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Collection
Black History Collection
Title
Black History Collection, Series 2
Object ID
MG0240_Ser02
Date Range
1779-1984
Collection
Black History Collection
Title
Black History Collection, Series 2
Description
Series 2, Black History Records, contains the Mayor's Register of Coloured Persons or Negro Entry Book, a census of free persons of color living in Lancaster city; a biographical account of Rev. James William Charles Pennington; and items related to early twentieth century Black History in Lancaster County. The collection also contains letters from anti-slavery societies, papers related to abolitionist activity, a letter regarding the American Colonization Society, and a manumission paper from the state of Virginia.
Date Range
1779-1984
Year Range From
1779
Year Range To
1984
Date of Accumulation
1779-1984
Creator
LancasterHistory (Organization)
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 06
People
Allen, Richard
Anderson, George L.
Anderson, Mildred
Bailey, Bessie
Bailey, Charles
Ball, James H.
Barber, Florence
Beaubian, Beulah
Beaubian, Charles S.
Blonden, Louisa
Book, Anna H.
Book, Simon
Bradley, Daniel
Bridgett, Alexander
Broadnax, Joseph
Brown, E. D.
Brown, Ernest
Brown, H. H.
Brubaker, Marianna Gibbons
Cain, Annie
Cain, Jennie
Cain, John
Cain, Louisa
Carter, John C.
Carter, John W.
Carter, Laura
Carter, Nettie
Clark, Josephine
Clark, Russia
Clark, Ruth
Cohn, Jason
Cooper, Bella
Craig, Mary
Craig, Samuel
Davis, Emily
Davis, Robert
Dorsey, Steven
Edwards, Mary
Edwards, Thomas L.
Foster, Carrie
Foster, Daniel
George, H. E., Mrs.
George, Harriet
Goins, Dora
Green, Annie
Green, Charles
Green, Cora
Green, Jane
Green, Mary A.
Hardy, Laura
Hayes, Hannah
Hayes, O. H.
Heard, William Henry
Henry, Ella
Henry, Mary
Hill, Emily
Hill, Harriet
Hood, Solomon Porter
Hopkins, Ada
Hopkins, Sadie
Hopkins, Stanton
Hunter, Mabel
Hunter, Rosie
Hurdle, Emma
Hurdle, James
Jackson, Florence
Jackson, Letitia
Jackson, Rebecca
Johnson, Chester A.
Johnson, Estella Book
Johnson, Florence
Kelley, Calvin
Kelley, David
Keyes, Emma
La Barre, John
Link, John Lewis
Lynch, Dora
MacNeal, William
Mason, Alice
Mitchell, Blanche
Moore, Martha
Morrison, J. S.
Morrison, J. S., Mrs.
Moton, Charles
Murray, Clara P.
Nickumn, Theresa
Palmer, John M.
Payne, Benedine
Polite, Abraham L.
Polite, Blanche
Price, J. C.
Richardson, Ella M.
Robinson, Sara
Rosenthal, Isidore
Shissler, Simon
Shorter, George
Snow, Josephine
Spraggan, R. F.
Stewart, J. O.
Tall, Rebecca
Thomas, Virginia
Thornton, Elizabeth
Toney, Joseph M.
Trout, Henry Leightner "Harry"
Tryman, Mary
Turner, Ruth
Waters, Ruth
Webster, Frank T. M.
William, Ella
Williams, Mary
Wilson, Albert E., Sr.
Wilson, Edith
Wilson, Helen
Wilson, Laura
Wilson, Maude
Winston, Charity
Winston, William
Witcher, W. E.
Wolford, Edward
Woods, Elizabeth
Other Creators
Pennsylvania. Court of Quarter Sessions (Lancaster County)
Subjects
Abolitionists
African Americans--History
Antislavery movements
Free Black people
Freedmen
Letters
Slaveholders--Pennsylvania--Lancaster County
Slavery--Pennsylvania--Lancaster County
Search Terms
Abolitionists
Antislavery movements
Certificates
Correspondence
Court of Quarter Sessions
Enslaved persons
Free persons of color
Freedmen
Letters
Persons of color
Slaveholders
Slavery
Extent
17 folders, 35 items, .5 cubic ft.
Object Name
Archive
Language
English
Object ID
MG0240_Ser02
Location of Originals
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Related Item Notes
Black History Collection (MG0240) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/2b3d42c6-a313-4ebc-966f-516114048136
Conestoga Elks Lodge Records (MG0760)
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Black History Collection (MG0240), Series 2, Object ID, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL. Date accessed (day, month, year).
