of love to the oppressed of God's creatures, although, undoubtedly she heartily wished at all times that the cause for this draft on be- nevolence had no longer an existence.
In 1854 she married Eusebius Barnard, (1802- 1865), a minister in the Society of Friends, an earnest abolitionist, an enthusiastic reformer, and an active agent on the Underground Railroad. In her new ca- pacity she rendered as valuable services to her husband in aiding fugitives as she did to her father and mother.
The main props of the Gravner Marsh station being now removed, the extensive accommodations it had fur- nished could be supplied no longer.
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In 1864, on the 23d of 7th month (July), Hannah Marsh passed from a life she had nobly filled with good works, to one, we have every reason to believe, as re- plete with glorious rewards. The announcement of her death was accompanied by the following tribute to her memory:
" The reformed and the oppressed, have lost in her a firm coadjutor and substantial friend. She resided with her husband, Gravner Marsh, for about forty years in Caln township, and was always recognized as a rock of adamant, to whom reformers and the friendless ever flocked and in whose shelter they took refuge. Her house was emphatically a refuge to the weary pilgrim fleeing for his freedom, and hundreds of these were kindly received by her, fed and assisted on their way. Her motto was, " All should give proof of religion by works of practical righteousness and beneficence to men."
L
OROSS CUPAWESTRA.
JOHN VICKERS.
CHAPTER X.
Jolin Vickers, Early Education and Domestic Life .- Incidents .-- Abner Landrum,-Other Incidents .- Paxson Vickers,-Charles Moore. Micajah and William A. Speakman .- Sarah A., daughter of Mica- jah, marries J. Miller McKim,
JOHN VICKERS.
(Born Eighth mo., (Aug.) 8th, 1780 .- Died Fourth mo., (Apr.) 28th, 1860.)
John Vickers was born of Quaker parentage, in Caln township, 8th mo., (Aug.) 8th, 1780. His father, Thomas Vickers, was a prominent abolitionist, and one of the earliest and most active agents on the Under- ground Railroad. He was one of the original members of the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, formed in Philadelphia in 1777 with Isaac T. Hopper, Anthony Benezet and others, of which Benjamin Franklin was the first President.
His grandfather, Thomas Vickers, was an earnest and indefatigable laborer in the Friends' Ministry, and traveled much in his religious calling.
It was around the hearthstone of home, from his ear- liest youth, that John Vickers, whose name was after- wards known throughout North and South, as one of the most active, cautious, conscientious, and skillful managers of the "Underground " transit of the bond- man to liberty, learned a deep sympathy for the wrongs and oppressions of the enslaved negro.
In 1803 he married Abigail Paxson and remained on the place in partnership with his father in the manufac- ture of pottery; they having an extensive reputation for their superior skill in making a fine variety of ware.
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In 1813 he purchased a farm in Whiteland, erected pottery buildings and carried on the business until 1823, when he purchased a property in Uwchlan, near Lionville, where he continued the manufacturing of ware until his death, when he was succeeded by his son, Paxson.
In his domestic life he was devotedly attached to his family. Their physical comfort, moral and intellectual culture, and spiritual growth were a part of his daily thoughts and care. The regular family reading of the scriptures, when all were collected around the table for that purpose, was not the cold formality of a religious duty, but a season of true, sincere enjoyment in which he felt the warm flow of a devoted, cheerful, religious spirit.
In business transactions, or in the social sphere, he was wholly unselfish, ever considering what would ad- vance the practical welfare and conduce to the happiness of others. In the words of Charles G. Ames, in a eulogy upon President Garfield, " He never shoved another aside that he might have the better place, nor sought to secure for himself emolulents, or gains in any thing, to which strict justice to others did not entitle him."
"For other aims his heart had learned to prize, More bent to raise the wretched than to rise."
His benevolence was universal, regarding neither sect, race nor color. No one ever came to him with heart oppressed with sorrow and went away without receiving words of cheer and comfort, and the unmistakable evi- dences of his tender sympathy. No one in need ever ap- pealed to him in vain for kindly assistance. In integrity he was as strict as in morals he was just and benevolent.
G
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"He never broke his freedom faith And never broke his word; He lived an upright, steadfast life, And quietude preferred."
He was a man of few words, of modest pretensions, clear perceptions, calm and profound in thought, and deliberate in forming and expressing his judgment. Yet in cases of sudden emergencies, demanding imme- diate action, his mind would at once take in the situa- tion, grasp the means imperatively required at the moment, and adapt them to the end to be achieved with surprising promptness and without apparent effort.
He was clerk of Caln Monthly and Caln Quarterly Meetings for several years prior to his removing to Uwchlan and uniting with that Monthly Meeting. Later he served as elder and overseer, resigning the office of elder a few years before his death which occurred 4th mo. (April 28th,) 1860.
