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James William Charles Pennington

1807-1870

Name: James W.C. Pennington

Birthplace: Eastern Shore, Maryland

Status: Born a Slave

Occupation/Training: Teacher, Clergyman, author

Abolitionist Involvement: James Pennington's mother and brothers and he were sold when he was four from other family members on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. He ran away from a harsh slave life to a Quaker family in Pennsylvania. Through the Underground Railroad he found a home on Long Island where he was able to get a fundamental education. He taught in schools on Long island, and in Connecticut. In the late 1830’s he emerged as a leader in Black churches in New England. He became political and was active in the Union Missionary Society which encouraged boycotts on items produced by slaves. In 1843 he attended the World’s Anti-Slavery Society and was the representative from Connecticut.

In the 1850’s in New York, he helped to organize one of the nation’s earliest civil rights societies--the New York Legal Rights Association. He travelled to Europe in his cause for world human rights, and anti-slavery. While abroad, his freedom was purchased from his former owner. He was a prolific writer, and is noted for his prose, religious leadership and abolitionist efforts.

Family: Information not available

Place of Death: Jacksonville Florida

Publications: The Fugitive Blacksmith, or Events in the History of James W.C. Pennington ...Formerly a Slave in the State of Maryland, United States.

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