William Still (In History) - 1821 - July 14, 1902

William Still was the "Father of the Underground Railroad". In the late 1840's Still moved to Philadelphia to seek his fortunes. While there, he became secretary for the Pennsylvania Abolition Society. It was during this time that he helped 649 slaves escape to freedom, offering them room and board along the way. In 1872, he published his records in a book entitled, The Underground Railroad. Still founded an orphanage for the children of African-American soldiers and sailors. In 1860, he went into the stove business. Due to his success, he branched out into the coal business, earning the fortune he had moved to Philadelphia to seek. Still was later elected to the Philadelphia Board of Trade. In 1880, he was one of the organizers of the first African-American YMCA. William Still had a long and prosperous life.

Sites referencing William Still:
http://www.undergroundrr.com/foundation/about.htm
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USASstill.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Still
http://library.advanced.org/10854/still.html