LancasterHistory is committed to preserving and providing access to materials chronicling Lancaster County's heritage. As a historical resource, this document reflects the racial prejudices and actions of the era. In order to maintain the historical integrity and context of collection items, LancasterHistory does not censor historical documents or edit language, titles, or organization names when transcribing original content.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment--contact research@lancasterhistory.org prior to visit. Restricted access for the "Mayor's Register of Coloured Persons" found in Series 2, Folder 2: Use transcript in Folder 3 or microfilm.
Copyright
Collection may not be photocopied. Please direct questions to Research Center Staff at research@lancasterhistory.org.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-240, Series 2
Classification
MG0240
Description Level
Series
Custodial History
Processed prior to 1997 and updated from 2007-present. Added to database on 17 January 2022.
Digitization of this document was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 202010016624, 2020-2023.
Less detail
Collection
Christiana Resistance Collection
Title
Letter from W. Arthur Jackson
Object ID
Christiana S01 F02
Date Range
1851/11/10
  1 image  
Collection
Christiana Resistance Collection
Title
Letter from W. Arthur Jackson
Description
Letter. To "Dear Sir" from W. Arthur Jackson in Philadelphia, regarding whereabouts of Nelson Ford, Joshua Hammond, and others; who occupied Parker's house; who was in Parker's house that night; and how long Parker, Pinkney, and Johnson had lived in Pennsylvania. [Possibly written to the Pownall family.] 10 November 1851.
Admin/Biographical History
The Christiana Resistance, commonly referred to as the "Christiana Riot" occurred in September of 1851 in Christiana, Pennsylvania, a borough in Lancaster County. The events known as the Christiana Resistance include an attack from slaveholders in Maryland on the inhabitants and home of William Parker a free black man living in Christiana, Pennsylvania. The slaveholders crossed the state border, and attempted claim and return the freedom seekers as their property, under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.
The violent confrontation resulted in the death of Edward Gorsuch, a slaveholder, and the escape of William Parker to freedom in Canada. Edward's son, Dickinson Gorsuch, was wounded and taken to the farm of Levi Pownall, where the Pownall family nursed him back to health. Historically, this event challenged the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 and is considered a precursor to the Civil War.
System of Arrangement
Series 1 Manuscript and Printed Material, 1803-1955
Series 2 Photographs, 1895-1971 and No date
Date Range
1851/11/10
Creation Date
1851/11/10
Creator
Jackson, William Arthur, 1828-1857
Storage Location
Moores Memorial Library, Christiana, PA
People
Parker, William
Jackson, William Arthur
Ford, Nelson
Hammond, Joshua
Subjects
Riots--Pennsylvania--Christiana
Letters
Christiana (Pa.)
Search Terms
Christiana Resistance
Letters
Correspondence
Extent
1 item
Physical Characteristics
The digital images of the manuscript and printed material are 300 dpi JPGs; the photographs are 600 dpi JPGs.
Object Name
Letter
Draft
Container
Moores Memorial Library Series 1 Folder 2 Letter Letter. To "Dear Sir" from W. Arthur Jackson in Philadelphia, regarding whereabouts of Nelson Ford, Joshua Hammond, and others; who occupied Parker's house; who was in Parker's house that night; and how long Parker, Pinkney, and Johnson had lived in Pennsylvania. [Possibly written to the Pownall family.] 10 November 1851. 10 November 1851
Language
English
Object ID
Christiana S01 F02
Location of Originals
Moores Memorial Library
9 West Slokom Avenue
Christiana, PA 17509
chrlib@christianalibrary.org
610-593-6683 or 610-593-6687
Related Item Notes
Christiana Resistance Collection (CHRISTIANA RESISTANCE) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/1287a022-e430-4f3f-bc97-330571018105
Access Conditions / Restrictions
The attached images have been provided for research. The original items are restricted for preservation purposes.
Copyright
The attached images may be used for research purposes only.
Please contact Moores Memorial Library for a high resolution image and permission to publish:
Moores Memorial Library
9 West Slokom Avenue
Christiana, PA 17509
chrlib@christianalibrary.org
610-593-6683 or 610-593-6687
Credit
Christiana Resistance Collection, Series 1, Folder 2, Moores Memorial Library
Classification
CHRISTIANA RESISTANCE
Christiana S01 F02
Description Level
Folder
Custodial History
Moores Memorial Library (Christiana, Pa.) owns some of the most significant manuscript material relating to the Christiana Resistance. The staff of Moores Memorial Library, part of the Library System of Lancaster County, and the Lancaster County Historical Society worked together to arrange and preserve the collection and create a finding aid to make the materials accessible to the public.
