Henry and Elizabeth Hamer were both enslaved in the Bruce family household in Covington, Kentucky. In 1856, they self-emancipated and fled north via the UGRR. Elizabeth, who was pregnant, waited in Windsor, Canada, for Henry to seek work and a safe place to live. They settled in Royal Oak. After achieving freedom, the Hamers corresponded briefly with their former enslavers, whose letters have survived. They bought property, raised their family, and with their descendants, made their mark on Royal Oak. The Hamer Finch Wilkins Park is named for them. Their burial sites are listed on the UGRR Network to Freedom.

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