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LEWISTOWN -- As noted in the Living Section of today's Sentinel, the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Visitors Bureau, the Mifflin County Historical Society and a dedicated committee of volunteers are working on plans to restore and improve the African Methodist Episcopal Cemetery located at the entrance to Victory Park River Access in Lewistown.
In light of this endeavor, I thought it fitting that we take a look at the important part Lewistown played in the story of slavery, the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad.
It is widely known that in 1851 a very famous fictional book, "Uncle Tom's Cabin," was published. It painted a vivid picture of the horrible reality of slavery. What I bet you didn't know is that 15 years earlier a true account of a runaway slave, Charles Ball, was written and published right here in Mifflin County.
The book went by a few different titles: "Fifty Years in Chains," as well as "The Life and Adventures of Charles Ball." Ball related his story in great detail to a local lawyer named Isaac Fisher. It was then published by a local printer in 1836.
Ball's many adventures included two escapes and captures, a year serving in the U.S. Navy during the War of 1812, and finally a third successful escape by way of a cotton boat headed for Philadelphia. From there he made his way north to Lewistown. The book was filled with heartbreaking accounts of cruelty, separation from family and harrowing escapes.
Interestingly, there are historic accounts of a similar story about a former slave named Richard Barnes. He, too, found himself in Lewistown during the same time period. Historians believe that it is quite likely that these two men are one and the same, and that Charles Ball may have changed his name in fear of once again being recaptured.
This brings me to the part of the story that makes me very proud to be from this community, for once again there would be a thrilling escape for Richard Barnes (Charles Ball). As the story goes, a group of southern plantation catchers rode into Lewistown in 1834. These catchers were brutal, often armed with guns and whips and would use them as necessary in order to capture and return runaway slaves to their owners. They snatched Barnes and threw him into jail claiming that he was one of their runaway slaves. A trial was quickly held in Mifflin County Court, and it was decided he was to be returned into a life of slavery.
Thankfully, the story does not end there! As it turned out, the residents of Lewistown, including the sheriff, liked and respected Barnes, for he was a hard worker and upstanding community member. The sheriff chose to look the other way as Barnes slipped away into the crowd. He ran up Main Street to Third Street and scampered down a well to avoid capture. The residents of Lewistown quickly sprang into action, collecting $250, which was enough to purchase Barnes' freedom from the catchers.
For those of you who like me enjoy a happy ending, Richard Barnes (Charles Ball) remained in Lewistown for the rest of his life and died at the ripe old age of 104! He was not the only run-away slave to be assisted by the people of Mifflin County. There were others who were helped on their journey towards freedom by local abolitionists as part of the Underground Railroad. Just one more reason why I am proud to be from the Juniata River Valley and why I am challenged to leave my community better than when I entered it.
If you would like to read more about our black history, you can purchase local history books either at the Mifflin County Historical Society or in our offices inside the Historic Courthouse. There is also a display dedicated to Charles Ball in the McCoy House Museum.
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Rhonda S. Kelley is executive director of the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce.