Lawnside Historical Society

"...Throughout the slaveholding states, Black people continued to run, even knowing that capture would mean brutal physical punishment and being sold far away from family. Still, they ran.  This is the story of one such family..."

"...For nearly two weeks, the siblings were on the run. They hid during the day and made their way north at night. A network of abolitionists sheltered them in barns and secret rooms built in their houses..."

"...The family has made it on the Underground Railroad into New Jersey. They have arrived after weeks of walking, running and hiding, and being helped by strangers. They have been sent to a house. It is dark but they knock at the door..."

"...The next day, the siblings hid under blankets in a hollowed out wagon as the man drove them to another large house. To their surprise, a Black man and woman came out to greet them..."

"...Y’all come on now. You safe. We’ll give you some food, then help you get to where you won’t have to worry about being a slave no mo’. Look at me. I’m a free man. My wife is free. This is my farm. Y’all free now..."

"...To hide their identity from kidnappers called “slave catchers” and “Paddy Rollers” they changed their name to Arthur. Each married and had several children..."