In tracing my family genealogy, I’ve come across a connection that leads into the quiet work of the Underground Railroad. I was surprised and delighted to find a document that Mary Louisa John’s family had signed supporting that network.
This is a branch of my family that were Quakers in Pennsylvania. Quakers were among the earliest and most consistent opponents of slavery, and their communities often became places where people fleeing bondage could find help. What struck me about their role is not only what they believed (there are many different religions in my family), but how they acted. Much of their work was done quietly–offering shelter, guidance, and protection without recognition.
The Underground Railroad itself was not a single route, but a network of individuals and families who made decisions, often at personal risk, to assist others. This is not unlike the characters in my Lincoln book. Quaker communities were an important part of the network.
The tensions surrounding slavery and abolition were not only political or public. They were also lived out in homes, meeting houses, and small communities like Alton, Illinois where most of my book takes place. Elijah Parish Lovejoy was one such small individual who later became nationally known because of his willingness to stand up for his principles no matter how much others opposed him. Today, his name and his role is largely forgotten, which is why I chose to write this book.
Current projects:
- My book: preparing Chapter 8 to be read tomorrow.
- Edward Bryant: reviewing stories for the next publication.
History is often carried forward not only by well-known figures but by people whose actions were quieter and less recorded.
Thanks for reading and walking alongside me.
The View From The Imaginarium 