[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 88 (Monday, June 16, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1265]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING RIPLEY, OHIO, THE PARKER SOCIETY, ANN HAGEDORN FOR KEEPING THE 
            HEROIC STORIES OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD ALIVE

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                            HON. ROB PORTMAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 16, 2003

  Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
Village of Ripley, the Parker Society and author Ann Hagedorn, for 
working so tirelessly to commemorate the lives and stories of people 
who risked life and property for the cause of freedom: the conductors 
on the Underground Railroad. The Village of Ripley and Ann Hagedorn 
were honored during the Salute to Trailblazers Underground Railroad 
event on Capitol Hill in March.
  The Village of Ripley is in Brown County, Ohio, which I represent. It 
is home to two former conductors on the Underground Railroad, 
Presbyterian minister Reverend John Rankin, and freed slave, John 
Parker. Both the Rankin house and Parker house have been restored and 
help tell the story of how hundreds of slaves escaped via the 
Underground Railroad. Today in Ripley, the Parker Historical Society is 
comprised of many dedicated people, committed to preservation of the 
homes, artifacts, and stories of the brave people who believed so 
strongly in freedom for all.
  The mission of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, 
located in Cincinnati, Ohio, is to educate the public about the 
struggle to abolish slavery and secure freedom for all people. For many 
years, the Parker Society has worked tirelessly to restore the John 
Parker House, collecting artifacts, and recounting the life and history 
of John Rankin, John Parker, and the heroes of the Underground 
Railroad. Ann Hagedorn's recent book, Beyond The River, recounts in 
gripping detail the history of bravery and determined resolve of 
ordinary people who accomplished extraordinary deeds. The Brown County 
Commissioners had extraordinary vision and were particularly supportive 
of the Parker Society's restoration efforts.
  All of us in Southwest Ohio join in congratulating the Village of 
Ripley, the Parker Society, Ann Hagedorn, and the Brown County 
Commissioners for their vision in keeping the heroic stories of the 
Underground Railroad alive.

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