Indiana to dedicate marker to Underground Railroad figure

MADISON, Ind. – An African-American man who risked his life to help escaped slaves to freedom along the 19th century’s Underground Railroad will be honoured this week with a historical marker in southern Indiana.

A state historical marker commemorating Chapman Harris will be dedicated Friday during a public ceremony along State Road 56 near the city of Madison in an area that overlooks a scenic stretch of the Ohio River.

Harris was a free African American who moved in 1839 to the southern Indiana city about 40 miles northeast of Louisville, Kentucky, as the fight over slavery along the Ohio River Valley became more violent.

His hostility toward those hired to capture escaped slaves led to his conviction for causing a riot in Madison, 1847. Harris died in 1890.

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