The collection contains correspondence to and from the Pownall family regarding the incident, notes regarding kidnappings in the area from 1850-1851, photocopied pages of Dickinson Gorsuch's diary, and published accounts. An 1896 photograph shows Peter Woods and Samuel Hopkins, survivors of the riot. There are also photographs of the Christiana Riot House, the Pownall farm, and key figures in the riot and at the Treason Trials of 1851.
The staff of Moores Memorial Library, part of the Library System of Lancaster County, and the Lancaster County Historical Society worked together to arrange and preserve the collection and create a finding aid to make the materials accessible to the public. Funds for this project were provided by the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) in 2001.
Images
Less detail
Collection
Black History Collection
Title
Editorial by George Sanderson and letter from Dr. Jenkins to William B. Fordney
Object ID
MG0240_Ser02_F011_In01
Date Range
1851-1852
  1 document  
Collection
Black History Collection
Title
Editorial by George Sanderson and letter from Dr. Jenkins to William B. Fordney
Description
Transcription of editorial by George Sanderson of The Lancaster Intelligencer regarding the letters of Dr. Jenkins.
Transcription of letter from Dr. Jenkins to William B. Fordney regarding a sermon by Rev. Dr. Wheaton of New England, the Fugitive Slave Law, the values of Northern and Southern exports, marriage, social and moral values, and a reference to the Gorsuch family of the Christiana Resistance.
Date Range
1851-1852
Creation Date
24 February 1852, 1 November 1851
Year Range From
1851
Year Range To
1852
Creator
Lancaster Intelligencer (Lancaster, Pa.)
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 06
People
Fordney, William Bush
Jenkins, John Carmichael
Sanderson, George
Wheaton, Nathaniel Sheldon
Other Creators
Jenkins, John Carmichael, 1809-1855
Sanderson, George, 1804-1877
Subjects
African Americans--History
Editorials
Letters
United States. Fugitive slave law (1850)
Search Terms
Christiana Resistance
Correspondence
Editorials
Fugitive Slave Law
Lancaster Intelligencer
Letters
Extent
1 item, 16 pages to scan
Object Name
Editorial
Language
English
Object ID
MG0240_Ser02_F011_In01
Location of Originals
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Related Item Notes
Letters written by Dr. John Carmichael Jenkins which address the subject of slavery (MG0240_Ser02_F011_In02; MG0240_Ser02_F011_In03)
Black History Collection (MG0240) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/2b3d42c6-a313-4ebc-966f-516114048136
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Black History Collection (MG0240), Series 2, Object ID, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL. Date accessed (day, month, year).
The reference to Scrapbook #81 on the title page is no longer valid. The archives staff has not found a scrapbook which contains information about the Jenkins family of Churchtown.
LancasterHistory is committed to preserving and providing access to materials chronicling Lancaster County's heritage. As a historical resource, this document reflects the racial prejudices and actions of the era. In order to maintain the historical integrity and context of collection items, LancasterHistory does not censor historical documents or edit language, titles, or organization names when transcribing original content.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment--contact research@lancasterhistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-240, Series 2
Other Number
MG-240, Series 2, Folder 11, Insert 1
Classification
MG0240
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Transferred from Document Collection, Case 5, July 2007. Added to database on 28 March 2022.
Digitization of this document was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 202010016624, 2020-2023.
Documents
Less detail
Collection
Christiana Resistance Collection
Title
Letter from Elizabeth Pownall to her aunt
Object ID
Christiana S01 F04
Date Range
1851
  3 images  
Collection
Christiana Resistance Collection
Title
Letter from Elizabeth Pownall to her aunt
Description
Letter from Elizabeth Pownall to her aunt. Describes the Pownall family's experience of the Resistance and also the scene in
Christiana. Written shortly after the incident. [1851].
Admin/Biographical History
The Christiana Resistance, commonly referred to as the "Christiana Riot" occurred in September of 1851 in Christiana, Pennsylvania, a borough in Lancaster County. The events known as the Christiana Resistance include an attack from slaveholders in Maryland on the inhabitants and home of William Parker a free black man living in Christiana, Pennsylvania. The slaveholders crossed the state border, and attempted claim and return the freedom seekers as their property, under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.
