Thomas Shipley, one of the foremost in the early generation of
philanthropists who devoted their lives to the extinction of human
slavery, was born in Philadelphia on the second of Fourth month, 1787.
He was the youngest of five children of William and Margaret Shipley,
his father having emigrated from Uttoxeter, in Staffordshire, England,
about the year 1750. From a very early period in the history of the
Society of Friends his ancestors had been members of that body, and he
inherited from them the strong sense of personal independence, and the
love of toleration and respect for the rights of others which have ever
characterized that body of people.
Soon after his birth, his mother died, and he was thus early deprived of
the fostering care of a pious and devoted parent, whose counsels are so
important in forming the youthful mind, and in giving a direction to
future life.
A few years after the death of his mother, his father was removed, and
Thomas was left an orphan before he had attained his sixth year. After
this affecting event he was taken into the family of Isaac Bartram, who
had married his eldest sister. Here he remained for several years,
acquiring the common rudiments of education, and at a suitable age was
sent to Westtown school; after remaining there for a little more than a
year, he met with an accident, which rendered it necessary for him to
return home; and the effects of which prevented him from proceeding with
his education. He fell from the top of a high flight of steps to the
ground, and received an injury of the head, followed by convulsions,
which continued at intervals for a considerable time, and rendered him
incapable of any effort of mind or body.
He was, during childhood, remarkably fond of reading, and was
distinguished among his friends and associates for uncommon perseverance
in accomplishing anything he undertook, a trait which peculiarly marked
him through life; his disposition is said to have been unusually amiable
and docile, so as to endear him very strongly to his relatives and
friends.
After his removal from Westtown, he was again taken into the family of
his brother-in-law, and remained under the care of his sister, who was
very much attached to him, until he was placed as an apprentice to the
hardware business. While here, he was entirely relieved of the
affliction caused by the fall, and was restored to sound health. About
the age of twenty-one, he entered upon the pursuits of the business he
had selected.
The exact time at which his attention was turned to the subject of
slavery cannot be ascertained, but it is probable that a testimony
against it was among his earliest impressions as a member of the
religious Society of Friends. He joined the "Pennsylvania Society for
the Promoting the Abolition of Slavery," etc., in 1817, and the ardent
interest which he took in its objects, was evinced on many occasions
within the recollection of many now living. He was for many years an
active member of its Board of Education, and took a prominent part in
extending the benefits of learning to colored children and youth.
The career of Thomas Shipley, as it was connected with the interests of
the colored community, abounds in incidents which have rarely occurred
in the life of any individual. Being universally regarded as their
adviser and protector, he was constantly solicited for his advice on
questions touching their welfare. This led him to investigate the laws
relating to this class of persons, in all their extended ramifications.
The knowledge he thus acquired, together with his practical acquaintance
with the business and decisions of our courts, rendered his opinion
peculiarly serviceable on all matters affecting their rights. Never did
a merchant study more closely the varied relations of business, and
their influence on his interests, than did Thomas Shipley all those
questions which concerned the well-being of those for whom he was so
warmly interested. He had volunteered his services as their advocate,
and they could not have been more faithfully served had they poured out
the wealth of Croesus at the feet of the most learned counsel.
On every occasion of popular commotion where the safety of the colored
people was threatened, he was found at his post, fearlessly defending
their rights, and exerting his influence with those in authority to
throw around them the protection of the laws. In the tumultuous scenes
which disgraced Philadelphia, in the summer of 1835, in which the fury
of the mob was directed against the persons and property of the colored
inhabitants, he acted with an energy and prudence rarely found combined
in the same individual.
