Leonard Grimes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leonard Grimes
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| Born | November 9, 1815 |
| Died | March 14, 1873 (aged 57) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Hackney driver, minister |
| Known for | Underground Railroad; 54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry |
| Religion | Baptist |
Leonard Andrew Grimes (born November 9, 1815 – died March 14, 1873) was an important African-American leader. He was a pastor and worked hard to end slavery. Grimes helped many enslaved people escape to freedom using the Underground Railroad. He even tried to free a man named Anthony Burns, who was captured under a strict law called the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. When the Civil War started, Grimes asked for African Americans to join the army. He then helped recruit soldiers for the brave 54th Massachusetts Regiment.
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Early Life and Fight Against Slavery
Leonard Grimes was born in Leesburg, Virginia, around November 9, 1815. His parents were free, which was lucky for him. When he was about 10 years old, he became an orphan. He went to live with his uncle, but he was not happy there. So, he left and eventually moved to Washington, D.C.
Even though Grimes was free, he saw how terrible slavery was in the South. Because of this, he decided to spend his life helping enslaved people escape. He also worked to end slavery completely.
Helping Enslaved People Escape
In Washington, D.C., Grimes became a hackney driver. This meant he drove a coach for people around the city. Owning his own coach was very useful. It allowed him to secretly help people on the Underground Railroad for many years. He would drive enslaved people from Virginia to Washington, D.C. From there, he helped them travel further North to freedom.
In 1839, Grimes was caught trying to help a family escape from Virginia. He was sent to jail in Richmond for two years. While he was in jail, his wife taught at schools for Black children in Washington.
Becoming a Pastor
After he was released from jail in 1840, Grimes found his faith. He was baptized into the Baptist church. Later, he was allowed to preach by a group of church leaders. One of these leaders was the president of Columbian College, which is now George Washington University.
In 1846, Grimes moved to Massachusetts. He joined with Baptist groups there. In November 1848, he became the pastor of the Twelfth Baptist Church in Boston. He led this church for 27 years. Grimes strongly disagreed with the Fugitive Slave Act. His church became known as "The Fugitives Church" because it helped so many people.
Grimes also became an important leader in national church groups. At a big meeting in Philadelphia in 1858, he and other leaders pushed for the church to oppose slavery. They voted not to work with any churches that supported slavery. Grimes was also the president of several large Baptist conventions for many years.
The Anthony Burns Case
Anthony Burns was an enslaved man who escaped from Virginia. He came to Boston and joined Grimes's church in 1854. But Burns's former slaveholder found out where he was. He ordered Burns to be arrested.
Grimes led a strong effort to free Burns from jail. However, the trial went forward. The judge ruled that Burns still belonged to his slaveholder, because of the Fugitive Slave Act. But Grimes did not give up. He was able to raise enough money to buy Burns's freedom. So, Burns was finally free from slavery. The case of Anthony Burns was the last time an escaped enslaved person was tried under the Fugitive Slave Act in Massachusetts.
Working for Equal Rights
Grimes was also a delegate to the Colored Conventions Movement. These were meetings where Black leaders discussed how to gain equal rights. He attended conventions in Rochester in 1853, Philadelphia in 1855, and Boston in 1859.
Grimes also served on the Massachusetts State Council. Here, he and other members worked to create more opportunities for Black Americans. They also fought for equal school rights for all children.
Recruiting for the 54th Regiment
The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry was one of the first African-American regiments to fight in the Civil War. It was formed in 1863. Many members of Grimes's church wanted to fight for the Union army. Grimes worked hard to get an African-American regiment created. When their efforts succeeded, Grimes helped recruit men to join this brave infantry.
Later Life and Legacy
Leonard Grimes became ill after a meeting and passed away on March 14, 1873. He died from a stroke at his home in East Somerville, Massachusetts, near Boston.
Grimes's work is still remembered today. On July 18, 2007, George Washington University honored him. They put up a plaque at the spot where his former home stood. This home was on their campus in Washington, D.C.
The National Park Service has also recognized the Loudoun County, Virginia, Courthouse. This site is part of the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. This is partly because Grimes's trial and conviction happened there.
