Garrett, Thomas, 1789–1871, American abolitionist, b. Upper
Darby, Pa. A Quaker, he joined the Pennsylvania Abolition
Society in 1818. At Wilmington, Del., where he became a hardware
merchant and toolmaker, he made his home a station on the
Underground Railroad, helping numerous slaves to freedom. He was
convicted in 1848 and used up all of his resources to pay a fine
imposed on him. Friends helped him rebuild his position, and he
continued to aid slaves. The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia,
6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights
reserved. More on Thomas Garrett from Infoplease: See more
Encyclopedia articles on: Social Reformers