Francis Jackson Meriam facts for kids
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Francis Jackson Meriam was an American abolitionist. An abolitionist was someone who worked to end slavery. Francis Meriam was born on November 17, 1837, in Framingham, Massachusetts. He passed away on November 28, 1865, in New York City.
He was named after his grandfather, Francis Jackson. His grandfather was also an important abolitionist. He had even been the president of the American Anti-Slavery Society. Francis Meriam was described as handsome and well-educated. He traveled a lot, even living in Paris for a while.
Some people thought he was very enthusiastic and determined. However, they also noted he had poor health. He was even blind in one eye. Despite these challenges, he was deeply committed to the fight against slavery. He was also the only one of John Brown's helpers who gave him money.
Joining John Brown's Fight
Francis Meriam was special among the people who joined John Brown. He was the only one known to have sent an application letter. He wrote to John Brown asking to be part of his plans. Meriam had tried to meet Brown before in Kansas. He had a letter from another famous abolitionist, Wendell Phillips. But he couldn't find Brown at that time.
In December 1858, Meriam wrote to John Brown again. He told Brown he would be traveling to Haiti for a few months. He also said that Brown's project was the most important thing in his life. Meriam explained he had no family ties that would stop him. He wanted to help Brown in any way he could. He also hoped to learn from Brown's training system.
The Harpers Ferry Raid
In October 1859, Francis Meriam was involved in John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry. This was a very important event in the fight against slavery. Meriam stayed at the Kennedy Farm in Maryland. His job was to guard the weapons and supplies there. He was supposed to keep them safe until it was time to move them.
When Meriam learned that the raid was going badly, he had to escape. He managed to get away safely.
Life After the Raid
After the Harpers Ferry raid, Francis Meriam continued to fight for what he believed in. He became a Captain in the Union Army during the Civil War. He served in the Third South Carolina Colored Infantry. During that time, all African American military units had white officers.
Meriam was wounded in the leg during a battle. This happened while he was serving under General Grant. After the Civil War ended, Meriam traveled to Mexico. He went there in 1865 to join [Benito] Juárez. Juárez was a leader fighting for freedom in Mexico. Francis Meriam was not heard from again after that.
