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Passage of the Fugitive Slave Law in 1850 brought
opposition to slavery to a white heat in Beaver County. This law
provided that those who sheltered runaway slaves could be fined
up to $1000 and be imprisoned for six months. An especially effective
worker on the railroad could have a $1000 reward placed on his
head. The passage of this law never seemed to daunt the New Brighton
Quakers or the Bradfords. The only precaution that some took was
to place their property in the hands of friends so they could
not lose it if ordered to pay the $1000 fine.
In response to that law, a meeting was held in New Brighton on
December 6, 1850, to express the disapproval of the citizens.
A committee--consisting of Dr. Isaac Winans, Timothy B. White,
Dr. Charles Weaver, and James Erwin--was appointed to draw up
the resolutions which follow:
Whereas ,
At the late session of congress, a law was passed, making it obligatory
on all citizens to assist in restoring the fugitive slave to his
master, we, a few of the citizens of Beaver county, Pa. deem it
our duty to peaceably assemble and declare the following sentiments:
Resolved , That we believe in the self-evident truths set forth
in the Declaration of Independence, that "all men are born
free and equal, and endowed with certain inalienable rights, amongst
which are life, liberty and the pursuits of happiness."
Resolved , That the first being true, this government, which derives
all its authority from the governed, has no power to enslave a
human being guilty of no crime.
Resolved , That therefore all laws enslaving a portion of the
human family, who have no voice in making them, is [sic.] contrary
to the principles of this government.
Resolved , That any law that makes it obligatory upon us to enslave
a human being, is not binding on us, and we will treat all such
laws with contempt, as we cannot become instrumental in enforcing
them.
Resolved , That we will hold up to public contempt any man that
will accept the office of commissioner, marshal or deputy marshal,
or in any way aid in the return of fugitives from slavery (Warner
248).
The following petition was also drawn up at that meeting:
To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States:
We, the undersigned, citizens of Beaver County, Penn., believing
the Fugitive Slave Bill to be unjust, and in violation of the
constitution, do ask its immediate repeal. (Warner 248).