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Although the majority of the fugitives who
passed through Beaver County will forever remain anonymous, a
few left a tracable legacy.
Two of these were Frederick Douglass and James Bruien.
Douglass, whose activities in the county are outlined on pages
8-10, was often a visitor and lecturer in New Brighton, strongly
influencing the local sentiments against slavery. He lectured
at the First Presbyterian Church in New Brighton and at various
Quaker homes and meeting halls.
Sergeant James Bruien and his battle scarred flag was a common
sight at any New Brighton parade. James escaped from slavery three
times before getting to Canada. During the Civil War he fought
with a Black regiment. He was especially honored during the 1900
Beaver County Centennial. He was a well known resident of New
Brighton and died in 1916.