About 1818 two fugitives were sent to John Vickers' place from his father's, and were hidden in an attic over the garret. All through that forenoon things went on in the house in the usual quiet way, the women busied themselves about their domestic duties, feeling an inward satisfaction that they were throwing their mantle of pro- tection over two human beings who were endeavoring to escape from the slavemaster's lash to manhood's free- dom. And quietly did these negroes repose under their roof, confiding their lives and their liberties in the hands of these their northern friends, drinking in the sweet anticipations of a newer, nobler life, when suddenly the kitchen door burst open and in rushed John, pale and trembling with anxiety and said, " The owners of these slaves are at my father's searching the house and they
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will soon be here. We must get the men away at once." With almost the swiftness of an arrow he sped up stairs, mounted a ladder, removed the attic door, told the nien of their danger, hurried them down to the backyard, bade them flee across the field to a wood and make good their escape. This was barely done when the pursuers, like hounds in close chase of the deer, rode up to the opposite side of the house and demanded entrance. "It will be of no use to search my house," said John, " for I know there are no fugitives in it."
" We'll soon see about that," was the tart response. "They were seen coming this way." Forthwith they began search from cellar to garret, under beds and in closets, and in every nook or box where they thought a man could be doubled up. John accompanied them with the utmost placidity. He knew the negroes were fast lengthening the distance between themselves and their pursuers.
Reaching the garret and yet finding no one, they were about to give up in despair when one of them espied the trap-door in the ceiling leading to the attic. Elated with this timely discovery he shouted in his hoarse voice, " There they are; they are up in that attic ; we'll search there."
" They are not there," said John, " we never use that place."
" But you have a way to get there, and we must see into it."
" It will be of no use," "for there is no one there I know."
" We must see," was the laconic and mandatory reply. A ladder was procured and they ascended and groped
.
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around in the dark, over uncovered joists until fully satisfied that the objects of their search were not there. Incensed at their disappointment and chagrin at their utter failure, they abandoned all further efforts there. On leaving the house, one of them caustically remarked, " We might as well look for a needle in a haystack as for a nigger among Quakers."
They however, continued their search in the neigh- borhood for a day or two, but with no better success. The slaves got safely to Canada.
Mary, daughter of John, five years of age, had so indel- ibly stamped upon her mind the whole transaction-the appearance of her father as he entered the house, his hurried movements, the flight of the fugitives, the looks and demeanor of the masters-that ever afterwards her feelings revolted with horror at the thought of such treatment of human beings, and she became a sympa- thising worker in the anti-slavery cause.
At one time two fugitives were concealed at Thomas Vickers'. While there, the owner accompanied by a slave-catcher who had obtained information of the course they had taken, arrived at the house and began search. While these men were engaged in one part of the house, the slaves were assisted out the other part and fled toward John Vickers'. The hunters seeing them, started in close pursuit. Arriving there, bewil- dered with fear, the slaves ran into the house, when John, who fortunately saw the chase, immediately hurried them through the house and bade them speed to a woods in the opposite direction, and then very calmly met the hunters at the door. They told their business, described the negroes, and at once proceed to enter. John told
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them there were no colored men of that description in his house.
" There are," said the men impatiently, " for we saw them go in, and your place smells of niggers."
" Have you a warrant?"
"No."
"You cannot enter my house without one. Get it and you shall have perfect liberty to search, and I will assist you. But I can assure you there are no such persons here to my knowledge."
He kept them parleying for awhile, thus giving the men time to escape. Finding no threat or entreaty could move him, one of them proceeded to a Justice of the Peace to obtain the requisite papers, while the other kept guard around the house. After considerable time the warrant was produced, and a thorough search made. Of course it was fruitless. They were dumb-founded at the complete failure. How it was that two men could enter the house immediately before their eyes, the family standing around cool and unconcerned, and a guard stationed to keep watch, and yet no trace of them be discoverable was something beyond their comprehen- sion. There was certainly a mysterious Underground Railroad sonicwhere about.
A planter from Georgia visited Philadelphia on busi- ness in the early part of winter. He brought with him Cuffy, a young man about 24 years of age, as his body servant. This slave was well dressed, gentlemanly, dig- nified, and carried a gold watch and chain. His bright intelligent look, his easy manners and lofty carriage at- tracted toward him the abolitionists of the place, who sought and obtained a favored opportunity to decoy him
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from his master, when they proposed to secure for him his freedom. He was more than delighted with the pro- position and the opportunity to escape ; said he had been treated well, and if he were sure his master would never sell him he would not leave. But he dreaded being sold, which he said he was liable to be at any time if a good price should be offered for him. For this reason, and seeing the treatment of the farm hands, he hated slavery and longed to be free.
