A Mystery: Where is Hannah Cox's Diary?
Hannah Peirce Cox was one of the stalwarts of the Kennett Underground Railroad movement. Hundreds of escaping slaves were helped by Hannah and her husband John, who also entertained John Greenleaf Whittier, William Lloyd Garrison, and many other first-rank abolitionists at their home near present-day Longwood Gardens.
When Hannah died in 1876, an obituarist noted "Her habit of keeping a daily record of events, practiced for many years, [which] was continued till she was stricken down by death, oftentimes her entries covering many pages." But this invaluable record of URR activity has disappeared!
Kennett Underground Railroad Center eagerly seeks any information as to the whereabouts of Hannah's diary. Please email us if you can help us with this search.