A Final River to Cross
With his wife Dr. Gretchen Duling, Dennis co-wrote a book about The Underground Railroad at Youngstown, New York, offering further proof of the existence of, support for, and operation of the Underground Railroad in Western New York. The revised and enhanced second edition contains newly discovered primary source materials and includes an extensive bibliography and a comprehensive index. It clearly demonstrates the connection of Youngstown, New York to regional and national UGRR networks, and tells the compelling stories of the Village and its citizens—an agent, boaters, ferrymen—who were linked with other persons and villages in a broader network. Seven accounts document eighteen fugitive slaves who made the perilous crossing to freedom in Canada from Youngstown. The final chapter is an Underground Railroad database based on the Wellman Scale. This thoroughly documented book is exactly the kind of local and regional study that UGRR experts currently recommend and fills a gap in research on the Underground Railroad in New York State.
What people are saying about A Final River to Cross:
”Thoroughly researched, with solid information, this book explores the fascinating people, places, and stories relating to the Underground Railroad in Youngstown, New York, an important crossing point into Canada. It is a very welcome addition to Underground Railroad literature.
Judith Wellman, Ph.D.Historian and Principal Investigator, Historical New York Research Associates Professor Emerita, State University of New York at Oswego
”Wow! This is an incredible piece of scholarship and a great contribution to the history of the vital and active Underground Railroad networks of Youngstown and the neighboring region. Congratulations! This book deserves a wide readership!
Kate Clifford Larson, Ph.D.Historian, Author of Bound for the Promised Land: Harriet Tubman, Portrait of an American Hero
”Intricately researched, A Final River to Cross offers as many questions as answers, not about whether or not there were any crossings from Youngstown to Canada, but about the full extent of the role played by the men and women of Youngstown, New York, in this amazing, international movement. The Dulings’ research suggests that there is far more to the story. Their work will continue to inform and inspire additional investigation for decades.
Bill Bradberry, ChairNiagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Area Commission
”Gretchen and Dennis Duling have filled a void in Youngstown history with their book on the Underground Railroad. What’s most amazing is that they didn’t listen to those who said there’s no evidence of such activity,but instead diligently searched across New York State, visiting libraries, churches, and historical societies. In doing so, they uncovered a rich treasure trove of information.
Karen Noonan, Ph.D.Youngstown, New York local historian