A road trip to Spring Hill
Spring Hill was known as a hub for freedom seekers prior to the Civil War. The home built by Thomas and Charity Roach in 1821 soon became a part of the Underground Railroad network.
The Smithville Community Historical Society will travel to the Spring Hill Historic Home at 1401 Spring Hill Lane NE in Massillon on July 2, leaving from Smithville and arriving to start the tour at 11 a.m.
Spring Hill was known as a hub for freedom seekers prior to the Civil War. The home built by Thomas and Charity Rotch in 1821 soon became a part of the Underground Railroad network.
Thomas and Charity Rotch, along with like-minded residents of the area who were compassionate toward slaves, assisted in slaves’ travel north through Kendal, now a part of Northeast Massillon. Many fled the South via Wheeling, West Virginia along with Ohio cities such as Martins Ferry, Mount Pleasant, Coshocton and Zanesville.
On a suggestion of Dr. Benjamin Rush of Philadelphia, the Rotch family moved to Ohio in 1811 to cure Charity Rotch's spotted fever with a healthier climate. The family purchased 4,000 acres, which would be named Spring Hill Farm, where they raised merino sheep.
Thomas and Charity Rotch were Quakers and regular attendees of the Ohio Yearly Meetings of Quakers at Mount Pleasant.
Thomas Rotch died in 1823 and Charity Rotch in 1824. The house was transferred to their heirs.
In 1830 Arvine Wales purchased the home and 60 acres, building a west wing on the house in 1831. Wales also supported the abolition movement. The Wales family has owned the home all but a few years since then.
The house saw more changes in 1910 with the addition of a screened-in porch built in 1920.
Today Spring Hill is the oldest house of significance remaining in Massillon. The Friends of Freedom Society and the Ohio Underground Railroad Association now recognize Spring Hill as an Underground Railroad site. There will be a $5 fee for this tour.
The group will then have lunch at Smileys Restaurant and Pizzeria at 27 Lincoln Way E. in Massillon. Call 330-669-3283 to make reservations prior to June 29.