782, xliv, 153 p., [105] p. of plates : ill. ; 32 cm.
Notes
Facsim. of: Philadelphia : L.H. Everts, 1881.
Includes index compiled by Lucy I. Smedley and Arabella Cleveland, originally published in 1971.
Summary
"The first section of the book is a general history of the county dealing with such topics as: religion, education, agriculture, masons, mills, banks, judges, county officials, lawyers, doctors, etc. The second section of the book provides over three hundred pages of brief genealogical and biographical sketches of county residents." [Worldcat.org]
Originally published: Lancaster, Pa. : Office of the Journal, 1883.
Includes index.
African American resources at Lancaster County Historical Society.
Summary
This book was written in 1883 by Robert Clemons Smedley, a Chester County Pennsylvania physician who interviewed participants in the underground railroad. He was not a historian and was not unbiased. But he is considered to have been conscientious in his efforts to record the stories he was told. He wrote about events as described to him by person who themselves were involved, both those fleeing slavery and those assisting them.Topics in chapters 1 & 2 include William Wright and Columbia, PA. Chapter 8 is about the "Christiana Tragedy".
This is the sequel to the author's first book about the Underground Railroad. It follows the routes north, south, east and west from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, and tells the story of its "conductors", men and women who helped slaves escape to freedom. Nicely illustrated with black & white photographs and drawings. [from Amazon.com]
