Welcome From the General de Lafayette Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution

Welcome From the General de Lafayette Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution
On behalf of the General de Lafayette Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, welcome to this blog, "Road to Freedom Through Greater Lafayette." We have attempted to post brief biographical sketches of many of the men and women who were involved in Abolitionist activities in the Greater Lafayette, Indiana, area during the mid-19th century. We hope that it inspires further research into their lives and activities, because we believe the history in our community is worthy of national, state, and local recognition. Please forgive any imperfections. While we are lovers of history, we aren't degreed historians. We will always accept correction and learn from others who have studied history longer than we have. If you see an error, or if you would like to contribute information or photographs, please contact us at generaldelafayette@gmail.com. This website is a work-in-progress, and we will be adding to it, so please check back frequently.

A. P. Linn Abolitionist & Banker was father to DAR Member

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Austin P. Lynn (1815-1865), a prominent banker in Lafayette, Indiana, was an abolitionist and stationmaster in Lafayette's Underground Railroad network.  Lynn owned a nice estate on the corner of 7th & Main Streets that was said to be a "haven for runaway slaves."  Lynn's actions were not well-liked by some boatmen and local roughians.  In 1846 a mob descended upon his house with the intention of burning it down.  The county sheriff formed a local militia, called the Lafayette Blues, to protect the targeted abolitionists.  A violent thunderstorm also interfered in the mob's nefarious plans, and the homes were spared.

Linn's daughter, Flora Sherman, made the following statement about her father's Underground Railroad Activity:  "My father, H. P. Linn, lived in this house at the southwest corner of Seventh and Main Streets.  My father was an abolitionist.  I have often seen colored people kept in our cellar under this bay window in the house now, and when these colored people would want anything throughout the day, they would make a noise by tapping on the window or floor or walls.  They would be kept through the day and at night would be taken or guided to the next station, and in that way made their way to Canada, where the Fugitive Slave Law could not reach them."  (Alva O. Reser's Article on Local Underground Railroad Operations, The Lafayette Daily Courier, April 1, 1916).

Linn was a well-known citizen and banker in Lafayette.   The Linwood neighborhood north of Lafayette, was named in Linn's honor as a tribute to one of the founders of the settlement.  His great-grandfather, Andrew Linn, served as a soldier and wagon master in the Revolutionary War for the Pennsylvania Line.  A.P. Linn died in 1865 and is buried in the Spring Vale Cemetery in Lafayette, Indiana.

Linn married Olive Devault and was a founder of the old Second Presbyterian Church that stood on the site of the Family theater.  Their daughter, Flora L. (Lynn) Sherman was a prominent member of the General de Lafayette Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.

According to her 1917 obituary, "Mrs. Sherman, widow of Albert E. Sherman, widow of Albert E. Sherman, one of the best-known women in Lafayette, died quite suddenly at her home at 655 Main Street."  Mrs. Sherman was born in the home of her parents and lived there her entire life.  She was a talented musician and before her marriage was a music teacher.  Her husband, Albert E. Sherman, was a prominent citizen and deputy postmaster.  He was also a cousin of James Sherman, former Vice President of the United States.  


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