Lockport YWCA
Cellar Inscription:
Newton,
Piratical craft squire Rigged but our wind was good and we holed the duck (--) Mine got mine for XXX-Greeley's advice Day and Night day & night W/Tide.
Yours, TJ.
YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION (YWCA) OF LOCKPORT, 32 Cottage Street, Lockport, NY 14094
Little is known today about the woman who conducted her section of the Railway from her home in Lockport. Abijah Moss, born a U.S. citizen, was prominent and politically active in her community. She served as Cashier of Exchange at a local bank, becoming very respected among her peers. Her children grew up to be business owners and very well respected within the community in their own right.
A plaque which stands at the original front door of the home states that in 1861, Mrs. Moss purchased the home from Dr. George Merchant, and served as a refuge for slaves from the south. Unfortunately, because the effort was so secretive, no written documentation is available to substantiate this. However, administrators from the YWCA found a secret room several years ago which may have been used to hide slaves. This room has since been closed off.