Witherby Meadows

historical society represented at Witherby Meadows opening

Witherby Meadows, the site of the 2014 Citirama,  is named for the Witherby Family who once owned a large farm on both sides of Belmont Avenue.  A part of this farm is the site of this year’s Citirama. Rev. Danforth Witherby was a traveling preacher who moved his family to this farm in 1802. Besides being a Methodist minister, he was  a farmer, a cooper and in 1839 built a brick kiln.

His son, Thomas Branch Witherby made and donated the bricks to build Farmers’ College and he also served on its first Board of Directors of the college.   His son, attended Farmers’ College and was named  Freeman Cary  Witherby after the founder of Cary Academy and Farmers’ College .  The first Board of Directors of Farmers’ College were all connected to anti-slavery work and the first faculty were clearly united in their views against

Witherby Meadows is dedicated

slavery.

In her letter documenting Underground Railroad activity in College Hill, Harriet Wilson mentions “Mr. W” as being willing to harbor Freedom Seekers.  “Mr. W” was surely Thomas Branch Witherby who lived close to Farmers’ College and was the neighbor of Rev. Jonathan Cable who assisted in the escape of the 28 through College Hill in April, 1853.

Jesse Locker

Thursday morning, Sept. 11th at 10:00 is the dedication of the gateway to Witherby Meadows where there is a plaque honoring Jesse Locker (1891-1955) after whom they named two of the streets. Mr. Locker was born in College Hill, was in the last graduating class from College Hill High School, and went on to get his law degree in 1915 from Howard University. He served six-terms on the Cincinnati City Council, was a trustee of the Crawford Home in College Hill, and he went on to be names and serve as the Ambassador to Liberia in 1853. He died in Liberia and is buried in Mt. Healthy.