Stephen Smith (abolitionist) facts for kids

Stephen Smith was an important African American from Pennsylvania. He used a lot of his money to help end slavery. He became a leader in the fight for freedom and rights for Black people.

Stephen Smith's Early Life

Stephen Smith was born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania in 1797. His mother was a slave. When Stephen was five years old, he became an indentured servant. This meant he worked for a businessman named Thomas Boude for a set number of years. When Stephen was 21, he had saved enough money. In 1818, he bought his freedom for $50.

Building a Business Empire

After gaining his freedom, Stephen Smith had big plans. In 1816, he started his own lumber business in Columbia, Pennsylvania. His business did very well. He wanted to make it even bigger.

In the early 1830s, Smith teamed up with William Whipper. Together, they became very successful. They made a lot of money from lumber, coal, and real estate in Philadelphia. They also invested in railroad cars and the stock market. Stephen Smith became very wealthy. He used his fortune to help the Black community and fight against slavery.

Fighting for Freedom

By 1830, Stephen Smith was a leader in an African American group working to end slavery in Columbia, Pennsylvania. Because of his success, some people became jealous. In 1835, unknown people damaged Smith's office. They destroyed his papers and records. This attack made Smith even more determined to fight slavery.

Smith bought a small hall where African Americans could hold meetings. He also helped the local Underground Railroad. This secret network helped enslaved people escape from Maryland all the way to Canada.

After the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 was passed, it became even harder for escaped slaves to be safe in the United States. Stephen Smith and William Whipper convinced about 15,000 African Americans to move to Canada for a new start.

Stephen Smith spent many years helping enslaved people escape. He also worked to gain more rights for his community. He passed away in 1873.