In 1854, Julia Wilson, 14, traveled to Madison, Indiana, the seat of Jefferson County, from Jackson, Hinds County, Mississippi, by way of what was known as a “Black Pass.”

Several years ago, I read a biography of Miss Delia Ann Webster, an amazingly strong woman who was born and raised in Vermont, but moved south to become involved in anti-slavery activities from the 1840s through Emancipation. Recently, I read the only other biography about Webster that I could find.

For about three years, I've had somewhat of a love affair with a man who has been dead nearly 140 years. And yes, my husband knows all...