The Jerry Rescue: A Bold Stand Against the Fugitive Slave Act in Syracuse

Today, a monument in Clinton Square honors the rescue and the brave individuals who risked their own freedom to ensure Jerry’s.

On October 1, 1851, Syracuse became the epicenter of a dramatic event known as the Jerry Rescue, a public and defiant response to the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. The event unfolded during the Liberty Party's state convention, where abolitionist leaders and citizens joined forces to rescue a fugitive slave named William “Jerry” Henry from federal custody.

Jerry, a 40-year-old cooper originally from Missouri, had lived in Syracuse for some time after escaping slavery. His arrest on October 1 sparked immediate outrage in the local community, already known for its deep-rooted abolitionist sentiment. Syracuse had earned a reputation as a vital hub on the Underground Railroad, where many escaped slaves found temporary refuge on their way to freedom in Canada.

Background and Growing Tensions

Syracuse’s strong anti-slavery community was influenced by prominent figures such as Gerrit Smith, Reverend Samuel May, and the formerly enslaved Reverend Jermain Wesley Loguen. The city's central location made it a key stop on the Underground Railroad, and its residents were often vocal in their opposition to slavery. The passage of the Fugitive Slave Act in 1850—which required that escaped slaves be returned to their enslavers—intensified these tensions.

The act empowered federal authorities to capture escaped slaves even in free states, such as New York. For many in Syracuse, this law was a direct affront to their moral and political beliefs. Secretary of State Daniel Webster’s visit to the city earlier in 1851 underscored the seriousness of enforcement, as he warned that the Fugitive Slave Law would be upheld, even in Syracuse.

The Arrest and Rescue

Jerry was arrested by federal marshals on the day of the Liberty Party convention, drawing immediate attention from local abolitionists. His detention led to a hastily organized rescue plan by members of the Syracuse Vigilance Committee. Prominent figures, including Gerrit Smith, Samuel May, and Leonard Gibbs, strategized to free him without resorting to violence.

By 8:00 p.m., a group of armed individuals stormed the police office, extinguishing the gas lights to create confusion. They overwhelmed the federal marshals and freed Jerry, who was quickly taken to a waiting carriage. The crowd helped conceal his escape, and Jerry was brought to the home of local sympathizers for medical attention and a change of clothes.

For the next several days, Jerry was hidden in safe houses across the area, including the home of Caleb Davis. Despite being a vocal critic of abolitionists, Davis played a crucial role in hiding Jerry and helping him evade capture. Eventually, Jerry made his way to Canada, where he settled in Kingston, Ontario, and resumed work as a cooper and carpenter.

Legal Aftermath

The Jerry Rescue was a bold act of civil disobedience that resulted in the arrest of several participants. The federal government charged 12 men for their roles in the rescue, but most trials were delayed or resulted in acquittals. Notably, Enoch Reed, a Black man involved in the rescue, was found not guilty of violating the Fugitive Slave Act but was convicted for resisting a federal officer. He died before his appeal could be heard.

Despite intense federal pressure, the remaining charges were eventually dropped in 1861, just as the nation edged toward civil war.

Legacy and Commemoration

The Jerry Rescue became a powerful symbol of resistance to the Fugitive Slave Act and was celebrated annually in Syracuse until the outbreak of the Civil War. These celebrations, known as Jerry Rescue Day, featured speeches, poetry, and songs that commemorated Jerry’s freedom and reaffirmed the community’s commitment to the anti-slavery cause. Over time, the gatherings grew more radical, with advocates like Frederick Douglass encouraging more assertive forms of resistance.

After years of dormancy, the event was commemorated again in 2001 for its 150th anniversary. Today, a monument in Clinton Square honors the rescue and the brave individuals who risked their own freedom to ensure Jerry’s.