October 1 - The Jerry Level

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.