Clermont Freedom Trail

  • Andrew Powell Home Site

    This was once the residence of Andrew Powell. Powell was a wealthy businessman who used his ornate and well-known private carriage to transport fugitive slaves from the Ohio River to Felicity. 

    416 Union St.
    Felicity, OH 45120
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  • Arthur Fee Home Site

    On this parcel of land was once the residence of Arthur Fee (1791-1879), a member of the prominent abolitionist Fee Family. He was a cousin of the Fees in Moscow and a second cousin of John Gregg Fee, the noted Kentucky abolitionist. Arthur Fee kept fugitives in his fruit cellar before he secured their transportation further into Bethel. He chose... 

    1 Moores Ln.
    Felicity, OH 45120
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  • BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH

    The Bethel Baptist Church was organized in 1798, as an anti-slavery church. Obed Denham, abolitionist and founder of Bethel, donated two lots for the church to build a meeting house and cemetery. Denham placed a deed restriction upon the gift, prohibiting the use by “those who hold slaves or commune at the Lord’s table with those who practice slavery.” The... 

    211 Plane St.
    Bethel, OH 45106
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  • BRICE BLAIR HOME SITE

    This building was once the residence of Brice Blair. Blair was an elder in the anti-slavery Batavia Presbyterian Church and the president of the Clermont County Anti-Slavery Society. Reverend George Beecher and his sister Harriet Beecher (Stowe) were frequent houseguests when Rev. Beecher was in town to pastor at the Batavia Presbyterian Church. 

    123 N. Third St
    Batavia, OH 45103
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  • Charles B. Huber Farm

    This parcel of land was once part of the farm owned by Charles B. Huber, stationmaster of the Underground Railroad for Williamsburg. In addition to secreting fugitives at his home, Huber concealed escapees in corn shocks or his hay barn on this farm property. 

    975 W. Main St.
    Williamsburg, OH 45176
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  • CHARLES B. HUBER HOME SITE

    This was once the residence of Charles “Boss” B. Huber, Williamsburg stationmaster of the Underground Railroad. He assisted between 300 and 500 freedom seekers to escape during his time as an active conductor. One count recorded that there were seventeen freedom seekers staying with Huber in one night. Upon his death in 1854, Huber’s neighbor Dr. L.T. Pease took over... 

    160 Gay St.
    Williamsburg, OH 45176
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  • CLERMONT/PARKER ACADEMY

    The Parker Academy, also known as the Clermont Academy, was a private school organized in 1839, and neighbors the Reverend Daniel Parker Home. The Parker Academy was open to students of both genders (co-ed) and all races. The original school building is no longer standing but the dorm and commemorative monument can be seen at the site. Edwin Mathews, formerly... 

    1324 Clermontville
    New Richmond, OH 45157
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  • COURTHOUSE FRONT LAWN/SLAVE AUCTION SITE

    Once here in the Courthouse front lawn, was the location of slave auctions held on the auction block. Here, in front of the noted area, Harriett Beecher Stowe, while a guest of Washington friends, walked up the lawn and witnessed a live auction of male African Americans. This occurrence is said to have inspired Mrs. Stowe to write Uncle Tom’s... 

    2110 Old Main St.
    Maysville, KY 41056
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  • CRANSTON MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

    The Cranston Memorial Presbyterian Church took an early and uncompromising stand against slavery. Reverend Amos Dresser, Lane Theological Seminary rebel and anti-slavery martyr, was a minister of the church. At its previous location, the church hosted the organizational meeting of the New Richmond Anti-Slavery speakers including James G. Birney, publisher of the Philanthropist newspaper, Calvin Stowe, George Beecher, John Rankin,... 

    200 Union St
    New Richmond, OH 45157
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  • Dr. John Rogers Home Site

    This site was home of Dr. John Rogers. He was the first president of the Clermont County Anti-Slavery Society in 1836, a Liberty Party candidate for public office and member of the “Chieftains of Liberty” vigilance committee. Dr. Rogers was a financial supporter of James G. Birney, publisher of The Philanthropist newspaper, and often patrolled the streets of New... 