The mob had collected and organized to the number of several hundred,
and were marching through the lower part of the city, dealing
destruction in their course; the houses of respectable and worthy
colored citizens were broken in upon, the furniture scattered to the
winds, all they possessed destroyed or plundered, and they themselves
subjected to the most brutal and savage treatment. Defenceless infancy
and decrepid age were alike disregarded in the general devastation which
these ruffians had decreed should attend their course. The color of the
skin was the mark by which their vengeance was directed, and the cries
and entreaties of their innocent and defenceless victims were alike
disregarded in the accomplishment of their ends. Already had several
victims fallen before the fury of the ruthless band. Law and order were
laid waste, and the officers of justice looked on, some perhaps with
dismay, and others with indifference, while the rights of citizens were
prostrated, and their peaceful and quiet homes invaded by the hand of
violence. At such a time the voice of remonstrance or entreaty, would
have been useless, and had the avowed friends of the colored man
interfered in any public manner, the effect would probably have been to
increase the fury of the storm, and to have directed the violence of the
mob upon themselves.
Under these perilous circumstances, Thomas Shipley was determined to
attempt an effort for their relief. He could not look on and see those
for whom he was so deeply interested threatened almost with
extermination without an effort for their preservation, and yet he was
aware that his presence amongst the mob might subject him to
assassination, without adding to the security of the objects of his
solicitude. He, therefore, determined to disguise himself in such a
manner as not to be recognized, and to mingle amongst the rioters in
order to ascertain their objects, and if possible to convey such
information to the proper authorities as might lead to the arrest of
those most active in fomenting disorder. Accordingly he left his house
late in the evening, attired so as to be completely disguised, and
repaired to the scene of tumult. By this time much mischief had been
done, and to add fresh fury to the multitude, and to incite them to new
deeds of blood, nothing was wanting but some act of resistance on the
part of their victims, who, during the whole period, had conducted
themselves with a forbearance and patience highly creditable to them as
good citizens and upright Christians. Such an occasion was about to
occur, and was prevented by the admirable coolness and forethought of
Thomas Shipley.
A number of colored men who had been driven to desperation by the acts
of the mob, and who had relinquished the idea of protection from the
civil authorities, determined to resort to arms, to defend themselves
and their families from the further aggressions of their persecutors.
They accordingly repaired to Benezet Hall, one of their public buildings
in South Seventh Street, with a supply of fire arms and ammunition,
determined to fire upon the assailants, and maintain their post or die
in the attempt. This fact became known to the leaders of the mob, and
the cry was raised to march for the hall, and make the attack. Thomas
Shipley who had mingled amongst the rioters, and apparently identified
himself with them, was now perfectly aware of all their designs; he knew
their numbers, he had seen the implements of destruction which they were
brandishing about them, and he was aware that the occurrence of such a
conflict would be attended with the most disastrous results, and might
be the beginning of hostilities which would terminate in the destruction
of the weaker party, or at least in a dreadful effusion of human blood.
Seeing the position in which the parties were now placed, he left the
ranks of the rioters, and ran at the top of his speed to the house in
which the colored people were collected, awaiting the approach of their
enemy. As he drew near, they were about coming out to meet their
assailants, highly excited by continued outrages, and determined to
defend themselves or die. At this unexpected moment, their protector
drew nigh; he raised his voice aloud, and addressed the multitude. He
deprecated the idea of a resort to physical force, as being calculated
to increase their difficulties, and to plunge them into general
distress, and entreated them to retire from the hall. His voice was
immediately recognized; the effect was electric; the whole throng knew
him as their friend; their fierce passions were calmed by the voice of
reason and admonition. They could not disregard his counsels; he had
come among them, at the dead hour of night, in the midst of danger and
trial, to raise his warning voice against a course of measures they were
about to pursue. They listened to his remonstrances, and retreated
before the mob had reached the building. At this juncture the Mayor and
his officers assembled in front of the hall, and by prompt and energetic
action succeeded in dispersing the mob, and through the information
received from Thomas Shipley, the ringleaders were secured and lodged in
prison.
The part which Thomas Shipley acted in the trying scenes so often
presented in our courts, during this unhappy period, has invested his
character with a remarkable degree of interest. It is probable that his
connection with the Pennsylvania Abolition Society was the means of
enlisting his talents and exertions in this important service.
