Geistown in Johnstown in Cambria County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Escape of Freedom Seekers Patrick and Abraham

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, June 14, 2014

1. Escape of Freedom Seekers Patrick and Abraham Marker

Inscription. In February 1837, two slaves, brothers Patrick and Abraham, escaped from a farm in Bath, Va. As they made their way to freedom, bounty hunters pursued them and they were wounded. Both black and white abolitionists assisted them on their way through Pennsylvania. They were aided here by William Slick, whose farm was a regular stop on the Underground Railroad. Although taken into custody in Johnstown, they escaped without trial or recapture.

Erected 2014 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1837.

Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 40° 17.679′ N, 78° 52.153′ W. Marker was in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in Cambria County. It was in Geistown. It was at the intersection of Bedford Avenue (Pennsylvania Route 756) and Lamberd Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Bedford Avenue. Located in the Geistown section

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of Johnstown. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 2507 Bedford St, Johnstown PA 15904, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands.

It was also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it was in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: Christopher "Lou" Balon (approx. 2.1 miles away); East Hills Kiwanis Memorial Park to Veterans (approx. 2.2 miles away); World Trade Center Artifact # G-0020 (approx. 2½ miles away); Chapin Arch (approx. 2.8 miles away); Tire Hill Vietnam Memorial (approx. 3.1 miles away); St. John Cathedral (approx. 3.2 miles away); First Cambria A.M.E. Zion Church (approx. 3.3 miles away); Tribune Building (approx. 3.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, June 14, 2014

2. Escape of Freedom Seekers Patrick and Abraham Marker

of all markers in Johnstown.

More about this marker. The marker dedication ceremony was held Saturday, June 14, 2014.

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, June 14, 2014

3. Escape of Freedom Seekers Patrick and Abraham Marker

Marker being unveiled by Dr. Barbara Zaborowski and Joseph Sernell, President of Geistown Borough

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, June 14, 2014

4. Escape of Freedom Seekers Patrick and Abraham Marker

Marker organization group and fellow dignitaries after the unveiling of the marker at the dedication ceremony

Escape of Freedom Seekers Patrick and Abraham Marker Dedication Program image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel

5. Escape of Freedom Seekers Patrick and Abraham Marker Dedication Program

Inside

Escape of Freedom Seekers Patrick and Abraham Marker Dedication image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, June 14, 2014

6. Escape of Freedom Seekers Patrick and Abraham Marker Dedication

Dr. Barbara Zaborowski, of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, with the welcoming and introductions

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel

7. Escape of Freedom Seekers Patrick and Abraham Marker Dedication Program

Front and Back covers

Escape of Freedom Seekers Patrick and Abraham Marker Missing image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dave W, July 4, 2023

8. Escape of Freedom Seekers Patrick and Abraham Marker Missing

The pole is still in place.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,838 times since then and 71 times this year. Last updated on July 5, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 14, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 5. submitted on June 16, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 6. submitted on June 14, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 7. submitted on June 16, 2014, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 8. submitted on July 5, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.