The violent confrontation resulted in the death of Edward Gorsuch, a slaveholder, and the escape of William Parker to freedom in Canada. Edward's son, Dickinson Gorsuch, was wounded and taken to the farm of Levi Pownall, where the Pownall family nursed him back to health. Historically, this event challenged the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 and is considered a precursor to the Civil War.
System of Arrangement
Series 1 Manuscript and Printed Material, 1803-1955
Series 2 Photographs, 1895-1971 and No date
Date Range
1851
Creation Date
1851
Creator
Pownall, Elizabeth
Storage Location
Moores Memorial Library, Christiana, PA
People
Pownall, Elizabeth
Subjects
Riots--Pennsylvania--Christiana
Letters
Christiana (Pa.)
Search Terms
Christiana Resistance
Letters
Correspondence
Extent
1 item
Physical Characteristics
The digital images of the manuscript and printed material are 300 dpi JPGs; the photographs are 600 dpi JPGs.
Object Name
Letter
Container
Moores Memorial Library Series 1 Folder 4 Letter Letter, from Elizabeth Pownall to her aunt. Describes the Pownall family's experience of the Resistance and also the scene in Christiana. Written shortly after the incident. [1851].
1851
Language
English
Object ID
Christiana S01 F04
Location of Originals
Moores Memorial Library
9 West Slokom Avenue
Christiana, PA 17509
chrlib@christianalibrary.org
610-593-6683 or 610-593-6687
Related Item Notes
Christiana Resistance Collection (CHRISTIANA RESISTANCE) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/1287a022-e430-4f3f-bc97-330571018105
Access Conditions / Restrictions
The attached images have been provided for research. The original items are restricted for preservation purposes.
Copyright
The attached images may be used for research purposes only.
Please contact Moores Memorial Library for a high resolution image and permission to publish:
Moores Memorial Library
9 West Slokom Avenue
Christiana, PA 17509
chrlib@christianalibrary.org
610-593-6683 or 610-593-6687
Credit
Christiana Resistance Collection, Series 1, Folder 4, Moores Memorial Library
Classification
CHRISTIANA RESISTANCE
Christiana S01 F04
Description Level
Folder
Custodial History
Moores Memorial Library (Christiana, Pa.) owns some of the most significant manuscript material relating to the Christiana Resistance. The staff of Moores Memorial Library, part of the Library System of Lancaster County, and the Lancaster County Historical Society worked together to arrange and preserve the collection and create a finding aid to make the materials accessible to the public.
The collection contains correspondence to and from the Pownall family regarding the incident, notes regarding kidnappings in the area from 1850-1851, photocopied pages of Dickinson Gorsuch's diary, and published accounts. An 1896 photograph shows Peter Woods and Samuel Hopkins, survivors of the riot. There are also photographs of the Christiana Riot House, the Pownall farm, and key figures in the riot and at the Treason Trials of 1851.
The staff of Moores Memorial Library, part of the Library System of Lancaster County, and the Lancaster County Historical Society worked together to arrange and preserve the collection and create a finding aid to make the materials accessible to the public. Funds for this project were provided by the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) in 2001.
Images
Less detail
Collection
Christiana Resistance Collection
Title
Letter to Levi Pownall and family from [Isaac] Parrish
Object ID
Christiana S01 F06
Date Range
1851
  3 images  
Collection
Christiana Resistance Collection
Title
Letter to Levi Pownall and family from [Isaac] Parrish
Description
Letter to Levi Pownall and family from [Isaac] Parrish, Philadelphia, regarding the Resistance. 15 September 1851.
Admin/Biographical History
The Christiana Resistance, commonly referred to as the "Christiana Riot" occurred in September of 1851 in Christiana, Pennsylvania, a borough in Lancaster County. The events known as the Christiana Resistance include an attack from slaveholders in Maryland on the inhabitants and home of William Parker a free black man living in Christiana, Pennsylvania. The slaveholders crossed the state border, and attempted claim and return the freedom seekers as their property, under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.
The violent confrontation resulted in the death of Edward Gorsuch, a slaveholder, and the escape of William Parker to freedom in Canada. Edward's son, Dickinson Gorsuch, was wounded and taken to the farm of Levi Pownall, where the Pownall family nursed him back to health. Historically, this event challenged the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 and is considered a precursor to the Civil War.
