—President John Quincy Adams
The Pennsylvania Abolition Society
Much of the regional activity surrounding abolition and freedom seekers occurred in Philadelphia. With so many of the freedom seekers being sent there from Chester County, residents there clearly understood the horrors that being enslaved entailed.
Founded in 1775, the Pennsylvania Abolition Society (PAS) was one of the oldest anti-slavery societies in America. Initially focused on the gradual abolition of slavery in Pennsylvania, the Society’s influence soon spread beyond state lines. Its work ranged from legal advocacy for the rights of African Americans to the direct assistance of freedom seekers.
The Executive Board of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society
By the 1810s and 1820s, while slavery was in decline in the region, African American communities, especially in Philadelphia, faced severe challenges due to the ongoing existence of slavery in nearby states. Philadelphia’s African American residents frequently fell victim to kidnappers who would falsely claim individuals to be freedom seekers to sell them back into enslavement to make a profit. The Pennsylvania Abolition Society advocated for legislation to address this dire situation, resulting in the enactment of stringent laws in 1820 and 1847 to severely penalize kidnapping.
The PAS also actively worked to secure the freedom of enslaved individuals by negotiating legal and financial terms with their masters, often providing the funds necessary for these individuals to purchase their freedom. After achieving freedom, PAS members also helped freedom seekers secure employment, offering letters of recommendation and ensuring they were not exploited in their new workplace.
Chester County residents’ involvement in the PAS was significant and strategic. Local PAS members provided critical support and challenged laws that sought to undermine their freedom.
The American Anti-Slavery Society
In contrast to the gradualist approach of the PAS, the American Anti-Slavery Society (AASS), established in 1833 (along with its Pennsylvania Chapter, the PAASS), advocated for immediate and uncompromising abolition. With prominent figures like William Lloyd Garrison at its helm, the Society adopted a more confrontational stance than the PAS, utilizing “moral suasion”, mass media, and public advocacy to challenge the institution of slavery.
Chester County’s involvement in the AASS brought a unique blend of radicalism and pragmatism to the Society’s activities. Inspired by the Society’s call for immediate action, local members participated in anti-slavery rallies, distributed literature, and were active in the Underground Railroad network. Their proximity to Philadelphia further facilitated their engagement in the broader movement, linking local efforts with national campaigns.
The relationship between the PAS and AASS was complex with Chester County’s abolitionists finding themselves at the intersection of the two ideologies and navigating a path balancing immediate action with the practicalities of a borderland situation.
Lucretia Mott
A name synonymous with the early women’s rights movement, Lucretia Mott also played a critical role in abolitionism, mainly through her involvement with the Pennsylvania Female Anti-Slavery Society. Born Lucretia Coffin in 1793 in Nantucket, Massachusetts, Mott was raised in a Quaker family. In 1808, her family moved to Philadelphia, where she attended a Quaker school. There, she was exposed to the harsh realities of slavery and the burgeoning abolitionist sentiments of the time.
Lucretia’s marriage to James Mott in 1811 brought her into the heart of the abolitionist movement. James, like Lucretia, was a devout Quaker and shared her passion for social reform. Together, they became active in the fight against slavery, with Lucretia’s role becoming increasingly prominent over the years.
When the American Anti-Slavery Society was founded in 1833, its membership was limited to men, causing Mott and other like-minded women to establish the pioneering Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society. Mott brought her exceptional oratory skills, deep conviction, and organizational acumen to the Society. It became not only instrumental in advocating for the abolition of slavery but also served as a platform for women to engage in public activism and challenge societal norms that restricted women’s participation in the public sphere.
Mott’s connection to Chester County, Pennsylvania, was significant. She knew all of the women of leading Quaker, and her correspondence and collaboration with fellow abolitionists in Chester County reflected the broader network of anti-slavery activists in Pennsylvania and the interdependency of Underground Railroad efforts.
Mott’s activism was not without challenges. She faced considerable opposition, not only from pro-slavery advocates but also from those who believed women should not have a voice in public affairs. In 1838, the Pennsylvania Hall, a venue built by abolitionists in Philadelphia, was burned down by a mob enraged by the meetings held there, including those of the Female Anti-Slavery Society. Despite such setbacks, Mott remained undeterred, her resolve only strengthened by opposition.