John Hossack

Abolitionist, Underground Railroad operator

Scottish immigrant who built a house in Ottawa in 1854 and ran it as a fugitive-slave way station. In 1860 he stood up in a federal courtroom and yelled 'If you want your liberty, come!' across the room. Took ten days in jail and a $100 fine for it.

What the record shows

John Hossack House. Scottish-born abolitionist John Hossack built this house in 1854 and ran it as an Underground Railroad stop, sheltering up to thirteen fugitives at a time.

Where you'll find them

1 place

Underground Railroad · Ottawa · 1850–1900
John Hossack House
1860: 'If you want your liberty, come!'

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