Gov. Beshear Posthumously Pardons 43 Individuals Who Helped Enslaved People Escape to Freedom

A couple of the names on the list were part of the local Underground Railroad

(Frankfort, Ky.) - Today, ahead of Juneteenth, Gov. Andy Beshear took executive action to posthumously pardon 43 wrongfully imprisoned individuals who helped enslaved people escape to freedom.

The Governor also proclaimed Friday, June 19, as Juneteenth National Freedom Day in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

“When we have a chance to correct a historical wrong, we should do it. That’s why ahead of Juneteenth, I am posthumously pardoning 43 brave Kentuckians who were wrongfully imprisoned for helping enslaved people escape to freedom,” said Gov. Beshear. “These leaders are heroes – not criminals – and they and their families deserve the justice of having their names cleared.”

The executive order signed by the Governor lists the names of all individuals pardoned today. 

One of the individuals included is Elijah Anderson, who was one of the most active Underground Railroad conductors in Kentucky. He lived in Madison, Indiana and led "freedom expeditions" into Kentucky. He is credited with helping about 1,000 people to freedom. 

Anderson was arrested in Louisville attempting to cross the Ohio River and died in the Kentucky State Pentitary, which is located steps from where the Executive Order was signed.

Another named listed is Isaac Johnson, a white man, convicted in Kenton County of harboring, aiding, or enticing black slaves to escape enslavement. He served his sentence of imprisonment from 1851 to 1853. 

The Governor acknowledged that there are more stories out there of individuals who deserve the same and encouraged Kentuckians who know of someone who deserves a posthumous pardon for their work to help enslaved individuals reach freedom to email FreedomTrailPardons@ky.gov. All requests will be reviewed for consideration.