The Bristol Hill Congregational Church in the hamlet of Volney had both black and white members. Many were active in the Underground Railroad. |
Volney is a small hamlet east of Fulton in Oswego
County. One focal point of this rural community was the Bristol Hill Church
was established in 1812. This church had both black and white members (including
the Gilberts and Masons), many of whom were active in the underground
railroad. This building was constructed between 1832-36 and incorporates
original wainscoting, windows, and carved lintel. It is now on the National
Register and it has a grant for renovation work. A short distance away is the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery (Western Section), across from the Methodist Church. This cemetery contains graves of about four dozen African Americans, including at least one Civil War veteran, Samuel Bakeman. The William Baldwin House is located at 323 Baldwin Road in Volney. Baldwin's granddaughter recalled stories of his participation in the underground railroad. The proximity of several African American families, including the Depuys, Slaters, and Lawsons, suggests the possibility of a biracial freedom trail network in this neighborhood. |