Washington County, Indiana - Chapter 8: Uxdekt;kol'nl, 1916

Chapter 8: Uxdekt;kol'nl

Hundred and Fifty Dollars Reward! Runaway from the sub- .scriber, on the 4th day of- this month, a mulatto (or yellow negro) man named Albert. Twenty-five years of age, thin visage, well made, about fi\e feet six or eight inches high, looks dejected (or down) and confused when spoken to seriously or on any unpleasant subject ; but if pleased looks remarkably pleasant. He has in this state (Indiana) been taken at a little \illage called Vienna, but made his escajie and left behind him a l)undle consisting several vests, a shirt, a big drab coat, etc., etc. Had on when last escaped a gray pair of cloth or cashimere ])antaloons, light colored shirt and coat. 1 have since heard he attempted to steal a luirse and did steal a pair of shoes at another place near Salem, a \ice to which he is nnich sul)ject, as he stole some of the clo+lies he had with him from Kentucky. He has frequently been mistaken as he passed, for an Indian. 1 will gi\e the above reward to any person who will deli\er him to me. residing nine miles aliove Louisville, Kentucky, and one and one-half miles from the ' )hio ri\er. Or one hundred dollars if he is secured and information is gi\en me so I may ])ro\e my property and get him in possession.

The al)o\e advertisement was taken from llw 'l,nsiii. \ ol. 11. Xo. 3S, the earliest newspaper publisheil in Salem. Tliere were two other similar advertisements in the same i)aper. This form of ad\ ertisement. with a cut representing a negro with a stalT across his shoulders and a bundle at the -end of it, was very common in all the leading newspapers of the country. and similar handbills were circulated e\tcnsi\ cl\ and ]iosted in all public places, particularly at court houses and liotels. ( o\int\ sherilts. constaliles and professional slave hunters were nearly always (m (he lookout for a "runaway nigger." while on the other hand there was ,1 class v\ people all -over the country who syni]iathi/e(l with the blacks and did not hesitate to lend a helping hand to all who were striking for freedom.

An ordinance for the go\crnment of the territorv of the I'nited States northwest of the Ohio ri\er. passed liy ( ongress in 1 7^<7. prescril)ed that "There shall W neither sla\er\- nor in\ oluiitar\- servitude in the said territory otherwise than in the i)unishinent of crimes, whereof the partx- shall have been duly convicted." This' same article was incorporated in the state constitution in 1816, and so that part of the country became the objective point of many emigrants who did not wish to take up a residence in slaveholding territory.

Many Quakers from North Carolina came to this county while Indiana was still a territory. They formed large settlements in other parts of the state, and all were bitterly opposed to slavery. They considered the fugitive slave law cruel and oppressive, and a blot upon the fair name of the state. It provided that "If any person, without proper authority, shall give to any one owing service in any state or territory within the United States, a certificate or other testimonial of emancipation, or shall knowingly harbor or employ any such one owiiit; service as aforesaid, or held as a slave^ who mav have come into this state without the consent of his or her owner, or shall encourage or assist any such one to desert or not go with his or her owner, or shall use any violence or other means to prevent, let, or hinder any person in lawfully recovering any fugitive slave or person owing service, such person so offending shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined in any sum not exceeding five hundred dollars, and be liable for damages to any person or persons injured by any of said acts."

Instead of being a help to owners of fugitive slaves, as it was intended, this law was in fact a hindrance, for it proved to be an incentive to a more determined effort on the part of those who persisted in fomenting the "irrepressible conflict." Harriet Beecher Stowe had graphically pictured in "Uncle Tom's Cabin" the life of slavery, and the aspirations burning in the human breast for freedom, xet there were those in our midst before his time who had seen, heard and could recite details of battles for liberty and life itself as stirring as any in the experiences of "Uncle Tom." It was a fact that Mrs. Stowe was inil>Iored by some of the Indiana Quakers to use her marvelous power in behalf of the slaves, and she got from some of them the story of Eliza, which she took as a foundation for her great work.

Origin Of The Name

The method employed by these ardent abolitionists to carry on the work of lil)erating slaves was called the "underground railroad." The name originated with a slave-owner, who declared that never the slightest intelligence of a runaway nigger could be obtained after he got into the hands of these operators, and there must lie an underground road somewhere to spirit them awav.

