The Pennsylvania Freeman, New Series Vol. VIII No. 49, 4 December 1851. The bulk of this issue covers the trial of Castner Hanway, who was being tried for treason for his involvement in the Christiana Riot (also known as the Christiana Resistance) on 11 September 1851. The article describes and explains the proceedings of the trial and includes multiple testimonies from witnesses, such as members of the search party, residents of Christiana, and those who were attacked and injured during the resistance. These testimonies provide multiple accounts and perspectives of the Christiana Resistance. There are descriptions of the courtroom and the Black men on trial, Lucretia Mott, and the defense of Hanway by Thaddeus Stevens.
While the majority of the issue is coverage of the trial, there are also articles on other topics. "Come to the Fair" is an announcement of the upcoming Fifteenth Annual Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society Fair at the Sansom Street Hall on December 16. "A Thanksgiving Discourse" is a transcript of a speech delivered by Rev. William H. Furness on 27 November 1851. "Thanksgiving among the 'traitors'" is a short article that describes the Thanksgiving dinner served to those who were imprisoned for treason. "The Co-operative committee" includes a list of members of the committee and its purpose. The remaining items include a notice of the death of Rebecca Bustill, proceedings from the thirty-second U.S. Congress, and advertisements.
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.
Please use digital images and transcriptions when available. Original documents may be used by appointment. Please contact research@lancasterhistory.org at least two weeks 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.
Accession Number
2020.News.1416
Other Numbers
Newspaper #1416
Other Number
Newspaper Collection #1416
Classification
Newspaper_#1416
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
Processed and finding aid prepared by TS and EM, Spring/Summer 2021; revised by HST, 3 September 2021. Added to database 3 September 2021.
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.
Additional Notes
Riot; murder.
Christiana Resistance.
Defendants: John Morgan; Henry Sims; Charley Valentine; Lewis Clarkson; Charles Hunter; Lewis Gales; George Williams; Alson Pernsley; Light Stewart; Joseph Scarlet; William Brown; Ezekiel Thompson; Daniel Caulsberg; Isaiah Clarkson; Benjamin Pendergrast; Elijah Clark; Henry Green; William Williams; John Holliday; William Brown; George Reed; Benjamin Johnston; John Jackson; Thomas Butler; Collister Wilson; Hezekiah Clemens; George Wells; Walter Harris; Abraham Clinch; Nelson Carter; Jacob Philips; Jacob Moore.
1 item, 7 pieces
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at Reference Desk; photocopy made by staff member.
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.
Additional Notes
Perjury.
Christiana Resistance.
2 items, 2 pieces
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at Reference Desk; photocopy made by staff member.