System of Arrangement
Series 1 Manuscript and Printed Material, 1803-1955
Series 2 Photographs, 1895-1971 and No date
Date Range
1851
Creation Date
1851
Creator
Parrish, Isaac
Storage Location
Moores Memorial Library, Christiana, PA
People
Pownall, Levi
Parrish, Isaac
Subjects
Riots--Pennsylvania--Christiana
Letters
Christiana (Pa.)
Search Terms
Christiana Resistance
Letters
Correspondence
Extent
1 item
Physical Characteristics
The digital images of the manuscript and printed material are 300 dpi JPGs; the photographs are 600 dpi JPGs.
Object Name
Letter
Container
Moores Memorial Library Series 1 Folder 6 Letter Letter to Levi Pownall and family from [Isaac] Parrish, Philadelphia, regarding the Resistance. 15 September 1851. 15 September 1851
Language
English
Object ID
Christiana S01 F06
Location of Originals
Moores Memorial Library
9 West Slokom Avenue
Christiana, PA 17509
chrlib@christianalibrary.org
610-593-6683 or 610-593-6687
Related Item Notes
Christiana Resistance Collection (CHRISTIANA RESISTANCE) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/1287a022-e430-4f3f-bc97-330571018105
Access Conditions / Restrictions
The attached images have been provided for research. The original items are restricted for preservation purposes.
Copyright
The attached images may be used for research purposes only.
Please contact Moores Memorial Library for a high resolution image and permission to publish:
Moores Memorial Library
9 West Slokom Avenue
Christiana, PA 17509
chrlib@christianalibrary.org
610-593-6683 or 610-593-6687
Credit
Christiana Resistance Collection, Series 1, Folder 6, Moores Memorial Library
Classification
CHRISTIANA RESISTANCE
Christiana S01 F06
Description Level
Folder
Custodial History
Moores Memorial Library (Christiana, Pa.) owns some of the most significant manuscript material relating to the Christiana Resistance. The staff of Moores Memorial Library, part of the Library System of Lancaster County, and the Lancaster County Historical Society worked together to arrange and preserve the collection and create a finding aid to make the materials accessible to the public.
The collection contains correspondence to and from the Pownall family regarding the incident, notes regarding kidnappings in the area from 1850-1851, photocopied pages of Dickinson Gorsuch's diary, and published accounts. An 1896 photograph shows Peter Woods and Samuel Hopkins, survivors of the riot. There are also photographs of the Christiana Riot House, the Pownall farm, and key figures in the riot and at the Treason Trials of 1851.
The staff of Moores Memorial Library, part of the Library System of Lancaster County, and the Lancaster County Historical Society worked together to arrange and preserve the collection and create a finding aid to make the materials accessible to the public. Funds for this project were provided by the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) in 2001.
Images
Less detail
Collection
Christiana Resistance Collection
Title
Letter from Dickinson Gorsuch to Levi Pownall
Object ID
Christiana S01 F08
Date Range
1852
  3 images  
Collection
Christiana Resistance Collection
Title
Letter from Dickinson Gorsuch to Levi Pownall
Description
Letter from Dickinson Gorsuch, Baltimore, to Levi Pownall regarding the Pownall family nursing him back to health and asking them to visit. 18 October 1852.
Admin/Biographical History
The Christiana Resistance, commonly referred to as the "Christiana Riot" occurred in September of 1851 in Christiana, Pennsylvania, a borough in Lancaster County. The events known as the Christiana Resistance include an attack from slaveholders in Maryland on the inhabitants and home of William Parker a free black man living in Christiana, Pennsylvania. The slaveholders crossed the state border, and attempted claim and return the freedom seekers as their property, under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.
The violent confrontation resulted in the death of Edward Gorsuch, a slaveholder, and the escape of William Parker to freedom in Canada. Edward's son, Dickinson Gorsuch, was wounded and taken to the farm of Levi Pownall, where the Pownall family nursed him back to health. Historically, this event challenged the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 and is considered a precursor to the Civil War.
System of Arrangement
Series 1 Manuscript and Printed Material, 1803-1955
Series 2 Photographs, 1895-1971 and No date
Date Range
1852
Creation Date
1852
Creator
Gorsuch, Dickinson, 1827-1882
Storage Location
Moores Memorial Library, Christiana, PA
People
Gorsuch, Dickinson
Pownall, Levi
Subjects
Riots--Pennsylvania--Christiana
Letters
Christiana (Pa.)
Search Terms
Christiana Resistance
Letters
Correspondence
Extent
1 item
Physical Characteristics
The digital images of the manuscript and printed material are 300 dpi JPGs; the photographs are 600 dpi JPGs.