There, was probably no more peculiar institution known to the early history of this county than the "underground railroad." It was the connecting link between slavery and freedom. It never had an organization. nor a central head, nor a -^eal officer. It kept no certain track, and there were no traiiis running on schedule time, still the road was constantly in operation and passengers were numerous. There were conductors all along this mysterious route, earnest and active in their work, and stations were established at convenient points from the Ohio river through to Canada. There was no light from the locomotive, no shrieking whistle or clanging bell to announce the arrival of a train, only a gentle rap at the door warned the agent within that weary wayfarers implored assistance.

The period most fruitful of deli\erance from l)ondage through the route across this count}- was between the years 1830 and 18&0. Between these years the numbers carried through safely ran far up into the hundreds, and only a very few were captured and returned to bondage that once got abroad the train. Slave hunters nearly always found themselves outwitted and outgeneraled by the cautious anti-sla\er} men and women.

The station in this county was the first this side of the Ohio river. There were some friends of the cause between station number one and the river who v.-ccasionally lent a helping hand in steering strangers thrdugh, so this was no chance route to the many who traxeled over it, though it was to aome of them. Indeed, many of the plans of escape were laid on Kentucky and Tennessee soil, and maps of roads and stations were furnished which guided them through the county.

There were men employed to \isit around through the sla\e states in the disguise of peddlers, and while the\ were earnmg a nimble [jenny here and there they impro\ed e\er}' opportunity possible, in a discreet way. to induce slaves to make a strike for freedom. Some of the plans were to meet pilots at places agreed upon on the northern bank of the Cihlo ri\er. from vvhence they were guided safely to Mime point where they could "lay over" until the search was made for them and gi\en up.

If they were to escape through \\"ashing1on county thev would cross the river somewhere between Jeffersonville and Leavenworth. Indiana. The city of Louisville, more than any other point on the border, became the starting place for fugitives. Huckster wagons were con\-enient hiding places for those who desired to get across the Ixirder. Quiet! v stowed awa\- among boxes, bags and barrels, a man or two could be brought through and landed at a convenient place for them to reach the "underground railroad."

took their lives in their own hands and risked everjthing for freedom. They would cross the Ohio in skiffs, canoes and rafts of logs, and then wend their way in the solitude of night, with only the north star for their guide, knowing it would not deceive them, hut eventually land them on free soil. While Washington county was ever a warring field for fugitive slaves, and many hundreds were piloted safely across her borders, there is no record or legend showing that any active agent was e\er brought before the courts on the charge of aiding or abetting in the escape, or "knowingly harboring" anvone "owing service" to a white master.

Among the Quakers of this county, who were all in sympathy with the workings of the "underground railroad," James I.. Thompson was the acknowledged head. His home, about four miles northeast of Salem, located in the northwest quarter of section 2, township 2 north, range 4 east, was the station to which all fleeing slaves were directed. His wife proved to be a very energetic worker in the cause, and always had food an.d clothing prepared for the hungry and perhaps half -naked fugitives that were likely at any time, especially at night, to knock at the door and introduce themselves with the remark, "We have heard you were good to the like of us and have been sent to your house."

Friend Thompson had a number of trusty lieutenants that ever held themselves in readiness to do his bidding, either in the matter of supplying needed funds, acting as guides or in harboring the runaways. Among these were William Penn Trueblood, Henry Wilson, James Trueblood, Benoni Morris and others. There were also a great many negroes living in different parts of the county, between the years 1825 and 1850, and a large settlement in Salem, that gave some assistance, Init they did not have confidence in themselves so much as protectors to their fleeing brethren from slavery as they did in their ability to pilot the runaways from house to house in the dead of night and land them at the door of some white man who they knew would throw jirotection around them.

With e\ery new face that presented itself at the station there arose a multitude of questions in the mind of the agent, for it was here that good generalship had to be disjjlayed. Were the fugitives being pursued? Were they close on his track? Was it a slave-owner or professional slave hunter? Were the fugitives advertised? Were they posted m Indiana or Washington county"' What was the reward for their capture? These were among the questions that were set .evolving in the mind of the individual applied to for succor, along with such other perplexing problems as where they might be most safelv concealed, protected and cared for till such time as they might be safely carried to the next station. To say that the doors were always opened unto them might not be strictly true, but they were soon made to feel that friends were caring for them. The station was always under the ban of suspicion, and when the sla\e hunter came along it was soon pointed out to him. So until the necessary bearings were taken it was usual to lodge these fleeing people in straw and fodder racks, wheat shocks, secluded places in the woods, haymows, outhouses, secret rooms or cellars.

