STILL'S
UNDERGROUND RAIL ROAD RECORDS,
REVISED EDITION.
(Previously Published in 1879 with title: The Underground Railroad)
WITH A LIFE OF THE AUTHOR.
NARRATING
THE HARDSHIPS, HAIRBREADTH ESCAPES AND DEATH STRUGGLES
OF THE
SLAVES
IN THEIR EFFORTS FOR FREEDOM.
TOGETHER WITH
SKETCHES OF SOME OF THE EMINENT FRIENDS OF FREEDOM, AND
MOST LIBERAL AIDERS AND ADVISERS OF THE ROAD
BY
WILLIAM STILL,
For many years connected with the Anti-Slavery Office in Philadelphia, and Chairman of the Acting
Vigilant Committee of the Philadelphia Branch of the Underground Rail Road.

Illustrated with 70 Fine Engravings by Bensell, Schell and Others,
and Portraits from Photographs from Life.

Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant that has escaped from his master unto thee. - Deut. xxiii 16.

SOLD ONLY BY SUBSCRIPTION.

PHILADELPHIA:
WILLIAM STILL, PUBLISHER
244 SOUTH TWELFTH STREET.
1886

pp. 613 - 622

PORTRAITS AND SKETCHES

ESTHER MOORE.

     For many years no woman living in Philadelphia was better known to the colored people of the city generally, than Esther Moore.  No woman, white or colored, living in the Philadelphia for the same number of years, left her home oftener, especially to seek out and aid the weary travelers escaping from bondage, than did this philanthropist.  It is hardly too much to say that with her own hand she administered to hundreds.  She begged of the Committee, as a special favor, that she might be duly notified of every fugitive reaching Philadelphia, and actually felt hurt if from any cause whatever this request was not complied with.  For it was her delight to see the fugitives individually, take them by the hand and warmly welcome them to freedom.  She literally wept with those who wept, while in tones of peculiar love, sincerity, and firmness, she lauded them for their noble daring, and freely expressed her entire sympathy with them, and likewise with all in the prison-house.  She condemned Slavery in all its phases, as a "monster to be loathed as the enemy of God and man."
     Often after listening attentively for hours together to recitals of a very harrowing nature, especially from females, her mind would seem to be filled with the sufferings of the slave and it was hard for her to withdraw from them even when they were on the eve of taking up their march for a more distant station; and she never thought of parting with them without showing her faith by her works putting  "gold dollar" in the hand of each passenger, as she knew that it was not in the power of the Committee to do much more than defray their expenses to the next station, to New York sometimes, to Elmira at other times, and now and then clear through to Canada.  She desired at other times, and now and then clear through to Canada.  She desired that they should have at least one dollar to fall back upon, independent of the Committee's aid.  This magnanimous rule of giving the gold dollar was adopted by her shortly after her passage of the Fugitive Slave Law, which daily vexed her righteous soul, and was kept up as long  as she was able to leave her house, which was within a short time of her death.
     Not only did Esther Moore manifest such marked interest in the fugitive but she likewise took an abiding interest in visiting the colored people in their religious meetings, schools, and societies, and whenever they way opened and the Spirit moved her she would take occasion to address them in the most affectionate manner, in regard to their present and future welfare, choosing for her theme the subjects of temperance, education, and slavery.

[pg. 614]

