This excerpt from “The Underground Railroad” by William Still documents the escape of Sheridan Ford who hid in the woods before getting onto a steamboat. Many of the fugitives wanted to get to Canada, which was out of the clutches of the slave-catchers. But Sheridan had his mind set on Boston. Why? “He had heard … Read more
This excerpt from “The Underground Railroad” by William Still documents the escape of James Christian from the household of former U.S. president John Tyler. Tyler was the tenth American president. He wasn’t actually elected to the office. He had been vice president when President William Harrison died. Tyler served one term from 1842 to 1845. … Read more
This excerpt from “The Underground Railroad” documents the arrival of Isaac Forman to the Philadelphia station on the Underground Railroad and his grief on leaving his wife behind. You will read a heart-breaking letter from the young man with his deepest wish that a way can be found for his wife to follow him. About … Read more
This excerpt from “The Underground Railroad” documents the escape of Anthony Blow, whose alias was Henry Levison. Before he finally reached Philadelphia, Anthony had run away and hid for ten months. He had been shot three times while enslaved and was determined to get to freedom. Eventually, a friend who worked on a steamboat helped … Read more
This excerpt from “The Underground Railroad” documents the escape of Clarissa Davis from Portsmouth, Virginia. Her first attempt to escape had partly failed and she was forced to hide from capture for over two months. But Clarissa was acquainted with a black steward on a steamboat. He agreed to help smuggle on board and conceal … Read more
This excerpt from “The Underground Railroad” documents the escape of William Peel Jones inside a box sent by steamboat to Philadelphia. A friend had helped him into the box and wrapped him in straw. We only know the helper’s initials: N.L.J. This true friend travelled by car to Philadelphia with the bill of lading. The … Read more
This excerpt from “The Underground Railroad” documents the escape of three fugitives on a steamboat. The three men were: James Mercer Henry Gilliam John Clayton The trio were hidden in a small space near the boiler. It was almost intolerably hot, but they stuck it out and reached Philadelphia. From there, the local Underground Railroad … Read more
This excerpt from “The Underground Railroad” documents the escape of David who “borrowed” his master’s horse and was helped by a friend who hired a carriage. This escape astonished the helping committee who received David and his companions in Philadelphia. David was aided by a white woman and a ten-year-old child. It was this woman … Read more
This excerpt from “The Underground Railroad” documents the escape of Charlotte Giles and Harriet Eglin by train from Baltimore, Maryland, to Philadelphia. This escape is notable because escaping by train presented different difficulties when compared to by steamboat. One of the challenges with the steamboat was embarking without being challenged. You can learn how women … Read more
This excerpt from “The Underground Railroad” documents the escape of William Henry Atkins by steamboat to Philadelphia. After his escape, Henry Atkins writes several letters to the Vigilance Committee in Philadelphia who helped him secure passage to freedom in Canada. He is very anxious to ensure that his wife is helped to follow him. About … Read more