Moses Pettengill

Champion of Social Justice

Moses Pettengill

The name Moses Pettengill (1802 – 1883) is synonymous with social justice – specifically the abolition of slavery. Moses and his first wife Lucy were early champions of social reform – strong supporters of anti-slavery activism, early advocates of temperance movements and dedicated conductors along the Underground Railroad.

Upon their arrival from Salisbury, New Hampshire to Peoria in 1834, the Pettengills became deeply involved with shaping the social and moral foundations of the developing community. With others, Moses and Lucy founded the Main Street Presbyterian Church and, from this founding, established the Peoria Anti-Slavery Society. Early on, the Pettengills and other organizers were met with violent opposition, but these ardent abolitionists held their ground and the Peoria Anti-Slavery Society survived.

Moses and Lucy were also known to have opened up their home (their first home situated where the Peoria Civic Center now stands) to formerly enslaved persons. With their home as an active station on the Underground Railroad, the Pettengills worked with other area conductors to ensure the safe delivery of those seeking freedom. It is also believed that a young Abraham Lincoln spent time as a guest in the Pettengill home.

Perhaps the best example of the Pettengills’ dedication to social justice is their relationship with Eugene Russell, a previously enslaved thirteen-year-old boy whom Moses hired to work for him and whom Moses also promised an education. In addition to their work with the abolition movement, Moses and Lucy were philanthropists who helped impoverished individuals, assisted schools and aided Union soldiers during the Civil War. Clearly, Moses and Lucy Pettengill (as well as his second wife Hannah) were significant champions of social justice.

Major Morris Clark

Title Unknown, 1877

(Portrait of Moses Pettengill)

Oil on canvas