Nor did she mean that her labors in the interest of the oppressed should cease with her earthly existence, as the following extracts from her last will and testament I will prove:
     2d Item.  I give and bequeath to my executors, hereinafter named, the sum of Twelve hundred dollars, in trust to invest in ground rent, or City of Philadelphia Loans at their disposal or discretion to pay the interest or income arising therefrom annually.  To be applied, the interest of the Twelve hundred dollars above mentioned, for educational purposes alone, for children of both sexes of color, in Canada, apart from all sectarian or traditional dogmas, which is the only hope for the rising generation.  The application of this money is intended to remain perpetual.
     7th Item.  I give and bequeath to my executors the sum of one hundred dollars, to be expended by them in educating and assisting to clothe Phaeton? and Pliney J. Lock, the son of Ishmael Lock, deceased, and Matilda Lock (his wife).  My will is that it shall be given out descretionally by my executors for the purpose above mentioned.
     17th Item.  I give and bequeath to Oliver Johnson, editor of the Pennsylvania Freeman, one hundred dollars, if he be living at my death; if not living, to go with the remainder of my estate.  My will is that if Oliver Johnson, be not living at my death his bequest go with my estate.
     18th Item.  I give and bequeath to Cyrus Burleigh, lecturer and agent for the Pennsylvania Anti-slavery Society, one hundred dollars, if Cyrus be living at my death.  If not living at my death, his bequest, Cyrus Burleigh's I wish to go with the residue of my estate.  The untiring vigilance of these two young men, in devoting the best of their days to the rescue and emancipation of the poor and down trodden fugitives has obtained for them a warm place in my heart.  And may heaven's richest blessings reward them.  They have ministered more than "the cup of water."
     Item 19th.  I give and bequeath unto the Association for the care of Colored Orphans of Philadelphia, called the Shelter for the use and benefit of colored orphans of both sexes, to be paid into the hands of the treasurer for the time being, for the use of said Society all the rest and remainder of my estate.
     I wish my Executors or Trustees to carry out my views in regard to the education of colored children in Canada, by paying over the interest arising annually from the twelve hundred dollars mentioned in the second item to such school or schools as in their judgment they may deem best.  My desire being the benefit of such children who may be in the same neighborhood with them.  The interest arising from the twelve hundred dollars mentioned in second item for the purpose of educating colored children in Canada is intended to remain perpetual.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

     I give and bequeath to William Still, of Philadelphia, now employed in

[pg. 615]

an Anti-slavery office, in Fifth St., Philadelphia, February 21, the sum of one hundred dollars; and request my executors and trustees to pay over that amount out of my estate.

     Esther Moore, was not rich in this world's goods, but was purely benevolent and rich in good works towards her fellow-men, hating every form of oppression and injustice, and an uncompromising witness against prejudice on account of color.  Such a friend as was Esther Moore during these many dark years of kidnapping, slave-catching, mob violence, and bitter prejudice which the colored people were wont to encounter, should never be forgotten.
     The legacy devised for educational purposes was applied in due time, after one of the executors in company with his wife, Dr. J. Wilson and Rachel Barker Moore, visited the various settlements of fugitives in Canada, expressly with a view of finding out where the fund would do the most good, in accordance with the testator's wishes.  And although the testator has been dead seventeen years, her legacy is still doing its mission in her name, in a school, near Chatham, Canada West.
     In order to complete this sketch, it is only necessary that we should copy the beautiful and just tribute to her memory, written by Oliver Johnson, editor of the "National Anti-slavery Standard," and published in the columns thereof, as follows:

DEATH OF A NOBLE WOMAN.
[From the "National Anti-Slavery Standard."]

     Just as our paper is going to press, there comes to us intelligence of the death of our beloved and revered friend, Esther Moore, widow of the late Dr. Robert Moore, of Philadelphia.  She expired on Tuesday morning, November 21st, 1854, of gout of the heart, after a short, but painful illness, in the eightieth year of her age.
     The writer of this first became acquainted with her in 1836, and, at various times, since then, has met her at Anti-slavery meetings, or in familiar intercourse at her own house.  Her most remarkable traits of character were an intense hatred of oppression in all its forms, a corresponding love for the oppressed, an untiring devotion to their welfare, and a courage that never quailed before any obstacles, however formidable.  Her zeal in behalf of the Anti-slavery cause, and especially in behalf of the fugitive, a zeal that absorbed all the powers of her noble nature, was a perpetual rebuke to the comparative coldness and indifference of those around her.  We well remember how her soul was fired with a righteous indignation when upwards of thirty innocent persons, most of them colored people, were thrown into prison in Philadelphia, upon a charge of treason, for their alleged participation in the tragedy at Christmas.  Day after day did she visit the prisoners in their cells, to minister to their wants, and cheer them in their sorrow;

