Ise and Emeline Young, escaped slaves from Louisiana, traveled the canal system on their way to freedom in Canada along the underground railroad with the help of a young Florida family, Robert and Nancy Newell. Once off the canal system, they traveled concealed in a wagon until reaching Ridgeville Corners. Reverend Stow helped Ise and Emeline travel from Florida to Ridgeville Corners hidden in a wagon, seeking respite in the First Congregational Church. The escaped slaves rested a week in the musty basement awaiting the next leg into Fulton County and eventually to the Elgin Settlement in Canada.