Object Name
Letter
Container
Moores Memorial Library Series 1 Folder 8 Letter Letter from Dickinson Gorsuch, Baltimore, to Levi Pownall regarding the Pownall family nursing him back to health and asking them to visit. 18 October 1852.
18 October 1852
Language
English
Object ID
Christiana S01 F08
Location of Originals
Moores Memorial Library
9 West Slokom Avenue
Christiana, PA 17509
chrlib@christianalibrary.org
610-593-6683 or 610-593-6687
Related Item Notes
Christiana Resistance Collection (CHRISTIANA RESISTANCE) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/1287a022-e430-4f3f-bc97-330571018105
Access Conditions / Restrictions
The attached images have been provided for research. The original items are restricted for preservation purposes.
Copyright
The attached images may be used for research purposes only.
Please contact Moores Memorial Library for a high resolution image and permission to publish:
Moores Memorial Library
9 West Slokom Avenue
Christiana, PA 17509
chrlib@christianalibrary.org
610-593-6683 or 610-593-6687
Credit
Christiana Resistance Collection, Series 1, Folder 8, Moores Memorial Library
Classification
CHRISTIANA RESISTANCE
Christiana S01 F08
Description Level
Folder
Custodial History
Moores Memorial Library (Christiana, Pa.) owns some of the most significant manuscript material relating to the Christiana Resistance. The staff of Moores Memorial Library, part of the Library System of Lancaster County, and the Lancaster County Historical Society worked together to arrange and preserve the collection and create a finding aid to make the materials accessible to the public.
The collection contains correspondence to and from the Pownall family regarding the incident, notes regarding kidnappings in the area from 1850-1851, photocopied pages of Dickinson Gorsuch's diary, and published accounts. An 1896 photograph shows Peter Woods and Samuel Hopkins, survivors of the riot. There are also photographs of the Christiana Riot House, the Pownall farm, and key figures in the riot and at the Treason Trials of 1851.
The staff of Moores Memorial Library, part of the Library System of Lancaster County, and the Lancaster County Historical Society worked together to arrange and preserve the collection and create a finding aid to make the materials accessible to the public. Funds for this project were provided by the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) in 2001.
Images
Less detail
Collection
Christiana Resistance Collection
Title
Letter from William H. Seward to John W. Ashmead
Object ID
Christiana S01 F17
Date Range
1851
  2 images  
Collection
Christiana Resistance Collection
Title
Letter from William H. Seward to John W. Ashmead
Description
Photocopy and transcription of letter from William H. Seward, Washington, to John W. Ashmead, District Attorney of the United States, Philadelphia. 25 December 1851.
Admin/Biographical History
The Christiana Resistance, commonly referred to as the "Christiana Riot" occurred in September of 1851 in Christiana, Pennsylvania, a borough in Lancaster County. The events known as the Christiana Resistance include an attack from slaveholders in Maryland on the inhabitants and home of William Parker a free black man living in Christiana, Pennsylvania. The slaveholders crossed the state border, and attempted claim and return the freedom seekers as their property, under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.
The violent confrontation resulted in the death of Edward Gorsuch, a slaveholder, and the escape of William Parker to freedom in Canada. Edward's son, Dickinson Gorsuch, was wounded and taken to the farm of Levi Pownall, where the Pownall family nursed him back to health. Historically, this event challenged the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 and is considered a precursor to the Civil War.
System of Arrangement
Series 1 Manuscript and Printed Material, 1803-1955
Series 2 Photographs, 1895-1971 and No date
Date Range
1851
Creation Date
1851
Creator
Seward, William H. (William Henry), 1801-1872
Storage Location
Moores Memorial Library, Christiana, PA
People
Seward, William Henry
Ashmead, John Wayne
Subjects
Riots--Pennsylvania--Christiana
Letters
Christiana (Pa.)
Search Terms
Christiana Resistance
Letters
Correspondence
Extent
2 items
Physical Characteristics
The digital images of the manuscript and printed material are 300 dpi JPGs; the photographs are 600 dpi JPGs.
Object Name
Letter
Container
Moores Memorial Libray Series 01 Folder 17 Letter Photocopy and transcription of letter from William H. Seward, Washington, to John W. Ashmead, District Attorney of the United States, Philadelphia. 25 December 1951.
