Dr. Nathan Thomas

Dr. Nathan Thomas was a doctor in the 1800s and was the first person to give medical treatment to escaping slaves. He and his wife helped 1,000 to 1,500 slaves between 1840 and 1860. He was also the first physician in Kalamazoo County. Dr. Nathan was even involved with politics when he became one of the 400 residents that petitioned in opposition to the annexation of Texas. Two years later, he he joined other people to start a newspaper.

Dr. Nathan’s house was built in 1835. It was used to hide and help transport slaves. The house was cramped because Dr. Nathan’s family had to live in the house with the escaping slaves hiding in it. The house's frame was retired and relocated across where US 131 is today. The house is currently located at 613 East Cass Street, Schoolcraft, Michigan.

Finally, some fun facts. Dr. Nathan was a Republican and a Quaker. He had help while helping escaping slaves to freedom. Their names were Pamela Brown (his wife), Zachariah Shugart, and Erastus Hussey. Zachariah snuck the escaping slaves to Dr. Nathan. Then Dr. Nathan shuttled the slaves to Erastus to get to Canada from Detroit.