    307 Front St.
    New Richmond, OH 45157
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  • DR. LEAVITT THAXTER PEASE HOME SITE

    This site was the home and medical office of Dr. L.T. Pease, abolitionist and Underground Railroad Conductor. Dr. Pease moved to Williamsburg in 1835, with his wife Nancy Fee, the sister of Robert Fee who served as stationmaster in Moscow. Dr. Pease assisted Charles B. Huber in hiding and transporting freedom seekers enroute to Canada. He took over as stationmaster... 

    180 Gay St.
    Williamsburg, OH 45176
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  • Dr. WILLIAM E. THOMPSON BOYHOOD HOME SITE

    Dr. William Eberle Thompson (1835–1940),a noted Underground Railroad conductor, lived in this home during the time he was active in the Bethel Underground Railroad Network. 

    137 Main St
    Bethel, OH 45106
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  • DR. WILLIAM E. THOMPSON HOME SITE

    This was the residence of Dr. William Eberle Thompson (1835–1940), who became an active member of the Bethel Underground Railroad network as a teenager. Dr. Thompson guided freedom seekers from Bethel to the Elklick area near Williamsburg. He would, on occasion, shoot hounds tracking the freedom seekers. Dr. Thompson practiced medicine in Bethel for eighty years and was active in... 

    213 E. Plane St.
    Bethel, OH 45106
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  • FEE VILLA

    Once the residence of Thomas Fee, Jr. (1801-1862), Moscow’s oral history states the Fee Villa was a stop on the Underground Railroad in Moscow. It is located on the Ohio River, facing Pendleton County, Kentucky. The glow of lit candles in windows acted as a signal to escaping slaves that the building was a safe house. The fugitives were harbored... 

    110 Water St.
    Moscow, OH 45153
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  • Felicity Cemetery

    The Felicity Cemetery is the burial site of Arthur Fee (1791 – 1879) and Oliver Perry Spencer Fee (1823 – 1873), noted abolitionist and key member of the Underground Railroad. Cemetery is open to the public. 

    Light St.
    Felicity, OH 45120
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  • FELICITY WESLEYAN CHURCH

    The Felicity Wesleyan Church was formed in 1847, when forty members of the Methodist Church left over the slavery issue. Among its members were conductors of the Underground Railroad including Dr. Mathew Gibson, Nelson Gibson, and Joseph Parrish. Rev. Silas Chase, MD, was a Wesleyan Church organizer and pastor of the Sugar Tree Wesleyan Church, Bethel Wesleyan Church and the... 

    420 Main St
    Felicity, OH 45120
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  • HARRIET BEECHER STOWE Childhood home/SLAVERY TO FREEDOM MUSEUM

    The Harriet Beecher Stowe Museum is housed in the Marshall Key House (1807), built by Marshall Key, nephew of U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Marshall and the 3rd County Clerk of Mason Co. In 1833 while working as a teacher in Cincinnati, Ohio, Harriet Beecher Stowe visited one of her students, Elizabeth Marshall Key, here. During her visit, she was... 

    2124 Old Main St.
    Maysville, KY 41056
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  • Harriet Beecher Stowe House

    Learn about the Cincinnati years of antislavery author and abolitionist Harriet Beecher Stowe and the impact and legacy of her most famous anti-slavery novel Uncle Tom's Cabin with tours at the Harriet Beecher Stowe House. Discover how the community's power of voice shaped the 20th century history of the house as a tavern listed in the Green Book and continuation... 

    2950 Gilbert Ave.
    Cincinnati, OH 45206
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    (513) 751-0651
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  • John Joliffe Clermont County Courthouse

    This site commemorates John Jolliffe, Prosecuting Attorney for Clermont County from 1833-1837. In 1839 Jolliffe defended Brown County Underground Railroad conductor, John B. Mahan, on charges of assisting a slave to escape. Jolliffe moved to Cincinnati and continued to defend escaped slaves and conductors. Jolliffe was best known for defending escaped slave Margaret Garner, who slashed the throat of... 

    270 E. Main St
    batavia, OH 45103
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  • John Rankin House

    Take a guided tour of the the newly restored home of Rev. John Rankin, located on a bluff overlooking the Ohio River, and learn how the Rankin family and their neighbors in Ripley and other nearby communities helped the enslaved on their path to freedom via the Underground Railroad. At this National Historic Landmark, you can step... 

