STATE OF DELAWARE
STATEMENT
IN OBSERVANCE OF
THOMAS GARRETT DAY 

     Whereas, Thomas Garrett was born in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania on August 21, 1789; and in 1822 Thomas Garrett moved to Wilmington, Delaware with his wife and children; and 

     Whereas, Thomas Garrett was a prominent merchant with his home and business located at 227 Shipley Street, Wilmington, Delaware; and 

     Whereas, Thomas Garrett was committed to the anti-slavery efforts of his Quaker faith assisting more than 2,700 slaves escape slavery through the secret network known as the Underground Railroad; and 

     Whereas, Thomas Garrett refused to abandon the fight to abolish slavery even though he was convicted and fined by the U.S. District Court in 1848 for aiding slaves; and 

     Whereas, upon Thomas Garrett’s death on January 25, 1871, black Wilmingtonians carried him to the Quaker Cemetery at 4^th and West Streets in appreciation of his unwavering commitment to the emancipation of slaves. 

     Now, Therefore, We, Thomas R. Carper, Governor, and Ruth Ann Minner, Lieutenant Governor, of the State of Delaware, do hereby declare Saturday, August 21, 1993, as: 

THOMAS GARRETT DAY 

in the State of Delaware, and urge all Delawareans to recognize the significant contributions made by Thomas Garrett, Stationmaster of the Underground Railroad, to the State of Delaware and America alike.  

                                               Thomas R. Carper
                                           Governor
                                               Ruth Ann Minner
                                               Lieutenant Governor
 

City of Wilmington
DELAWARE 
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
PROCLAMATION:

 THOMAS GARRETT DAY

WHEREAS, AUGUST 21, 1993 is the anniversary of the birth of Thomas Garrett, Wilmington’s station master for freedom of enslaved African-Americans in the 1800’s; and 

WHEREAS, Thomas Garrett, a Quaker, who at an early age absorbed the principles of pacifism, equality, simplicity, and a clear understanding of the deep implications of slavery for the nation, is regarded as a great abolitionist who operated in the underground railroad; and 

WHEREAS, during his lifetime, Thomas Garrett assisted thousands of African-Americans in making their way to freedom; and 

WHEREAS, as a tribute to Thomas Garrett, an historical marker will be placed at his former homesite, 227 Shipley Street. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES H. SILLS, JR., Mayor of the City of Wilmington, Delaware, do hereby proclaim August 21, 1993 as, 

THOMAS GARRETT DAY 

in the City of Wilmington and encourage all citizens to join me in recognizing and giving honor to a great man who made significant contributions to the freedom of African-American life and history, as well as to American life. 

In Witness Whereof, I have
hereunto set my Hand and
Seal of Office this 20^th
day of August, 1993. 

                           James H. Sills, Jr.
          Mayor

ATTEST:
Leo J. Marshall
City Clerk

City of Wilmington
Delaware
City Council 

August 19, 1993 

          Whereas, August 21, 1993, is the 204^th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Garrett, the courageous Wilmington Quaker whose home at 227 Shipley Street was the local “Station” on the Underground Railroad to freedom for over 2,700 African American slaves during his lifetime; and 

          Whereas, Garrett undertook his activities out of conviction that human beings were not property subject to being owned by others, fully recognizing that he risked under the laws of the time both criminal penalties and civil liabilities to slave owners, both of which he eventually suffered, leaving the once prosperous Shipley Street merchant bankrupt at the age of 60; and 

          Whereas, a state historical marker is being unveiled at the site of his home, and the Harriet Tubman Historical Society of Wilmington is commemorating, through a special newspaper, his courage and sacrifices, and the response of many friends, both black and white, whose help allowed him to continue his work for the final years of his life, helping 900 more people to freedom. 

          NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WILMINGTON that Council gratefully joins the State of Delaware and the Harriet Tubman Historical Society in recognizing the courage and commitment of Thomas Garrett to the cause of human freedom until his death in 1871 at the age of 81. 

City Solicitor                                                         James M. Baker, President

City Clerk
Leo Marshall