I just read your article re: UGRR. My cousin, James Taylor sent me the address of your site. I am very much interested in any and all work in that regard. I am a descendant of Augustus WEST who also operated an UGRR and escaped numerous times and helped others to escape to Ohio. My gr gr gr grandfather operated in Fayette County and Highland County, Oh. He and a white friend, Alex BEATTY had a scheme whereas BEATTY would go South with WEST and "sell" himover and over again. they used the money to purchase land in Fayette Co and Highland Co. WEST would allow escapees to sharecrop on his land and remain there until they could move on. He had a house with a "blind room" where escapees were hidden in case of a search of the house. The room had a window, but no entrance from the inside. In order to get into the room, one had to put a ladder up to the house. If you were searching from the inside, there no entry way and thus, you would never even know about the room.
In the past 10 years, there has been a lot of research taking place re: Augustus WEST. The federal gov't. just recently put a plaque up, a historical marker in Greenfield, Ohio , telling the story and honoring his efforts.
Our family is very much interested in the UGRR history. Thank you for sharing your history, and please keep us posted on all infor re: UGRR in Ohio.
Thank you and God Bless!
Joyce S. Dennis