Rising Sun in Ohio County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Barkshire Family
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 22, 2021
1. Barkshire Family Marker, side one
African American Samuel Barkshire was freed from slavery in Boone County, Kentucky in 1833. He and his family moved here in 1836. The Barkshires defied fugitive slave laws to provide aid and comfort to those escaping bondage in the South. Their Rising Sun home, just north of the Ohio River, became an important hub for connecting freedom seekers to routes of escape.
The Barkshires faced threats of violence and re-enslavement by slave hunters, yet they persisted. Some prominent abolitionists and local residents assisted the family’s Underground Railroad activity. One ally was Nancy Hawkins who formerly held the Barkshires in slavery in Kentucky, relocated along with them in 1836, and then aided African American freedom seekers.
Erected 2018 by Indiana Historical Bureau and the Ohio County Historical Society. (Marker Number 58.2018.1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1833.
Location. 38° 56.974′ N, 84° 51.098′ W. Marker is in Rising Sun, Indiana, in Ohio County. Marker is at the intersection of Fourth Street
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 216 Main Street (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Fulton (about 500 feet away); Col. Benjamin Chambers (about 500 feet away); Ethan Allen Brown (about 600 feet away); John James (about 600 feet away); Pinkney James (about 600 feet away); Henry James (about 600 feet away); First Sermon in Rising Sun (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rising Sun.
Also see . . . The Underground Railroad at Slavery’s Banks: An Unlikely Alliance. 2018 article by Hillary Delaney on Indiana Historical Bureau’s Indiana History Blog. Excerpt:
Two days after the probate of Joseph Hawkins’ estate, Nancy purchased a home in Rising Sun. The Barkshire family, Violet and several other bondsmen moved across the river at the same time. Nancy, now living in a free state, began to manumit the enslaved people she had brought from Kentucky. Nancy seemed cognizant of the dangers faced by African Americans, even those legally manumitted and living on free soil. They could be kidnapped and sold back into slavery, or bound as an indentured servant, if debt or need came into play.(Submitted on August 31, 2021.)If the former slave was not yet of age, and had no guardian, one would be assigned by the courts, without consent of the minor. In order to avoid these pitfalls, Nancy Hawkins filed manumissions only after there was some sort of protection in place, should something happen either to her or to Samuel and his wife.Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 22, 20212. Barkshire Family Marker, side two
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 22, 2021
3. Barkshire Family Marker at the Hawkins House
This was Nancy Hawkins’ house, then owned by Barkshire sons after her death. It is a private residence.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 1, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2021, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 147 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 31, 2021, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
