Our Common Humanity: The Trial of the Century (Part Two)

The 1859 trial of the “Oberlin Wellington Rescuers” was the trial of the century, inspiring communities nation-wide to rise and oppose the federal government efforts to enforce the Fugitive Slave Law and force fugitives to return to the enslavers of the south. Also under the law, those who helped fugitives escape, or refused an order of a federal marshal to assist, could face harsh penalties; imprisonment, confiscation of property or fines of up to $1000, a huge sum in the day.  In 1859, former enslaved individual John Price had escaped to Canada with the help of the rescuers.  Unable to prosecute Price, federal officials took their remaining option and took the rescuers for trial for their assistance. The federal officials needed to do something, anything, to prove to the south that they would enforce the Fugitive Slave Law and be a loyal partner to the south and prevent the south from seceding from the Union  —  Indeed, no small stakes, at Cleveland’s Public Square Court House, the trial of the century.