Nathan Johnson (abolitionist) facts for kids
Nathan Johnson (born around 1797, died 1880) was an important African-American leader. He was an abolitionist, which means he worked to end slavery. Nathan helped many people who had escaped slavery, including the famous writer and speaker Frederick Douglass. He was also a very successful businessman in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
Nathan married Mary Durfee, who was often called Polly. She was his partner in their candy and catering businesses. In 1849, Nathan went to California during the California Gold Rush. Polly passed away in 1871. Nathan returned after her death and received money from her estate.
Their home, the Nathan and Polly Johnson House, is now part of New Bedford's Underground Railroad Tour. It is recognized as a National Historic Landmark because of its important history.
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Nathan's Early Life
Nathan Johnson was born around 1797. He was either born a free person or was enslaved in Philadelphia or Virginia. His mother's name was Emely Brown.
Nathan said he bought his own freedom. People described him as a tall, dignified man with dark skin.
Nathan and Polly's Life Together
Their Marriage and Home
Nathan married Mary J. Mingo Durfee, known as Polly, on October 24, 1819, in New Bedford. Polly was born in 1784 in Fall River, Massachusetts. Her parents were Isaac and Ann Mingo. Before marrying Nathan, Polly had been married before and had a daughter named Rhoda. Nathan and Polly settled in New Bedford.
By 1826, the Johnsons lived at 21 Seventh Street in New Bedford. They became very successful in business. By 1845, they owned their home and a nearby lot. They used the adjacent property, at 23 Seventh Street, as their shop.
Working to End Slavery
In the 1820s, Nathan and Polly became deeply involved in the abolitionist movement. This was a movement to end slavery. Polly went to anti-slavery meetings and read a lot about important social issues. She was known as a kind and pleasant woman.
Nathan was also very active in groups that helped African Americans and fought against slavery. New Bedford was a busy port city. Many people escaping slavery came there. Nathan is known for sheltering these fugitive slaves in his homes. For example, in 1827, Nathan and others stood up to a man who was trying to find people who had escaped slavery.
Nathan represented Massachusetts at a convention for free people of color in Philadelphia in 1832. He became an honorary member the next year. He also attended the convention in 1834. In 1840, he was a vice president of the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society. He later became president of the National Convention of Colored People in 1847.
Samuel Joseph May, a white abolitionist, said that Nathan earned respect from his community. He was known for being honest and modest. May also noted that Nathan had built a good life for himself and found time to learn and grow his mind.
Helping Those Who Escaped Slavery
The Johnson's properties were important stops on the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network of safe houses and routes. It helped enslaved people escape to freedom.
In 1834, an enslaved woman named Betsey Gibson and her children came to Nathan Johnson's home. They were brought there by Patrick Gibson, who wanted them to be cared for and educated. Nathan made sure they had food, clothes, and a good education. He also kept them updated on their family members. After Patrick Gibson died, there was concern about the family's future. However, it was decided that the Gibsons should remain safely in New Bedford.
The Johnsons are most famous for helping Frederick Douglass in 1838. Douglass had just escaped slavery. Nathan and Polly gave shelter to Frederick, his wife Anna Murray-Douglass, and their children at their home on 21 Seventh Street. When Frederick arrived in New Bedford, he used the last name Johnson. Nathan suggested he take the name Douglass. He got the idea from a character in a book he was reading, The Lady of the Lake by Walter Scott. Nathan might have suggested the spelling "Douglass" to honor Robert and Grace Douglass, who were important African Americans in Philadelphia.
Frederick Douglass later wrote about Nathan Johnson. He said Nathan lived in a nicer house and had a better table than most slaveholders. He also said Nathan read more newspapers and understood the country better than many slaveholders.
Nathan and Polly's Businesses
Working for Wealthy Families
Nathan and Polly first worked as domestic servants. They were employed by Charles Waln Morgan, a wealthy whaling captain. Polly started working for the Morgans in early 1820. Nathan and Polly's daughter, Rhoda, also worked for them. The Johnson family likely lived in the Morgan's house at first. The Morgans, who were a Quaker family, helped the Johnsons buy their own properties on Seventh Street.
Successful Business Owners
Polly became known for making delicious cakes and sweets. Wealthy families in New Bedford bought her creations by 1836. She made cakes, candy, and ice creams for weddings and parties. They also sold high-quality jellies, spices, fruits, nuts, and other refreshments. By 1845, the Johnsons ran a confectionery and catering shop on Seventh Street.
Polly was special because she sold "free labor" candy. This meant the sugar used in her candy was not produced by enslaved people. Her shop at 23 Seventh Street sold many treats. These included candy sticks, ginger snaps, and other unique candies. People said she learned some of her cooking skills in France. Her customers included the richest families in New Bedford, like the family of John Avery Parker and her former employer, Charles W. Morgan.
The Johnsons also earned money from real estate investments. Nathan ran a few other businesses in the 1840s. By 1849, he was the second wealthiest black man in New Bedford. In the 1850s, Nathan and Polly were among the richest African Americans in the city.
The Gold Rush Adventure
In 1849, Nathan went to California for the California Gold Rush. Polly stayed in New Bedford. She continued her work and kept their home a safe place for people escaping slavery. Nathan gave Polly the legal power to manage their businesses while he was away.
Later Life and Legacy
The Rodman family, who were friends of the Johnsons, took possession of their properties on Seventh Street for a time. Polly worked hard to earn enough money to buy them back. She owned the properties again by 1857. She even added an addition to the house.
Nathan stayed on the Pacific Coast for many years. He lived in Oregon and British Columbia until the early 1870s. Polly passed away on November 19, 1871. In her will, she said Nathan could receive support from her estate if he returned to New Bedford within two years. He came back to New Bedford as a poor man. In 1873, he lived at 21 Seventh Street. He even asked for money from another abolitionist, Gerrit Smith, mentioning his role in helping Frederick Douglass.
Nathan had a stroke at his home. He was taken to his daughter, Mrs. Mary Duff's house, where he died on October 11, 1880. Frederick Douglass remembered Nathan as a special man. He said Nathan was courageous, modest, and self-respecting. Polly and Nathan Johnson are buried in the old section of the Oak Grove Cemetery in New Bedford. His gravestone reads "Freedom for All Mankind." Other family members, including their mothers Emely Brown and Anna Mingo, are also buried there.
Images for kids
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The properties owned by Nathan and Mary (Polly) Johnson.
