Uxbridge is dedicating a marker to those formerly enslaved in the town

[Mike Potaski]

Uxbridge Dedicates New Marker 

Rep. Joseph McKenna will be the keynote speaker at the dedication of a new historical marker to honor the lives of 17 Uxbridge residents who were enslaved. The ceremony will be held at Town Hall (21 South Main) on Friday October 3, 2025 at 2:00 pm. This is the first in a series of markers spearheaded by the Uxbridge Historical Commission. The aim is to share many of the town's stories over the next two years as Uxbridge approaches its 300th Anniversary in 2027.

    This first marker will reside at the entrance to Prospect Hill Cemetery. The gravesite of Robin, one of those commemorated, is nearby. Others whose lives are recalled include Cato Fortunatus, who was enslaved by Samuel Read and fought in the Revolutionary War on behalf of Uxbridge and then gave three more years of service for Upton. 

    Felix, Jenny and their three daughters were enslaved by the Hall and Spring families. Will and Sabina were enslaved in the household of Uxbridge's first Congregational minister, Reverend Nathan Webb. There are four individuals whose lives can be documented, but whose names, though known to their families and community, were not recorded. Historian Michael Potaski spent many hours searching local records to collect this information.

     Other proposed markers include Patriot Ezekiel Wood, Civil War veteran Nurse Marie Barton Greene, and Olympian Alice Bridges Roche who won a Bronze medal and learned to swim at Pout Pond. Significant local events include Sojourner Truth and Frederick Douglass speaking in Uxbridge and the town's more hidden role along two routes of the Underground Railroad.

     The Uxbridge Historical Commission expresses its profound gratitude to the Uxbridge Cultural Council, a local agency, the Mass. Cultural Council, a state agency, the Uxbridge Historical Society, and the private donors who funded this first marker. Thanks is also due to community volunteers and members of our local Scout Troop, who helped to install this marker.       

    Individuals and community organizations interested in sponsoring an anniversary marker should contact Susan Franz at sfr...@uxbridge-ma.gov