The Path to Freedom

One dark night, Henson and his family left their home. He carried his two youngest children in a backpack. The family boarded a small boat and crossed the Ohio River into Indiana.

Once in Indiana, the family had to move slowly. They had to be careful not to be seen. Some slave owners offered rewards for the capture of escaped slaves. If the family was found, they might be returned to Riley. To make sure no one saw them, Henson’s family often traveled at night and slept during the day.

Some slave owners posted signs that offered rewards for the capture of runaway slaves.