From 1851 until 1878, the DeLand family's property stood on the northeast corner of Mechanic and Franklin streets and became an Underground Railroad hub through the efforts of William DeLand, Mary DeLand, and their son Charles DeLand. William offered the family home to freedom seekers, Mary fed guests, and Charles transported freedom seekers in a lumber wagon to the next stop. Charles later recalled that the family's home and barn became a regular relay station, where freedom seekers arrived at night, were hidden during the day, and then sent on the next night along rough roads across Leoni and Waterloo to continue their journey to freedom. In adulthood, Charles DeLand became editor of the American Citizen newspaper, published fiery editorials denouncing slavery as an abomination, and later served as a Union Colonel in the Civil War, where he was commended for bravery.