"It is evident that the white and black “must fall or flourish together.”

"It is evident that the white and black “must fall or flourish together.” In the light of this great truth, laws ought to be enacted, and institutions established — all distinctions, founded on complexion, ought to be repealed, repudiated, and forever abolished — and every right, privilege, and immunity, now enjoyed by the white man, ought to be as freely granted to the man of color."   John Fairfield, died c. 1861.

   John Fairfield grew up on a Plantation in Virginia; a favorite childhood friend was Bill, a slave, 'owned' by his uncle. As a young man, John, traveled to Ohio, a slave-free state, taking Bill with him. Through the years John and Bill had secretly spoken of helping Bill escape to Canada where Bill would be free from any threat of being enslaved, and could build a life, a home, and a family.
   John devised a plan for Bill to take one of John's uncle's horses at night and meet at a pre-determined place, then head north under cover of night. While details of their travels were not given, it can be assumed they moved freely about, posing as slave and owner until they reached Canada, where Bill did indeed build a new life.
   For twelve years John helped thousands of enslaved people escape the inhumane life of enforced hard labor, continuing to gather information of the whereabouts of traded and lost family members who were united, sometimes after many years. Most of these people John was not able to take openly as He had with Bill, and at one time taking as many as 28 on one trek!
   John kept his journeys secret and was able to go to various Plantations posing as a slave trader, all the while passing the word among the slaves to prepare to leave on a particular night, meeting and taking off for the north country.
   His tactics would have to change as Plantation owners would become suspicious, but still he did this for twelve years! He was, indeed, arrested several times, but his affiliation with Free Masonry set him free. Although not mentioned in the articles about him, he must have made good use of the Underground Railroad many times; both free Blacks, and white, were, without question, necessary for the escape of these courageous men and women! Every few miles, through several states, a home would be prepared to hide these people during the day, sometimes for several days, even weeks, as they were hidden from bounty hunters. The travel was difficult, especially for the old and very young; but the thought of living as free men and women kept their hope burning!
   Most of these brave souls were Christian, as Jesus gave them His hope, and His guidance and wisdom, through the many very real, life-threatening dangers! To return to slavery was unthinkable, and some took their own lives rather than return to forced labor and cruel taskmasters.

 Many articles on slavery and abolition, it is said outright, or heavily suggested, that it was a small minority of whites that helped end slavery.  This is simply not true and is a great divider! The record must be set straight, and from original records! History based on anything other than original documents is mere opinion, and is false, misleading, and damaging to society and individuals.