Free Frank McWorter’s freedom to be celebrated Sept. 13

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BARRY, Ill. — The New Philadelphia Association will celebrate the freedom of Free Frank McWorter, the first African American to plat and register a town in the United States in 1836, on Sept. 13.

McWorter purchased his freedom and became Free Frank 202 years ago on Sept. 13, 1819. This event is part of the Pike County, Ill., Bicentennial Celebration and the National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Month. Retired Brig. Gen. Donald L Scott will be the event’s keynote speaker.

Free Frank Freedom Day will begin at 2 p.m. at the town site northeast of Barry.

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