GARRETT, TrromAs, b. Darby, Pa., 1783; d. Wilmington, Del., 1871; an abolitionist. He learned the trade of a cutler and scythe-maker, and in 1820 removed to Wilmington, Del., and entered into bUsiness as au iron und hardware. merchant. In his new home he avowed his anti-slavery opinions without the least reserve, and it was not long before the slaves and colored people generally learned that he was their friend. Though he never enticed slaves to run away, he was always ready to aid them in their flight when they appealed to Urn for protection from their pursuers. This in a slave state exposed him to great danger; but lie was as shrewd as he was bold, and rarely found himself in the clutches of the law. His name was familiar to the slaves of Dela ware, Maryland, and Virginia; and during a period of 40 years there was a constant pro cession of fugitives seeking his protection and aid. Not less than 3,000 of this class were indebted to him for their successful escape. It was rare indeed that one, after passing through his hands, was recaptured. He was compelled to resort to many inge nious devices in this work, but he made uo secret of the fact that he was engaged in it; and such was his reputation for success, that few slaveholders thought it worth while to pursue their runaways any further after learning that they had fallen into his hands.
Twice he was convicted in the district court of the United States of violating the pro visions of the fugitive-slave law, and fined in such sums as to deprive him of nearly all his property. On the last of these occasions, thejudge; in pronouncing sentence, expressed the hope that the penalty imposed would teach him a useful lesson. The Quaker thereupon declared in open court, that, no matter what might be the consequences to himself, he should never close his door against the fugitive slave. "If," said he, "there is one now present, let him know that he has a friend in Thomas Garrett." His business would have been utterly broken up at this time, if his fellow-citizens of Wil mington had not volunteered to furnish him all he needed. Such was his reputation for integrity and business ability, that even the banks of Wilmington lent him their aid without any security but his own name. Just before he died, the colored peo ple of Wilmington besought him that they might have the privilege of bearing his body to the grave, and to this request he gave his assent. When he died, the whole city rose up in honor of his memory.