Lucie and Thornton Blackburn were born into slavery in the United States, they escaped to freedom in Canada, where they not only built a new life but also made significant contributions to their adopted homeland. Among their many achievements, the Blackburns established Toronto’s first taxi service, leaving a permanent mark on the city’s history.
Lucie Blackburn, born around 1803 in Louisville, Kentucky, was known as “Ruthie” during her enslavement. By the age of 28, she was working as a nanny for a merchant family when she met and married Thornton Blackburn, a 19-year-old enslaved man. Their lives took a dramatic turn when Lucie’s enslaver died, and she was sold to a merchant who planned to send her to the Deep South. Fearing separation and the brutal conditions of the Deep South, the couple decided to escape.
In 1831, Lucie and Thornton fled to Detroit, Michigan, via the Underground Railroad. Their journey was risky, taking 15 days as they traveled by steamer and on foot, eventually finding temporary refuge in Detroit. However, their freedom was short-lived. In 1833, Thornton was recognized as a fugitive slave, and the couple was arrested by slave catchers, thrown in jail, and sentenced to be returned to their owners in Kentucky. Their capture sparked outrage among Detroit’s Black community and abolitionists, leading to the Blackburn Riot—the first racial protest in Detroit’s history.
During the riot, Lucie managed to escape by exchanging clothes with a visitor, Mrs. George French, and crossing the Detroit River into Upper Canada (now Ontario). Thornton’s escape was more dramatic: a mob of over 100 abolitionists stormed the jail, freeing him and helping him flee to Canada. The couple was eventually reunited in Toronto, where they would spend the rest of their lives.
The Blackburns’ arrival in Toronto marked the beginning of a new chapter. Their case set a legal precedent in Canada when Lieutenant Governor Sir John Colborne refused to extradite them to the United States, declaring that a person could not “steal themselves.” This decision reinforced Canada’s role as a safe haven for freedom seekers and solidified the Blackburns’ status as symbols of resistance to slavery.
In Toronto, the Blackburns became active members of the community. They devoted their time and resources to anti-slavery efforts and supported other African Americans seeking freedom. Lucie and Thornton were instrumental in helping newcomers settle in Toronto, providing shelter and financial assistance. They also contributed to the construction of Little Trinity Church, one of Toronto’s oldest surviving churches.
In 1837, Thornton Blackburn established Toronto’s first taxi service, a horse-drawn carriage named “The City.” Though illiterate—having been denied an education under U.S. slavery laws—he had a keen understanding of the city’s growing need for public transportation. To bring his vision to life, he obtained blueprints for a cab from Montreal and commissioned the construction of a red and yellow box cab designed to carry four passengers. The service quickly became successful, and the Blackburns held a monopoly on the transit industry for some time before competitors emerged.
Their taxi service laid the foundation for Toronto’s public transportation system and demonstrated their ability to adapt and innovate in a rapidly changing world.
The Blackburns’ contributions extended beyond their taxi service. They were prominent figures in Toronto’s Black community, advocating for abolition and supporting freedom seekers. Their home on Eastern Avenue became a sanctuary for many, including Ann Maria Jackson and her seven children, who escaped slavery in 1858. The Blackburns helped the Jackson family secure jobs, housing, clothing, and other essentials to build independent lives. They also ensured that Jackson’s children received an education—one of whom, Albert Jackson, would go on to become Toronto’s first Black postman.
Thornton and Lucie also invested in real estate, building six homes in St. John’s Ward that they rented at reduced rates to formerly enslaved people. Their generosity and commitment to community-building left a lasting impact on Toronto.
Thornton passed away on February 26, 1890, leaving behind a substantial estate. Lucie died five years later, on February 6, 1895. Their legacy was officially recognized in 1999 when the Government of Canada designated them as “Persons of National Historic Significance.” Plaques honoring their contributions were erected in Toronto and Louisville, Kentucky, ensuring that their story would not be forgotten.
Source:
https://www.torontohumanesociety.com/thornton-and-lucie-blackburns-story-of-hardship-and-hope/
