Tales,
That is incredible and something of which to be incredibly proud! Was this prior to the Underground Railroad? My gr-gr Grandfather came through MA before landing in NY. This would have been circa 1845, later than your gr-gr-gr-great-grandfather's work in the late 1700s. I did read that much of New England was very sympathetic, which is what allowed the movement to thrive. I once read a quote that if the townpeople saw someone on the road in the middle of the night, they would say "well, its either a doctor, a drunk, or a fugitive slave"....none of which seemed to bother them.
Here is part of my g/g/grandpop's story about 55% down the page - Oliver Cromwell Gilbert. See where Boston is noted. If you read the "itinerary" paragraph, you'll see why I want the music cabinet back.
Ok, enough from since I don't want to hijack skinny's thread! I am feeling excited for him
http://seacoastnh.com/arts/please083101.html