Last updated: April 17, 2023
Place
California: Samuel D. Burris Burial Site, Cypress Lawn Memorial Park
Courtesy Cypress Lawn Memorial Park
Quick Facts
Location:
Colma, California
Significance:
Burial site of Samuel D. Burris, conductor on the Underground Railroad from 1845-1847
Designation:
Network to Freedom Member (2023)
Cypress Lawn Cemetery in Colma, California, is the burial site of Samuel D. Burris, a well-documented Underground Railroad Conductor from Kent County, Delaware. A free man of color from a slave state, Samuel D. Burris’ participation is documented in the 1872 book, “The Underground Railroad” by William Still and in primary source material from his prosecution under Delaware law that punished assistance to freedom seekers. While the full extent of his work is not known, in December 1845 he assisted the Samuel Hawkins family for which two Underground Railroad operatives, Wilmington Stationmaster Thomas Garrett and New Castle County farmer John Hunn were sued in federal court under the Fugitive Slave Law of 1793.
Other Underground Railroad activity put Burris in prison in July 1847. He was convicted under Delaware law in early November that year. Punishment included that Burris was to be sold as a slave. He was brought to auction and the Pennsylvania Abolition Society sent a representative to purchase him. Released from prison in September 1848, he moved with his family to Philadelphia where he served on the Business Committee of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society until 1852. Later, Samuel D. Burris and his two brothers moved their families to San Francisco, California. He died in 1863 and was buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery. Burial grounds in San Francisco in the early 20th century closed so the land could be redeveloped. Burials from Laurel Hill were moved to Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Colma, California, in 1940.
The National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom serves to honor, preserve, and promote the history of resistance to enslavement through escape and flight, which continues to inspire people worldwide. The Network currently represents over 700 locations in 39 states, plus Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Through its mission, the Network to Freedom helps to advance the idea that all human beings embrace the right to self-determination and freedom from oppression.
Other Underground Railroad activity put Burris in prison in July 1847. He was convicted under Delaware law in early November that year. Punishment included that Burris was to be sold as a slave. He was brought to auction and the Pennsylvania Abolition Society sent a representative to purchase him. Released from prison in September 1848, he moved with his family to Philadelphia where he served on the Business Committee of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society until 1852. Later, Samuel D. Burris and his two brothers moved their families to San Francisco, California. He died in 1863 and was buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery. Burial grounds in San Francisco in the early 20th century closed so the land could be redeveloped. Burials from Laurel Hill were moved to Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Colma, California, in 1940.
The National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom serves to honor, preserve, and promote the history of resistance to enslavement through escape and flight, which continues to inspire people worldwide. The Network currently represents over 700 locations in 39 states, plus Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Through its mission, the Network to Freedom helps to advance the idea that all human beings embrace the right to self-determination and freedom from oppression.