The Tappan Brothers: New York’s Purveyors of Silk and Abolitionism
The Tappan brothers, Arthur and Lewis, were wealthy New York merchants who used their fortune to finance abolitionist activities in the 1830s and 1940s,
William Henry Seward: New York’s #1 Antislavery Politician
William Henry Seward maximized legal protection for fugitive slaves as Governor, hid them in his basement as Senator, and was too radical to be President.
Isaac T. Hopper – “Father of the Underground Railroad”
Isaac T. Hopper (1771-1852) was a pioneer abolitionist and social reformer. He is sometimes considered to be the “Father of the Underground Railroad”.
James McCune Smith – New York Physician, Intellectual, Abolitionist
James McCune Smith, MD and Abolitionist, was one of the most educated Americans of his time, Frederick Douglass called him his “most important influence”.
Beriah Green – Abolitionist Visionary with an Edge
Beriah Green (1795-1874) was the president of New York’s hotbed of abolitionism, the Oneida Institute, and envisioned a truly egalitarian interracial society.
David Ruggles and the New York Committee of Vigilance
David Ruggles was New York’s most radical, infamous, and hated black abolitionist, and the chief operative of the New York Committee of Vigilance.
Robert Townsend: Possibly Washington’s most important Spy
Robert Townsend, a central member of Washington’s Spies in New York, during the Revolutionary War, is credited with major contributions to the patriot success.
Gerrit Smith – Social Justice Trailblazer made in New York
Gerrit Smith was a wealthy radical abolitionist and social reformer from NY. He donated millions to social causes and helped hundreds of slaves.
Benjamin Tallmadge – Head of Washington’s Spies in New York
Benjamin Tallmadge was head of George Washington’s secret service. His New York based Culper Spy Ring contributed significantly to the patriot war effort.
Emma Hart Willard – Women’s Education Trailblazer
Emma Hart Willard founded the first higher education school for women in the US in Troy, NY in 1821 to teach girls “male” subjects such as science and math.