[pg. 616]

and during the progress of Hanway's trial, her constant presence in the court-room, and her frequent interviews with the District Attorney, attested her deep anxiety as to the result of the impending struggle.  When we last saw her, about a month since, she was engaged in collecting a large sum of money to ransom a family of slaves, whose peculiar condition had enlisted her deepest sympathy.  Notwithstanding her age and infirmities, she had enlisted in this work with a zeal which, even in a younger person, would have been remarkable.  For many days, perhaps for many weeks, she went from door to door, asking for the means whereby to secure the freedom and the happiness of an enslaved and plundered household.
     As a member of the Society of Friends, she lamented the guilty supineness of that body, in regard to the question of Slavery, and often, in its meetings, as well as in private intercourse, felt herself constrained to utter the language of expostulation and rebuke.  In this, as in other relations of life, she was obedient to the revelation of God in her own soul, and a worthy example of fidelity to her convictions of duty.  Her step-son, J. Wilson Moore, in a letter to us announcing her deceased, says:
     Among the last injunctions she gave, was, "Write to Oliver Johnson, and tell him I die firm in the faith!  MIND THE SLAVE!"  She had enjoyed excellent health the last few years, and continued actively engaged in works of benevolence.  During the last few weeks, she had devoted much time and labor to the collection of funds for the liberation of ten slaves in North Carolina, who had been promised their freedom at the comparatively small amount.  Notwithstanding her great bodily suffering, her mind was clear to the last, expressing her full assurance of Devine approbation in the course she had taken.
     This is all that we can now say of the life of our revered and never-to-be-forgotten friend.  Perhaps some one who knew her more intimately than we did, and who is better acquainted with the history of her life and labors, will furnish us with a more complete sketch.  If so, we shall publish it with great satisfaction.

Happy! ay, happy! let her ashes rest;
Her heart was honest, and she did her best;
In storm and darkness, evil and dismay,
The star of duty was her guiding ray.

     Her injunction to 'MIND THE SLAVE," comes to us as the dying admonition of one, whose life was a beautiful exemplification of the duty and the privilege thus enjoined.  It imposes, indeed, no new obligation; but coming from such a source, it will linger in our memory while life and its scenes shall last, inspiring in us, we hope, a purer and a more ardent devotion to the cause of freedom and humanity.  And may we not hope that others also, will catch a new inspiration from the dying message of our departed friend: "MIND THE SLAVE!"

[pg. 617]

ABIGAIL GOODWIN.

     Contemporary with Esther Moore, and likewise an intimate personal friend of hers, Abigail Goodwin, of Salem, N. J., was one of the rare, true friends to the Underground Rail Road, whose labors entitle her name to be mentioned in terms of high praise.
     A. W. M. a most worthy lady, in a letter to a friend, refers to her in the following language:
     "From my long residence under the same roof, I learned to know well her uncommon self-sacrifice of character, and to be willing and glad, whenever in my power, to honor her memory.  But, yet I should not know what further to say about her than to give a very few words of testimony to her life of ceaseless and active benevolence, especially toward the colored people.
     "Her life outwardly was wholly uneventful; as she lived out her whole life of seventy-three years in the neighborhood of her birth-place."
      With regard to her portrait, which was solicited for this volume, the same lady thus writes:  "No friend of hers would for a moment think of permitting that miserable caricature, the only picture existing meant to represent her, to be given to the public.  I cannot even bear to give a place in my little album to so mournful and ridiculous a representation of her interesting face."          *          *          *          *          *          *
"You wonder why her sister, E., my loved and faithful friend, seems to be so much less known among anti-slavery people than Abbie?  One reason earnestness, was not quite so absorbingly exclusive.  Betsy economized greatly in order to give to the cause, but Abby denied herself even necessary apparel, and Betsy has often said that few beggars came to our doors whose garments were so worn, forlorn, and patched-up as Abby's.  Giving to the colored people was a perfect passion with her; consequently she was known as a larger giver than Betsy.
     "Another and greater reason why she was more known abroad than her sister E., was that she wrote with facility, and corresponded at intervals with many on these matters, Mr. McKim and others, and for many years.

