Westerville in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
William Hanby, Freedom Crusader
Historic Underground Railroad Site
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 17, 2009
1. William Hanby, Freedom Crusader Marker
With the help of his family, particularly his son Ben, trusted ally and friend, they worked tirelessly to provide food and shelter to runaways who sought refuge in Hanby's barn with the saddle and harness shop. Working in collaboration with Dr. Lewis Davis, president of Otterbein University, they felt a bond of unfailing loyalty and helpfulness with others in the area, who were also dedicated to the kind of services demanded by the Underground Railroad.
When asked how he - a Christian minister - could deliberately break the law of the land, Hanby replies, “When a man made law is in conflict with God's law, there is no compromise - we choose one way or the other. Choose you this day whom you will serve, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 25:15. These words had been the cornerstone of William Hanby's life.
Erected by The Friends of Freedom
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Friends of Freedom Underground Railroad Sites series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.
Location. 40° 7.573′ N, 82° 56.26′ W. Marker is in Westerville, Ohio, in Franklin County. It can be reached from the intersection of Main Street and Center Street. Marker is behind the Hanby House. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 160 West Main Street, Westerville OH 43081, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Scioto Valley and in the Columbus Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Old Westerville Society (a few steps from this marker); Hanby House (a few steps from this marker); The Home of Benjamin R. Hanby (a few steps from this marker); Darling Nelly Gray (a few steps from this marker); Otterbein College (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Towers Hall (about 500 feet away); United Brethren Church (about 600 feet away); Civil War (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Westerville.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 17, 2008
2. William Hanby, Freedom Crusader Marker
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 17, 2008
3. Marker on Boulder Holding Hanby Marker
This granite boulder was unearthed at a construction site on Buck Run Trail in Westerville. Granite is unknown as bedrock in Ohio. This boulder originated in Canada and was carried to Ohio by the Wisconsin Glacier of the last Ice Age over 14,000 years ago.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 17, 2008
4. William Hanby, Freedom Crusader
Marker can be seen behind garden fence.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 17, 2008
6. William Hanby House
This is a photo of the Hanby House before introductory sign was replaced.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,516 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 29, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 5. submitted on June 28, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 6. submitted on October 29, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
