Salem abolitionist’s efforts saluted

SALEM, Ohio – “Unserheim,” the historical Salem home of the noted abolitionist Daniel Howell Hise, will receive an Ohio bicentennial historical marker during special ceremonies May 17.

Fought against slavery. The home, an important stop on the Underground Railroad, is located at 1100 Franklin Ave.

Unserheim, German for “Our Home,” is a two and one-half story ante-bellum structure built by Aaron Hise, Daniel’s father, in the 1840s.

The Daniel Hise family made renovations that included hidden rooms under the house and in an accompanying barn.

Both Daniel Hise and his wife, Margaret, were active in the Western Anti-Slavery Society located in Salem. Hise also helped organize Salem’s annual Anti-Slavery Fair

Leaders visited. The home was frequently opened to abolitionist speakers of the day, including Parker Pillsbury, Amos Gilbert and William Lloyd Garrison.

Women’s rights also received Hise’s full support. When the Women’s Rights Convention of 1850 was held in Salem, Hise supported his wife, Margaret, by attending the convention, even though men were forbidden to speak.

Again, Hise opened Unserheim to noted activists, such as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Sojourner Truth.

Public invited. The public is invited to the marker ceremonies at 2 p.m.

Special guest for the unveiling is Daniel George Hise of Jackson, Miss., the great-great-grandson of Hise.

Speakers include Judi Allio of the Salem Public Library, Lori Fine of the Ohio Bicentennial Commission, and Nancy Haraburda of the Ohio Historical Society.

Following the unveiling, Allio and George Hays, president of the Salem Historical Society, will present a program on the Hise legacy. They will include information from the Hise diaries and details about the Hise family and the transcription project.

Today, Unserheim is owned by John Zamora. The house will not be open to the public during the unveiling or program.