The Underground Railroad ran most actively in Hancock County from 1856 to 1860, following Route 68 north, with the first stop on John A. Woods' property in Williamstown just south of Arlington. From there, David Adams, a free black man and local barber, harbored runaways in Findlay. The next stop was just north of Findlay on John King's farm, where King concealed fugitives in sacks and transported them north to Bowling Green in his wagon. Though other stations are rumored to have existed in Hancock County, they are difficult to confirm. The Underground Railroad became even more vital after Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Act in 1850, requiring all citizens to assist in the capture and return of slaves and imposing fines of up to $100 or 6 months in jail for harboring or assisting them. In addition to local station masters and conductors, others in Hancock County offered financial assistance, food, and clothing to runaway slaves escaping to Canada. Divided loyalties over slavery created a very dangerous atmosphere for both those escaping and those aiding them on their way to freedom.