DELAVAN, Ill. — Tazewell County held a fourth event honoring its involvement with the Underground Railroad on Monday.
It was the fourth out of five events honoring local “Freedom Train” conductors.
The individuals who were honored are buried at Prairie Rest Cemetery and their graves now have markers.
Tazewell County Clerk John Ackerman told news partner 25 News, involvement in the Underground Railroad was still kept under wraps when the individuals died — but it now needs to be celebrated.
“Once we stop telling the story, people will forget what took place,” he said. “With these markers, we hope never to forget what took place… and the heroic individuals who stood forward to do what was right.”
Ackerman said he’s been pleased with the bigger-than-expected turnout at the events.
The fifth and final recognition will take place next April.
