|
| Portland Freedom Trail Home | Press Release 11-9-2006 | |
 |
The Eastern Cemetery is the resting place of some of Portland’s noted abolitionists, who campaigned against slavery, provided safe-houses and assisted runaways on their journey to freedom. |
|
Elizabeth Widgery Thomas (1779-1861), her husband Elias Thomas (1772-1872) and their daughter Charlotte Thomas (1822-1920)
were among the most prominent members of the Portland Anti-Slavery
Society thought to be formed as early as 1833. The society, based
on the ideology of William Lloyd Garrison, not only worked to abolish slavery but also advanced the question of women's rights. Many of the local and national leaders in the women's rights movement got their start in political organizing and action in the anti-slavery movement. The Thomas home at 53 India Street which was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1866 was a frequent safe house for escaping slaves and housed such notables as Susan B. Anthony, Lucy Stone, William Lloyd Garrison, Charles Lenox Remond and Parker Pillsbury. George Ropes (1809-1842) and his brothers David and Joseph were African American conductors on the Underground Railroad and activists in the anti-slavery movement. The three brothers ran a hardware and crockery store on Middle Street. George lived on the corner of Elm and Oxford Streets. Margaret P. Driver (1769-1853) was born a slave in North Carolina. She was the wife of Blackstone Driver, the treasurer of the Portland Union Anti-Slavery Society. The Driver’s were active members of the Abyssinian Religious Society. Christopher Christian Manuel (1781-1845), an immigrant from Cape Verde, Africa, was the first elected president of the Portland Union Anti-Slavery Society. Until today, he lied buried next to his wife Sophia Ruby Manuel (1802-1875) in an unmarked grave. Sophia was the sister of Rueben Ruby, the foremost African American anti-slavery activist and Underground Railroad conductor. Jannett C. Pear Ruby (1805-1827) was the first wife of Rueben Ruby. She is buried next to their infant son William Ruby and Sophia Ruby Manuel. |
||
 Eastern Cemetery, on Congress Street at Mountfort Street, Munjoy Hill, Portland, Maine |
