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Frederick Douglass

Abolitionist Frederick Douglass

Full Name: Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey
Profession: Abolitionist

Nationality:
United States of America
American

Biography: A leader of the abolitionist movement in the American North East, most famous for his oratory and writing.

Born into slavery in Maryland, Douglass escaped north in 1838 and became involved in the anti-slavery movement.

In 1845 he published the "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave", a bestseller at the time and still considered among the most influential personal accounts of slavery.

He went on to publish abolitionist newspapers including the famous "North Star" and was appointed to many public offices by the government including President Lincoln.

Douglass also actively supported women's suffrage, held several public offices and was a firm believer in the equality of all peoples.

Born: February 14, 1818
Birthplace: Talbot County, Maryland, USA
Star Sign: Aquarius

Died: February 20, 1895 (aged 77)
Cause of Death: Heart attack

Married Life

  • 1838-09-14 Newly escaped slave Frederick Douglass marries free woman Anne Murray in New York
  • 1884-01-24 Abolitionist Frederick Douglass marries his second wife suffragist Helen Pitts

Historical Events

  • 1838-09-03 Frederick Douglass escapes from slavery disguised as a sailor
  • 1847-12-03 Frederick Douglass publishes first issue of his newspaper "North Star"
  • 1852-07-05 Fugitive slave Frederick Douglass delivers his 'What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?' speech to the Ladies' Anti-Slavery Society in Rochester, condemns the celebration as hypocritical sham
  • 1853-07-06 National Black convention meets in Rochester NY, ex-slave Frederick Douglass attends
  • 1866-09-06 Frederick Douglass is 1st US black delegate to a national convention
  • 1877-03-18 US President Rutherford B. Hayes appoints Frederick Douglass marshal of Washington, D.C.
  • 1881-05-17 Frederick Douglass appointed recorder of deeds for the District of Columbia
  • 1888-06-23 Frederick Douglass is 1st African-American to be nominated for US Vice President
  • 1889-07-01 Frederick Douglass named US Minister to Haiti
  • 1895-02-21 North Caroline Legislature adjourns for the day to mark the passing of Frederick Douglass
  • 1922-08-12 Dedication of Frederick Douglass' home in Washington, D.C. as national shrine

Famous Abolitionists