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For those Americans bound in slavery, the 18th century was a time of great hope as well as tremendous danger. Even as Pennsylvania legislators voted to abolish slavery in 1780, slave owners in the south resisted change to the point of exhibiting extreme violence. It was only through the boundless compassion and bravery of people like Dr. Francis Julius LeMoyne of Washington, Pennsylvania, son of a French immigrant, that some run-away slaves could slip through the cracks and make their way to freedom. LeMoyne's entire life reflected his conviction of respecting and treating justly every human being -- certainly not a popular stand in those days. |
| It is not
known exactly how many slaves were offered refuge by
Pennsylvania's Underground Railroad that spanned the
state from the western region, east to Philadelphia.
However, it is believed that Dr. LeMoyne's sturdy, stone
home in Washington County, built with thick walls and
roomy attic and cellar space, once protected as many as
25 escapees at one time. In order to successfully slip
fugitives in and out of their home unseen, the entire
LeMoyne family (including his wife and eight children)
had to work together. The Washington County Anti-Slavery Society was founded by Dr. LeMoyne in 1835. He served as the Society's president, stressing freedom for all men and women through peaceful endeavors, which included appealing to citizens' common sense. However, mob violence always lurked around the corner. In order to ensure the society's safety when meetings were held, LeMoyne was occasionally forced to post guards armed with hickory sticks around the building. LeMoyne's outstanding leadership and noble efforts soon attracted national attention and he aligned himself with the Liberty Party, a forerunner of the modern Republican Party. However, Dr. LeMoyne had no desire to hold national or state office. Although nominated to run for governor of Pennsylvania on three occasions, he always declined. Throughout LeMoyne's lifetime, he generously donated sizable funds to the American and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society on a regular basis as well as serving as editor of the Anti-Slavery Report. Over time, it became apparent that in order to create a decent life for themselves and their families, freed slaves desperately needed an education. After the Civil War, Dr. LeMoyne donated $20,000 to the American Missionary Association for the reconstruction and operation of the Freedmen's School, located in Memphis, Tennessee. The school was renamed LeMoyne Normal and Commercial School when it opened in 1871 and is currently known as LeMoyne Owen College (an accredited four year institution). Dr. LeMoyne passed away October 14, 1879 at the age of 81. In addition to his tremendous and gallant efforts to rid America of slavery, he was a working physician, a farmer and a staunch supporter of equal rights for women. Some of LeMoyne's other accomplishments include designing and building the country's first crematorium (located in Washington County), founding the Washington Patriot (a four-page weekly newspaper), and serving as a trustee of Washington College. The LeMoyne House has been named a
National Historic Landmark of the Underground Railroad,
one of only seven sites nationwide. It is located at 49
East Maiden Street in Washington, Pennsylvania.
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| DIRECTIONS: Exit
the Turnpike at the Cranberry Interchange (Exit #3),
traveling south on Interstate 79. The New Stanton
Interchange (Exit #8) offers a convenient alternative
route, driving west on Interstate 70. The LeMoyne Homestead is open for tours Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Additional information can be obtained by calling 724-225-6740. |
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