Resistance

In late August 1851, Edward Gorsuch, a Maryland slaveholder, his son, Dickerson Gorsuch and a Federal Marshal, Henry H. Kline, entered Pennsylvania to recover four runaways which he considered his property. By September 10, the group were headed to Christiana, PA to the home of a known black Underground Railroad agent, William Parker. Many abolitionists were aware of their mission and when spotted on a train, Samuel Williams, a local conductor, spread the alarm. At dawn the next day, Edward Gorsuch arrived at the Parker home. Parker's wife blew a horn that alerted everyone in the area, calling them to come and help. A huge fight broke out and by the time the riot ended, Edward Gorsuch had been shot to death and his son had been badly wounded. All freedom seekers were taken to Canada by way of the Kennett Underground Railroad. Those who went on trial for treason were exonerated. (see Castner Hanway) As no one was ever prosecuted for the murder of Edward Gorsuch, the Christiana Riot became a flash point leading to the Civil War.