Anna Richardson (abolitionist) facts for kids

Anna Richardson (born Anna Atkins on January 5, 1806, and passed away on March 27, 1892) was an English woman who worked hard to end slavery and promote peace. She was a Quaker, a writer, and an editor of books and magazines that spoke out against slavery. She lived in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

Early Life and Education

Anna Atkins was born on January 5, 1806, in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. Her family were Quakers. She went to Ackworth School in West Yorkshire from 1817 to 1819.

In 1833, Anna married Henry Richardson, who had also attended Ackworth School. They settled in Newcastle. Anna and Henry did not have children, but they dedicated their lives to helping others. They supported many important causes, including education for those in need, ending slavery, promoting peace, and encouraging people to avoid alcohol.

Working for Peace and Justice

Anna and Henry Richardson both attended the International Peace Congress in Paris in 1849. Anna also helped with the "Olive Leaf" peace groups, which were part of Elihu Burritt's League of Universal Brotherhood. From 1844 to 1857, she edited a magazine called The Olive Leaf, which was made for children.

Fighting Against Slavery

Anna Richardson was a key leader in the free produce movement in the UK. This movement encouraged people to avoid buying goods made by enslaved people. In 1846, she started the Newcastle Ladies' Free Produce Association. She encouraged other Quaker groups to create similar associations.

To help the movement grow, Anna sponsored a speaking tour in 1850 for Henry Highland Garnet. He was an important speaker who traveled through England, Scotland, and Ireland. This tour helped create at least 26 new free produce groups by the end of that year.

Anna used her writing and organizing skills to edit and publish a magazine called The Slave. This magazine was for the free produce movement and ran from 1851 to 1854. She also wrote a monthly publication called Illustrations of American slavery. These were like news releases that shared anti-slavery stories with local newspapers.

One of her writings, Little Laura, the Kentucky Abolitionist, was written for children. It aimed to inspire them to take action. This included talking with their parents and helping to collect money for the cause.

Helping Frederick Douglass

Anna and her sister-in-law, Ellen, raised money on their own. They are remembered for buying the freedom of Frederick Douglass for £150 on December 5, 1846. Frederick Douglass was an escaped slave and a famous African-American social reformer.

Community Involvement

Anna Richardson was very active in her local community. She was involved in Bible Societies and missions that helped working people in Newcastle. She also visited people in prison and helped refugees. Anna supported the temperance movement by setting up refreshment rooms with her husband where no alcohol was served.

Anna Richardson passed away on March 27, 1892, and is buried in Elswick cemetery. She is remembered as a serious and religious woman who spent her life helping others and had strong leadership skills.

Works

• Little Laura, the Kentucky Abolitionist (1859)