Samuel Ringgold Ward facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Samuel Ringgold Ward
Born	17 October 1817
Died	1864  (aged 46–47)

Samuel Ringgold Ward (born October 17, 1817 – died around 1866) was an amazing African American leader. He escaped slavery and became a powerful voice against it. Samuel Ward was a minister, a newspaper editor, and even a leader for workers' rights.

He wrote an important book called Autobiography of a Fugitive Negro. This book shared his experiences fighting slavery in the United States, Canada, and England. His book helped raise money for the Anti-slavery Society of Canada. This group helped many people who had escaped slavery find safety in Canada during the 1850s.

Early Life and Education

Samuel Ringgold Ward was born into slavery in Maryland in 1817. When he was just three years old, he and his parents escaped to New Jersey. In 1826, his family moved to New York.

Once they were settled, Ward's parents made sure he went to school. He attended the African Free School, which was important for his education.

Fighting for Freedom

Samuel Ward strongly believed that slavery should end. His powerful speaking skills led him into politics. In 1840, he joined the Liberty Party. He stayed with them until 1848.

Later, in 1848, he joined the Free Soil Party. He was one of the few members of this party who truly focused on stopping slavery. He wanted to prevent new states from allowing slavery.

A Powerful Speaker

Other people who fought against slavery, both Black and white, knew how good Ward was at speaking. They praised his amazing efforts in the abolitionist movement. He worked closely with Frederick Douglass, another famous speaker against slavery.

Frederick Douglass said that Ward was "vastly superior" as a speaker and thinker. He added that Ward's intelligence brought "glory to race."

The Jerry Rescue

Samuel Ward lived in Cortland, New York, for a while. He later moved to Syracuse in 1851. However, his stay there was short.

On October 1, 1851, Ward helped in an event known as the "Jerry Rescue." This was when people helped an escaped slave named Jerry McHenry avoid being sent back to slavery. Because of his involvement, Samuel Ward had to quickly move to Canada in November of that year.

Newspaper Work

In the years before he moved to Canada, Samuel Ward became an editor. He also owned part of two newspapers: the Farmer and Northern Star and Boston's Impartial Citizen.

He strongly believed in the need for "anti-slavery labors, organizations, agitation, and newspapers." He knew it was important to keep these papers safe from being stopped. To help with this, he began studying law.

First African-American Labor Leader

After slavery ended, Black people still faced unfair treatment in jobs. Many labor unions did not welcome Black workers. To fight this, Frederick Douglass and Samuel Ward helped create the American League of Colored Laborers. This was the first Black American labor union.

The League was formed on June 13, 1850, in New York City. Samuel Ringgold Ward was chosen as its first president. Frederick Douglass became the vice-president.

The union had important goals. They wanted to create a fund to give loans to Black business owners. They also aimed to start a bank to help with saving money. Even though it didn't last long, it was a very important step.

Anti-Slavery Work in Britain

In Canada, Samuel Ward worked with Mary Ann Shadd Cary. They started a newspaper called The Provincial Freeman in 1853. Mary Ann Shadd Cary was the editor-in-chief. She was the first woman publisher in North America.

At first, she put Ward's name on the newspaper's masthead. This was because she worried people might not take a woman publisher seriously. Ward only lent his name to help the newspaper gain interest and get more readers.

Journey to Britain

The Anti-slavery Society of Canada asked Ward to visit Britain. They wanted him to continue their anti-slavery work there. He was given names of people in London who would help him. These contacts wanted to strengthen their own anti-slavery efforts. They also hoped to help raise money for the anti-slavery work in Canada.

Ward's trip to Britain in early 1853 was very successful. He was welcomed warmly. He wrote about how kind people were, making him feel completely at ease.

Speaking in London

Samuel Ward was formally introduced at the annual meeting of the Congregational Union. He gave his first anti-slavery speech in London at a dinner. He spoke about the need for financial support for anti-slavery work in Canada.

He stayed with the kind Rev. James Sherman for four months. Ward felt that Rev. Sherman was like a "most generous fatherly friend."

Uncle Tom's Cabin Impact

Ward felt his visit to London was at a perfect time for fundraising. This was because the famous book Uncle Tom's Cabin was very popular. Its author, Harriet Beecher Stowe, was also visiting England.

Ward explained that the book and Mrs. Stowe's visit brought much attention to the anti-slavery cause in England in 1853. This was more attention than had been seen since 1832. Ward met Mrs. Stowe and her family. He was invited to stay with them for three weeks.

Successful Fundraising

On June 7, 1853, Samuel Ward gave a major anti-slavery speech in London. Lord Shaftesbury led the meeting. Ward's speech had a big impact.

Soon after, a London Committee was formed to raise money for the Anti-Slavery Society of Canada. This led to many speaking events for Samuel Ward. He traveled across England and Scotland, giving speeches.

In just ten months, about £1,200 was raised. This success allowed the Anti-slavery Society of Canada to fund its work. In 1855, Ward published his influential book. The money from the book allowed him to move to Jamaica.

Later Life and Legacy

Samuel Ringgold Ward spent his last 11 years in Jamaica. He worked as a minister and a farmer. He passed away in 1866. His life showed great courage and dedication to fighting for freedom and equality.