Donors recognized for Canfield Underground Railroad marker

By Kaitlyn Clark

The Haldimand Press

CANFIELD—It was a unique kind of family reunion for many who attended the donor recognition event on Sunday, February 10, 2019 for the stone marker recognizing Canfield’s place in the Underground Railroad.

The marker pays homage to the community of Canfield and the many slaves that were welcomed there more than 150 years ago as they fled the United States in search of freedom. A number of their descendants made their way back to Canfield for the presentation led by local historians Sylvia Weaver and Barbara Topp.

“(The freed slaves) were welcomed by, helped by, worshipped with, and many became close friends with, the white residents of Canfield and the surrounding area,” said local attendee Michael Konkle. On the descendants who attended, he added, “(They) can trace their ancestry back to the little cemeteries and family plots in the Canfield area. Their ancestors helped settle this area … They are part of the fabric of what is now Haldimand County. Our Canadian history is the richer for it.”