DIED AT AGE 76

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Thaddeus Stevens, as a young lawyer, first practicing his profession, rendered valuable assistance.

There was a very friendly feeling in Gettysburg towards the abolitionists. The professors at the College and at the Theological Seminary were anti-slavery in sentiment and contributed to the cause; but they had to do it cautiously, as many of their students were from the Southern States.

At the next important station, York Springs, Adams county, one of the most noted and successful managers was William Wright, a Friend. While possessing wisdom, sagacity and firmness to an eminent degree, he was as unassuming in manner as he was earnest and efficient in action.

He was born 12th mo. (December) 21st, 1788. In 11th mo. (November), 1817, he married Phebe Wierman, sister of Hannah W. Gibbons, the wife of that sage and sympathizing friend of the slave, Daniel Gibbons. William and Phebe Wright resided during their entire lives in a very old settlement of Friends, near the southern slope of South Mountain, a spur of the Alleghanies, which extends into Tennessee. This location placed them directly in the way to render great and valuable aid to fugitives, as hundreds guided by that mountain range northward, came into Pennsylvania, and were directed to their home.

-- History of the Underground Railroad in Chester and the Neighboring Counties of Pennsylvania, page 36, 37, Robert C. Smedley, 1883

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MR. WILLIAM STILL: Sir-I have just received a letter from my friend, Wm. Wright, of York Sulphur Springs, Pa., in which he says, that by writing to you, I may get some information about the transportation of some property from this neighborhood to your city or vicinity.

A person who signs himself Wm. Penn, lately wrote to Mr. Wright, saying he would pay $300 to have this service performed. It is for the conveyance of only one SMALL package; but it has been discovered since, that the removal cannot be so safely effected without taking two larger packages with it. I understand that the three are to be brought to this city and stored in safety, as soon as the forwarding merchant in Philadelphia shall say he is ready to send on. The storage, etc., here, will cost a trifle, but the $300 will be promptly paid for the whole service. I think Mr. Wright's daughter, Hannah, has also seen you. I am also known to Prof, C. D. Cleveland, of your city. If you answer this promptly, you will soon hear from Wm. Penn himself.

-- The Underground Railroad. A Record of Facts, Authentic Narratives, Letters, &c., page 41, William Still, 1872

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