Ha\ing learned the name of the newcomer, the next thing to do was to go to Salem, inspect the walls of the court house and see if any posters were up and look at the papers for the descriptive advertisement that usually followed in such cases. If in a few days it developed that the fugitive had eluded the vigilance of his pursuers, he was taken into closer communion, perhaps given a few days' work to earn mone\- to help him on his way. when he was piloted to the' next station. If he was hotly pursued, the greatest care was exercised in selecting a hiding i)lace. (jr he was spirited away between two days under the care of a trustworthy guide and perhaps along some unfrequented highway to a place of safety.

Station No. ^ was located at Farmington. Jackson county, and was managed by Richard Cox. Station No. 3 was at Azalia, Bartholomew county, in charge of John Thomas. The next point was located near Franklin, and thence the route lay a little east of Indianapolis and through to Canada, there Ijeing regular stations at intervals all along the way. Another route from Azalia was through Decatur, Franklin and Fayette counties to Len Coffin's, at Xew]3ort, \\'ayne count\-. He w^as bv general consent called the president of the "underground railroad."

"Two Hundred Dollars Reward' Kan away from the undersigned, a resident of Tarue county, Kentucky. July 4. 184-'. two likely-looking niggers, Lishe and Lige. < )ne twent}-t\\ n and the other twenty-H\e vears of age, medium height, and when they went away had on home-made linen pants and shirts, A reward of two hundred dollars is otiered for their capture and returned to tlie subscriber. 1 warn people against harboring or giving any assistance to these runaways under the strictest penaUy of the law.

This handJjill was posted at the court house in Salem, and other public places as well, in a few days after these men struck for liberty. It took them two days to find their way t© the Ohio river and get across it. They then struck out in the solitude of night across the hills of Harrison county. Finding them gone, and suspecting which route they had taken. Brown started his agents, McHatten and Hill, on fleet horses to intercept them in Washmgton county, but liefore either party had reached this locality the posters, had been stuck u]). Some saw a probable chance in them to arrest the fugitives and receive the reward: others that there might be an opportunity to. assist them in their break for freedom.

It chanced that they were not left alone to their fate in steering their course through the county of Harrison. They were discovered by some one who sympathized with them in their ambition to become free men, who^ fed and directed them ..n t.. some of their colored brethren m this county^ and these in turn piloted them to the residence of James L. Thompson. They sainted him as "A'las.sa" and doffed their hats as they were accustomed tod(j in the i)resence of white people, but were told not to do it again, to him or anyone else, as by that act they might betray themselves. "I know why you called at my house. T have heai-d of you; come, follow me," said Thompson, and he led them away, knowing it would not do to harbor them in the house, across the old road and through a stubble field to a sort of sinkhole. Here, with a walnut tree for shade, and a small stream of water near by where they might quench their thirst, he left them till such time as n would be safe to give them better accommodations.

It was not long until McHatten and Hill put in an appearance, and" never perhaps in the annals of the "underground railroad" was there a hotter or more determined pursuit than for these men. They galloped over the country a day or two and enlisted all they could as spies, and had drawn out the sympathy of many in their behalf who stood ready and willing toassist them in the capture. Tt did seem perilous for the hopes of the two negroes, as well as their protectors. The station was ix)inted out to the slave hunters and they rode by and around it several times. One then called out Air. llKimpson, and after denouncing him with oaths, said thev believed he had the "niggers" concealed, and if he did not reveal their whereabouts

On Sunday afternoon, while these fugitives were yet under the care of the Thompsons, and company being at their house. James said to some of his sons, "Boys, it is time thee were seeing to the cattle." This the boys understood, and as they passed by the kitchen door their mother met them with a well-filled basket of substantial food, milk and fruit, which was carried to the negroes. On their return the slave hunters accosted them and inquired where they had been. The boys replied that it was none of their j business. One of the men said, "You are awfully smart birds." "Yes," I they said; "smart enough not to be in such business as you seem to be in." | The men then tried to be real nice and said, "Come, now, and tell us like j good boys, if you have seen any "niggers' in your walk this afternoon. They | replied. "Yes, we have seen some. There is one living in the house you see I about one-half mile away, and there are, quite a number between here and Salem, but you want them that are running, don't you"" Seeing there was I nothing to be gotten out of the boys, the men passed on, no doubt thinking ' that the old Quaker had them well trained. j

By this time it seemed to be getting so warm about the station that for the safety of the fugitives it was decided to move them to a straw stack in a j field on William Penn Trueblood's farm, who now administered to their j wants. McHatten stopped there the next day and inquired about the "niggers," but when told that he was welcome to search the premises, it had the to remove what suspicion they had entertained about the fellows being I there. The negroes were again shifted to the farm of Henry I for safekeeping, and it was thought that McHatten and Hill had I finally given up the chase. They disappeared from the scene of action, and j "went to work laying a trap for the station agent. They had a man by the name of Crocket to act as spy, and get into the confidence of the "under- j ground railroad" managers. This he did successfully, and wherl it was ( thought the time had come to move Lishe and Lige on to the next station, -Crocket volunteered to go along with Thompson and show him a new road. When over in the edge of Gibson township, two men sprang out from behind j a clump of bushes, one of them knocking Thompson from his horse, while j the other engaged in a sham fight with Crocket, running him into the woods. !