*          *          *          *          *          *          *          *

     ABIGAIL was emphatically of the type of the poor widow, who cast in all her living.  She worked for the slave as a mother would work for her children.  Her highest happiness and pleasure in life seemed to be derived from rendering acts of kindness to the oppressed.  Letters of sympathy accompanied with bags of stockings, clothing, and donations of money were not unfrequent from her.
     New Jersey contained a few well-tried friends, both within and without the Society of Friends, to which Miss Goodwin belonged; but among them

[pg. 618]
all none was found to manifest, at least in the Underground Rail Road of Philadelphia, such an abiding interest as so co-worker in the cause, as did Abigail Goodwin.
     The sympathy which characterized her sections in clearly evinced in her own words, as contained in the appended extracts from her letter, as follows:
     "DEAR FRIEND: - I sent E. M. (Esther Moore) forty-one dollars more by half than I expected to when I set about it.  I expect that abolitionists there are all opposed to buying slaves, and will not give anything.  I don't like buying them, or giving money to slave-holders either; but this seems to be a peculiar case, can be had so cheap, and so many young ones that would be separated from their parents; slavery is peculiarly hard for children, that cannot do anything to protect themselves, nor can their parents, and the old too, it is hard for them; but it is a terrible thing altogether.  The case of the fugitive thee mentioned was indeed truly affecting; it makes one ashamed as well as sad to read such things, that human beings, or any other beings should be so treated.  I cannot but hope and believe that slavery will ere long cease.  I have a strong impression that the colored people and the women are to have a day of prosperity and triumph over their oppressors.  We must patiently wait and quietly hope; but not keep too much 'in the quiet.'  Shall have to work our deliverance from bondage.  'Who would be free themselves must strike the blow.'
     "I regret very much that I have not more clothing to send than the stockings.  I have not had time since I thought of it, to make anything; am ashamed that I was so inconsiderate of the poor runaways.  I will go to work as soon as I have earned money to buy materials; have managed so as to spend my little annual allowance in nine months, and shall not be able to give you any money for some months, but if more stockings are wanted let me know, our benevolent society have plenty on hand; and I have some credit if not money; they will trust me till I have; they furnish work for poor women and sell it.  I get them for fifty cents a pair.
     My sister says Lucretia (Mott) told her that there was not much clothing in the trunk, only a few old things.  I think she told me there was nothing in it, she meant, I suppose, of any consequence.          *          *          *          *
     " I should like to know if the fugitives are mostly large.  I have an idea they are generally small in stature; that slavery stunts the body as well as mind.  I want to know in regard to the clothes that I intend making; it's best to have them fit as well as can be.  I shall work pretty much for women.  I hope and expect there are many friends of the cause to furnish clothing in the city.  They out to be fitted out for Canada with strong, warm clothing in cold weather, and their sad fate alleviated as much as can be."           *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *
     The forty-one dollars, referred to in the above letter, and sent to "E. M."

