Jonathan Roberts, US Representative and Senator from King of Prussia (8/16/1771 – 7/24/1854), had been instrumental in the Abolitionist Movement begun in the 1840’s and which continued until the Civil War. He was an early advocate for the freedom of slaves. In fact, it was purported that there was a room under the porch of the old Union schoolmaster’s quarters, adjacent to Swamp Vrass. This was thought to be a station for the underground railroad. Upper Merion had many citizens who helped to transport escaped slaves before the Civil War.
Another Upper Merionite who was a champion of the Abolitionist Movement was Phineas Phillips who died in 1849. His grandfather, Samuel Phillips, bequeathed to him a one hundred acre farm in Upper Merion. Part of the will was that Phineas was to provide maintenance for his sister Jemina during her lifetime. Phineas died in 1849 and was buried in the family plot on North Henderson Road. His Negro housekeeper, aged eighty when she died, was buried there also.
In Upper Merion, the family of Thomas and Sarah Reed were ardent operators on the Underground Network, working in unity with the Norristown and Plymouth Meeting groups.
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You can find out more about Black History in Upper Merion this Saturday, February 24 when Upper Merion Township & Friends of Black History presents the 19th Annual Celebration of Black History from 10:00am to 3:30pm at the Upper Merion Township Building.
There will be live music, step dance demo, soul food samples, a historical interpreter and more. There will be special activities and crafts for kids as well as vendors selling jewelry, clothing, and hand crafted items and more!
Stop by the King of Prussia Historical Society’s table and say hello!
