Freedom Stories

William Still and His Freedom Stories:
​The Father of the Underground Railroad
by Don Tate

Free was not always fair

​ Fascinating story of American hero William Still.

Born in New Jersey in1821, Still was the youngest child of his formerly enslaved parents. A pivotal moment for young William came when he helped a freedom-seeking neighbor escape a brutal assault. At age twenty-three he left home and moved to Philadelphia. Still found work with the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society. His skills were recognized by his employer and he eventually became the society’s manager.
​During this time, William’s Philapelphia home became an Underground Railroad “station, ” where he assisted numerous individuals seeking freedom. He was astonished to learn that one of those he helped was his older brother.

Still began keeping a detailed record of each freedom-seeking person he encountered. His meticulous records helped unite families that had been torn apart. When it became apparent that his journals could jeopardize the lives of those migrating north, he hid his records in a cemetery’s vault. After fourteen years with the Anti-Slavery Society, William left the organization and started a coal business. He became a successful businessman and in 1870 was deemed one of the richest Black men. In 1872, he published The Underground Rail Road, a collection of  life stories of those who escaped slavery.

A word about the art: Close-up faces place the audience directly and personally into the story. Textual phrases are incorporated into the illustrations and become part of the visual experience. Tate's use of color is intriguing. Purple, often associated with royalty, is featured predominantly throughout the pages as well as on the cover. A sepia-toned background reinforces the historical nature of the subject.

Back matter includes a Timeline, Author’s Note (which includes fascinating person background), Bibliography, and Quotation Sources. End papers are stunning: a page taken from Still’s meticulous documentation of individuals who passed through his home on the way to freedom.

William Still and His Freedom Stories is a significant addition to the cannon of picture books about Underground Railroad heroes. It speaks to the value of education, fighting injustice, and keeping an accurate record of significant events. Inspiring.

Underground Railroad Heroes

Meet individuals who made important contributions to early struggles for freedom.

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: November 1, 2020  Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company, Illustrated Edition  ISBN: 978-1561459353