advertisement

DeKalb County marks Underground Railroad stops

DEKALB, Ill. (AP) - DeKalb County historians are celebrating sites that housed runaway slaves 170 years ago.

The (DeKalb) Daily Chronicle reports that historical markers have been dedicated at three sites to signify spots on the Underground Railroad where abolitionists broke 19th Century law to help slaves escape to Canada.

The two-yearlong project was started by Barry Schrader and local historian Steve Bigolin. Schrader is chairman of the landmarks committee for the DeKalb County Historical-Genealogical Society.

Harlen Persinger attended the dedications on Saturday. He is the great-great-grandson of Underground Railroad conductor Deacon David West.

Nancy Beasley wrote in her book about the Underground Railroad in DeKalb County that West's Sycamore farmhouse was a stop from 1843 to 1859.

Other sites noted are the Mayfield Congregational Church in Sycamore and the Somonauk United Presbyterian Church.

___

Information from: The Daily Chronicle, http://www.daily-chronicle.com

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.