The Fugitive Slave

A "Negro" lived in a hut near Plumly's millrace*. His name was Black Bill. A fugitive slave hid himself in the hut. When he was discovered, a policeman took him in front of the Squire, either to be jailed or placed in safe keeping until his master should come for him and prove his property.

The slave's predicament became known in the town, and soon a group of abolitionists helped him escape. They pointed him in the direction of the Wissahickon Creek, which was in a tree lined valley and offered him good cover, and he made his escape.

Told by Thomas Bitting, Ambler Borough resident and Postmaster

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* A millrace was was an artificial channel leading water from its source, in this case, the Wissahickon Creek, to the water wheel, where its energy was utilized.

Follow this link to an 18th Century Story.

Source: Early History of Ambler by Dr. Mary P.H. Hough, 1936

Related sites:
Read about the Underground Railroad in this region during the 1850's.
Another site highlights early antislavery measures amongst Pennsylvania's Quakers.