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
Bishop William Hanby, (1807-1880) courageous and of strong convictions, publicly voiced his scorn at a law that made it a felony to give food to a hungry slave, or shelter to a friendless man. From pulpit, platform, and workbench he condemned the inhumane Fugitive Slave law of 1850. “We may be bound by a man-made law,” he declared, “but we are more bound by a Lord-given conscience.”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
this page online
Erected by The Friends of Freedom Society and the Ohio Underground Railroad Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans. 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. Marker 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.
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 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); In Memory of Benjamin R. Hanby (about 800 feet away); Temperance Row Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away); Heritage Green Park (approx. 0.3 miles 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 Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 2,792 times since then and 197 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 29, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 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 Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
