Compiled by the Illinois Tourism Bureau
The month of February serves as host to Black History Month. Jacksonville, even though small in size, is enriched with African American History. The voices of the past echo through the streets ofJacksonville, illustrating the endeavors and accomplishments of past African Americans of the community.
Jacksonvilleacted as a main staple for the Underground Railroad in the mid-1800s, sheltering hundreds who wished to escape the horrors of slavery. Several local historic homes served as safe-havens on many slave’s journey to freedom, makingJacksonvilleone of the first of such stations in the area and by far the busiest. Illinois College, Woodlawn Farm, the Grierson Home, the Gillett House, the Asa Talcott House, and the Congregational Church are just a few of the institutions that aided slaves to escape to freedom.
IllinoisCollegewas founded by New Englanders, who ardently opposed slavery. The college’s first president was abolitionist Edward Beecher, brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe, and friend of renowned abolitionist Elijah Lovejoy. Professor David Smith, a professor on campus, allowed his house to be used for secret meetings and planning sessions for Underground Railroad activity. The Fayerweather House on theIllinoisCollegecampus is also believed to have been a stop on the Underground Railroad. There has long been rumored to have been an elaborate tunnel system connecting several of the Underground Railroad houses nearby the college.
Woodlawn Farm, located five miles east of town, was established in 1824 by Michael Huffaker. Michael and his wife came here fromKentuckyand bought land to build a cabin for their growing family and four cabins for free black families who helped Michael on the farm. Woodlawn provided a refuge for slaves fleeing from the horrors of slavery in the south.
The Grierson Home at 852 E. State was recently discovered to be part of the Underground Railroad. A small brick home stood on this property before the Griersons bought it. It was owned by Garrison Berry, a southern man. One night her provided shelter for Emily Logan who had escaped from her owner, Mrs. Porter Clay. This property was later purchased by the Grierson family and is believed to be linked to many other strongholds on the Underground Railroad.
The Gillett Home is located at1005 Grove Street. One ofJacksonville’s earliest physicians, Dr. Bezaleel Gillett was an abolitionist who supported the Underground Railroad operations. Slaves were often kept in large shack south of the home. This house was one of the many stations on the Underground Railroad.
The Asa Talcott House is located at859 Grove Street. February 1844 a slave fleeing from his pursuers was helped byIllinoisCollegestudents. Asa and Maria Talcott were founding members of the Congregational Church and were anti-slavery in their beliefs. This home was built in parts beginning in 1833 and was added onto in 1844 and 1861. Benjamin Henderson, a free black man and important conductor of the Underground Railroad, reported that the Asa Talcott was among those he could count on for help when he needed supplies for the fleeing slaves.
On December 15, 1833, thirty-two men and women founded the Congregational
Church. They were all anti-slavery in belief and the church was soon called “theAbolitionChurch”, not a compliment in the divided community ofJacksonville. When the Underground Railroad became active in town, Deacon Elihu Wolcott was known as the chief conductor. Many members of this church bravely risked prison and fines by actively providing shelter, clothing, food, and transportation.
Even thoughJacksonvilleis tiny in size it kept the spirited torch of freedom burning bright aboard the Underground Railroad. With the tales of fleeing slaves wandering the streets ofJacksonville, it is important to know that there is more toJacksonvillethan it seems.