No sooner had they handcuffed the trembling slaves, than McHatten pointed his pistol at the face of the bruised and bleeding man on the ground and with a terrible oath threatened to blow his brains out for the part he j taken in the affair. Notwithstanding he had been betrayed and set upon unawares, Thompson showed his bravery by saying to McHatten, "Shoot, if thee wants to; I have but one time to die, and if thee feels thee can afford to be the cause of that death, fire away." McHatten very wisely concluded he had already inflicted enough punishment upon his foe, and went away with the captives. Thompson was left in rather a helpless condition, but after a while managed to get up, and journeyed back home. Before he reached the station a renewed determination came over him to be faithful to the cause, let the consequences be what they might, and he lived to give his attention to hundreds that had fled from slavery, in the face of all manner of persecution and vile epithets.

The slaves were carried back to Kentucky, but one of them, nothing daunted by the effort and reverses of a former day, followed by being tied to a post and whipped, made a second and successful charge for freedom. This time he stopped at Isaac Jorden's, whose acquaintance he had formed when stopping in the neighborhood before, and as they passed by the station on their way to Farmington, Lishe had Thompson called up so he might shake his hand and thank him for past favors. He was then conducted safely out of the county.

The following day McHatten again made his appearance in Washington county. Thompson, hearing of this, hurried to Salem to have him arrested for assault and battery, but before he could get out a warrant for his arrest and while Lishe was making tracks for Canada and freedom, McHatten was going faster towards the "Old Kentucky" shore.

Joseph Daniels

There was in the days of slavery many a bright intellect shaded and clouded in darkness, when the face told not that a portion of African blood coursed through the veins. Slavery had to be the child of ignorance, else the institution would go down. The restless spirit for freedom had been seen to grow when knowledge had entered the mind, so the law forbade the education of slaves. But even with the law of the land on .the side of ignorance the environment was not always strong enough to shut out aspirations to rise out of it. A case in point was that of Joseph Daniels, an octoroon owned by a wealth}' man in Hardin county, Kentucky. "Aunt Sofa" was the family cook and Joe, when old enough, became a house servant. It was not felt by mother or son that their tasks were hard, but early in life Joe developed a vearning for freedom. His master's family was intelligent, and (18) the children were sent to the best schools within reach. The recitation of their lessons at home found a lodging in Joe's mind, and he soon picked up enough knowledge so that he could read and write. The more he learned the warmer burned the fire of freedom in his breast, and it only needed a turn of circumstances to make it irresistible. That came on the death of his master before Joe had reached his twenty-first year. A general break-up followed this death, and while "Aunt Sofa"' was to remain at the old homestead with her mistress, the son. with the various shades of darkness of the other slaves, was to l^e sold on the auction block to the highest l>i(lcler. From a few hundred up to a thousand dollars was l>id on Joe when he was knocked off to a young Alabama planter. The reader may be certain that Joe was not quietly submitting to this sale of himself, but was revolving in his mind how he could most successfully make a Ijokl "stroke for liberty or death."

Just how he managed to make his escaped has slipped the memory of those who heard him tell his story of life in Kentucky, but a portion of the song he composed and sang while at the station may throw some light on the manner of his escape :

Bound For Liberty

Joseph Daniels made his appearance at the station, June 19, 1852, and it hardly would have crossed the mirid of the agent that the young man was other than a' pure Caucasian, if he had not in his language betrayed his association, and even with his dialect, so distinctly of southern negro caste, it was a surprise to hear him say that he was a "runaway" from slavery. He was quite a talker, and was a favorite with all who learned to know him. He said he intended to write back to the folks when he got to Canada, and was going to work and get money to buy his old mammy and set her free, too.

The usual precaution was taken after Joe's arrival at the station to loc^ over the latest papers to see if he was advertised, also to look around the old court house to see if any posters had been put up. Finding nothing; arrangements were made for the "train" to run out at nine o'clock on the night of the 21st of January. Like most of the fugitives that came this way, "Joe" was short on his wardrobe, but this was furnished hini; and he went on his way rejoicing. A letter later told of his safe arrival at his point of destination, and his renewed determination to some time have his mother with him.