25 December 1951
Language
English
Object ID
Christiana S01 F17
Location of Originals
Unknown
Copies
Moores Memorial Library
9 West Slokom Avenue
Christiana, PA 17509
chrlib@christianalibrary.org
610-593-6683 or 610-593-6687
Related Item Notes
Christiana Resistance Collection (CHRISTIANA RESISTANCE) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/1287a022-e430-4f3f-bc97-330571018105
Access Conditions / Restrictions
The attached images have been provided for research. The original items are restricted for preservation purposes.
Copyright
The attached images may be used for research purposes only.
Please contact Moores Memorial Library for a high resolution image and permission to publish:
Moores Memorial Library
9 West Slokom Avenue
Christiana, PA 17509
chrlib@christianalibrary.org
610-593-6683 or 610-593-6687
Credit
Christiana Resistance Collection, Series 1, Folder 17, Moores Memorial Library
Classification
CHRISTIANA RESISTANCE
Christiana S01 F17
Description Level
Folder
Custodial History
Moores Memorial Library (Christiana, Pa.) owns some of the most significant manuscript material relating to the Christiana Resistance. The staff of Moores Memorial Library, part of the Library System of Lancaster County, and the Lancaster County Historical Society worked together to arrange and preserve the collection and create a finding aid to make the materials accessible to the public.
The collection contains correspondence to and from the Pownall family regarding the incident, notes regarding kidnappings in the area from 1850-1851, photocopied pages of Dickinson Gorsuch's diary, and published accounts. An 1896 photograph shows Peter Woods and Samuel Hopkins, survivors of the riot. There are also photographs of the Christiana Riot House, the Pownall farm, and key figures in the riot and at the Treason Trials of 1851.
The staff of Moores Memorial Library, part of the Library System of Lancaster County, and the Lancaster County Historical Society worked together to arrange and preserve the collection and create a finding aid to make the materials accessible to the public. Funds for this project were provided by the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) in 2001.
Images
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Collection
Black History Collection
Title
Letter from George W. Samson to Hon. H. Cobb
Object ID
MG0240_Ser02_F010
Date Range
1858/09/07
  1 document  
Collection
Black History Collection
Title
Letter from George W. Samson to Hon. H. Cobb
Description
Letter from George W. Samson in Washington, D.C. to Hon. H. Cobb regarding the American Colonization Society's responsibilities in Liberia to enslaved persons who were manumitted and outlines services for the former enslaved persons which were provided by the society at the cost of the former slaveholders.
Date Range
1858/09/07
Creation Date
7 September 1858
Creator
Samson, George Whitefield, 1819-1896
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 06
People
Samson, George Whitefield
Cobb, Howell
Subjects
African Americans--History
American Colonization Society
Letters
Liberia
Search Terms
American Colonization Society
Correspondence
Enslaved persons
Letters
Liberia
Persons of color
Slaveholders
Extent
1 item, 4 pages to scan
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Object ID
MG0240_Ser02_F010
Location of Originals
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Related Item Notes
Black History Collection (MG0240) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/2b3d42c6-a313-4ebc-966f-516114048136
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Black History Collection (MG0240), Series 2, Object ID, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL. Date accessed (day, month, year).
LancasterHistory is committed to preserving and providing access to materials chronicling Lancaster County's heritage. As a historical resource, this document reflects the racial prejudices and actions of the era. In order to maintain the historical integrity and context of collection items, LancasterHistory does not censor historical documents or edit language, titles, or organization names when transcribing original content.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment--contact research@lancasterhistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-240, Series 2
Other Number
MG-240, Series 2, Folder 10
Classification
MG0240
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Transferred from Document Collection, Case 2, July 2007. Added to database on 26 March 2022.
Digitization of this document was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 202010016624, 2020-2023.
Documents

MG0240_Ser02_F010.pdf

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Collection
Black History Collection
Title
Letter from Dr. Jenkins to William B. Fordney
Object ID
MG0240_Ser02_F011_In02
Date Range
1851/11/05
  1 document  
Collection
Black History Collection
Title
Letter from Dr. Jenkins to William B. Fordney
Description
Transcription of letter from Dr. Jenkins to William B. Fordney regarding the British (British East India Company, China, the opium trade, enslaved persons from India, trade and business practices, collieries, mines, destitution, morals, education) and slavery in the United States.
Date Range
1851/11/05
Creation Date
5 November 1851
Creator
Lancaster Intelligencer (Lancaster, Pa.)
