Profession: Soldier, Diplomat and Abolitionist
Biography: Laurens was best known for his abolitionist stance on slavery in the early years of the United States. He spent much time attempting to convince the newly-formed Congress and the legislature of South Carolina to recruit black soldiers to fight for their freedom.
At the end of the Revolutionary War, Laurens was shot off his saddle during the Battle of the Combahee River. He was one of the last casualties of the war, dying only a few weeks before British soldiers withdrew from Charleston.
Born: October 28, 1754
Birthplace: Charleston, South Carolina, USA
Star Sign: Scorpio
Died: August 27, 1782 (aged 27)
Cause of Death: Killed in action when he was shot from his saddle during the Battle of the Combahee River, becoming one of the last casualties of the Revolutionary War
Articles and Photos
Historical Events
- 1781-09-28 9,000 American and 7,000 French troops begin the siege of Yorktown
- 1781-10-09 Americans under George Washington and the French under Comte de Rochambeau begin bombardment of Yorktown, the last battle of American Revolutionary War
- 1781-10-19 British forces under General Charles Cornwallis sign terms of surrender to George Washington and Comte de Rochambeau at Yorktown at 2 pm, ending the US Revolutionary War
- 1782-08-27 Battle of the Combahee River near Beaufort, South Carolina, American abolitionist John Laurens is killed leading the charge
Angelina Grimké
Harriet Beecher Stowe
Sojourner Truth
John of Gaunt
Owen D. Young
Ralph Bunche