William Bush Headstone at Willow Grove Cemetery: Fountain City, Indiana

Not so far away from the Levi Coffin House in Fountain City, Indiana you’ll find Willow Grove Cemetery.

What’s so special about this cemetery is that it holds the grave site of William Bush, a former slave who helped found refuge at the Levi Coffin House.

William Bush in Fountain City, Indiana

In case you don’t remember, the Levi Coffin House has been dubbed the “grand central station of Indiana” for its efforts at helping escaped slaves make their way North to freedom.

It’s been said that 2,000 people made their way to freedom, stopping briefly at  the Levi Coffin House before continuing on in their rush to safety.

William “Billy” Bush was one of those people.

The Story of William Bush

Willow Grove Cemetery: Fountain City, Indiana

He traveled to the Levi Coffin House in a box. Word of mouth is that he left Cincinnati. Who knows how many hours of nervous waiting and discomfort were behind him by the time he reached Levi and Catharine Coffin in the early days of Wayne County. In wooden shoes.

Whether he took the last name of “Bush” due to his appearance when he finally got out of that box upon his arrival or after seeing Levi Coffin, it’s unknown.

But what we do know is that he ended up staying! In fact, he helped other slaves on their flight to freedom from the places he lived.

Eventually, he decided to stay on permanently, most likely due to the friendliness and, I would imagine, the acceptance, of his presence in the mostly Quaker town.

Go There

Willow Grove Cemetery: Fountain City, Indiana

At the Levi Coffin House, you can see his wooden shoes (thought to be from a background in blacksmithing) and a few other items on display. At this Indiana cemetery, you can see his gravesite and the graves of his descendants!

What’s interesting here is that unlike cemeteries of the time, the Quaker cemetery of Willow Grove did not separate races.

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William Bush at Willow Grove Cemetery in Fountain City, Indiana

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These people opened up their Fountain City, Indiana home to help others. They even had a secret room built into their home in order to protect those briefly placed within their care.

Even in this very small Indiana town, there is a unique piece of Indiana history. It is very fortunate that the people of this town recognized what they possessed. You’ll want to check this out–Kid #1 loved this attraction!

Images from Levi Coffin House: Grand Central Station of the Underground Railroad from Fountain City, Indiana

Levi Coffin House: Fountain City, Indiana

Levi Coffin House: Fountain City, Indiana

Levi Coffin House: Fountain City, Indiana

Levi Coffin House: Fountain City, Indiana

Find pictures in Indiana on my Flickr photostream or on the new little Indiana Tumblr blog.

Just don’t forget to tell ‘em that  little Indiana sent you!

Levi Coffin Home
113 N US Highway 27
Fountain City, Indiana 47341
765.847.2432

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Special thank you to Nancy Sartain of Visit Wayne County Tourism for our visit to this fine attraction. Opinions remain mine and mine alone (as always).

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Levi Coffin House: Fountain City, Indiana

From the outside, you probably wouldn’t realize that the Levi Coffin House in Fountain City, Indiana is an important National Historic Landmark.

This simple, eight room, 1839 built brick home was dubbed the “Grand Central Station of the Underground Railroad.”

Fountain City, Indiana: Levi Coffin House

Nicknamed the President of the Underground Railroad, Levi Coffin and his wife, Catharine, were thought to have helped as many as 2,000 slaves make their way to freedom. That’s men, women, and children heading up from Kentucky on their way North.

What’s rather interesting is that this home was built with hiding escapees right from the start.

With a secret room and a lower-level kitchen, the Coffin family ensured that those fleeing to freedom were away from prying eyes. You’ll love walking through the upper level  bedroom that contains the secret room. With a very unusual low ceiling to hide the secret room and a quick, easy way to hide the doorway, this Quaker abolitionist family had it all planned out.

Indiana History

Levi Coffin House: Fountain City, Indiana Kid #1 is in Red

Kid #1 absolutely loved this Wayne County attraction. He was able to correctly answer the tour guide’s questions–and sure made us proud! Even today, weeks later, he still brings up the Levi Coffin House.

I think it’s in part that the tour guide was so incredibly knowledgeable. Although the items inside are interesting, she didn’t just walk us through.

She stopped, explained the story behind the room, shared stories from Levi Coffin’s book by memory, and then carried on. It was all so very fascinating.

The best part is that they have plans for expansion! With the recent purchase of the building next door, they are hoping to install an interpretive center and expand the tale of Levi Coffin in this small Indiana town. You can help with your monetary donations.

Go There

Levi Coffin House: Fountain City, Indiana

Today, you are welcome to tour the Federal-style home. Deemed a National Historic Landmark back in 1965, it is in excellent condition!

I admit that I am leaving out a very unusual, very interesting portion of the Levi Coffin House: something really neat located on the lower level. I hate to give EVERYTHING away! Go there and see this unique piece of Indiana history for yourself.

Find pictures in Indiana on my Flickr photostream or on the new little Indiana Tumblr blog.

Just don’t forget to tell ‘em that  little Indiana sent you!

Levi Coffin Home
113 N US Highway 27
Fountain City, Indiana 47341
765.847.2432

View Larger Map

Special thank you to Nancy Sartain of Visit Wayne County Tourism for our visit to this fine attraction. Opinions remain mine and mine alone (as always).

Don’t miss a moment. Subscribe to little Indiana and receive instant updates to stay on top of everything “little.”

little Indiana: Where to Stay, Play, and Eat in Small Towns in Indiana. Discovering Indiana’s best small towns! Now get little Indiana on your Kindle.

Targeted. Relevant. Affordable! little Indiana advertising.