Tom Redding And Jake Small

The experience of Tom Redding and Jake Small, as told by Tom, was a story so touching to the young minds that listened to it that it has .been easy to recall. Tom and Jake were Georgia field hands, who ran away in the early fifties, tramped their way unmolested across two slave stages to meet disaster and cruel intrigue on the free soil of Indiana. . And how. ppor Jake sank under it can never be known.

Tom's story was substantially as follows, omitting the dialect : "It was early in the morning when we came in sight of the Ohio river. Going up the stream a few miles we found a skifif. This we unloosed and, getting in, paddled across to the opposite shore, and feeling thankful that the little skiff had served us so well, we bade it good-by and pushed it out in the .stream to float at will. Jake and T now were feeling good, standing there for the first time in our lives on soil where none of our race was held in bondage. The full light of day was now on, and we saw up the river a small town (New Amsterdam), and between it and us a creek which empr tied into the Ohio. This creek (Indian) we thought must come from near the direction we wanted to tra\'el. Though on free soil, we did not feel safe to travel except at nii^ht. We found some sheaves of wheat and rubbed out enough grain to fill our pockets. Thus pro\ endered, we hunted a thicket of bushes where we might rest, eat wheat and await the coming of darkness. At the approach of night, we cautiously came out of our hiding place and started up the creek, brt found its course was so winding we feared we were not making much headway. Hiding away the second day as we had the first, we laid our plans to leave the creek to our right and strike out across the hills and fields, as near as we could, directly north. Whether we were faring any better by this venture we could not tell.

"On the approach of the second morning we found ourselves in a cedar grove on the summit of a high hill, overlooking a fine fertile valley of farming land. Nearby was a hewn log house of some three rooms, the kitchen having two outside doors beside the one leading into the other rooms. We were near enough to this house to see that the morning meal was being prepared. Indeed, we imagined we scented the flavored victuals. This seemed more than we could stand, having eaten nothing but wheat for so long. Jake proposed that we go down to the kitchen door and make our wants known. I told him this was not safe, so near as we yet were to Kentucky. The poor; fellow insisted, however, and .said he would ha^-e something more than wheat to eat. I could hold out no longer to his entreaties, and so, drawn by our whetted appetites, we descenf' ?d the hill through low bushes, and then crossed a meadow to the nearest door and told the man what we wanted. He eyed us a moment and then said, 'Yes, yes, boys, you can have your breakfast; we have just eaten, but there is plenty left. Come right in and set down.' The father went into another room where his two daughters where, and in the run of their conversation I heard him say, T bet they are runaway niggers, and I am going to get help and will capture them, for there is a good reward, no doubt, offered for their return.'

"The talk softened into a whisper, and soon the girls came in and took their stations one at each outside door, while the father followed, locking behind him the door leading to the other part of the house. As he passed out he said, T have some work I mu.'^t do, but you boys must eat a square meal, and you need not hurry.' Saying this, he left and all was made plain that the attempt would be made to entrap us. I told Jake that we'd better leave, so I bowed my head like a sheep and dived toward the girl in the door, and as she showed resistance she was knocked sprawling on the ground. 1 straightened myself up and started across the meadow as fast as my legs would carry me. As T looked around 1 saw the old man coming with a gun. and he called a halt, but I didn't stop. Seeing that I was going to outrun him, the old man did shoot sure enough, and I felt some of the shot, but was not disabled much. 1 ran a long distance and took shelter in a pawpaw patch. Here I remained till night, wondering what had become of Jake."

Tom was somewhere a little northwest of Corydon, Indiana, and the night following brought him near the Washington county line. The next night he stopped on a hill overlooking Salem. Here, while the people of the little city were yet in their Sabbath morning sluml:>ers, was a dark stranger from far away Georgia peering over their town, wondering how he might get on the north of it and find a place to rest and sleep during the day. Tom said he started round the town, secreted himself in a wheat shock and went to sleej). Some time in the afternoon he was awakened by someone walking near, when he arose and saw an elderly man, supposed to have been Benoni Morris, with a cane in his hand. Tom didn't think it worth while to run, but stood his ground, when the old gentleman said, "You look tired and hungry, young man; come go along with me and get something to eat." Tom thanked him, but said he'd rather not go. The old gentleman told him he understood it all - that he was a runaway and had done just right. Being thus assured that he was in good hands, they walked back to the house, where Tom partook of a hearty meal, and when he was ready to go the way was pointed out and he was told where to go to, and he was cautioned not to stop to talk to anyone except it be a colored person.

