Samuel and Sally Wilson House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Samuel and Sally Wilson House
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 Location in Ohio
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| Location | Cincinnati, Ohio |
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| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 00001295 |
| Added to NRHP | November 15, 2000 |
The Samuel and Sally Wilson House is a special historic building located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 15, 2000. This house is important because it served as a secret stop on the Underground Railroad, helping people escape slavery to freedom.
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A Home with a History
The Samuel and Sally Wilson House was built in 1849. It is designed in the Greek Revival style, which was popular at the time. The house is located in the College Hill neighborhood of Cincinnati. In the mid-1800s, this area became a popular place for wealthy families to live, with many large homes.
The Wilson Family's Beliefs
Samuel and Sally Wilson were a family who strongly believed in ending slavery. They were Presbyterians and had faced criticism for their views in their previous home. The Wilsons were drawn to College Hill because it had two colleges, which attracted other educators who also opposed slavery.
Their children attended schools in College Hill. In 1848, their daughter Mary became a teacher at the Ohio Female College. This college was special because it allowed women to study and hired female teachers.
A Safe Stop on the Underground Railroad
After the Wilsons built their home in 1849, it quickly became a "station" on the Underground Railroad. This secret network helped enslaved people travel north to freedom. The Wilson family used their home to hide and help these brave individuals.
Ten family members lived in the house during these years. This included four adult children, three grandchildren, and an aunt. The Wilson family played a big part in their community's history. They were leaders in education, religion, and politics, especially in the fight against slavery.
Helping Hands for Freedom
Three of the adult Wilson children were very active in the abolitionist movement. These were Mary Jane Wilson Pyle, Harriet Nesmith Wilson, and Joseph Gardner Wilson. Many historical records show their efforts.
Mary, who was a teacher, would encourage and help those traveling through College Hill on the Underground Railroad. Harriet, the youngest daughter, taught in local schools for 30 years and lived in the Wilson house until she was 95. Joseph, the youngest son, was a professor. He helped by collecting clothes from his students' families to use as disguises for the runaways.
Secret Hiding Places
Other adults living in the house likely helped too, even if their names are not specifically mentioned. The Cincinnati Historic Society states that "All the Wilson children were active in the abolitionist movement and aided many Blacks to make their way north by supplying food, clothing, and a hiding place."
Years later, in the early 1900s, some elderly African American men returned to the house. They asked to see the cellar where they had once hidden. They even recognized Christine Gramm, the Wilsons' former housekeeper, who still lived there.
Harriet's Letters
Harriet Wilson wrote a detailed letter in 1892 describing her family's work. She recalled a time when slave catchers were coming to College Hill. The women hiding in their home were terrified. Harriet said they were "ready and willing to crawl through a small aperture into a dark cellar where they would be safe."
Harriet also mentioned her sister Mary, saying she "could give you vivid pictures of the workings of the Underground R.R." Mary helped many people with her encouraging words and helping hand. Harriet herself would get updates on how many enslaved people were coming to College Hill each week. She remembered asking for clothes and being told, "Gone to Canada," meaning they had been given to someone escaping to freedom.
The Work Continues
After the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was passed, it became more dangerous to help. Harriet noted that the work became "too well known." It was decided to use other, less risky routes. Even though fewer people came through College Hill right before the Civil War, those who believed in human rights continued to help financially.
Today, the Samuel and Sally Wilson House is a private home located at 1502 Aster Place in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is not open to the public, but its history reminds us of the brave people who fought for freedom.
