The Richard Henderson Historical Marker

African Americans have suffered at the hands of the American people through slavery starting as early as the 17th century. Richard Henderson was no exception as he was enslaved as a young boy with other members of his family. At the age of 15 years old, Henderson escaped with his two brothers and sister from Hagerstown, Maryland through the Underground Railroad, and arrived to Meadville, PA around 1824. Richard and his brother, Robert, tried to create a new life for themselves by establishing a barber shop. Richard eventually became an essential member of the Black and church communities as well as the Underground Railroad operation. “Richard was a natural participant in the Railroad’s operations, and he and his family dedicated themselves to helping the cause” (Mattocks par. 10). Richard understood the hardships of slavery, and his leadership of this operation in Meadville gave him the opportunity to help those who suffered at the hands of it. 

It was not uncommon for escaped slaves in established Black communities to offer refuge to those escaping from slavery themselves. Henderson was in the middle of the hot spot for the Underground Railroad networks in Meadville. Due to slave agents and spies searching for escaped slaves, the secrecy of the Railroad operation was essential for survival. “Slave agents and spies were well aware of the Underground Railroad’s various networks, and Meadville, because of its central location and established roadways, frequently witnessed slave hunters riding through the streets and searching suspected hideouts based on tips from spies” (Mattocks par.11). Henderson was well aware of the risks of being involved in this operation yet continued to help his fellow escapees. His home became a prominent safe house and he harbored several slaves at once. His first wife, Mary Ann Henderson-Harris, helped him provide a safe haven for these escaped slaves. It is believed that after the abolishment of slavery, Richard Henderson harbored more than 500 slaves in his home throughout the years.

Not only was Richard Henderson an established leader of the Underground Railroad, he also became a prominent member of the church community. “In 1849, he supported the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church” (Snodgrass 261). With his position in the Black community, Henderson became an early trustee of the church. It is believed the church was located across from his Arch Street home where he harbored and saved escaped slaves. His home has since been torn down.

Despite the efforts made by Richard Henderson in the fight for freedom during slavery, and his prominent leadership and involvement in the Black and church communities, it took nearly 100 years for the historical marker to be placed on Arch Street in Meadville, PA. “When a historical marker was placed in Meadville on June 1st 1980 to honor him, it represented only the third time of Black Pennsylvanian had been honored by a State Historical marker” (Kathleen B par. 3). Richard Henderson’s tireless efforts will forever be remembered through this historical marker, and it will always symbolize hope and resilience for the African American community. Richard Henderson died at the age of 79 years old in 1880. He is buried in Greendale Cemetary in Meadville, PA.

B, Kathleen. Richard Henderson, Find a Grave. April 30th 2011. Accessed May 19th 2021. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/69162260/richard-henderson.

Mattocks, Ron. Crawford Messenger. February 28th 2016. Accessed May 19th 2021. http://crawfordpahistory.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-underground-railroads-secret.html.

Snodgrass, Mary Ellen. The Underground Railroad: An Encylopedia of People, Places, and Operations. Taylor & Francis , 2015.