Social Reformer, Literary Figure. A merchant sea captain, he is the subject of John G. Whittier's poem "The Man With The Branded Hand". He was a captain of a fishing boat when, in 1840, he went to Florida and worked as a railroad contractor. He was concerned about the condition of slaves, in 1844 he helped seven slaves escape, on his boat, but because of several problems, including his being ill, and the crew not being very wise in navigation, they would have all drowned, if a wrecking-sloop had not found and rescued them. He was sent to prison and charged with slave stealing. At his trial he was convicted, sentenced to be fined, and his right hand was branded with the letters "S.S." for Slave Stealer. He moved to Michigan, in 1850, and lived near Muskegon until his death.
Social Reformer, Literary Figure. A merchant sea captain, he is the subject of John G. Whittier's poem "The Man With The Branded Hand". He was a captain of a fishing boat when, in 1840, he went to Florida and worked as a railroad contractor. He was concerned about the condition of slaves, in 1844 he helped seven slaves escape, on his boat, but because of several problems, including his being ill, and the crew not being very wise in navigation, they would have all drowned, if a wrecking-sloop had not found and rescued them. He was sent to prison and charged with slave stealing. At his trial he was convicted, sentenced to be fined, and his right hand was branded with the letters "S.S." for Slave Stealer. He moved to Michigan, in 1850, and lived near Muskegon until his death.
Bio by: Hilda Duell
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