The energy and zeal of our friend in his efforts for the relief of those
about to be deprived of their dearest rights, soon distinguished him as
the most efficient member of the Society, in this department of its
duties. So intense was his interest in all cases where the liberty of
his fellow-man was at issue, that, during a period of many years, he was
scarcely ever absent from the side of the unhappy victim, as he sat
before our judicial tribunals, trembling for his fate. The promptings of
interest, the pleasures and allurements of the world, the quiet
enjoyment of a peaceful home, were all cheerfully sacrificed, when his
services were demanded in these distressing cases. Often has he left the
business, in which his pecuniary interests were materially involved, to
stand by the unhappy fugitive in the hour of his extremity, with an
alacrity and a spirit which could only be displayed by one animated by
the loftiest principles and the purest philanthropy.
Who, that has ever witnessed one of these trying scenes, can forget his
manly and honest bearing, as he stood before the unrelenting and
arrogant claimant, watching with an eagle eye, every step of the process
by which he hoped to gain his victim? Who has not been struck with his
expressive glances toward the judge, when a doubtful point arose in the
investigation of the case? Who has not caught the lively expression of
delight which beamed from his countenance, when a fact was disclosed
which had a favorable bearing on the liberty of the captive? Who has not
admired the sagacity with which his inquiries were dictated, and the
tact and acumen with which he managed every part of his cause? His
principle was unhesitatingly to submit to existing laws, however unjust
their decrees might be, but to scan well the bearing of the facts and
principles involved in each case, and to see that nothing was wanting in
the chain of evidence, or in the legal points in question, fully to
satisfy the requisitions of law. If a doubtful point arose, he was
unwearied in investigating it, and devoted hours, days, and even weeks,
in the collection of testimony which he thought would have a favorable
influence on the prisoner.
Through his untiring vigilance, many victims have escaped from the hand
of the oppressor, whose title to freedom, according to the laws of this
commonwealth, was undoubted, and many others, whose enslavement was at
least questionable.
The time and labor expended by Thomas Shipley in protecting the
interests of his colored clients, would be almost incredible to those
who were not aware of his extraordinary devotion to the cause. The only
notice which can be found among his papers, of the various slave cases
in which he was engaged, is contained in a memorandum book, which he
commenced in the summer of 1835. In this book he has noted, in the order
of their occurrence, such instances of difficulty or distress as
demanded his interference, almost without a comment. I find from this
book, that his advice and assistance were bestowed in twenty-five cases,
from Seventh mo. 16th, to Eighth mo. 24th, 1836, a period of little more
than a month. A number of these cases required the writing of letters to
distant places; in some it was necessary for him to visit the parties
interested; and others demanded his personal attendance at court. This
perhaps, may be considered as a fair average of the amount of labor
which he constantly expended in this department of his benevolent
efforts; and when we consider the time occupied in the necessary duties
of his ordinary avocations, it must be evident that he possessed not
only extraordinary humanity, but uncommon activity and energy, to have
accomplished so much.
In the memorandum book referred to, under date of Twelfth mo., 1835, I
find the following note: "Spent eighteen days in the trial of A.
Hemsley, and his wife Nancy, and her three children, arrested at Mount
Holly, the husband claimed by Goldsborough Price, executor of Isaac
Boggs, of Queen Ann's county, Maryland, and the wife and children by
Richard D. Cooper, of the same county. John Willoughby, agent for both
claimants. B.R. Brown and B. Clarke, attorneys for the claimant, and
D.P. Brown, J.R. Slack, E.B. Cannon, and G.W. Camblos, for defendants.
After a full argument, in which a manumission was produced for Nancy,
from R.D. Cooper's father, she and her children were discharged, but her
husband was remanded; on which a certiorari was served on the judge, and
a habeas corpus placed in the sheriff's hands."
"Alexander was discharged by the Supreme Court, at Trenton, Third mo.
