Uncovering A Hidden Legacy in Black American History: Exploring Stories of Antebellum Resistance
by Shanna Ward
Born into slavery in early 19th-century Virginia, John T. Ward’s life was shaped by the oppressive realities of bondage and the unwavering pursuit of freedom. From a young age, John understood that his fate was dictated by forces beyond his control, yet he refused to be defined by his enslavement. His journey is not just a personal story but a testament to the resilience of an entire lineage that fought tirelessly for liberation.
This meticulously researched and deeply moving historical narrative sheds light on the life and legacy of John T. Ward, a man whose contributions to the Underground Railroad and the fight for Black liberation have long been overshadowed by history. Spanning multiple generations, this book traces Ward’s ancestry, from his enslaved grandparents to his own rise as a fearless abolitionist and successful businessman.
Ward’s story begins in the brutal world of American slavery, where families were torn apart and human lives were treated as commodities. His mother, Hannah, was a fierce woman who bore the scars of resistance, standing up to the overseers who sought to break her spirit. She, like so many others, endured the unimaginable while holding onto the hope that her children would one day live free.
After being manumitted in 1827 upon the death of his slave owner, John T. Ward, and his family faced new challenges as freed people in a society that sought to deny them true autonomy. While they had been granted freedom on paper, systemic racism and legal restrictions ensured that their lives remained fraught with danger. White officials and plantation owners sought to force free Blacks out of Virginia, leading Ward and many others to seek refuge in Ohio—a state that promised freedom but harbored its own racial hostilities.
The book delves into Ward’s role in the Underground Railroad—a secret network of abolitionists and safe houses that helped enslaved individuals escape to freedom. As a conductor, Ward risked his life, time and again, to guide fugitives along treacherous routes, evading bounty hunters and hostile law enforcement. The story paints vivid scenes of midnight escapes, coded signals, and the ever-present tension of pursuing freedom in a land built on captivity.
Beyond his courageous work with the Underground Railroad, John T. Ward was also a farmer, a City of Columbus employee, a delegate, and president of the Colored Conventions. Remarkably, he was a successful businessman and founder of the oldest Black-owned business in America—a rare achievement for Black men in his era. Ward leveraged his entrepreneurial talents to uplift his community, recognizing economic independence as a fundamental part of the broader fight for racial justice. His strong business acumen provided essential resources to sustain his abolitionist efforts, enabling him to aid escaping slaves and protect those who had reached freedom.
The book also explores the broader historical context of Ward’s life, touching on the impact of major events such as the Fugitive Slave Act, the rise of abolitionist movements, and the violent resistance to Black emancipation. Through meticulous research, letters, census records, and oral histories passed down through generations, this book reconstructs a narrative that has been largely forgotten by mainstream history.
More than a biography, The Untold Story of John T. Ward is a powerful reflection on the enduring legacy of Black resistance and resilience. It confronts uncomfortable truths about America’s past while celebrating the indomitable spirit of those who fought tirelessly for justice. Ward’s journey—from an enslaved child to an abolitionist hero, respected leader, and pioneering entrepreneur—is a testament to the transformative power of courage, faith, and collective action.
This book is essential reading for history enthusiasts, educators, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the origins and evolution of Black activism in America. By vividly bringing the voices of the past to life, it ensures that John T. Ward’s contributions—and those of countless others—are honored and never forgotten.
“ 5.0 out of 5 stars A family story demonstrating the ability to not only overcome, but to excel. Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2025 Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase I have a long time fascination with the Underground Railroad. Years ago, while doing some research, I found that my favorite conductor was freed in a group of 134 individuals, which include the Ward family. I bought this book knowing much of the story, but have learned so much more. Shanna Ward has done a tremendous job of pouring her heart, soul and emotion into this magnificent work.”
Twitch 23
Shanna Ward
Shanna Ward is an author, family historian, and passionate advocate for preserving Black history and economic empowerment. A fifth-generation descendant of abolitionist John T. Ward, she has dedicated her life to uncovering and amplifying the voices of unsung heroes in Black history. From an early age, Shanna was captivated by fragments of her family’s legacy—whispers of an ancestor who risked everything for freedom. That curiosity ignited a relentless pursuit to unearth, reclaim, and honor a name history nearly erased. Through exhaustive research, archival deep-dives, and oral histories, she discovered the remarkable story of John T. Ward—a conductor on the Underground Railroad, a Civil War military supplier, and the founder of America’s oldest Black-owned business still in operation today. John T. Ward was more than just a freedom fighter—he was also deeply engaged in anti-slavery politics, advocating for Black liberation through political action. As an active participant in the Colored Conventions Movement, Ward joined other prominent Black leaders in demanding civil rights, economic opportunities, and education for freed Black Americans. His influence extended beyond secret escape routes; he was a strategist, an organizer, and a leader in the fight for racial justice. In her powerful debut book, The Bequest of John T. Ward, Shanna intricately weaves together the resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering determination of her ancestor, offering readers a front-row seat to one of history’s most compelling untold stories. With vivid storytelling and rich historical detail, she brings John T. Ward’s legacy to life, challenging readers to reflect on their own history and the importance of economic independence. Beyond her work as a ancestry historian, Shanna is a fierce advocate for Black economic empowerment, championing group economics, legacy-building, and historical reclamation. She believes that understanding our past is the key to shaping our future, and she calls on readers to honor those who came before us, build for those who come after us, and reclaim the history that is rightfully ours.