The first permanent Black inhabitant of Meadville was Richard Henderson, who arrived in that city in 1824. At the age of 15, he had escaped from his owner. This perilous journey wasn’t undertaken by him alone. Together with his two brothers, a sister, and a slave, he escaped.
Yet, according to Discover Pennsylvania History, he passed away because of illness while on the trip. He made the decision to settle down in Meadville and open a barbershop there with his brother, Robert. His other sibling left for Canada and made a meager living there. Little is known about his activities when he was in Canada.
Henderson had a strong desire to help other persons of African heritage fleeing slavery by utilizing his contacts in the area. He participated actively in the network of the Underground Railroad, and from 1830 to 1860 he eventually rose to become the head of the county branch.
Meadville was a significant location along three Underground Railroad routes, according to Tom Calenco and Cynthia Vogel’s book “Places of the Underground Railroad A Geographical Guide.” One of the routes connected Bellefonte with Brookville, Franklin, Meadville, Corry, and Waterford from the East. The fugitives will next traverse Lake Erie to get to Erie.
There was also the northern route from Virginia that went through Pittsburgh, Beaver Falls, New Castle, Mercer and Meadville to Waterford. Cooperstown, Townville, Meadville and Erie were part of the third route.
It is known that the local settlers who lived along these roads helped the runaways and gave them temporary shelter. One of the famous rest stops where the fugitives tented was Unitarian Seminary. Businessman Harm Jan Huidekoper also helped others financially while they passed through Meadville.
According to The Meadville Tribune, important families like the Randolphs, Bartons, and Powells are known to have helped the fugitives on their road to freedom. Several of the stopover residences were located in Linesville, Chestnut Street, and Main Street.