5th. The circumstances of the case, were briefly the following: The
woman and children had been regularly manumitted in Delaware by the
father of the claimant, while the title of the father to freedom was
less positive, though sufficiently clear to warrant a vigorous effort on
his behalf."
The first object of the counsel on the part of the alleged fugitive, was
to prove the manumission of the mother and children, and, as it was
thought, the necessary documents for that purpose were collected and
arranged. After the trial had proceeded, however, for a short time, the
attorney for the defendants discovered a defect in the testimony on this
point; the necessary papers, duly authenticated by the Governor or Chief
Justice of Delaware, were missing, and without them it was impossible to
make out the case. The fact was immediately communicated to Thomas
Shipley--he saw that the papers must be had, and that they could not be
procured without a visit to Dover, in Delaware. He at once determined to
repair thither in person, and obtain them. Without the knowledge of the
claimant's counsel, who might have taken advantage of the omission, and
hurried the case to a decision; he started on the evening of the sixth
day, and traveled as fast as possible to Dover, in the midst of a season
unusually cold and inclement. On the next morning inquiries were made in
all directions for friend Shipley; it was thought strange that he should
desert his post in the midst of so exciting and momentous a trial, and
at a time when his presence seemed to be particularly required. The
counsel for the prisoners, who were aware of his movements, proceeded
with the examination of witnesses as slowly as possible, in order to
allow time for procuring this important link in the chain of testimony,
and thus to procrastinate the period when they should be called upon to
sum up the case.
Fortunately, on the evening of the day on which Thomas Shipley set out
upon his journey, it was proposed to adjourn, and farther proceedings
were postponed until Second day morning. At the meeting of the court, in
the morning, the expected messenger was not there, and the ingenuity of
the counsel was taxed still farther to procrastinate the important
period. After three hours had been consumed in debate upon legal points,
he, who was so anxiously looked for, came hurrying through the crowd,
making his way toward the bench. His countenance and his movements soon
convinced the wondering spectators that he was the bearer of gratifying
news, and in a few minutes, the mystery of his absence was revealed, by
the production of a document which was the fruit of his effort. The
papers completely established the legal title of the mother and children
to their freedom, and placed them out of the reach of further
persecution. An attack of illness was the result of the extreme exertion
and fatigue endured by this devoted man, in his earnest advocacy of the
rights of these friendless beings.
The freedom of the husband and father, was, however, still in jeopardy.
If the decision of the court should be against him, he would be torn
from the bosom of his now joyful and emancipated family, and consigned
to a life of bondage. To avert this calamity, the counsel for the
prisoner suggested an expedient as humane as it was ingenious. He
proposed that a writ of certiorari which would oblige the judge to
remove the case to the Supreme Court and a habeas corpus from the Chief
Justice of the State, should both be in readiness when the decision of
the judge should be pronounced, in case that if it should be
unfavorable, the writs might be at once served, and the prisoner
remanded to the sheriff of the county, to be brought up before the
Supreme Court at Trenton for another trial.
To procure these writs, it was necessary to obtain the signature of the
chief justice of New Jersey, who resided at Newark, and again Thomas
Shipley was ready to enter with alacrity into the service. He saw the
importance of the measure, and that it would require prompt action,
inasmuch as the decision of the judge would probably be pronounced on
the following day. It fortunately happened that a friend was just about
leaving for Newark, in his own conveyance, and feeling an interest in
the case, he kindly invited friend Shipley to accompany him. They left
in the afternoon, traveled all night, and arrived at Newark by daylight
the following morning. The weary traveler was unwilling, however, to
retire to bed, although the night was exceedingly cold and tempestuous,
but he proceeded at once to the house of the chief justice. He called
the worthy judge from his bed, offering the importance of his business,
and the necessity of speedy action, as an apology for so unseasonable a
visit. Chief Justice Hornblower, on being informed of the circumstances
of the case, expressed his pleasure at having it in his power to accede
to his wishes and treated him with a respect and kindness which the
disinterested benevolence of his mission was calculated to inspire.
