Doing the Wright Thing

It was a matter of faith and conscience that made Springboro one of the most active Ohio communities of Underground Railroad conductors. Its founder, abolitionist Jonathan Wright, and his fellow peace-loving Quakers believed that God meant for all men to be free.

Accordingly, they were willing to break the law and risk their own safety by opening their homes and their hearts to escaped slaves in search of freedom. And they were very good at it. With a large number of safe houses interconnected by an elaborate system of subterranean tunnels, the Quakers were able to rapidly move runaways from one location to another, often just ahead of the slave hunters.

Despite constant scrutiny and harassment from bounty hunters and law enforcement, not one escaped slave was ever captured or returned while under their protection. It is estimated that as many as four thousand freedom seekers traveled through Springboro between 1815 and 1864. Wright’s home (pictured above) is now a Bed & Breakfast in Springboro. In the attic there is a trap door leading to a small hiding space between the attic floor and the sloping ceiling below over the staircase. The western chimney on the house is white-washed on only one side. This was a sign to runaway slaves that the house was a safe haven.

This is the Joseph Stanton House, which may have been known as the “Quilt House.” Quilts hung in the back of the house signaled runaway slaves that it was safe to enter. There was a hiding space in the basement that extended westward between the two basement windows, under what is now the sidewalk.

Freedom seekers had to be very trusting of the white Underground Railroad conductors. They were often hurriedly led into cramped hiding spaces, locked from the outside, and left until they could be safely released and sent on their way. I imagine it didn’t take long for reports of the kindness of the Quakers to make their way south. This probably accounted for the popularity of Springboro. Location no doubt was important as well. Situated between the Great and Little Miami Rivers and just two nights’ run north of the Ohio River, Springboro was in the middle of two corridors of flight.

The Friends Cemetery, located just off Main Street, is the final resting place for Jonathan Wright, many of his descendants, and at least eight known Underground Railroad conductors. Quakers marked their graves with simple river stone with no inscription.

In later years, more traditional head stones began to be used. Burial was done chronologically – family members were not buried together.

I want to thank three ladies in Springboro who gave me a quick education about its rich history – Suzie Salas and Anne Stremanos with the Springboro Chamber of Commerce and Helen Sproat, head of the Springboro Historical Society who gave me a rainy walking tour of the historic district and shared many great stories. You all are the best!

Despite a constant rain today, the riding was pleasant (I had the whole trail to myself) although I was pretty wet and cold by the end of the day. Tonight I am sleeping in Xenia, and in the morning I will be visiting neighboring Wilberforce before continuing along Ohio to Erie Trail. Thank you for your continuing support and comments – they make this journey all the better. Take care and I’ll check back with you tomorrow ...

Large versions of all my blog pics can be found at my photo gallery

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