Abby Folsom facts for kids
Abigail Folsom (born May 18, 1795, and died August 8, 1867) was an important American activist in the 1800s. She fought for two big causes: women's rights and ending slavery. She became famous for speaking her mind and helping people who needed it most.
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Abigail Folsom: A Voice for Change
Abigail Harford was born in 1795. She married Peter Folsom in 1825. He ran a saddler's shop. After a few years, she moved to Boston. She became well-known for speaking out, even in churches, when she disagreed with something.
Speaking Up for Justice
Abigail Folsom was one of the first women in the United States to give public speeches. This was very unusual for women at the time. She believed strongly that women should have the right to speak in public, just like men. She also worked hard to end slavery. She often shared the stage with famous Black activists, like Frederick Douglass. Her speeches and the strong reactions they caused were often written about in newspapers before the American Civil War.
The "Flea of Conventions"
Abigail Folsom was sometimes called "the flea of conventions" by people like Ralph Waldo Emerson. This was because she would often interrupt meetings and conferences, especially those about ending slavery. She insisted on a woman's right to speak. Her strong opinions could sometimes make meetings go off track.
She was known for her quick wit. Once, when she was being gently escorted out of a meeting, she made a clever remark. She compared her situation to a famous story, highlighting her sharp mind and making people laugh.
Helping People in Need
Abigail Folsom was not just a speaker. She also went into courts, prisons, and jails. She would speak up for people who were on trial. After they were released, she would often take them into her own home. She helped them find jobs and get back on their feet. She also frequently attended meetings of the state legislature. There, and at other public gatherings, it was "impossible to keep her silent if anything was said that displeased her."
