The Underground Railroad remains one of America's most ennobling true stories, and the people of Ohio played their part in this heroic endeavor. Suffering a crisis of conscience, Presbyterian minister James Gilliland left his South Carolina home for Red Oak, where he became one of the state's earliest and strongest abolitionists. Peru Township's Richard Dillingham died helping the enslaved escape bondage. In Alum Creek, three generations of the Benedict family risked life and limb doing the same. Quakers Jane and Valentine Nicholson of Clinton County carted many a fugitive to freedom, as did Wilmington Quaker Abraham Allen with his trusty Liberator wagon. Drawing on decades of research, author Tom Calarco uncovers the real tales of our nation's quest for freedom and equality for all.
Tom Calarco is the author/editor of seven books and numerous articles on the Underground Railroad. He has presented papers at the National Parks Service’s “Network to Freedom” Conference and the Underground Railroad Project of the Capital Region conference and had numerous other speaking engagements. A member of the North Country Underground Railroad Historical Association, he seeks to develop the true history of the Underground Railroad.