One-hundred thirty years ago in 1893, story and headlines taken directly from the pages of The Youngstown Vindicator:

“Gone to rest. Sturdy old John Van Fleet sleeps in peace. A pioneer with a history, one of the earliest of abolitionists and among the best-known men.

“While the city was going to sleep last night, there passed away one of nature’s noblemen, a veteran pioneer and one possessing the noblest traits of character — Mr. John Van Fleet.

“Disease consequent upon old age attacked the hardy pioneer several weeks ago, and he was compelled to retire to his couch, where he passed away, his death being that of a true Christian man.

“Mr. Van Fleet was born in Mercer County, Pa., October 14, 1807, and came to this city when a lad of fifteen, making his home with the late Wilson Thorn, who at the time occupied a log house on the site where the Tod House now stands.

“Mr. Thorn was engaged at the time in conducting a tannery on South Phelps Street, and the young man was given a thorough education as a tanner and later purchased the property and the interest of his employer in the business.

“The sturdy honesty which Mr. Van Fleet was imbued was carried into his business, and this trait of character secured him a large and lucrative business, purchasers coming from Pittsburgh, Cleveland and other cities to secure his products. He continued at this trade for many years until close attention to his work began to affect his health and he was compelled to retire, and later sold his property, which is now occupied by business houses.

“During his active life, Mr. Van Fleet was always engaged in every effort that would advance the interests of the city and the citizens. He was the founder of the public school system in Youngstown, circulating petitions to secure it, and to him more than any other one person belongs the credit of the unexcelled public school system now enjoyed by the growing youth of this city. As the public school system was inaugurated, he was a member of the board of education for several years.

“Mr. Van Fleet was known as a leading abolitionist in this section and was one of three men here to vote for General Birney, the abolition candidate for president in 1844, the other two being John Kirk and Samuel Hine.

“During slavery days, the home of Mr. Van Fleet on West Front Street was a station on the Underground Railroad and many were secreted in his residence while slaveholders were hunting him, and then when it was safe to do so, onto the next station in Hartford, where they were cared for by John Kirk and Henry Barnett until they were able to reach Canada.

“Early in life, Mr. Van Fleet joined the Presbyterian Church and was a devout and consistent member, his place never being vacant unless caused by ill health.

“Mr. Van Fleet was married in 1834 to Miss Jane Douglass, who survives him. The worthy couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1884, Elder James Calvin being the orator of the occasion and on behalf of the donors presenting them with many golden gifts.”

• Compiled from the Youngstown Vindicator by Traci Manning, Mahoning Valley Historical Society curator of education.