"The presence of blacks in the area of Tioga County predates the establishment of the county itself. Prior to the revolutionary War, early traders and missionaries reported blacks and individuals of black/Indian mix living with the Indians. These were blacks who had escaped from slavery and had found asylum with various Indian tribes.

Many of the blacks who came with the white settlers into Tioga County were slaves. Several families from Virginia and Maryland settled in the Speedsville/Town of Caroline area. The census of 1820 listed 80 slaves as well as 30 freemen. Slavery was abolished in New York in 1827.

In 1835, when the total population of Owego Township was a little over 4,000 there were 53 black residents. These were primarily in the Village of Owego and through the years this is where the black population was concentrated. It was during this period of time that the blacks established a church, the African Methodist Church of Owego, commonly known as the Bethel Church. It was established in 1842 on Fox Street, and lasted into the 1950's.

THIS WAS ALSO THE PERIOD OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD.

ALTHOUGH THERE ARE MANY STORIES THAT THE RAILROAD PASSED THROUGH OWEGO, THE BEST PROOF REVOLVES AROUND THE LIFE OF HAMMOND D. PINNEY. PINNEY WAS AN ARDENT ABOLITIONIST WHO LIVED AT 351 MAIN ST.

IN PINNEY'S OBITUARY, WHICH APPEARED IN THE GAZETTE ON MARCH 3, 1898, IT WAS MENTIONED THAT HIS HOME HAD BEEN A STATION FOR ESCAPED SLAVES."

Source: page 327; Seasons of Change, an Updated History of Tioga County, New York
by Tioga County Authors (240)
Publisher: Tioga County Legislature
Tioga County Office Building, 56 Main Street, Owego, NY 13827
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I must thank the Bradford County Historical Society of Towanda, Pennsylvania for sending me this excerpt. My Ancestors travelled between Towanda and Owego (actually nearby Waverly).

I submit this as it is yet another example of where we may find clues and possible stations along the Underground Railroad.

Peace,
"Guided by the Ancestors"
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