William Still: Father of the Underground Railroad

Summary

In this episode of the *Black History Allstars* podcast, we honor William Still, a key figure in the Underground Railroad and a tireless advocate for freedom. Born in 1821, Still helped at least 649 enslaved individuals escape to freedom, while also documenting their stories in *The Underground Railroad Records*. A businessman, abolitionist, and philanthropist, he worked alongside Harriet Tubman and fought for civil rights. Still’s legacy of perseverance and dedication to liberty continues to inspire today, reminding us of the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality.

Takeaways

• 😀 William Still was born in 1821 and became one of the most important conductors of the Underground Railroad, helping at least 649 enslaved individuals to freedom.
• 😀 Despite being born into a society that tried to define his future based on the color of his skin, William Still became a businessman, writer, abolitionist, and philanthropist.
• 😀 William Still's parents, Levan and Sydney, escaped slavery, and he was the youngest of 18 children born into freedom in New Jersey.
• 😀 At the age of 23, William moved to Philadelphia and became a clerk for the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, marking the beginning of his work with the Underground Railroad.
• 😀 William Still meticulously documented the personal stories of those he helped, creating invaluable records that later served to reunite families and preserve the history of enslaved people.
• 😀 He faced immense risks, evading slave catchers and law enforcement, especially after the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act made aiding runaway slaves a federal crime.
• 😀 William Still's personal life included a powerful reunion with his long-lost brother Peter, who had been separated from the family due to slavery.
• 😀 William helped Peter raise money to free his wife and children, demonstrating his commitment to family reunification and abolitionist principles.
• 😀 In 1855, Still played a key role in rescuing Jane Johnson, an enslaved woman, and her children from her enslaver using Pennsylvania's laws on voluntary enslavement.
• 😀 William Still was a vocal advocate for civil rights and played a role in the desegregation of public transportation in Pennsylvania, helping to pass laws that mandated integration of streetcars.
• 😀 Still's partnership with Harriet Tubman was crucial to the success of the Underground Railroad, as he supported her work with resources and protection, allowing her to guide numerous people to freedom.

Q & A

Who was William Still and what is he most known for?

William Still was a prominent abolitionist, businessman, and philanthropist, most known for his role as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, where he helped at least 649 enslaved people escape to freedom.

What was William Still's early life like?

Born in 1821 in New Jersey, William Still was the youngest of 18 children. His parents, Levan and Sydney, escaped slavery, with his father purchasing his freedom and his mother fleeing to reunite with him.

How did William Still contribute to the Underground Railroad?

Still worked as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved people find safe houses and escape routes. He meticulously documented their stories, which later became invaluable historical records.

Why was William Still’s work with the Underground Railroad dangerous?

His work was dangerous because he had to evade slave catchers and law enforcement who were determined to stop the escape of enslaved individuals. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 also made it a federal crime to assist runaway slaves.

What is the significance of William Still’s book, *The Underground Railroad Records*?

Still's book, *The Underground Railroad Records*, preserved the stories of those he helped, documenting their names, origins, and journeys. It remains one of the most important historical resources on the Underground Railroad.

How did William Still reunite with his brother Peter?

After many years, William Still was reunited with his long-lost brother Peter, who had been separated from him during childhood. Peter had purchased his freedom and later met William in Philadelphia, where they were able to reconnect.

What role did William Still play in the fundraising efforts for his brother Peter’s family?

William Still helped Peter raise $55,000 (equivalent to $96,625 in 2023) to purchase the freedom of Peter’s wife and children, demonstrating his commitment to the liberation of his family and others.

What was William Still's involvement in the 1855 rescue of Jane Johnson?

In 1855, William Still was involved in the rescue of Jane Johnson, an enslaved woman trying to escape from her enslaver, John Hill Wheeler. Still used Pennsylvania law to facilitate her and her children's liberation.

How did William Still contribute to the desegregation of public transportation?

In 1859, Still took a stand against racial segregation in Philadelphia’s public transportation. His persistent advocacy helped lead to the desegregation of streetcars in Pennsylvania in 1865.

What was William Still’s role during the Civil War?

During the Civil War, William Still continued aiding fugitive slaves while also supporting the United States Colored Troops. He opened a stove store and coal delivery business, contributing to his community's needs.