James Watkins (abolitionist) facts for kids

James Watkins (born around 1823, his death date is unknown) was an amazing African American writer. He was also an abolitionist, which means he worked to end slavery. After escaping from slavery himself, James traveled to the United Kingdom. There, he gave many speeches to teach people about the terrible unfairness of slavery in America.

Early Life and Freedom's Call

James Watkins was born into slavery around 1823. His birth name was Sam Berry. He was born on a large farm in Baltimore County, Maryland. His mother was Milcah Berry. His father, Amos Salisbury, was in charge of the farm workers. Watkins described his father as very strict and unkind. His father never treated him like a son.

Amos Salisbury died around 1836. After his death, James and his mother were forced to work for Luke Ensor. Luke was the son of the previous farm owner.

First Escape Attempt

In 1841, James tried to run away for the first time. Sadly, he was caught and punished very badly. For three months, his enslaver made him wear a heavy iron collar. This collar had bells attached to it.

Some time later, James secretly went to a Methodist camp meeting at night. There, he had a strong religious experience. He prayed for many hours. Because of this, he returned to the farm very late. Luke Ensor had told him not to go. Ensor tried to whip him. But James told him that Jesus would hold him responsible for every hit. Ensor was unable to strike him.

This powerful experience made James want freedom even more. In May 1844, he tried to escape again. This time, he succeeded with help from some Quakers. Quakers are a religious group known for helping others.

Becoming an Abolitionist Voice

To avoid being caught by Luke Ensor, James changed his name to James Watkins. He settled in Hartford, Connecticut. There, he married Mary Eliza and started a family.

The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 made him feel unsafe in the United States. This law meant that escaped enslaved people could be caught and returned. With his wife's support, James sailed to Great Britain. He began giving speeches to end slavery.

Mary Eliza's Support

While James was in Britain, his wife Mary Eliza sent him a letter. She told him his "free papers" had arrived. This meant he was officially free and safe to return home. But she also wrote about the shame of a country where people were bought and sold. She encouraged him to keep fighting for freedom. Mary Eliza was an activist too. She raised their children and managed their home. She wanted him to do all he could for enslaved people.

Writing and Speaking Out

James Watkins wrote two books about his life as an enslaved person. The first was published in 1852. It was called Narrative of the Life of James Watkins. The second came out in 1860, titled Struggles for Freedom. He also published a book of poems in 1859.

Watkins strongly supported the free produce movement. This movement encouraged people to avoid buying goods made by enslaved labor. In his speeches, he often asked the British public not to buy American products made by enslaved people.

During his lectures, James often showed tools used for torture. He shared stories of people trying to escape. Sometimes, he sang songs at the end of his talks. He spoke in over 1,000 places across Britain and Ireland. This was between 1852 and 1862.

Powerful Speeches

In October 1853, he spoke in Wolverhampton. A newspaper reported his words. He said America was called the "land of freedom." But at the same time, millions of people were kept in slavery.

In July 1854, Watkins gave another important speech in Sheffield. A reporter wrote down much of what he said. Watkins pointed out that America's Declaration of Independence said all people are born free and equal. Yet, millions were enslaved.

He explained that he had been enslaved for 20 years. He knew their harsh conditions. He was not allowed to get an education. He could not even go to Sunday school. Enslaved people were treated like objects, like horses or cattle. They were bought and sold in markets.

Watkins said that even babies were sold. He spoke of the extreme suffering. He remembered being young in the tobacco fields. He watched the sun rise and set freely. He longed to be free himself. He asked, "How long shall I be a slave?" But the answer felt like "For life!" He felt it was unfair to be owned by another person. He urged his listeners: if you heard the cries of enslaved people, you would never eat food made by them again. You would feel like you were eating their "blood and bones."

Later Life

His activist wife, Mary Eliza, later joined him in Britain. However, she became ill. She returned to Connecticut for medical care. Little is known about James Watkins' later life or when he died.