The Underground Railroad
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Escaping Slavery In Eastern Ohio

The Underground Railroad, also, Escaping Slavery In Eastern Ohio. . , The Underground Railroad , The Underground Railroad was neither underground nor a railroad, but a system of loosely connected safe havens where those escaping the brutal conditions of slavery were sheltered, fed, clothed, nursed, concealed, disguised, and instructed during their journey to freedom. Although this movement was one of America's greatest social, moral, and humanitarian endeavors, the details about it were often cloaked in secrecy to protect those involved from the retribution of civil law and slave-catchers. Ohio's history has been permanently shaped by the thousands of runaway slaves passing through or finding permanent residence in this state., Escaping Slavery In Eastern Ohio , On their perilous journey north to freedom, enslaved people encountered a diverse mix of allies in eastern Ohio motivated by deeply held religious beliefs. The Quaker communities in Stark, Carroll. and Wayne counties provided refuge and offered assistance. The implacable Congregational mind-set of the Connecticut Western Reserve translated into fierce antislavery activism of residents in Medina, Portage, and Summit counties., John Brown of Harpers Ferry fame is one example. He lived in Summit and Portage counties. Many Underground Railroad sites in that area are a testament to his dedication and that of his family, especially his father, Owen Brown. After John Brown's public hanging by authorities in Virginia on December 2, 1859, communities across the Reserve tolled their church bells in outrage the minute the telegraph brought news of his death., J. Ridgeway Haines, a prominent member of the Quaker Community in Alliance, Stark County, was one of the most active conductors on the Underground Railroad. He stood guard at night when freedom seekers sheltered in an upper room in the rear of his house. Haines was acquainted with many figures of the national antislavery movement, including Abby Kelley Foster. She and other like-minded abolitionists were frequent house guests of Haines. Today, this house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.