Boston Vigilance Committee Records, 1857

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This page comes from the Treasurers Accounts of the Boston Vigilance Committee. The Boston Vigilance Committee kept clear records of those involved in Boston’s Underground Railroad network, as well as some of those who sought shelter in Boston. In this record, we see William Cooper Nell’s active involvement in Boston’s Underground Railroad network, as he provided “services to fugitives” and helped others escape north to Canada.

Questions to Consider

1. Several times this page states William C. Nell provided “services to fugitives.” What do you think those services might have been?
2. Take a closer look at this page; do you recognize any other names? Who were they and what did they do?
3. What is the importance of using records such as these Treasurers Accounts to tell the history of the Underground Railroad in Boston?