| 1830-1860: The Early Years |
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Akron
– like the rest of the Western Reserve – shared with its parent New England the
most violent sentiments against slavery. During the Fifties one artery of the Underground
Railroad system led through Akron, and there were stations here and in other parts of the
county.
~ The Centennial History of Akron ~ |
| 1830 |
Census
indicates five free colored persons residing in Portage Township (Akron area) |
| 1836 |
One
of the earliest black families to reside in Akron area was family of Edward and Sarah
Smith - Smith had been a barber in Columbus, OH before coming to Akron |
| 1840 |
Census
– black population increased to between twenty and forty. |
| 1850 |
Census
- black population increased to seventy-three |
| 1860 |
Census
black population decreased to twenty-four
(stricter Fugitive Slave Law – led to black flight)Black occupations listed before the Civil War were laborers, barbers
(3) , blacksmith (1), mason (1), sailor (1) and boatman (1).
The Underground Railroad passed through Akron where slaves
were assisted in their flight to Canada. |
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