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John R. Russwurm

1799-1851

Name: John R. Russwurm

Birthplace: Port Antonio, Jamaica

Status: Born a Slave

Occupation/Training: Early college graduate, politician

Abolitionist Involvement: Born of a white father, an unknown slave woman , John Russwurm lived as thought he were free and stayed in Jamaica with his father. He was sent to Quebec to be educated. His father left Jamaica and settled in Maine. The fathers new wife insisted that the young boy be given the family name, and after his father died, he remained a part of the new extended family in New England. He continued his education, graduating from Bowdoin College in 1826.

His greatest contributions were through his accomplishments for black writers, and the black press. He was sensitive to the attacks in the local press in cities like New York that were pro-slavery in content. He then as a result assisted in the establishment of Freedom’s Journal, the first black newspaper in the United States.

Russwurm shortly after the establishment of the paper decided to leave America for Liberia where he felt that black people could finally be free. He left for Liberia in 1829. He served as governor of the Maryland in Liberia Settlement for many years, and was a front leader there for the remainder of his life.

Family: Father--John Russwurm. Mother’s name unknown Wife Sarah McGill Russwurm

Place of Death: Cape Palmas, Liberia

Publications: No full biography of Russwurm has ever been written.

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