Robert Wilson | |
---|---|
Born | 1806 Ireland |
Died | 1888 |
Occupation | Ship Captain |
Known for | Helping escaped slaves to freedom |
Robert Wilson (1806 – 1888)[1] was a Great Lakes ship captain operating out of Oakville, Province of Canada who helped black slaves from the United States escape to freedom as part of the Underground Railroad.[2]
Wilson was born in Ireland. His mother moved the family to Canada in 1817 after the death of her husband.[3]
Wilson was the master of the Lady Colborne, a schooner that shipped grain on the Great Lakes.[4] Slaves would be picked up from Ashtabula, Ohio and hidden in the hold with grain shipments.[5][6] Following the American Civil War, African Americans in the Oakville area celebrated Emancipation Day at George's Square in the town, and would also visit the home of Wilson.[6][7] The home at 279 Lawson St. was known as the "Mariner's Home" as it was open to ill and homeless sailors during the winter.[8]
The Captain R. Wilson Public School is named in his honour.[9][10]