He was stolen from Africa when about 11 years of age ; was the son of a Prince, and was about being sent to this country to be educated by the abolitionists, when he, with several others, was kidnapped by gang of pirates, put on board their vessel, and taken to Georgia and sold.
He told the friends in Philadelphia that he preferred not being sent further north if they could so arrange matters that he could be under their protection during the winter, go to school, and then in the spring, if pos- sible, return to his home near Cape Town in Africa.
Isaac T. Hopper and others, knowing the very good character of Thomas Vickers, sent him there. Thomas placed him under the care of his son, John, with whom he remained during the winter, assisted in the work and went to school. He was very obliging and very kind to the children. His teacher, Saralı Vickers, cousin of John, who afterwards married William Trimble, and is still living, said that he was an apt scholar and made good progress.
In the spring the abolitionists contributed money enough to pay his passage back to Africa. He corre- sponded with them frequently afterwards.
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Soon after Cuffy left, two men came, one a farm- hand, the other a house-hand or body servant. The former John Vickers named Ben. Jones, the latter John Ridgway. Ben remained with him several years, mar- ried and settled in the neighborhood. His descendants are living there still. Ridgway remained a short time only. He was very gentlemanly, dignified, pleasant and kind to the children. As his inclination was to " go West," John sent him to some of his relatives in Ohio. After a time he married, lived well, bought a property and was prosperous. Both men said they had been treated kindly, their masters never were harsh to them, but they saw the treatment others received, and like Cuffy, "they could not bear to be slaves."
A young man named Abner Landrum, son of a wealthy planter in Georgia, found a species of clay on their plantation, which it was thought would make very fine porcelain ware. He came north to learn more of its quality, and of the manner of making it into fine ware. He was directed to John Vickers, as one of the most extensive and reliable manufacturers in the coun- try. It was early in the morning when he arrived. The family had finished breakfast. As he had not yet eaten they prepared a table for him. Sarah Vickers, then about sixteen, waited on him. She noticed as she moved around that his eyes followed her rather unusu- ally, and after eating he turned pleasantly toward her and asked, "Do you ladies here North wait on the table?" "Oh, yes!" she replied, "we have no slaves here."
During the early part of his visit he remarked that he saw a nigger boy going out of their lane with a basket,
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and a book under his arm, as if he was going to school. "Is my surmise correct ?" he asked.
" It is," replied John, "we think colored people need education, and are entitled to it as well as white people."
He raised his hands and turned up his eyes for a mo- ment as if struck with astonishment; then with a look of thoughtfulness he slowly remarked, " Well, that is a new idea to me entirely. I never thought of such a thing as educating the colored race. It takes me by utter surprise. But, I declare, the idea pleases me."
There was something more than ordinarily good, con- genial and kind in the heart of this young Southerner . that pleased John, who was himself a young man at this time, and a warm mutual friendship was thereby established. He made the Vickers' house his home while visiting other places of interest in the vicinity, and a correspondence was kept up between them for many years. During his stay with this intelligent and benevolent abolition family, he became so imbued with the just and noble principle of liberty to all, and with a sense of the injustice and degradation of human slav- ery, that he would never afterwards own a slave, but was instrumental in many instances in modifying to some extent the harshness and cruelty with which the slaves were generally treated in his section of the South.
A slave named Tom Jones was sent to John Vickers. He remained there several years, worked in summer and went to school in winter. He married a girl who had been reared at Richard Thomas' in the valley, and who went to the same school that he did. They had a large family of children. Soon after his marriage he pur- chased a small property, about twenty or thirty acres,
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near John Vickers. He never neglected the improve- ment of his mind even after marriage when accumula- ting cares and labors devolved upon hin. One time in conversation in the store at Lionville he said he wanted to understand grammar, and thought he would ask Miss Mary Vickers if she would instruct him. The white men who were always fond of hearing him talk, for he was intelligent, jokingly remarked, " What's the use in that? A thick skull like yours could never take in grammar." He, however, asked Mary, who promised to instruct him. He purchased Comly's Grammar, studied it while at work, and recited to her two nights in the week, and became quite proficient in it.
Having so large a family he occasionally got into straitened circumstances temporarily. He then made known his wants to John Vickers, who always assisted him, and he never failed to return the money, except on the last occasion. Tom wanted to lime his place, which would cost $50. He had not the money. John lent it to him, and took his note. Soon after this, when John was taken seriously ill, which illness finally re- sulted in his death, he called one of his executors to his bedside and said to him, " I have a note of $50 against Tom Jones. He is now becoming an old man. If I die, I request you to destroy that note, and never require its payment." His apprehension of an early change proved too true. He died suddenly, and the executors destroyed the note as requested.