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 06
People
Fordney, William Bush
Jenkins, John Carmichael
Other Creators
Jenkins, John Carmichael, 1809-1855
Subjects
African Americans--History
East India Company
Letters
Opium trade
Slavery
Search Terms
China
Correspondence
East India Company
Enslaved persons
India
Lancaster Intelligencer
Letters
Opium trade
Slavery
Extent
1 item, 15 pages to scan
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Object ID
MG0240_Ser02_F011_In02
Location of Originals
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Related Item Notes
Letters written by Dr. John Carmichael Jenkins which address the subject of slavery (MG0240_Ser02_F011_In01; MG0240_Ser02_F011_In03)
Black History Collection (MG0240) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/2b3d42c6-a313-4ebc-966f-516114048136
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Black History Collection (MG0240), Series 2, Object ID, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL. Date accessed (day, month, year).
LancasterHistory is committed to preserving and providing access to materials chronicling Lancaster County's heritage. As a historical resource, this document reflects the racial prejudices and actions of the era. In order to maintain the historical integrity and context of collection items, LancasterHistory does not censor historical documents or edit language, titles, or organization names when transcribing original content.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment--contact research@lancasterhistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-240, Series 2
Other Number
MG-240, Series 2, Folder 11, Insert 2
Classification
MG0240
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Transferred from Document Collection, Case 5, July 2007. Added to database on 28 March 2022.
Digitization of this document was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 202010016624, 2020-2023.
Documents
Less detail
Collection
Black History Collection
Title
Letter from Dr. Jenkins to William B. Fordney
Object ID
MG0240_Ser02_F011_In03
Date Range
1851/11/10
  1 document  
Collection
Black History Collection
Title
Letter from Dr. Jenkins to William B. Fordney
Description
Transcription of letter from Dr. Jenkins to William B. Fordney regarding the cultural history and intellectual equality of Africans, the practice of slavery throughout Africa, the Fugitive Slave Law, abolitionism and free African Americans, the American Revolution, Thaddeus Stevens, taxes, revenue, and Pennsylvania politics.
Date Range
1851/11/10
Creation Date
10 November 1851
Creator
Lancaster Intelligencer (Lancaster, Pa.)
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
Archives South
Storage Wall
Side 06
People
Fordney, William Bush
Jenkins, John Carmichael
Stevens, Thaddeus
Other Creators
Jenkins, John Carmichael, 1809-1855
Subjects
African Americans--History
Antislavery movements
Free Black people
Letters
Politics
Slavery
United States. Fugitive slave law (1850)
Search Terms
Abolition
Antislavery movements
Correspondence
Enslaved persons
Free persons of color
Fugitive slave law
Lancaster Intelligencer
Letters
Politics
Slavery
Extent
1 item, 20 pages to scan
Object Name
Letter
Language
English
Object ID
MG0240_Ser02_F011_In03
Location of Originals
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Related Item Notes
Letters written by Dr. John Carmichael Jenkins which address the subject of slavery (MG0240_Ser02_F011_In01; MG0240_Ser02_F011_In03)
Black History Collection (MG0240) https://collections.lancasterhistory.org/en/permalink/2b3d42c6-a313-4ebc-966f-516114048136
Notes
Preferred Citation: Title or description of item, date (day, month, year), Black History Collection (MG0240), Series 2, Object ID, LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. URL. Date accessed (day, month, year).
LancasterHistory is committed to preserving and providing access to materials chronicling Lancaster County's heritage. As a historical resource, this document reflects the racial prejudices and actions of the era. In order to maintain the historical integrity and context of collection items, LancasterHistory does not censor historical documents or edit language, titles, or organization names when transcribing original content.
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment--contact research@lancasterhistory.org prior to visit.
Copyright
Images have been provided for research purposes only. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org for a high-resolution image and permission to publish.
LancasterHistory retains the rights to the digital images and content presented. The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder. Fair use includes comment, criticism, teaching, and private scholarship. Any images and data downloaded, printed or photocopied for these purposes should provide a citation. All other uses beyond those allowed by fair use require written permission.
Permission for reproduction and/or publication must be obtained in writing from LancasterHistory. Persons wishing to publish any material from this site must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright or other use restrictions. Publication fees may apply.
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Other Numbers
MG-240, Series 2
Other Number
MG-240, Series 2, Folder 11, Insert 2
Classification
MG0240
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Transferred from Document Collection, Case 5, July 2007. Added to database on 28 March 2022.
Digitization of this document was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 202010016624, 2020-2023.
Documents
Less detail

10 records – page 1 of 1.