John Baptist Snowden facts for kids

John Baptist Snowden (born May 14, 1801 – died September 8, 1885) was an important American minister. He was born into slavery but bravely bought his own freedom. After he passed away, his son published a book that John had written about his life.

Early Life and Freedom

John Baptist Snowden was born in Maryland in 1801. By the time he was a teenager, he had been forced to work for five different owners in Anne Arundel County.

John was determined to gain his freedom. He worked hard to earn money by making and selling things. He sold baskets, brooms made from hickory wood, and even peppermint drops he made himself. He also sold other small items to his neighbors.

In the 1820s, John's owner agreed on a price for his freedom. John was able to pay this amount, and he finally became a free man.

Education and Ministry

Even though he was enslaved, John wanted to learn to read. His owner's children secretly taught him. He also hired a teacher to help him learn. He had to hide his studies because his owners did not approve of enslaved people learning to read.

In 1823, while he was still enslaved, John became a Methodist preacher. At first, he could only preach in Anne Arundel County. But after he gained his freedom, he could travel much more.

He preached throughout Central Maryland. This included places like Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick counties. Reverend Snowden even walked long distances to preach in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and Leesburg, Virginia.

Family Life

After becoming free, John moved to Westminster. In 1831, he married Margaret Coone. Margaret had also been born enslaved. She became free after her owner passed away.

Margaret never learned to read, but she was very good with numbers. John said she was "competent at the mathematics involved in business transactions." John and Margaret lived in and around Westminster for the rest of their lives.

They had 14 children together. Eight of their children lived to be adults. All of these children, except for their oldest daughter, learned to read and write. Margaret passed away in 1870 when she was 60 years old.

Later Life and Legacy

John Snowden was a member of important Methodist conferences for most of his life. Many of his sons also became ministers. Others held important jobs in business. His daughters married ministers and other respected people in their communities.

John Baptist Snowden passed away in 1885. He was buried next to his wife at the Ellsworth Cemetery in Carroll County, Maryland. His life story shows great courage and determination.