Guilford College Honors Levi Coffin’s Legacy on His 227th Birthday

Levi Coffin, born on Oct. 28, 1798, in Guilford County’s New Garden community, is remembered for his pivotal role in the abolitionist movement. Though he later moved to Indiana, his legacy continues to resonate in the region, with a street on Guilford College bearing his name. The college honored his 227th birthday with a gathering in the Moon Room of Dana Auditorium, where attendees reflected on his life and work.

The event featured a presentation by Education Studies major Robin Tucker ’27, who highlighted the story of Levi’s wife, Catherine White Coffin. While Levi is often recognized as the “President of the Underground Railroad,” Catherine’s contributions were equally significant. A new U.S. Postal Service Forever stamp honors her, underscoring her role as a righteous and dedicated abolitionist in her own right.

Quaker archivist Gwen Gosney Erickson noted that Levi Coffin’s actions more than 150 years ago reflect many of the core values that Guilford College stands for today. His work, along with that of his wife, exemplifies the principles of justice, mercy, and humble service. The Coffins helped thousands of enslaved people escape to freedom, providing them with shelter, food, and clothing, and guiding them toward safety.

Liz Nicholson ’12, Director of the Quaker Leadership Scholars Program, shared personal connections to Levi Coffin’s legacy. Growing up near his farmhouse in Fountain City, Ind., she recalled visiting the Coffin House and seeing the hidden spaces where freedom seekers stayed. The presence of a well in the basement, designed to conceal the number of people inside, left a lasting impression of both ingenuity and sorrow.

The gathering at Guilford College emphasized the importance of remembering and honoring figures like Levi Coffin, whose life and work continue to inspire. His story, intertwined with that of his wife, serves as a testament to the power of courage and conviction in the pursuit of justice.

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