The first established location on the journey to freedom through the Underground Railroad was founded here. The conductor who hosted this location went by the name of Richard Eells. He was a man of great passion for saving the lives of slaves in the United States: elected as president of the Addams County Anti-slavery Society in 1839 and 1843. On the way to north and east Chicago, then eventually Canada, his home was the beginning of a very long journey. The placement of this home was one of great convenience, but also great danger. It was built right across the border of Missouri— a slave state. One of the main encounters of this danger was experienced when Eells was caught by members of a slave catching group. Charley, the runaway slave Eells attempted to help, was seen by awaiting men as his head popped up from beneath a buffalo robe. The fugitive ran quickly to avoid being captured but was later returned to the brother of his previous owner. Eells was able to return home that evening but was then awaken to a warrant out for his arrest the second day after the events occurred. His trial was the first case from his town to be presented in front of the United States Supreme Court. 

Work Cited:

“Eells House Connects Town with Underground Railroad.” Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County, www.hsqac.org/eells-house-connects-town-with-underground-railroad.