It was while the evening chores were being attended to at the station that Tom was seen approaching, wearing a somewhat dejected look, with his head leaning a little to one side. His first words were to ask for a place of rest about the barn and said he was tired. Why he had put in an appearance was known without asking, but inquiry was made about the cause of his crooked neck. He said he was carrying some cold lead. The shot were probed for, which hurt badly : but they proved upon examination to be imbedded just under the .skin. To see his condition and learn how it happened kindled a sympathy for the poor fellow, and his comfort was carefullv looked after. It was decided that the .shot must be cut out, but it was then too late in the evening to undertake the job.

Breakfast was served rather early Monday morning, and preparations were made to take the shot from under the black man's skin. A sharp penknife, towel and basin of water were procured, and the operation l>egun. It was rather painful, but successfully performed. In a week's time the Georgian was in good repair and ready to board the train again for Canada. Thiimpson himself was to acc()in])any him beyond the Muscatatuck. In the evening heforr starting lie shfiwcd Tom a good suit of clothes and said to him. "1 \\ant to ^waj) with thee. Thfmias. I will give thee these and thee can have thine own to Ixjot in the trade." Toms black eyes sparkled at the joke and the generosity of the agent and he thankfully accepted the gift. Nine o'clock was the usual time for the departure of trains, and by midnight they were at the river. Here a peculiar halloo, agreed upon for such occasions, brought Henry Jason, the trusty ferryman, down to his boat, and with the help of his ropes and pulleys soon landed the travelers on the opposite bank, "and no questions asked." The way was then pointed out. and the conductor said, "Farewell. Tom, and to fare well thee must do well." Whatever became of Jake will probably never be known.

Work Of Joseph Sider

In the border slave-holding states the "underground railroad" was ever in most active operation. General passenger agents were constantly on the alert for business, and each branch road has had a history which if written would prove to have been no insignificant factor towards unriveting the shackles that held men and women in servile bondage.

The name of Joseph Sider was once a very familiar one to hosts of people in all this country, as he passed from house to house selling goods from a tight wagon arranged for the purpose. But his field of operations was more in the border tier of counties and over in Kentucky. Few that purchased his wares ever knew that he was acting in the double capacity of a peddler, earning an honest living and a "guider" to men and women fleeing from slavery. He left no record of his works ijehind him, and seldom mentioned anything about his achievements and labors for humanity. It is said that beside the packages and boxes of goods and notions he showed to people and sold from, there was one box he did not open to the public, but when bits of clothing, eyeglasses, false whiskers and mustache had served their purpose, and were handed back to him, thev were put in this private box and locked up.

While making one of his rounds through Kentucky, Mder met a rather bright looking young mulatto, and drew up his horse to make some inquiry about the road. The young man appeared talkative, and the peddler ventured to lead the conversation oft' towards other things. The mulatoo told him that his master, whose home was nearby, had recently died, and his property was advertised for sale. Sider asked if this included himself, and was told that it did. "Then." said Sider, "I have much sympathy for you," and asked if he knew or had thought of any way to avoid this sale, or was he satisfied with his condition. Thereupon the young man opened his mind i|uite freelv to tlie stranger, and said he "'had thought much about it and by no means cUd he want to be sold if there was any help for it."

He said he had a young wife at the farm house and had talked the sul)jec[ o\-er many tmies with her, but they had felt helpless to get out of slavery. Sider told him if it was in their hearts to get away from hard taskma.sters he could trust him to do whatever was possible to help on the undertaking. "1 shall not allow you to ]>e put on the auction ))lock and sold away from ^"our wife if I can help it. I will jog around with my wagon the balance of the .selling goods, and will l)e along here at du.sk. If you vant to, you can meet me here and we will head towards the Ohio river, and 1 will then lie happy to assist you on your way to freedom."

They parted. The mulatto turned and went back home and told his wife about the stranger he had seen and what he had said. Rose, the wife, urged her husljand, Ben, to accept the stranger's proposition and become a free man ; but she Avondered wdiat was to become of her. "The offer is for lK)th of us," .said Ben. It did not take them long to make up their minds w hat to do. They set about at once, in a quiet way, to make some preparation for the journey, and at the ajjpointed hour were out at the road. Rose came dressed in male attire, and the peddler to change her appearance still more and give her a manly look, brought out some of his disguises and a mustache. \\'ith her man's outfit donned, her name was changed to Tom,

After traveling all night, the peddler left his charges for the day with some free colored people he knew. He sold some goods during the day, l)icked u]) some food for himself and feed for his horse and managed to take a nap in his wagon. The second night's trip brought them safely to the Ohio river at a point a short distance aliove Leavenworth, Indiana. After considerai)le search a skiff was found, and in the dawning light of the morning Sider saw the two "boys" steering across the river, having instructions from himself to fasten the skiff on the opposite shore and hide away in the brusli not far away and await his coming.

