York, PA, Slavery, and the Underground Railroad
Next, we examined York College’s possible connections to slavery. York College’s history can be traced as far back as 1767 and is an integral part of York County’s history as a whole. However, as most history uncovers, both had a rocky past that shaped the nation. For example, although Pennsylvania was inherently a “free” state, York County was not considered safe in the sense that it directly bordered Maryland, which at the time was still a slave state and relatively easy for slave hunters to access. An act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery passed in March of 1780 and later proved to be the most conservative act to emerge regarding the emancipation of slaves in the Northern states from 1780-1804.
In York County alone, five representatives supported the law, and 60% supported its passing. Although few slaves were immediately freed upon the passing of this law, Pennsylvania could no longer import slaves. This means slaves who were registered could still be bought and sold. Ultimately slavery declined gradually following the passing of this act, which resulted in some owners freeing their slaves during their lifetimes while others provided for freedom in their wills. Between 1790 and 1800, the number of slaves dropped from 3,737 to 1,706 and by 1810 to 1795. In 1840, there were still 64 slaves in the state, but by 1850 there were none.
During this period of gradual abolition, Quakers sought to aid the runaways on the Underground Railroad. Some of these Quakers in York include: Jonathan Jessop, Edward Chalfant, Amos Griest, Joel Fisher, Samuel Willis, Joseph Garretson, and Joseph Wickersham. The Quakers later aided the group of freedom seekers in York as they sought to help runaway slaves along their journey through the Underground Railroad. One of the most notable efforts was from William Goodridge, who was a former slave and became one of the most prominent businessmen in York following his freedom. His house still stands today on 125 East Philadelphia Street and serves as a reminder that the Underground Railroad was integral to York.
Among those who were integral to the history of York College was Rev. John Andrews. Andrews was a clergyman of John’s Episcopal Church, wherein York County, taught the first classical school. That site is where the 1787 York County Academy was founded, alongside the efforts of Rev. John Campbell, rector of the Episcopal Church and the one who purchased the land. On September 15, 1973, the college dedicated this day as Founder’s Day to recognize the heritage of York College. On this day, a bronze bust of Rev. John Andrews was erected as the first memorial. The unveiling of his statue also portrays a sense of transparency. Of those in York in 1780, Andrews owned three slaves. For Andrews to be appropriately displayed, acknowledging his ownership of slaves should be visible on his plaque.