Having obtained the necessary papers, he left at once for Mount Holly,
where he arrived on the following day, in time to place the writs in the
hands of the sheriff, just before the decision of Judge H. was
pronounced. Had he consulted his ease or convenience, and deferred his
visit to Newark a few hours, or had he, as most men, under similar
circumstances would have done, reposed his weary limbs, after a cold and
dreary ride of eighty miles, in order to enable him to return with
renewed strength, he would have arrived too late to render this
meritorious effort effectual. As it was, he was there in time. The
judge, according to the expectation of the friends of the colored man,
gave his decision in favor of the slave-holders, and ordered poor
Alexander to be given up to the tender mercies of the exasperated
claimant. The decision sent a thrill of indignation through the anxious
and excited multitude, which perhaps, was never equalled amongst the
inhabitants of that quiet town. The friends of humanity had assembled
from all parts of the country to witness the proceedings in the case.
Many of them were personally acquainted with the prisoner; they knew him
to be a man of intelligence and integrity; he was an industrious and
orderly citizen, and was universally respected in the neighborhood. He
was now about to be made a slave, and was declared to be the property of
another. The father was about to be torn from his helpless children; the
husband in defiance of the Divine command, was to be wrested from the
fond embrace of his sorrowing wife, to spend his days in misery and
toil. And this was to be done before the eyes of those who had a just
regard for human rights, a hearty hatred of oppression. Is it wonderful,
that under such circumstances, there should have been a deep abhorrence
for the perpetrators of this outrage upon humanity, and a general
sympathy for the innocent captive?
But it was decreed that those feelings of honest indignation should be
speedily supplanted by the warm outpouring of public gratitude and joy.
While the feeling of the spectators was in this state of intense
interest and excitement, the judge, stern and inflexible in his
purposes, and the clan of greedy claimants ready to seize upon their
prey, the sheriff produced his writ of certiorari and handed it to the
court. It was instantly returned, and the judge who sat unmoved, by a
scene to which he was not unaccustomed, and conceiving, perhaps, that
his official dignity was impugned, persisted in his determination that
the prisoner should be handed over to the claimant. The prudence and
foresight of Thomas Shipley and his friends had provided, however, for
this anticipated difficulty. Happily for the prisoner, he was yet
embraced under the provision of that constitution, which secured to him
the protection of a habeas corpus, and this threw around him a shield
which his enemies could not penetrate. A writ of habeas corpus, signed
by the chief justice of the State and demanding the body of the
prisoner, before the Supreme Court at its next term, was now produced!
The astonished judge found himself completely foiled. He had exercised
his authority to its utmost limit, in support of the claims of his
slave-holding friends, and had given the influence of his station and
character, to bolster up the "patriarchal institution;" but it was all
in vain. Just as they supposed they had achieved a victory, they were
obliged with fallen crests, to succumb to the dictates of a higher
tribunal, and to see their victim conveyed beyond their reach in the
safe keeping of the sheriff.
In the Third month, (March,) the case was brought up before the Supreme
Court for final adjudication. In the meantime, Thomas Shipley adopted
vigorous measures to have the facts collected and arranged. He procured
the aid of an intelligent and humane friend of the cause, who resided
near Trenton, to attend, personally to the case, and secured the legal
services of Theodore Frelinghuysen, well known as one of the most gifted
and virtuous statesmen of the age, and as a warm and zealous friend of
the oppressed. Under these happy auspices, the case came before the
Supreme Court, and gave rise to a highly interesting and important
argument; in which the distinguished Frelinghuysen appeared as the
disinterested advocate of the prisoner, and urged upon the court his
claim to liberty, under the laws of New Jersey, in a speech which was
one of his most brilliant and eloquent efforts, and added another to the
many laurels which his genius and philanthropy have achieved.
