|
|||||
 |
|||||
 |
|||||
|
|
 |
 |
  |
|
 |
 |
  |
|
 |
 |
  |
|
George DeBaptiste
When he came to Detroit in 1846, he found success as a merchant, and continued to further the cause of freedom as a “the superintendent” of the Underground Railroad, using his ships to transport runaways to freedom in Canada. At the same time he served as a delegate to the Cleveland National Convention of Colored Citizens, and as an agent for the Freedman’s Aid Commission. He worked closely with William Lambert in furthering the fight for equality, attending meetings with John Brown, Frederick Douglass and other leaders. During the Civil War, he served as an organizer of Michigan’s Colored Regiment, and served as provisioner during its campaigns in the South. DeBaptiste died in 1875, and reposes at Elmwood next to his brother, Benjamin, who fought in Company K, 54th Massachusetts Infantry, the regiment immortalized in the movie “Glory.” Born: Circa 1818
|
DeBaptiste, after being forced to leave Indiana because of his antislavery activities, became the personal valet of General William Henry Harrison, whom he accompanied to the White House as a steward.