John Wesley Posey

: For entries on other people named John Wesley, see John Wesley (disambiguation).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

John Wesley Posey (1801- 1884) was a significant figure in the Underground Railroad in Indiana. Posey was one of the organizers of the Anti-Slavery League of Indiana.

Related Topics:
1801 - 1884 - Underground Railroad - Indiana - Anti-Slavery League of Indiana

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A significant source related to the Underground Railroad in Indiana is William Cockrum's 1915 work, History of the Underground Railroad, as It Was Conducted by the Anti-Slavery League. According to Cockrum, Posey owned a coal mine that served as a way station for as many as 1000 escaped slaves. (This is one of the rare instances in which the underground railroad was actually subterranean.)

Related Topics:
William Cockrum - 1915 - Coal mine

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Posey also helped to organize the activities of the Anti-Slavery League. According to Cockrum, the League operated a spy network in Kentucky. Agents of the League masquerading as traveling peddlers would make contact with slaves and help the slaves organize themselves to facilitate escapes.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Posey was a medical doctor. He volunteered as a surgeon for the Union army during the American Civil War, and served at the Battle of Shiloh. He was also politically active, and was elected as a Whig to be Treasurer of Pike County, Indiana, serving from 1844-1848.

Related Topics:
Doctor - Surgeon - Union army - American Civil War - Battle of Shiloh - Whig - Treasurer - Pike County - Indiana - 1844 - 1848

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Posey married Sarah Blackburn in 1838. He was the father of Francis B. Posey.

Related Topics:
1838 - Francis B. Posey

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~