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

Escape of Freedom Seekers Patrick and Abraham

Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 26, 2026

1. Escape of Freedom Seekers Patrick and Abraham Marker

Inscription.
"For you don't have us yet."
On February 12, 1837, two slaves, brothers "Patrick" and "Abraham" escaped from the Fruit Hill farm of Col. John Sherrard in Bath, Va. They were pursued by slave catchers into Pennsylvania. Having been wounded along the way, they were assisted in Geistown by William Slick who sent them to Johnstown. While in the custody of authorities the freedom seekers escaped.
Slave catchers, John Compston and Edward Maxwell filed suit and named, Henry Willis, William Barnett, John Myers, Wallace Fortune, Isaac Weatherington, John Cushon and Frederick Kaylor as assisting in the escape of Patrick and Abraham. The suit was dismissed.
Interred here in Sandyvale are abolitionists:
William Slick, Benjamin Slick, John Cushon, James and Charlotte Heslop.

• John Sherrard's farm, Fruit Hill, was located in the Town of Bath, Va. This is the location from where freedom seekers, Patrick and Abraham escaped.

• Following the Indian trail, Warrior's Path, Patrick and Abraham spent their first night in Bloody Run (Everett) where they took lodging at a private house.

• In Bucks Town (St. Clairsville), Patrick and Abraham were received in the home of a free black and then made their way over the mountain to Johnstown.

• Patrick and Abraham make it to the Heltzel home where they stay the second night.

• In Geistown, they are protected by William Slick who treats their wounds and sends them to Johnstown, where they ultimately escape.

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Underground Railroad Network To Freedom.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans. In addition, it is included in the Network to Freedom series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 12, 1837.

Location. 40° 18.733′ N, 78° 54.821′ W. Marker is in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in Cambria County. It can be reached from Hickory Street east of Baumer Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located in Sandyvale Memorial Gardens. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 80 Hickory Street, Johnstown PA 15902, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. 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

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers

Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 26, 2026

2. Escape of Freedom Seekers Patrick and Abraham Marker

are within walking distance of this marker: General George B. Simler (within shouting distance of this marker); Revolutionary War | Kentucky Coffeetree (within shouting distance of this marker); Civil War | Honey Locust (within shouting distance of this marker); World War I | Red Oak (within shouting distance of this marker); World War II | Green Ash (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Operation Desert Storm (the Gulf War) | Red Maple (about 300 feet away); USS Frank E. Evans DD754 (about 300 feet away); The Korean War | American Linden (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Johnstown.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 24, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.