Bishop William Hanby (1807-1880), courageous and of strong convictions, publicly scorned a law that made it a felony to give food to a hungry slave or shelter to a friendless man. From pulpit, platform, and workbench he condemned the inhumane Fugitive Slave law of 1850, declaring, “We may be bound by a man-made law, but we are more bound by a Lord-given conscience.” With the help of his family, particularly his son Ben, his trusted ally and friend, he worked tirelessly to provide food and shelter to runaways who sought refuge in Hanby's barn with the saddle and harness shop. Working in collaboration with Dr. Lewis Davis, president of Otterbein University, they shared a bond of unfailing loyalty and helpfulness with others in the area who were also dedicated to the services demanded by the Underground Railroad. When asked how he, a Christian minister, could deliberately break the law of the land, Hanby replied, “When a man made law is in conflict with God's law, there is no compromise - we choose one way or the other. Choose you this day whom you will serve, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” These words were the cornerstone of William Hanby's life.