    6152 Rankin Hill Rd.
    Ripley, OH 45167
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    (937) 392-4044
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  • LINDALE BAPTIST CHURCH AND CEMETERY

    Lindale Baptist Church was the church of Andrew Coombs, Jr. (1805-1864.) Coombs was the organizing secretary of the Gilead Anti-Slavery Society in 1836. The Coombs’ residence was once located next to the Lindale church. It became a station between John Rankin ( Coombs’ former teacher) in Ripley and Levi Coffin in Cincinnati. Coombs burial site is located in the cemetery... 

    3025 St. Rt. 132
    New Richmond, OH 45157
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  • MARCUS SIMS HUBER TANNERY LOCATION

    This site was chosen to commemorate Marcus Sims and his activities in the Underground Railroad. A tannery, owned by Charles B. Huber, once stood at this location. Huber employed Marcus Sims, who was a free African American from Virginia. Sims also served as “engineer” or wagon master for Huber, carrying freedom seekers to the next station in Brown, Clinton or... 

    134 S. Second St.
    Williamsburg, OH 45176
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  • NATIONAL UNDERGROUND RAILROAD MUSEUM

    Also known as The Bierbower House, this museum was a documented safe house. This location features exhibits, artifacts, documents and memorabilia documenting Maysville’s role in the abolitionist movement and the role of slavery in America. Open Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 10am to 3pm. Other days by appointment. 

    38 W 4th St
    Maysville, KY 41056
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  • New Richmond Waterfront

    The riverfront park was once an active port in the 19th century for transporting agricultural products from the surrounding area. The village was an early center of abolitionist activity, hosting the first Anti-Slavery Society in Clermont County. James G. Birney published the Philanthropist Newspaper in the village in 1836. Many freedom seekers passed through New Richmond. In 1863, formerly... 

    221 Front St.
    New Richmond, OH 45157
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  • O.P.S. Fee Store

    Oliver Perry Spencer Fee (1823-1873) was the grandson of Felicity's founder, William Fee. He attended the Democratic National Convention in 1860. Fee loudly proclaimed pro-slavery sentiments in order to gain the trust of the slave owners, when he was, in fact, the Felicity stationmaster. When slave-hunters came to Oliver Perry Spencer Fee for help, he directed them in... 

    208 Main St.
    Felicity, OH 45120
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  • OLD CALVARY METHODIST CHURCH

    The Calvary Methodist Church was once located on this site before the brick structure was built across the road. On November 4, 1842, members of the community met to discuss the Wigglesworth Kidnapping. In attendance at the meeting were future U.S. Congressman David Fisher and Ohio State Senator Doughty Utter. The group condemned the act as “a heinous crime” and... 

    St. Rt. 756
    Moscow, OH 45153
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  • OLD SETTLERS CEMETERY

    This was the first cemetery in Bethel. The community was settled by abolitionists, many of whom are buried here. Obed Denham (1747–1817), the founder of Bethel, donated the land for the burial ground to the Bethel Baptist Church. These lots were given with the stipulation that the church not have communion with slaveholders. Denham’s burial site is located within the... 

    North Main St.
    Bethel, OH 45106
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  • Philip Gatch Burial Site Greenlawn Cemetery

    Reverend Philip Gatch (1751 – 1834) was a Methodist minister who freed the slaves that he inherited from his wife’s father. Gatch moved to the Milford area in 1798 to escape the evils of slavery. Because of his anti-slavery viewpoint, Clermont County citizens selected him as a delegate to Ohio's first Constitutional Convention in 1802. The Greenlawn... 

    Cemetery Rd.
    Milford, OH 45150
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  • Reverend George C. Light Home Site

    This is the former residence of Reverend George C. Light (1785-1860), a Methodist minister and agent of the American Colonization Society. The Colonization Society was formed in 1816 for the purpose of supporting the migration of freeborn slaves and emancipated slaves to the Continent of Africa. James Madison, Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay and Abraham Lincoln were members of the... 