[pg. 619]
was to to especially towards buying an interesting family of ten slaves, who were owned in North Carolina by a slave-holder, whose rare liberality was signalized by offering to take $1,000 for the lot, young and old.  In this exceptional case, while opposed to buying slaves, in common with abolitionists generally, she was too tender-hearted to resist the temptation so long as "They could be bought so cheap."
     To rid men of their yoke was her chief desire.  Such was her habit of making the sad lot of a slave a personal matter that let her view him, in any light whatever, whether in relation to young ones that would be separated from their parents, or with regard to the old, the life of a slave was "peculiarly hard,"  " terrible thing" in her judgment.
     The longer she lived, and the more faithfully she labored for the slave's deliverance, the more firmly she became rooted in the soul-encouraging ideas, that "Slavery will ere long cease."  Whilst the great masses were wither blind, or indifferent, she was nerved by this faith to bear cheerfully all the sacrifices she was called on to make.  From another letter we copy as follows:
                                                                                                  January 25th, 1855
     DEAR FRIEND: - The enclosed ten dollars I have made, earned in two weeks, and of course it belongs to the slave.  It may go for the fugitives, or Carolina slaves, whichever needs it most.  I am sorry the fugitives' treasury is not better supplied, if money could flow into it as it does into the Tract Fund; but that is not to be expected.
     Thy answer in regard to impostors is quite satisfactory.  No doubt you take great pains to arrive at the truth, but cannot at all times avoid being imposed on.  Will that little boy of seven year have to travel on foot to Canada?  There will be no safety for him here.  I hope his father will get off.  John Hill writes very well, considering his few advantages.  If plenty of good schools could be established in Canada for the benefit of fugitives, many bright scholars and useful citizens would be added to society.  I hope these will be in process of time.
     It takes the most energetic and intelligent to make their way out of bondage from the most Southern States.  It is rather a wonder to me that so many can escape, the masters are so continually watching them.  The poor man that secreted himself  so long, must, indeed, have suffered dreadfully, and been exceedingly resolute to brave dangers so long.           *          *          *         
     It was so characteristic of her to take an interest n everything that pertained to the Underground Rail Road, that even the deliverance of a little nameless boy was not beneath her notice.  To her mind, his freedom was just as dear to him a if he had been a son of the President of the United States.
     How they got on in Canada, and the question of education, were matters that concerned her deeply; hence, occasional letters received from Canada,

[pg. 620]
evincing marked progress, such as the hero John H. Hill was in the habit of writing, always gave her much pleasure to peruse.
     In the Wheeler slave-case, in which Passmore Williamson and others were engaged, her interest was very great.  From a letter dated Salem, Sept. 9, 1855, we quote the subjoined extract:

     DEAR FRIEND: - I am truly rejoiced and thankful that the right has triumphed.  But stranger had it been otherwise, in your intelligent community, where it must be apparent to all who inquire into it, that you had done nothing but what was deserving of high commendation, instead of blame and punishment; and shame on the jury who would bring in the two men guilty of assault and battery.  They ought to have another trial; perhaps another jury would be more just.  It is well for the credit of Philadelphia, that there is one upright judge, as Kelley seems to be, and his sentence will be a light one it is presumed, showing he considered the charge a mere pretence.
     I hope and trust, that neither thyself nor the other men will have much if any of the expense to bear; your lawyers will not charge anything I suppose, and the good citizens will pay all else.  It seems there are hopes entertained that Passmore Williamson will soon be set at liberty.  It must be a great comfort to him and wife, in their trials, that it will conduce to the furtherance of the good cause.
     If Philadelphians are not aroused now after this great stretch of power, to consider their safety, they must be a stupid set of people, but it must certainly do good.   *          *           *    You will take good care of Jane Johnson, I hope, and not let her get kidnapped back to Slavery.  It is safe for her to remain in your city or anywhere else in our "free land?"  I have some doubts and fears for her; do try to impress her with the necessity of being very cautious and careful against deceivers, pretended friends.  She had better be off to Canada pretty soon.
     Thy wife must not sit up washing and ironing all night again.  She ought to have help in her sympathy and labors for the poor fugitives, and, I should think there are many there who would willingly assist her.
     I intended to be careful of trespassing upon thy time, as thee must have enough to do; the fugitives are still coming I expect.  With kind regards, also to thy wife, your friend.

     In another letter, she suggests the idea of getting up a committee of women to provide clothing for fugitive females; on this point she wrote thus:

[pg. 621]
each week, might keep a supply always ready, they might, I should think, get the merchants or some of them, to give cheap materials - mention it to thy wife and see if she cannot get up a society.  I will do what I can here for it.  I enclose five dollars for the sue of fugitives.  It was a good while that I heard nothing of your rail road concerns; I expected thee had gone to Canada, or has the journey not been made, or is it yet to be accomplished, or given up?  I was in hopes thee would go and see with thy own eyes, how things go on in that region of fugitives, and if it's a goodly land to live in.
      "This is the first of August, and I suppose you are celebrating it in Philadelphia, or some of you are, though I believe you are not quite as zealous as the Bostonians are in doing it.  When will our first of August come?  Oh,
that it might be soon!    *     *     *     It's high time the 'reign of oppression was over.' "
     Ever alive to the work, she would appeal to such as were able among her friends, to take stock in the Underground Rail Road, and would sometimes succeed.  In a letter dated July 30, 1856, she thus alludes to her efforts:
     "I have tried to beg something for them, but have not got much; one of our neighbors, S. W. Acton, gave me three dollars for them; I added enough to make ten, which thee will find inside.  I shall owe three more, to make my ten.  I presume they are still coming every day almost, and I fear it comes rather hard on thee and wife to do for so many; but you no doubt feel it a satisfaction to do all you can for the poor sufferers."
     Feb. 10, 1858, she forwarded her willing contribution, with the following interesting remarks:

