James Lindsay Smith facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James Lindsay Smith
Born	1816 (1816) Northern Neck, Virginia, US
Died	1883(1883-00-00) (aged 66–67) Norwich, Connecticut, US
Occupation	Author, minister, shoemaker
Language	English
Subject	Autobiography, slave narrative
Notable works	Autobiography of James L. Smith (1881)

James Lindsay Smith (born around 1816 – died around 1883) was an amazing American writer, minister, and shoemaker. He wrote a special kind of book called a slave narrative. This book told the story of his life as an enslaved person. His book, Autobiography of James L. Smith, was published in 1881. It was one of only six such stories ever published in Connecticut.

James Smith's Early Life and Escape

James Smith was born into slavery around 1816. He lived on a large farm in Northumberland County, Virginia. In 1838, he made a brave escape. He rowed across the Chesapeake Bay in a canoe with two other people who were also escaping.

After his escape, Smith traveled through several cities. He stopped in New Castle, Philadelphia, and New York City. People who were against slavery, called abolitionists, helped him. One of these helpers was David Ruggles. With their help, Smith finally reached safety in Springfield, Massachusetts. He traveled there using the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network of safe houses and routes for enslaved people to escape to freedom.

Life in Freedom

Once free, James Smith became a very active member of his community. He helped start the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. This was an important church for African Americans. He also went to school at Wilbraham Academy.

In 1842, Smith married Emmeline Minerva Platt. They settled down in Norwich, Connecticut. There, he became a Methodist Episcopal minister. He also started a very successful business making shoes.

Smith's children also did well. His daughters, Louie and Emma, went to Norwich Free Academy. They both became teachers. His son, James H. Smith, followed in his father's footsteps and became a shoemaker.

Smith's Autobiography

In 1881, James Smith published his life story. The book was called Autobiography of James L. Smith, Including, Also, Reminiscences of Slave Life, Recollections of the War, Education of Freedmen, Causes of the Exodus, Etc. It was printed in Norwich by The Bulletin Company.

In his autobiography, Smith shared many important details. He wrote about his childhood as an enslaved person. He also described his daring escape to freedom. The book covered his later life in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Smith also included historical facts about the American Civil War. He wrote about how the war damaged the Southern states. He also shared stories of the bravery of Black soldiers who fought for the Union. Finally, he discussed why many Black people moved to the North after the war.

Smith's Lasting Impact

James Smith's home on School Street in Norwich is still important today. It is a stop on Norwich's Freedom Trail. This trail highlights places important to the history of freedom and civil rights. His house is also part of the Jail Hill Historic District in Norwich. This means it is a historically important building in the area.