On this day in Labor History the year was 1851.
That was the day that William Henry, a black cooper, or barrel maker who went by the name of Jerry was arrested in Syracuse, New York.
First he was told that he was being arrested for theft.
But then he learned that federal marshals had arrested him for violating the Fugitive Slave Law, passed the year before.
Jerry had escaped slavery in Missouri.
The anti-slavery Liberty Party was holding its convention in nearby church.
When word came about Jerry’s arrest, a crowd rushed to release him.
Once released he was quickly recaptured and returned to custody.
But then a large crowd, numbering more than 2,000 gathered to free Jerry from the office where he was being held.
According to research done by the Syracuse University Library, the first person into the office was J. M. Clappe, an iron worker likely chosen for his brawn.
The crowd was able to free Jerry and hide him until he could escape into Canada.
Clappe also had to flee to Canada to avoid arrest, along with eight others.
Nineteen people were indicted for participating in the rescue.
Only one person was convicted, and he died before he could appeal.
In turn, the abolitionists won an indictment against the marshal who had arrested Jerry.
They charged him with kidnapping.
Although the marshal was acquitted, it gave the abolitionists a chance to publicly challenge the constitutionality of the Fugitive Slave Act.
Each year until 1858 a Jerry Rescue celebration commemorated the event.
Abolitionists referred to the “Jerry Level” as a standard for justice.
In 2001 a monument to the rescue was dedicated in Clinton Square, in downtown Syracuse New York.
March 13 - Ending Jim Crow on the Job
March 12 - OSHA Safety Incentives
March 11 - Raising Conditions for an Industry
March 10 - Radium Girls
March 9 - Striking the Mines
March 8 - IBEW Strikes to Win
March 7 - Work Faster! Work Faster!
March 6 - International Unemployed Day
March 5 -Lordstown Syndrome
March 4 - Mismanagement Kills an Airline
March 3 - Wildcat Strikes Hit Chrysler and Briggs
March 2 - Greyhound Bus Strike Begins
March 1 - The Hoover Dam Goes Public
February 28 - Fighting for Equal Pay
February 27 - The 1937 Woolworth Sit-Down
February 26 - The Battle at Bethlehem
February 25 - The Paterson Silk Strike Begins
February 24 - Muller v Oregon Decided
February 23 - Black Workers Lead Historic Strike at UNC
February 22 - Labelling Teachers as Terrorists
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Navigating Life After 40
Teaching Learning Leading K-12
Regenerative Skills
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast
The Mel Robbins Podcast