A 1842 anti-abolitionist mob attack in Pennsylvania resulted in convictions later pardoned by the governor, illustrating violent resistance to antislavery activism.
Key Facts
- Date
- April 1842
- Location
- Muncy, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania
- Initially arrested
- 18 men
- Convicted
- 13 men
- Pardoning authority
- Governor David R. Porter of Pennsylvania
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Local Quakers invited an abolitionist speaker to address residents of Muncy, Pennsylvania on the subject of slavery. This provoked hostility among community members opposed to abolitionism, leading a group of men to organize a violent response against the meeting.
A mob attacked the schoolhouse where the abolitionist lecture was being held, then pursued the speaker and his host, Enos Hawley, assaulting them as they fled to Hawley's home. The riot resulted in the arrest of eighteen men on charges related to the violence.
Thirteen of the arrested men were convicted for their roles in the riot. However, Pennsylvania Governor David R. Porter subsequently pardoned all those convicted, effectively nullifying the legal consequences and reflecting the ambivalence of state authorities toward protecting abolitionist activity.
Political Outcome
Thirteen men convicted for the riot were ultimately pardoned by Pennsylvania Governor David R. Porter.