But Ashtabula was perfect location for the last leg of a freedom seeker’s journey, a port on Lake Erie that welcomed and offered hearty assistance. The strong sentiment was voiced in resolutions issued in response to the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850:

“Resolved, That we hold the fugitive slave law in utter contempt, as being no law…..Resolved, that we will not aid in catching the fugitive, but we will feed and protect him with all the means within our power and we pledged our sympathy and property for the relief of any person in our midst who may suffer any penalties for honorable opposition or a failure to comply with the requirements of this law.”

Even sheriffs refused to obey. One, Quintas Atkins, actually operated an UGRR station as his night time job after his official sheriff duties were done.