Tom was a constant subscriber to the Liberator, and a warm admirer of those early earnest abolitionists who labored unremittingly for the freedom of his race. He named one of his daughters Angelina Grimke Wells, G*
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after an Orthodox Friend from South Carolina, who was one of the first women in this country to take the platform and speak publicly against slavery. One of his sons he named Aaron Vickers, after a son of John, who was the youngest signer of the "Declaration of Principles of the American Anti-Slavery Society," at their first convention, held in Philadelphia in Decem- ber, 1833.
A fugitive, very scantily dressed, arrived at John Vickers' house one very cold day in mid-winter. He had journeyed thus far without any Underground Railroad assistance. He asked for work. The women requested him to come in and they would call the man of the house. But he seemed shy, and would not enter. When John Vickers arrived he still persistently refused to go inside the house and asked for nothing but work. John per- ceived there was a wildness in his look, his motions were nervous and betrayed apprehension.
"Come in," said John in a kind sympathizing tone intended to allay his fears, "don't be afraid; I am an abolitionist and will do thee no hurt. I am thy friend."
At the sound of "abolitionist" he started with in- creased fear. The whites of his large eyes stood out aghast-a complete circle of pearl set in ebony, and he was on the point of dashing away as if his life depended upon an instantaneous fight, when John partially calmed his fears by a few well chosen words. He was laboring under the delusion so often inculcated into the minds of the slaves, that "the abolitionists of the North were their worst enemies-wicked people who would torture and destroy them."
"Thee is not to leave me," said John in his firm but
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kind manner, after obtaining in a measure the negro's confidence. "Thee can come into the shop, sit by the fire, and I will have some victuals brought to thee, for thee is perishing with hunger and cold." These kind words fell upon his soul, as refreshing as was the manna ' to the Israelites. His fears departed, and he went in.
"Sit there now," continued John, " and the women will soon bring thee something to eat. Then thee must rest awhile and I will bring thee some water, and thee must wash all over here by the stove, and I will give thee good clothes to put on."
In a few minutes, Mary, daughter of John, brought him a large plate piled up with food, enough she thought for three ordinary men. But the cravings of hunger seemed not to be appeased until the whole pile had disappeared. Nor need we be much astonished at this when he said that during the several weeks he had been on his way from Carolina he had subsisted entirely upon nuts which he gathered from the frozen ground, with the exception of a few meals given hin by some colored families he chanced to see, and whose houses he thought he might venture to approach. But this, he said, was the first white man's house he had dared to enter.
After his ablutions he was attired in a full suit of good warm clothes. But it was found that his feet were of such unusual dimensions that no boots or shoes about the place were large enough to accommodate them.
John went to the store of John McKinley, at Lion- ville, who had become an abolitionist through his con- vincing arguments upon the subject, and related to him
-
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the circumstance. "If there are any in the store large enough," said Mckinley, " take them; I will do that much for him."
A pair of the required size was found and given him. *So pleased was he with this entire outfit of clothing, so changed his feelings from those of a short time before, when, cold, hungry and dirty, he stood in terror before that dreaded abolitionist, so thoroughly aston- ished and bewildered was he at this unexpected manifes- tation of disinterested kindness, that the poor fellow could scarcely realize whether he was still on earth, or whether he had been suddenly been translated to some sphere above it. Language was not at his command to ex- press his gratitude; but his looks and gestures were elo- quent with his emotions. He never knew before, he said, what kindness was, and never imagined it was possible for any beings on earth to be so kind. His lot had been cast with the most cruel of masters, and the lash, the curses of slave-drivers, the labor and suffering of hard-wrought slaves, were the only surroundings he had ever known. 2
He was told to remain there awhile and they would try to find him employment. In a few days, Jacob Peirce, from near Kennett, called on a visit. The history of the slave were related to him. Knowing that one of his neighbors was needing help, he took the man home and next day obtained for him the situation. In the summer, when he received his first wages-the first money that was ever his-he put thirty dollars in his pocket and went immediately to his old friend, John Vickers, and offered it all to him for the clothing he had given him in the winter.
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"Does thee think I would take pay for what I gave thee ?" asked John. "All the compensation I wish is that when thee sees any one needing assistance, give it, and I will feel myself amply repaid."
Instances were so numerous of fugitives coming and and going, that no record of them was kept. Loads of six, seven, or more were very frequently brought in at the mid-hours of night from other stations, when the women, always cheerfully ready, arose and prepared a good meal for them; after which they were secreted in the house or about the premises ; or if it was known their pursuers were close upon them they were scattered around in various places and provided for until next night, when the colored man was sent with them to one of the next stations. When a dozen or more were to be taken, the farm wagon was used to convey themn.
After the passage of the "Fugitive Slave Law," John Vickers did not keep fugitives about the premises, but sent them to a tenant-house in the woods, occupied by a colored man named Joshua Robinson, with provisions, which he paid the wife to cook for them. Here they were kept in a back room until preparations were made to take them further on.
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