Read Part One HERE
In this blog I will focus on a woman named Laura Smith Haviland. She lived from 1808 - 1898.
Laura was born in Kitly Township, Ontario, Canada, to devout Quaker parents. In most of her early years, from Canada to New York, Laura's life revolved around the farm. She learned to read and write from her parents, and was an "inquisitive" well-read young girl - even though she lacked a formal education,
Through her reading she became deeply interested in the institution of slavery.
At age 16 she met Charles Haviland, Jr., a young Quaker man with a similar background. They got married one year later, and then moved to Michigan. Surrounded by people of shared values, Laura and others formed the Logan Female Anti-Slavery Society, the first abolitionist group in Michigan. The family also opened up a school, named the Raisin Institute, where Laura taught. Despite the protests of some, Laura insisted that the school be open to all races and religions. It was the first integrated school in Michigan, and Laura reported that the success won over concerned parents, as the students got along so well.
During that time, the Havilands also hid runaway slaves on their farm. Their home was the first Underground Railroad station in Michigan, and it developed a reputation as a safe haven for former slaves who had escaped fugitive slave catchers.
P.S. I will continue Laura Smith Haviland's story in my next blog.
Read Part Four HERE
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