Austin Willey facts for kids

Austin Willey (1806–1896) was an American preacher, author, and editor. He was a strong supporter of the abolitionist movement, which worked to end slavery in the United States. He edited the antislavery newspaper Advocate of Freedom and also worked for the Portland Inquirer in Maine.

What is an Abolitionist?

An abolitionist was someone who believed that slavery was wrong and should be ended. These brave people worked hard to convince others that all people should be free. They often faced many challenges and dangers for their beliefs.

Early Fight Against Slavery in Maine

In the state of Maine, the first people who joined the antislavery movement were very smart and respected. They were willing to risk their good names, their money, and even their lives for the cause of freedom. Their strong beliefs gave the movement a lot of power from the very beginning. This made it hard for those who supported slavery to argue against them, so they often resorted to insults and even violence.

In 1834, a call went out to form the Maine Antislavery Society. People from all over the state were invited to a meeting in Augusta.

George Thompson's Influence

Around this time, a famous abolitionist named George Thompson came to America from England. He had been very successful in helping to end slavery in Britain. Important American abolitionists, like William Lloyd Garrison, asked him to come and help their cause.

George Thompson was a powerful speaker. He gave inspiring lectures in places like Brunswick and Waterville, where college students and many others listened. He even lectured six times in different churches in Portland. He traveled to many other states, spreading his message of equal rights. However, even in America, a land that claimed to be free, mobs sometimes followed him and tried to stop his speeches.

Austin Willey's Stand

Austin Willey was a strong voice in the fight against slavery. He believed that there should be no unclear rules that could allow slavery to continue. For example, at a big political meeting in 1852, he argued against a plan that he felt was too confusing. He thought it could be interpreted in different ways, and he urged people to reject it. He wanted clear rules that would protect freedom.

Facing Challenges in Maine

Even though Maine was a Northern state, it wasn't always easy to be an abolitionist there. Many people in Portland, a port city, were involved in shipping, and some even participated in the slave trade. Maine was sometimes seen as a state that wasn't very passionate about ending slavery.

Despite this, a small group of dedicated people, including Austin Willey, William Lloyd Garrison, and Reverend David Thurston, kept speaking out against slavery. They worked hard to keep the issue in front of the public, even when people didn't want to hear it. Their speeches were often interrupted by angry mobs who would throw eggs or use hoses. Sometimes, the speakers even had to sneak out through a back door to escape the crowds.