Abraham Lincoln, a new biography
A new biography of Abraham Lincoln is published and it gives real insight into the all consuming issue of slaveryContinue Reading
Author: lincolnquakers
Francis Ray: a heroic life cut short
Francis H. Ray (1835-1862) was born into a prosperous Quaker family in Rayville, New York. He was a prominent figureContinue Reading
Breaking News! Headlines, courtesy of 1850’s America
“Objects in history’s mirror are closer than they appear.” – Caroline Randall Williams, Fisk University Expressions of hostility to democracy,Continue Reading
United on the Right Side of History: John C. Underwood and Samuel M. Janney
Current affairs remind us that the United States has, from its inception, been a nation divided by the idea ofContinue Reading
“Esteemed friend…” letters between Isaac T. Hopper and Samuel M. Janney
Samuel M. Janney and Isaac Hopper were two men with different temperaments, but both driven by a passionate committment toContinue Reading
“…goodness is more interesting”
“I just think goodness is more interesting. Evil is constant. You can think of different ways to murder people, butContinue Reading
John Woolman, a Gentle Role Model in the Battle Against Slavery
In the 1730’s when Quakers first settled in Loudoun County, Virginia they, like Mennonites in Pennsylvania, and Moravians in PennsylvaniaContinue Reading
A Union Captain and his capture…escape…Quakers!
The Emmitsburg Area Historical Society (Emmitsburg, Maryland) has plenty of first person accounts sharing local history. One of my favoritesContinue Reading
Loudoun County and the Paddy rollers
“…the paddy rollers would come an’ horse whip every las’ one of ’em, jes cause poor souls were praying toContinue Reading
“He talked like a Quaker…” Wesley Harris, tricked during his Underground Railroad escape
I recently re-read the Wesley Harris interview in William Still’s book, Underground Railroad, published in 1872. The whole scene, asContinue Reading
