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.

The Buddell Sleeper House Underground Railroad Station

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In 2018 the chapter erected a historical marker that read:

The Buddell Sleeper House Underground Railroad Station



Buddell Sleeper (1806-1888) and his wife, Elizabeth Welch (1802-1889), arrived in Tippecanoe County in the Fall of 1835.  The Sleepers would become prominent members of the Farmers Institute Quaker community and the Greenfield Monthly Meeting of Friends.  They followed a Quaker belief of placing God's Law above man's law and took a strong stance against slavery, war, and all forms of oppression.

Buddell Sleeper is best remembered for his role as a stationmaster on the Underground Railroad by offering a safe house for fugitive slaves traveling the Freedom Train to Canada.  The Sleeper family and their nephew, Isaiah, courageously provided food, shelter, and protection to the slaves while risking serious consequences.  During the day, the runaways used a trap door to hide below the dining room floor.  By night time, Mr. Sleeper concealed the "cargo" with sacks of wheat in a horse-drawn wagon with a false bottom and transported them to the next station, the Hawkins family's home in Otterbein.




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