The opinion of Chief Justice Hornblower was given at length, and is said
to have displayed a soundness and extent of legal knowledge, with a
spirit of mildness and humanity, well worthy of the highest judicial
tribunal of New Jersey.
By this decision, Alexander Helmsley was declared to be a freeman, and
returned with rejoicing into the bosom of his family, and to the
enjoyment of the rights and privileges of a free citizen.
Thus terminated this interesting case, which for several months agitated
the public mind of Burlington county, to an extent almost unequalled.
Such disinterested devotion to the defence of the rights of the
oppressed, had it been displayed only in the instance recited, would be
sufficient to enroll the name of Thomas Shipley on the list of the
benefactors of his race; but when we consider that, for a period of
twenty years, his history abounds in similar incidents, and that he
uniformly stood forth as the unflinching advocate of the oppressed,
regardless of the sacrifices which he was obliged to make on their
behalf, we are disposed to view him as one of that noble band whose
lives have been consecrated to deeds of charity and benevolence, and
whose names will illumine the moral firmament, so long as virtue and
truth shall command the homage of mankind.
Thomas Shipley was one of the founders of the American Anti-Slavery
Society, and was an active agent in those stirring movements which soon
aroused the nation to a full consideration of the enormities of Slavery.
He was a prominent member of the Anti-slavery Convention, which
assembled in this city in 1833, and a signer of their declaration of
sentiments.
During the last few years of his life, he was more devotedly engaged in
his abolition labors than at any previous period. It was his constant
desire to diffuse the principles which had been so fearlessly proclaimed
by the Convention, and to encourage the formation of Anti-slavery
societies throughout the sphere of his influence. He was one of the most
prominent members of the Philadelphia Anti-slavery Society, which was
formed through much opposition, in 1835, and he steadily adhered to its
meetings, notwithstanding the threats which were so loudly made by the
enemies of public order.
In the midst of the popular commotions and tumults, which marked the
progress of Anti-slavery principles, he stood calm and unmoved. Having
been long known as a firm friend of the rights of the colored man, and
being amongst the most efficient public advocates of his cause, he was
of course subjected to the revilings which were so liberally heaped upon
the Abolitionists at that time. His name was associated with that of
Tappan, Birney, Green, Jay, Garrison, and other leading Abolitionists,
who were singled out by slave-holders and their abettors as fit subjects
for the merciless attacks of excited mobs.
In several attempts which were made in this city to stir up the passions
of the ignorant against the advocates of human rights, his person and
property were openly threatened with assault. Such menaces failed,
however, to deter him from the steady performance of what he believed to
be a solemn duty. Being fully satisfied of the truth of the principles
which he had espoused, he relied with unwavering confidence upon Divine
power for their ultimate triumph, and for the protection of those who
advocated them. When his friends expressed their anxiety for his safety,
he always allayed their apprehensions, and evinced by the firmness and
benignity of his manner that he was divested of the fear of man, and
acted under the influence of that spirit which is from above.
The active part which Thomas Shipley took in Anti-slavery movements, did
not diminish his interest in the prosperity and usefulness of the old
Pennsylvania Society. He was a steady attendant on its meetings, and
exercised his wonted care on all subjects connected with its interests.
A short time previous to his death, his services were acknowledged by
his fellow-members, by his election to the office of president.
The incessant and fatiguing labors in which he was engaged, had sensibly
affected the vigor of a constitution naturally delicate, and rendered
him peculiarly liable to the inroads of disease. He was seized in the
autumn of 1836, with an attack of intermittent fever, which confined him
to the house for ten or twelve days, and very much reduced his strength;
while recovering from this attack, he experienced an accession of
disease which terminated his life in less than twenty-four hours. But a
few hours before his death, he inquired of his physicians as to the
probable issue of his case; when informed of his critical condition, he
received the intelligence with composure, and immediately requested Dr.