In the full light of day the peddler drove down the river opposite Leavenworth and was ferried over. He put up in the town until towards night, w hen he dro\e u]) the river road, soon found his passengers, and soon were on their journey northward. A distance of some twenty miles was covered that night, o\er hills and hollows that made it anything but pleasant traveling. The usual discretion was observed through the day, Sider driving around enough to pick up food for the three and also feed for the horse heard the rattHng of the wagon in the streets that morning ever dreamed that a "bride and groom" from the "sunny south" were hurrying through the town? But such was the case, and it was late breakfast time before the wagon was drawn up to the home of Thompson. It was not the first time the "guider" had piloted runaways to this station.

They drove directly to the bam, partly because Ben and Tom felt a diffidence in going to a white str.anger's house. Thompson saw the wagon drive in and was out to greet Sider and see what kind of passengers he had to deliver. He was introduced to Ben, and then Sider said, "This other man is Tom." The agent took Tom by the hand and arm, but presently remarked, "It may be Tom, but the voice I hear is not a man's."

The couple were soon induced to go to the house and partake of a good hearty breakfast. Tom showed a good deal of timidity until Aunt Sally took her to the secret room in the kitchen, where she was directed to lay aside her whiskers and pants and assume the attire befitting her sex. After this she was known by the name of Rose. Her age was given as twentv and her husband's as twenty-four.

The next day Sider left the station, bidding goodby to his friends and receiving from Ben and Rose smcere thanks for having guided them away from the peril that threatened to forever separate them in this life.

They remained at the station for several days, or unti' it was thought safe for them to start on their way again. It 'was found out that Ben had on his person a pistol and bowie knife, and -Aunt Jennie Thompson, James's mother, told him she was very much surprised that he carried such weapons along with him. "Grandma," said he, "life and liberty are dear to us, and I have heard of some of our people being captured and taken back to slavery and cruelty after they had crossed the line into this state. God knows I do not want to use these weapons, but I am prepared in my heart to do so if it comes to the worst, rather than Rose and myself should be arrested and taken back to bondage."

F-Dward And George Trimble

The time most of all others that set the mind of slaves to thinking how they might possibly escape' from l)ondage was when the news came to them that they were to be sold at public auction, to be carried awav from their old home, they knew not whither. If anything would make a darkey think seriously of bolting for freedom it was to know that he was to change masters.

were owned in Kentucky, and were to be sold to secure funds to meet some debt that had been incurred by a profligate master. George was a farm hand aged twenty-four, and Edward a house servant aged fifty years. While they were discussing in their own minds how it might be possible for them to step out of the countrj^, they returned to make inquiry of some free negroes living nearby how they had best proceed, and were told where to cross the Ohio river, and who to go to at Corydon, where they would be safe.

Flight once agreed upon, the time of its execution was fixed for the first rainy, dark night that followed. For this they did not have to wait, long, and with their pockets full of dried beef and bread they sallied forth^ not leaving a soul behind informed of their designs or enlightened as to their hopes.

They adopted the usual course of traveling by night, and secreting themselves by day. .\ three nights' journey landed them at the Ohio river, which they crossed on a raft made from drift that had lodged among the trees along the bank. From some "nigger" boys that were fishing they got the direction of Corydon, and the second night from the river found them ia the negro quarters of said town. From here they started for Salem, and another two nights' journey brought them up in what was called "Africa," the negro quarters of the town.

In this suburban place they were closely hid away the following day- It wasn't safe to let even all the negroes know that there was a fugitive in; hiding at the place, for some of them would reveal the whereabouts of even a dear friend to secure a part of the reward usually offered for runaways.

When the darkness of night again spread over the land they were quietly piloted to Washington Potter's, a colored man who lived near Canton. Potter led ihe way in turn to the station, from whence the refugees were sent on their way rejoicing by the usual route.

It is related of Edward that while he was sojourning at the station he was once prevailed upon to sit down to the dinner table. Mr. Thompsoit was in the act of opening the Bible to read a chapter, as was his custom, when Edward let it be known that he was a preacher and commenced to ask the blessing. Thompson told him to wait a minute, as he had a duty to perform, and of course Edward begged pardon. After the chapter was. read. Thompson said to him, "Now, if thee has anything to say, thee is at liberty to do so." The negro returned thanks at considerable length, and then said "Dis is de fust time I ebber had de privilege to ask a blessin' at a white man's table."

