William Henry Brisbane facts for kids

William Henry Brisbane (October 12, 1806 – April 5, 1878) was an important American minister. He was born in South Carolina, a southern state where slavery was common. Even though he inherited many enslaved people, he believed that slavery was wrong. He decided to free them and helped them start new lives. After this, he became a strong supporter of ending slavery, known as an abolitionist.

Quick facts for kids William Henry Brisbane
Born	October 12, 1806
Died	April 5, 1878  (aged 71)

William Henry Brisbane's Life

Early Life and Family

William Henry Brisbane was born in Beaufort County, South Carolina in 1806. When he was young, he was adopted by his uncle, William Brisbane, and his aunt, Mary Ash Deveaux. His uncle was a kind and wealthy man.

In 1825, William Henry Brisbane married Glorianna Lawton. They had several children together.

A Big Decision About Slavery

As William grew older, he inherited many enslaved people. However, he became convinced that slavery was wrong. In 1835, he made a brave choice. He brought 33 of the people he inherited to the northern United States. There, he set them free and helped them start new lives.

This decision meant he lost a lot of his wealth. Many of his family and friends in the South depended on slavery for their money. By freeing his slaves and speaking out against slavery, he made enemies with some people close to him.

Becoming an Abolitionist

William Henry Brisbane became an abolitionist because he could not ignore the arguments against slavery. He received a pamphlet (a small book) that explained why slavery was wrong. He found it hard to disagree with the ideas in it. He especially struggled to understand how slavery fit with the values of the United States Constitution, which talks about freedom.

Because of his strong views against slavery, which were very unpopular in South Carolina before the American Civil War, he had to move. He moved north to Cincinnati, Ohio. There, he joined other important abolitionists. He worked tirelessly for their cause, trying to end slavery.

Later Life and Work

In 1855, William Henry Brisbane moved to Wisconsin. He became the chief clerk for the state senate in 1857. Later, he became a pastor at the Baptist church in Madison, Wisconsin.

During the Civil War, he was able to return to South Carolina for a short time in 1864. He worked there as a tax commissioner for the Union side (the "Yankees"). In 1874, he took part in a meeting in Chicago where old abolitionists gathered.

William Henry Brisbane died at his home in Arena, Wisconsin, in 1878.