Peter Still facts for kids
Peter Still was born on February 22, 1801, and passed away on January 10, 1868. He was a brave man who was born into slavery. He became famous for buying his own freedom in 1850. Later, he worked hard to earn enough money to buy the freedom of his wife and three children in 1854. His amazing journey was written about in a book called The kidnapped and the ransomed. This book shared the true story of Peter Still and his wife "Vina" after many years of slavery. Kate E. R. Pickard wrote it in 1856.
Contents
Peter Still's Journey to Freedom
Early Life and Family
Peter Still was born into slavery in Maryland. His parents were named Sidney and Levin. They lived on a large farm called a plantation. When Peter was eight years old, he and his older brother, Levin Jr., were sold. This happened after their mother had tried to escape slavery for a second time.
The brothers were taken to Kentucky. After many years, they were sold again. This time, they went to families in Florence and Tuscumbia, Alabama.
Finding Love and Starting a Family
In Alabama, Peter met Lavinia Sisson, who was also enslaved. They got married on June 25, 1826. Everyone called her "Vina." She worked in a home on a nearby plantation.
Sadly, Peter's brother Levin died in 1831. This meant Peter was the only one left from his immediate family.
Gaining His Own Freedom
Peter worked for Joseph and Isaac Friedman. He made a special deal with them. In April 1850, he was able to buy his freedom for $500. This process of gaining freedom was called manumission.
Soon after, Peter traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There, something amazing happened! He met his youngest brother, William Still. William was working at the Anti-Slavery Office. This office helped people who were enslaved find freedom.
Reuniting His Family
Peter worked very hard to save money. His family, friends, and supporters also helped him. In 1854, he finally had enough money. He was able to buy the freedom of his wife, Vina, and their three children. Their children were named Peter, Levin, and Catharine.
The family moved to Burlington County, New Jersey. Peter lived there until he passed away in 1868. He died from a lung illness called pneumonia.
Peter's Brother, James Still
Peter's brother, James, also became a very important person. He became a doctor in southern New Jersey. People knew him as "The Black Doctor of the Pines." James also wrote a book about his life. It was called Early Recollections and Life of Dr. James Still. It was printed in 1877 by J.B. Lippincott & Co..
See also
