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Flight to Freedom
Adam Crosswhite
Fugitive slaves Adam and Sarah Crosswhite seemed to have found sanctuary in Marshall, Michigan. The town, located on the famed underground railroad, was known for anti-slavery sentiment. When the Crosswhites arrived there in 1843, they soon established residency and sent their children to the local school (Marshall’s school was racially integrated at that time.). Everything seemed to be going well for them. Then, in January 1847, four slave catchers arrived from Kentucky.
The Crosswhite Affair
Legally, the Crosswhites were property of a Kentuckian named Francis Giltner. Adam and Sarah fled Kentucky with their four children, because Giltner planned to break up their family. Giltner hired his nephew, a man named Francis Troutman, to track them down. In December 1846, Troutman found them in Marshall. After verifying their identities (He allegedly hired a local deputy sheriff to visit them posing as a census enumerator.), he decided to make a move.
In late January, 1847, Troutman arrived at the Crosswhites’ house. With him were David Giltner (son of Francis Giltner) and two other Kentuckians. The men tried to arrest the Crosswhites. Somehow, neighbors were alerted, although accounts vary as to how (According to one witness, Adam Crosswhite had fired a warning shot.). In any case, a crowd of about two to three hundred Marshall citizens congregated at the Crosswhite house. Both blacks and whites were represented in the assemblage. Most of the people were simply curiosity seekers, but some outwardly jeered and/or threatened the slave catchers.
After awhile, banker Charles T. Gorham arrived with other prominent Marshall citizens. A sort of “town meeting” then commenced. Gorham introduced a resolution stating that the Crosswhites would not be taken. The townspeople agreed. Troutman and his party were then arrested for assault, battery and housebreaking. Over the next two days, the men stood trial as the Crosswhites left for Canada.
Aftermath
U.S. Senator Zachariah Chandler (Photo by Matthew Brady)
Francis Giltner later sued Charles Gorham and some other Marshall citizens for the value of his slaves. He won the case, and Gorham (ultimately becoming the sole defendant) was ordered to pay Giltner $4,800. Zachariah Chandler, a Detroit businessmen and anti-slavery sympathizer, paid Gorman’s fine. Chandler was later elected to the United States Senate, where he gained a reputation as a staunch, pro-Northern “radical Republican.”
Meanwhile, the Crosswhites resided in Canada for several years. Then – for reasons lost to history – the family returned to Marshall.
Adam Crosswhite, who died in 1878, is buried in Marshall, Michigan. To view his grave at findagrave.com, click here; Adam Crosswhite’s Grave
Read More About It
The following sources were consulted for this article:
“A Beacon of Liberty on the Great Lakes: Race, Slavery and the Law in Antebellum Michigan.” By Ray E. Finkenbine. In The History of Michigan Law (Paul Finkelman and Martin J. Hershock, editors), pp. 83-107.
”One Flame in the Inferno” by John C. Sherwood. Michigan History March/April 1989, pp. 40-47.
“The Crosswhite Case” by John H. Yzenbaard. Michigan History, Summer 1969, pp. 131-143.
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Very interesting. Thanks for sharing. I think of the courage it took for them to leave and thank God someone with money intervened on their behalf.
Very interesting to read about Charles T Gorham’s role in this, as he was the brother of my great great grandfather. Great to have a story instead of just a name in the genealogy.
Adam Crosswhite if my great-great-great grandfather. I learned of this fact several months ago (and now have birth certificates, marraige and census records). I cannot express how much this means to me and our family to have this wonderful historical account of our grandfather. Thank you to the great people of Marshall, Michigan and the “radical” Mr. Chandler and so many others, who gave my grandfather the support and hope to be free.
I certainly meant “Adam Crosswhite IS my great-great-great grandfather…” Please forgive the typo.
Author Patricia Polacco has written a great picture book based on the Crosswhite story. It is called “January’s Sparrow.” As a children’s librarian I like to share with my students the facts behind historical fiction. Thanks for this informative webpage.
The Fugitive Slave case involving Adam and Sarah Crosswhite is held at the National Archives at Chicago. The case is approximately 600 pages and includes depositions by Adam and Sarah. You can visit our
web site at: http://www.archives.gov/great-lakes/.
I just read a beautiful children’s book about the Crosswhite family written by Patricia Polacco. It is called January’s Sparrow. As all wonderful picture books, it is meaningful to readers of all ages. If you are interested in the Crosswhites and the underground railroad, you will enjoy this book.
Thank you Mary Anne and Glen Longacre for the additional information (the archives’ link and the children’s book) pertaining to my grandfather. Thank you so very much.
I am a descendent of Adam & Sarah and was born & raised in Battle Creek, MI- about 10 miles from Marshall. His story has been told in our family since I can remember, and we are very proud of our courageous ancestor.
Ms. Wright can you please contact me. I am researching this story and would like to talk to you. My email address is ccarter1@wcccd.edu.
Mr. Longacre thanks for the tip.
Hello Annette, have not talked to you in a while. I received the information on my Great Great Grandfather, Adam Crosswhite. Thank you for your research. contact me would like to know more mitchellclassic55@att.net