A descendant of a Delaware man credited with helping more than 2,700 slaves reach freedom is asking Gov. Jack Markell to pardon his ancestor and two others.
Robert Seeley of Havertown, Pennsylvania, got the idea after outgoing Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn granted clemency on New Year's Eve to three abolitionists convicted for hiding and helping escaped slaves.
The News Journal reports that Seeley is a descendant of Pennsylvania-born Thomas Garrett, who moved to Wilmington, Delaware at age 33 in 1822 and is credited with helping more than 2,700 slaves.
Seeley is also asking for pardons for John Hunn and Samuel Burris, who also both helped slaves reach freedom.
It's unclear whether Markell is considering the request.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
