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Contribution #318 of 365
William Whipper
Lumber, Coal and Transportation Entrepreneur
1830s–1860s
The contribution
How this work helped shape America
Born free in Pennsylvania, William Whipper developed a major commercial partnership with Stephen Smith in lumber, coal and transportation. Their enterprise used railroad cars and other distribution networks to move goods while employing Black workers and accumulating significant business assets. Whipper also used transportation resources and personal risk to assist freedom seekers through the Underground Railroad.