Robert Purvis Founds Philadelphia Vigilant Committee

Philadelphia-born free Black abolitionist Robert Purvis organized the Philadelphia Vigilant Committee, a systematic network aiding freedom-seekers. A founding member of the American Anti-Slavery Society (1833), Purvis used his own home as a major Underground Railroad depot. Between 1838 and 1845 his committee aided at least 255 freedom-seekers annually. He later said he helped 'not less than one person per day' for decades.