[cross-posted from Books~Authors~Reviews forum]

In Their Path: A Grandmother's 519-Mile Underground Railroad Walk
by Joan E. Southgate, Fran Stewart
Publisher: Eagle Creek Press; (August 2004)
ISBN: 0975936603

From Amazon.com Editorial Reviews

Book Description

In April 2002, Joan Southgate stepped off from the small town of Ripley, Ohio, with a simple goal: She wanted to highlight the courage and resourcefulness of the American slave and conductor families who risked so much for freedom. She called her effort In Their Path! and set out to increase awareness of a moment in history when people came together across color, creed and class to do freedom's work. Her journey has taken her 519 miles across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Canada. From schoolchildren to community groups, bank president to truck driver, her inspiring story and message of unity has resonated over the miles. Her walk has ended, but her mission -- to help heal the wounds of slavery and celebrate examples of interracial harmony -- continues.

In addition to Joan's personal story, the book highlights the anti-slavery history of several of the Ohio communities she traveled through. Some of the most active Underground Railroad lines ran through Ohio, which was bordered by slavery to the south and freedom to the north. Beginning with the daring work of the Rev. John Rankin and John Parker in Ripley, In Their Path celebrates the courage and sacrifice of black and white Underground Railroad conductors in the cause of freedom.

About the Authors

Joan Southgate is a retired social worker and community activist in Cleveland, Ohio. Although she has come late to the role of writer and performance artist, her poetry and prose have earned regional and national acclaim. She continues to be amazed by and grateful for the kindness and generosity that accompanied her journey.

Fran Stewart is a Cleveland-area freelance writer and editor. She has spent 15 years working for newspapers, including the Cleveland Plain Dealer, and has taught at Kent State University. She is pleased to get to share the inspiring stories of Ohio's Underground Railroad conductors, including the secret work of her husband and sons' ancestors.