Quick Info
| Profession | Presbyterian minister, abolitionist, Underground Railroad conductor |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | 04/02/1793 |
| Age | 93 years (died on 18, Mar, 1886) |
| Birthplace | Jefferson County, Tennessee, USA |
| Date of Death | 18/03/1886 |
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Career
| Early Life | Born in Jefferson County, Tennessee; influenced by Second Great Awakening and Gabriel Prosser's rebellion. |
|---|---|
| Antislavery Activism | Joined Tennessee Manumission Society in 1815; licensed as Presbyterian minister in 1817; preached against slavery. |
| Move to Ohio | Relocated to Ripley, Ohio in 1822; operated Underground Railroad station, aiding over 2000 escaped slaves. |
| Writings | Authored 'Letters on American Slavery' (1824-1825) to convince brother; influenced Garrison, Weld, Beecher, Stowe. |
| Church Founding | Founded Free Presbytery of Ripley (1846); helped establish Free Presbyterian Church (1847). |
Some Lesser Known Facts
| 1. Preached in slave states like Kentucky, starting school for slaves driven out by mobs. | |
| 2. Home in Ripley became key Underground Railroad site across from Kentucky. | |
| 3. Sided with New School Presbyterians but led 'comeouterism' split over slavery. |