1844

Who had the power to control another human’s life?
Despite predominant pro-slavery views during the 1830s through the 1850s, there were those who risked prosecution under the Fugitive Slave Act to help enslaved men, women, and children escape to freedom in the north.

Pro-Slavery

Bloomington was filled with sympathizers to the cause of southern slave owners, most of them being from the south themselves. This included slave catchers who earned rewards for the return of slaves, and who relished jailing those who defied the Illinois law that made it illegal to aid those who escaped enslavement.

Versus

Anti-Slavery

Shortly after they arrived in Pleasant Hill (near present-day Lexington) in 1842, William Mahan, his wife Cassandra, and sons Jacob and Erastus, began to assist Black people wishing to escape to the north. They were joined by William’s brother Dr. Alexander Mahan and his wife; and Mary Curtis Mahan, the widow of John Mahan (another brother). John died in prison after being convicted of aiding an escaped enslaved person in Ohio.

Who had the power?

In 1844 a man named Thompson, who lived along the Mackinaw River near Pleasant Hill, apprehended an African American man who had escaped enslavement.

Believing him to be an escaped slave, Thompson immediately transported him to Bloomington where he placed him in the jail and advertised for the owner. But before the owner arrived, the man disappeared without a trace.

Black and white portrait of a man with handlebar mustache and a long beard, dressed in uniform

Sheriff McCullough was in charge of the county jail at this time. How could this man have escaped from his locked and barred jail cell?

Black and white portrait of a man with handlebar mustache and a long beard, dressed in uniform
Black and white sketch of cabin with barred door and window, people mill about outside.

Those incarcerated by McCullough during the 1840s were housed in the second McLean County jail.

Black and white sketch of cabin with barred door and window, people mill about outside.

Thompson was angry — he would not get the reward for the capture of the enslaved man, and he was out the money he had paid the newspapers for the advertisement.

Jail breaks were not uncommon at the time, but Thompson believed the man escaped with help from Pleasant Hill abolitionists, including William Mahan. All were called to Bloomington to make a sworn statement. Of course neither Mahan nor any of the others who were interrogated admitted to knowing anything.

The Underground Railroad

No specific routes through McLean County used by individuals wishing to escape enslavement to the north have ever been identified. 

But there is solid evidence that abolitionists in Mount Hope and Pleasant Hill assisted such individuals. The Reverend Levi Spencer, an abolitionist based in Bloomington, was well-acquainted with and frequently visited these abolitionists in their homes. 

It is believed that he assisted in arranging travel through and beyond these communities, always avoiding Bloomington as it was the home to many who supported slavery.

Whether there was a route west and north to Metamora, or a route east to Pleasant Hill, and then on to Metamora; or that both routes were used, we will likely never know as those involved were very good at keeping their secrets—if discovered, they risked being jailed.

Map of Illinois and surrounding states, showing a line that goes from Chicago south to Central Illinios, where it splits into two, one path going west and bending near Pekin and the other going east, bending near Lexington. The two paths converge near Mt Hope in southern McLean County and continue southwest through Springfield towards St. Louis.

A map of known Underground Railroad routes through Illinois.

Map of Illinois and surrounding states, showing a line that goes from Chicago south to Central Illinios, where it splits into two, one path going west and bending near Pekin and the other going east, bending near Lexington. The two paths converge near Mt Hope in southern McLean County and continue southwest through Springfield towards St. Louis.

Iron Handcuffs, circa 1842

A pair of iron handcuffs with side bar to lock

While McLean County Sheriff, William McCullough used these handcuffs to restrain criminals.

Donated by: Lucy Orme Morgan
866.1920

A pair of iron handcuffs with side bar to lock

Skeleton Key, circa 1840

Skeleton key used at the McLean County jail.

Donated by: Emma Soule
856.1556

Reflection Questions

Who had the power to enslave a man or woman in Illinois?

Why were those caught aiding a person who had escaped enslavement jailed?

Considering the consequences if caught, would you have aided an individual who had escaped bondage during the 1840s?

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