"Harry Bradshaw Matthews' history discusses antislavery movements in African American communities in New York State, as well as Pennsylvania and South Carolina, and their role in national movements during the 19th century. His identification and discussion of black leaders, historic sites, and instruction on conducting genealogical research is an outstanding addition that enhances the work. By compiling hundreds of illustrations consisting of newspaper articles, editorials, notices, and the name indexes of the 20th and 26th Regiments of the United Sates Colored Troops, Matthews gives a unique wealth of genealogical information that is a treasure-trove sure to aid scholars and family historians for years to come." [from GoodReads.com]
Includes bibliographical references (p. 294-297) and index.
Contents
Enslaved Africans in early Pennsylvania --- African Resistance to Slavery --- The Underground Railroad --- The Fugitive Slave Law of1850 --- Black Enfranchisement --- The Question of Emigrationor Migration --- The Role of the Church --- Progress throughEducation --- Black Men and Women of letters --- EarlyPhiladelphia entrepreneurs --- Black Inventors and Scientists ---African Americans in Medicine --- African Americans in the Media--- Black Americans in Performing Arts ( Dance , Theater , Music, Film, and Television ) --- Black Artists --- Black Athletes --- A Guide to Historic Places
Summary
An illustrated biographical guide to some of the distinguished Afro-Americans of Pennsylvania.
"Enter into the centuries-long debate about justice for the African and African American inhabitants of Pennsylvania with this history, which spans from William Penn's colony to the twentieth-century political achievements of black political leaders. Learn about the growth of African American communities through the experiences of James Forten, Richard Allen, Octavius Catto, Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, and many others. This is the ongoing story of 'making a home' in Pennsylvania." [from the publisher]
"Produced for Rivertownes PA USA in commemoration of the 140th anniversary of the burning of the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge on 28 June 1863, this program narrates the dramatic story of the bridge's destruction and details the valiant attempt of an outnumbered detachment of raw Union militia to halt the advance of Confederate Brigadier General John Gordon's determined veteran infantry."
Also "introduces the poignant, very risky participation of a company of free blacks from Columbia."
Originally published: Lancaster, Pa. : Office of the Journal, 1883.
Includes index.
African American resources at Lancaster County Historical Society.
Summary
This book was written in 1883 by Robert Clemons Smedley, a Chester County Pennsylvania physician who interviewed participants in the underground railroad. He was not a historian and was not unbiased. But he is considered to have been conscientious in his efforts to record the stories he was told. He wrote about events as described to him by person who themselves were involved, both those fleeing slavery and those assisting them.Topics in chapters 1 & 2 include William Wright and Columbia, PA. Chapter 8 is about the "Christiana Tragedy".
