Aaron and Ellen Wilson fled what is now West Virginia about 1855 on Ellen’s enslaver’s horse, getting away after being pursued and attacked. They came through Farmington via the UGRR and went on to Canada, having their first child in 1856. They returned to Farmington by 1860 because the people “had been so friendly.” In 1872, they purchased 5 acres they named “Freedom Acres,” still owned by the family. The Wilson family continuously lived in and contributed to the Farmington community through the 1980s. Aaron, Ellen, their daughter Mary, and grandson Claude are buried in Oakwood (Farmington) Cemetery, but have no markers.

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For More Information

Brief slideshow by Leslie Pielack of Wilson property and historic site,’Freedom Acres’

Acknowledgements

Primary research on Aaron and Ellen Wilson contributed by Leslie Pielack, Birmingham Museum