George B. Hitchcock facts for kids
Reverend George Beckwith Hitchcock (1812–1872) was an American who helped enslaved people find freedom. He was part of the Underground Railroad, a secret network that guided slaves to safety. His home in Lewis, Iowa was a safe stop on this journey. Today, his house is a National Historic Landmark, which means it's a very important historical place.
Contents
George Hitchcock's Life
Early Years
George Beckwith Hitchcock was born in Massachusetts on January 9, 1812. His parents were David Hitchcock Jr. and Sarah Swan. His older brother, Harvey Rexford Hitchcock, also became a minister. Harvey traveled far away to the Kingdom of Hawaii as a missionary in 1831.
Fighting Slavery
George Hitchcock strongly believed that slavery was wrong. He joined the abolitionism movement. This movement worked to end slavery in the United States. He became a part of the secret network known as the Underground Railroad.
A Traveling Preacher
In 1844, George Hitchcock became a minister in the Congregational Church. He traveled around Iowa as a preacher. In the mid-1850s, he settled in Lewis, Iowa. He first lived in a log cabin. Then, in 1856, his stone house was finished. This house, called the Reverend George B. Hitchcock House, is now a museum. It shows how people helped others escape slavery.
Helping Freed People
After the Civil War ended slavery, George Hitchcock continued his work. In 1865, he moved to Missouri. There, he began preaching to people who had just gained their freedom. Two years later, he moved to Kansas to do the same important work. George Hitchcock passed away on August 4, 1872.
