Underground Raiiroad

a name given to a mysterious organization whicti made it its busine to did in the escape of fugitive slaves. The movement originated among the Quakers of Pennsylvania, and the system was gradually extended until a chain of stations was established a day’s journey apart and leading from Kentucky and Virginia acro Ohio, and from Maryland through Pennsylvania and New York to Canada. The stations were private houses, and the inmates were known to be pledged to the cause. The fugitives reached these stations after nightfall, were fed and clothed when it was nece ary and given a night's rest. The sick were provided with a place iti which to remain uritil they were restored to health. Levi Coffin, & Quaker, and the reputed president of the orgarizdtion, a isted in the escape of about 100 slaves annually for many years. He always had a carriage in readine to convey the fugitives to a place of safety and organized sewing circles to provide clothing for the destitute. Harriet Tubman, a colored woman, who had escaped North, made nineteen journeys to the South and brought back bands of fugitives always without detection. The greatest sectecy was observed in all of the movements of the organization. The Underground Railroad was formally organized in 1838, but did not reach its pérfectibn until the pa age of the Fugitive Slave Law in 1850 aroused the Abolitionists to still greater exertions. History by Still.