John Andrew Jackson facts for kids

John Andrew Jackson was an American who fought against slavery in the 1800s. He was born into slavery on a large farm called a plantation in Sumter County, South Carolina. His amazing escape to Canada might have helped inspire Harriet Beecher Stowe's famous book, Uncle Tom's Cabin. During the American Civil War, Jackson wrote a book about his life called The Experience of a Slave in South Carolina (1862) while he was living in Great Britain.

Early Life and Hardship

John Andrew Jackson grew up in a very difficult situation. His owners were often angry with him. He saw a lot of harsh treatment around him. For example, his master would whip him if he didn't obey.

His first job was to be a scarecrow in the cornfields. He had to stand still all day in the hot Carolina sun. As he got older, he was told to use a plow. But he wasn't strong enough to do the job well.

His Family and Separation

Despite the hardships, John met a woman named Louisa Clifton. She lived on a nearby plantation, about a mile away. John and Louisa got married in their own way, even though it wasn't officially allowed. They had two children together.

John was not supposed to visit his family. But he would often sneak out to see Louisa and their kids. He would get whipped if caught, but he kept going. Sadly, Louisa's master moved to Georgia. This separated John from his wife and children.

John's mother, Betty, and father, John Andrew (also called Dr. Clavern), had ten children. Two of them died before John escaped in 1846. After being separated from his first family, he decided to escape slavery. Later, after he reached Canada, he married again. His second wife passed away in a special care home. John married a third time and had two more children.

His Journey to Freedom

From a young age, John dreamed of being free. One day, he bought a pony from another enslaved person. When his mistress found out, she threatened to kill the pony. John quickly hid his pony until Christmas.

On Christmas Day, John took his pony and escaped from the plantation. He never saw his parents again. As he rode towards Boston, he met many white people. They asked him where he was going. John would say he was on his way to his plantation.

Crossing the River

Eventually, he reached the Santa Fe River. There, he found a small ship run by a Black man. John and his pony were dropped near the land. But they had to struggle against the water to reach the shore. After almost drowning, John and his pony finally made it to safety.

Hiding from Patrols

John learned that all African Americans had to carry a special badge. This badge proved they were allowed to be free. Since he didn't have one, he sold his pony. He used the money to buy a cloak to hide from patrolmen. The cloak helped him avoid being caught.

He then tried to find a ship to Boston. The crew at first refused to let him on board. They were afraid he was working for a white man and trying to trick them. So, John hid inside a box that was loaded into the ship's storage area. The crew eventually found him. They threatened to drop him off at the next stop. But there was no next stop, and John arrived safely in Boston.

Reaching Safety in Salem

From Boston, John settled in Salem, Massachusetts. Once he was settled, he wanted to buy his family members out of slavery. He sent a letter to ask about them. Soon after, a slave agent was sent to find him. John managed to avoid being captured.

He was helped by Harriet Beecher Stowe, who gave him food, clothes, and five dollars. Later, he left Salem and traveled to Canada.

Life in Freedom

In Salem, John was free but not completely safe. He worked as a leather tanner and also at a sawmill. But then the Fugitive Slave Law was passed. This law made him fear being sent back to slavery. So, John escaped across the border to Canada.

Once in Canada, John Andrew settled in Saint John, New Brunswick. He legally remarried and had more children.

Helping Others

John still wanted to buy his enslaved family members to free them. He traveled to Great Britain with his wife to ask for donations. He gave speeches in Scotland and England. Other people, like David Guthrie, Rev. Thomas Candlish, and Julia Griffiths, also joined him.

John Andrew and his wife lived in London, England until after the American Civil War ended. They eventually returned to live in Springfield, Massachusetts. He traveled back and forth to South Carolina for many years. He worked to help the freedmen (formerly enslaved people) in Sumter County.