    401 Front Street.
    New Richmond, OH 45157
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  • ROBERT E. FEE BURIAL SITE MOSCOW CEMETERY

    Robert E. Fee (1796–1879), an active conductor in Moscow, was a member of Clermont County’s most prominent Underground Railroad family. His father Thomas Sr., brother Thomas Jr., sister Nancy and cousins in nearby Felicity are also documented conductors. Robert E. Fee, his wife Catherine Ebersole and their children were all buried at this location. Catherine was the sister of Jacob... 

    Cemetery Rd.
    Moscow, OH 45153
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  • ROBERT E. FEE HOME SITE

    On this parcel of land was once the residence of Robert E. Fee (1796–1879). Fee became involved in the rescue attempts of Fanny Wigglesworth and her four children, who were kidnapped and enslaved. After two unsuccessful attempts to rescue the family, he dedicated himself to helping the enslaved escape to freedom. In 1852, Fee was indicted by Pendleton County, Kentucky... 

    Water St.
    Moscow, OH 45153
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  • SAMARIAN CEMETERY

    A traditional black cemetery, Samarian Cemetery is the final resting place for 19 African American soldiers who fought for freedom and the Union during the Civil War. Black soldiers and sailors of New Richmond supported General Grant’s siege of Vicksburg in 1863. Five New Richmond men served in the same infantry unit, Company K of the 27th U.S. Colored Troops.... 

    Ohio St. Rt. 132
    New Richmond, OH 45157
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  • SUGAR TREE WESLEYAN CHURCH AND CEMETERY

    The Sugar Tree Wesleyan Church, founded by anti-slavery Methodists in 1845, was one of the first Wesleyan churches organized in Ohio. The first pastor of the church was Rev. Silas Chase, MD, a prominent member of the Bethel Underground Railroad Network. A 35 by 45-foot chapel was built in 1848 at this site, on land donated by Isaac Holmes Brown.... 

    Crane School House Rd.
    Bethel, OH 45106
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  • TATE TOWNSHIP CEMETERY

    This cemetery contains the burial sites of Bethel’s four most active members of the Underground Railroad. The individuals: Benjamin Rice, Richard Mace, Dr. William E. Thompson and Rev. Silas Chase, MD, were all members of the Sugar Tree Wesleyan Church. Benjamin Rice (1814–1893), a Tate Township carpenter, often conducted freedom seekers from Felicity to Bethel. Rice, frequently assisted by Richard... 

    East St.
    Bethel, OH 45106
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  • THE WIGGLESWORTH KIDNAPPING

    On October 30, 1842, several men broke into the home of Fanny and Vincent Wigglesworth. They kidnapped Fanny and her four children and enslaved them. They eventually were taken to Platte County, Missouri. Robert E. Fee, of Moscow, became the agent of Vincent Wigglesworth. Fee traveled to Missouri on two occasions for the purpose of bringing the family back home.... 

    St. Rt. 743, Big Indian Rd.
    Moscow, OH 45153
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  • U.S. SENATOR THOMAS MORRIS BURIAL SITE

    U.S. Senator Thomas Morris (1776–1844) is also buried in the Old Settlers Cemetery. He was the only U.S. Senator to speak out against slavery from 1836–1839. Morris, an attorney, represented defendants in a number of slavery related cases. He ran for vice-president on the Liberty Party ticket in 1844. Open to the public. 

    North Main St
    Bethel, OH 45106
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  • Will Sleet Home Site

    The parcel of land was once the home site of Will Sleet, a prominent member of the Felicity Underground Railroad network. Sleet, a blacksmith by occupation, was a free Kentucky-born African American. He assisted a number of fugitive slaves on their way north and is specifically mentioned by Peter Stokes in his escape narrative in the Wilbur Siebert... 

    411 Harrison Ave.
    Felicity, OH 45120
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  • Williamsburg Township Cemetery

    This cemetery contains the burial sites of three Underground Railroad operatives: Charles B. Huber (1806 – 1854); Dr. L.T. Pease (1809 – 1874); Samuel Peterson (1836 – 1921). Peterson, a stonemason by trade, assited C.B. Huber in Underground Railroad operations. He would carry food to fugitives at the Huber place and transport them by wagon to the next... 

    Gay St.
    Williamsburg, OH 45176
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