John Parker

John Parker - crossing the river to freedom this painting illustrates the story of John Parker, a slave who bought his freedom, opened a business in Ripley, Ohio, and became a hero of the underground railroad.

John Parker is seen barefoot after sneaking into the slave owner's home to rescue a baby. The baby was kept in the house in order to keep the family from trying to escape.

In the excitement, John Parker left his shoes at the home. The shoes could have been used as evidence of Parker's "crime", so he returned to the plantation and safely retrieved his shoes.

On the bank the river on the far left is John Parker's house (now a museum in Ripley) On top of the hill is Rev. Rankin's house (another famous stop on the underground railroad)

mixed media