Atlee, who was by his side, to take down some directions in regard to
his affairs, on paper. In a few minutes after this, he quietly lapsed
into the sleep of death, in the morning, on the 17th of Ninth month,
1836.
His last words were, "I die at peace with all mankind, and hope that my
trespasses may be as freely forgiven, as I forgive those who have
trespassed against me."
To all who knew him well, of whatever class in the community, the
tidings of this unexpected event brought a personal sorrow. It was felt
that a man of rare probity and virtue had gone to his reward. But to the
colored people the intelligence of his death was at once startling and
confounding. Their whole community was bowed down in public lamentation,
for their warmest and most steadfast friend was gone.
They repaired in large numbers to the house of their benefactor to
obtain a last glance at his lifeless body. Parents brought their little
ones to the house of mourning, and as they gazed upon the features of
the departed, now inanimate in death, they taught their infant minds the
impressive lesson, that before them were the mortal remains of one who
had devoted his energies to the disenthralment of their race, and whose
memory they should ever cherish with gratitude and reverence. When the
day arrived for committing his remains to the grave the evidence of deep
and pervading sorrow among these wronged and outraged people was
strikingly apparent.
Thousands, whose serious deportment and dejected countenances evinced
that they were fully sensible of their loss, collected in the vicinity
of his dwelling, anxious to testify their respect for his memory. Theirs
was not the gaze of the indifferent crowd, which clusters around the
abodes of fashion and splendor, to witness the pomp and circumstance
attendant on the interment of the haughty or the rich. It was a solemn
gathering, brought together by the impulse of feeling, to mingle their
tears and lamentations at the grave of one whom they had loved and
revered as a protector and a friend.
When the hearse arrived at the quiet burial place in Arch street, where
the Friends for many generations have buried their dead, six colored men
carried the body to its last resting-place, and the silent tear of the
son of Africa over the grave of his zealous friend, was more expressive
of real affection than all the parade which is sometimes brought so
ostentatiously before the public eye. In the expressive words of the
leading newspaper of the day, "Aaron Burr was lately buried with the
honors of war. Thomas Shipley was buried with the honors of peace. Let
the reflecting mind pause in the honorable contrast."
As a public speaker Thomas Shipley was clear, cogent, sometimes
eloquent, and always impressive. He never attempted oratorical effect,
or studied harangues. He generally spoke extemporaneously, on the spur
of the occasion, and what he said came warm from the heart. It was the
simple and unadorned expression of his sentiments and feelings. He was,
however, argumentative and even logical, when the occasion required it.
When intensely interested, his eye was full of deep and piercing
expression.
Although his education had been limited, and his pursuits afforded him
but little leisure time, yet he indulged his fondness for reading, and
exhibited a refined literary taste in his selections. He has left
amongst his books and papers eight manuscript volumes of about one
hundred and fifty pages each, filled with selections, copied in his own
handwriting, and culled from the writings of many of the most gifted
authors, both in poetry and prose.
These extracts are generally of a moral and religious caste, and include
scraps from Young, Milton, Addison, Burns, Cowper, Watts, Akenside,
Pope, Byron, Hemans, and many others.
In the domestic and social circle, his conversation was animated and
instructive, and always tempered by that kindness and amenity of manners
which endeared him to his family and friends.
He was no bigot in religion. While a firm believer in the doctrines of
the Gospel as maintained by the orthodox Society of Friends, he yet held
that religion was an operative principle producing the fruits of
righteousness and peace, in all of whatever name, who are sincere
followers of our Lord Jesus Christ. In conclusion we may add, that more
than most men he bore about with him the sentiment of that old Roman,
"Nihil humanum alienum a me puto," while he added to it the higher
thought of the Christian, that he who loveth God loveth his brother
also. We need not dwell upon the life of such a man. To-day, after the
lapse of more than a generation, his memory is fresh and green in the
hearts of those who knew him, and who still survive to hand down to
their children the story of the trials of that eventful period in our
history.
_To the Memory of_