This article appeared in the Piqua Daily Call newspaper of Piqua, Ohio, my childhood home.
http://tinyurl.com/3536mwu

Among the inductees into the Piqua, Ohio Civic Hall of Fame are the former slaves of John Randolph, over 380+ in number, who settled in the Piqua area in 1847 after a 13 year struggle over the 'legality' of the Will of John Randolph, their slaveowner, who died in 1833. The former slaves and their descendants were recognized for their significant contributions to the Piqua community.

On a personal note ... Mrs. Louise (Jefferson) Taylor another honoree was my church youth choir director (Cyrene AME) during my days growing up in Piqua. And the Susan Reed quoted in the article is a 2nd cousin of mine.

Attached is a photo of the Whispering Echoes Choir, the director, Wilson Jefferson, Sr. was Mrs. Taylor's brother. The Taylor's & Jefferson's were strong civic, church and community minded families that had a great and positive influence in Piqua, particularly with the AA youth.

~Art