Documentary Sources on the UGRR in NYS
Following are descriptions of the principal sources used in the development of this website. As additional sources
are used to locate or identify information, they will be added to the list. The long-range plan for this page is
to develop a finding aid in the form of a database that can be continuously improved and updated, much like the
People and Places pages on this site. The finding aid would cover the full range of historical documents related
to the UGRR in NYS, and include descriptions of the related holdings of libraries, historical societies, and private
collections.
The beginning point for creation of this site was the list of individual names provided in the index to Wilbur
H. Seibert's The Underground Railroad. Additional material has been derived from the text of Siebert's book,
other books, and various websites. Some material prepared by NY History Net for other websites has been linked
or incorporated into the pages of this site. Comments on the sources are those of the website
editor.
Books:
Siebert, Wilbur H., The Underground Railroad
Originally published in 1898; reprinted 1968 by Arno Press and The New York Times. Siebert was a History professor
at Ohio State University, and presents a sympathetic view of the subject. While Siebert makes a serious effort
at scholarship, the limitations of primary source materials caused him to rely on secondary sources, and on the
recollections of the abolitionists still living at the time of his research. He drew on the publications of William
Still and others, on newspaper and magazine articles, and on personal correspondence with several prominent abolitionists,
including Frederick Douglass who were still alive at the time of his research. He does not appear to have been
fastidious in distinguishing sympathetic abolitionists from those who actually took part in underground activities.
His collection of materials (32 ft.) is with the Ohio Historical Society in Columbus.
Merrill, Arch, The Underground (Freedom's Road)
Merrill was a Rochester journalist who wrote books about Upstate New York. This book appears thoughtful and authoritative,
but provide no index or footnotes, and makes only passing references to sources. Merrill makes an effort to distinguish
between sympathetic abolitionists and people who actually participated in the UGRR. He gives what appears to be
a fair assessment of the probabilities, for example ruling in Asa Anthony (Susan B.'s uncle) but ruling out Daniel
(her father), both of whom are listed by Siebert.
Hunter, Carol M., To Set the Captives Free - Reverend Jermain Wesley Loguen and the
Struggle for Freedom in Central New York 1835-1872
A scholarly work, published by Garland Publishing, Hunter's book provides extensive detail on the relationships
surrounding the Stationmaster of the what was one of the most openly operated Stations on the Underground Railroad.
She sheds particular light on the central roles played by African Americans.
Blockson, Chas. R , Hippocrene Guide to the Underground Railroad
A broad effort to collect information about sites throughout the country, this book includes individuals and sites
in NYS not noted by Siebert. Blockson often connects sites and individuals, such as the home occupied by Susan
B. Anthony after the Civil War. There are some errors in the story of the Jerry Rescue.
Websites:
The
Underground Railroad Bibliography by Carole Marks, University of Maryland
The Gerrit Smith Virtual Museum
The Harriet Tubman Home Page
Women's Rights National Historical Park (photos of Rochester
activists)
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