Brick Structure Behind the Historic Gardner Homestead, November 8, 2018

This is a view of the collapsing brick structure located behind the Historic Gardner Homestead as it appeared in November, 2018. The homestead was purchased by the Flint Cemetery in May, 2017, with plans to rehabilitate the building. The property adjoins the cemetery, separated only by a creek and ravine. The structure is located in the wooded hill behind the house that descends down the ravine to the creek.

The home’s builder, Ozem Gardner, came to central Ohio from Ostego County, New York, in 1817. He worked as brickmaker until he could save enough money to purchase 65 acres of farmland on Flint Road in 1821. He lived in a log cabin until late 1830's. The brick farmhouse was built around 1850. An active member of the Anti-Slavery Society of Worthington, Gardner operated an Underground Railroad station on his property. It has been said that he assisted more than 200 enslaved people on their journey to seek freedom in Canada. Ozem Gardner lived in this home until his death in 1880.

It is believed that the structure was used to conceal people fleeing slavery while they stayed on Gardner's property. After dark and during the colder months, they would come into Gardner's house when it was safe to do so. It has long been believed that a tunnel connected the brick shelter to Gardner's house. Researchers from The Ohio State University conducted tests using ground-penetrating radar in an effort to locate the remains of such a tunnel, but did not find any evidence of its existence.

A notable previous resident of the home was Henry Hancock and his family, who lived there for approximately 30 years. According to an interview with his granddaughter, Hancock was the first Black sheriff’s deputy in Franklin County. He also ran a business, Funeral Police Escort, for more than 40 years.