\Vhile large numbers of slaves made tlieir escape by way of the Quaker settlement, near Canton, this was not the only route that led to freedom through Washington county. The Covenanters were a religious sect that threw around them every possible protection, would feed and clothe them, secrete them and be their guides to other neighborhoods of like denomination and so on across the state. It seems that no one could become a member of this religious body and own slaves. There was once a very large congregation of Covenanters in Jefiferson township, just north of Rush creek. None of them are left any more, excepting their remains in the old cemetery, where their church house once stood.

The mo\'ing spirit among these people when it came to the liberation of the negro, was Tsaiah Reid. He if was who had charge of the station in that pan of the county. His father emigrated to this county, in 181 5. from South Carolina, so that he might be awav from among a slave-holding people.

Not infrequently was the fugitive, when the slave catcher was close on his heelsi forwarded from the Thompson station to Reid's, for by thus deviating from the usual track all traces of the runaway were lost. The doings of the "underground railroad" were kept in profound secrecy for a good many years after the Civil War. which was a contest between the North and South to settle the slave question, and it is now only by mere chance that tradition has gi\en us some of the inciileiits that occurred in connection with this \vork. for the main actors h;i\ e long since passed away.

An Excitinc. Case Of Kidnapping

Washington Cdunty has fcir sexeral decades lioasted that no colored man -or woman lived within her Ijorders. Imt it was not always so. Prior to 1830 there were many f.iniilies of colored people scattered here anrl there over tiie county tiiat earned a In-elihood by working on farms. Charlev Rouse and his wife. M.'irtli.i. li\ed on a rented farm near Chestnut Hill, l'"ranklin townshij). .^he was thirty-ti\e years old and he ten years her senior. They had 1K.1 children. They were considered scrupulous!}- honest and upright in all their dealings. Resides their work on the farm they were always ready to do odd iol)s in the neighborlK^od. They were regular churchgoers and

One night in the year 1852, just after dark, a runner started through the neighborhood announcing the fact that Martha Rouse had been kidnapped - that she was being taken out of the county by five men armed with shotguns. If any of the whites had been assassinated it would not have created more consternation. The whole community was immediately aroused, and regardless of party, Whigs and Democrats alike, got down their guns and started in pursuit.

It seems that while her husband was out atter the cows these men dropped in upon her and forced her into a wagon. She was not permitted to make, an outcry, and so in the dark they passed by some of the near neighbors without creating any sensation, but when a mile away a neighbor was met who knew her and demanded an explanation. Not getting any satisfaction, he started the alarm. It was not long till seventy-five or one hundred determined men were in hot pursuit, but by this time the kidnappers had gotten a long start ahead.

It was not certain whether they would go to Vienna or Ilenryville to take the train, or go directly to Jeffersonville. Isaac S. Bloss and George Clark, with some others, started directly for Jeffersonville, while others went towards the above named railroad station. But the kidnappers reached Henryville and got aboard the train before they were overtaken. They were, however, intercepted by the posse that went on to Jeffersonville, but then it was too late and they were too few in numbers to take her by force, as they most certainly would have done had they found them on the way.

The fugitive slave law made any attempt to release her futile. She had no rights under the law and could not te.stify against her accusers in any court. The kidnappers went before a magistrate and, swore, that she was an escaped slave, and that settled it. Bloss and Clark then proposed to buy her and return her to her husband, and they were backed in this by their neighbors. The leader of the gang asked six hundred dollars for her, but said they could not sell her in Indiana: that they would have to go to Louisville to close the contract. When they reached Louisville, however, they said money would not buy her. She was sent south at once to her pretended owner. It was believed that she was free-born and had been captured by these men and sold for pure gain. Her husband remained in the neighborhood for some time, but never got over his shock. He always persisted that she was a free-born woman and was stolen back into slavery.

Sentiment Against Slavery

The effect of this kidnapping ni making sentiment in the community against the institution of slavery will never be fully known. For many years prior to the Civil War the anti-slavery sentiment cropped out here and there, as is evidenced by the following piece of poetry, which made its first appearance in 1822, in the Indiana Fanner, published in Salem. It was afterwards. November 9, 183 1, reproduced in the Salem Phoenix, the editor appending this note: "This poem was presented to the editor of the Indiana Farmer by Samuel Brown, who then resided on the Walnut Ridge, and we presume was its author. The late disturbances among the blacks at the south, will render the subject interesting enough to preserve it from oblivion."