     DEAR FRIEND: - Thee will find enclosed, five dollars for the fugitives, a little for so many to share it, but better than nothing; oh, that people, rich people, would remember them instead of spending so much on themselves; and those too, who are not called rich, might, if there was only a willing mind, give too of their abundance; how can they forbear to sympathize with those poor destitute ones - but so it is - there is not half the feeling for them there ought to be, indeed scarcely anybody seems to think about them.  "Inasmuch as ye have not done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have not done it unto me."    

     When the long looked-for day of emancipation arrived, which she had never expected to witness, the unbounded thankfulness of her heart found expression in the appended letter:

     DEAR FRIEND: - Thy letter dated 17th, was not received til last night, I cannot tell where it has been detained so long.  On the 22d, of yesterday, Amy Reckless came here, after I began writing, and wished me to defer
 

[pg. 622]
sending for a day or two, thinking she could get a few more dollars, and she has just bought some, and will try for more, and clothing.  A thousand thanks to President Hamlin for his kindness to the contrabonds; poor people!  how deplorable their situation; where will they go to, when cold weather comes?  so many of them to find homes for, but they must and will, I trust be taken care of, not by their former care-takers though.
     I have read the President's proclamation of emancipation with thankfulness and rejoining; but upon a little reflection, I did not feel quite satisfied with it; three months seems a long time to be in the power of their angry and cruel masters, who, no doubt, will wreak all their fury and vengeance upon them, killing and abusing them in every way they an - and sell them to Cuba if they can.  It makes me sad to think of it.  Slavery, I fear, will be a long time in dying, after receiving the fatal stroke.  What do abolitionists think of it? and what is thy opinion?  I feel quite anxious to know something more about it.  The "Daily Press" says, it will end the war and its cause.  How can we be thankful enough if it should, and soon too.  "Oh, praise and tanks," what a blessing for our country.  I never expected to see the happy day.  If thee answers this, thee will please tell me all about it, and what is thought of it by the wise ones; but I ought not to intrude on thy time, if I can be patient to wait.
     Enclosed are seventeen dollars; from Amy Reckless, $1,50; J. Bassett, $1; Jesse Bond, $1; Martha Reeve, $1; S. Woodnutt, $1; Hannah Wheeler, $1; a colored man, 25 cents; 25 cents thrown in, to make even; A. G., $10.  Amy is very good in helping, and is collecting clothing, which she thinks, cannot be sent till next week.  I will attend to sending it, as soon as can be, by stage driver.  May every success attend thy labors  for the poor sufferers.            *          *          *

     Thus, until the last fetter was broken, with singular persistence, zeal, faith and labor, she did what she could to aid the slave, without hope of reward in this world.  Not only did she contribute to aid the fugitives, but was, for years, a regular and liberal contributor to the Pennsylvania Anti-slavery Society, as well as a subscriber to the Anti-slavery papers, The "Liberator," "National Anti-Slavery Standard,"  "Pennsylvania Freeman," etc.
     Having seen with joy, the desire of her heart, in the final emancipation of every bondman in the United States, she departed in peace, Nov. 2, 1867, in the 74th year of her age.

FAITHFUL WORKERS IN THE CAUSE.

DANIEL GIBBONS - Station Master - see p. 642     -     LUCRETIA MOTT - See p. 649

ABIGAIL GOODWIN - See p. 617     -      THOMAS GARRETT, Station Master - see p. 623

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