The Life of Benjamin Banneker by Laura Baskes Litwin

Author:Laura Baskes Litwin [Litwin, Laura Baskes]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780766061149
Publisher: Enslow Publishers, Inc.
Published: 2014-03-14T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6

ABOLITIONISTS IN ACTION

When Benjamin Banneker wrote to Andrew Ellicott IV, seeking his assistance in promoting his ephemeris, some behind-the-scenes efforts were set in motion. Without Banneker’s knowledge, Ellicott had forwarded the letter to a man named James Pemberton. This single act would have important consequences for Banneker.

James Pemberton was one of the leaders (along with Benjamin Franklin) of a new organization called the Pennsylvania Society for promoting the Abolition of Slavery, the Relief of Free Negroes unlawfully held in bondage and for Improving the Condition of the African Race. It was more commonly referred to as the Pennsylvania Abolition Society. This group’s mission was to end slavery in the United States.1 Other states soon followed Pennsylvania’s lead, and abolition societies were established in Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Delaware, and Virginia.

Many of the members of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society were also members of the Society of Friends. Quakers believed that slavery was contrary to Christian values. They believed that just as they themselves did not want to be enslaved, they had no right to make slaves of others. Quakers were known for their refusal to use slave labor and for helping freed slaves start new lives, often providing them with money or land.

When Pemberton received Banneker’s letter from Andrew Ellicott, he was excited. He thought that Banneker’s accomplishments proved what a black person could do if given the freedom to try. Free all African Americans, the abolitionists might now argue, and there will be many more examples of black intellectual achievement.

Pemberton wrote a letter of his own to a friend in the Maryland Abolition Society, a man named Joseph Townsend. He asked Townsend to find out more about Benjamin Banneker. Townsend soon learned that two other members of the Maryland Abolition Society knew of Banneker’s abilities. One was Elias Ellicott, the brother of George Ellicott. The other was John Hayes, the printer who had rejected Banneker’s ephemeris. Hayes explained his reason for refusing Banneker to James Pemberton and promised to do what he could to help with publication the next year.2

In the meantime, Banneker had returned home from his work with the surveying team. He was worn out and glad to be back at his farm, especially because that meant he could resume his astronomy work. Despite the chilly air, Banneker had developed the habit of leaving his window seat and spending the night outdoors. One of his neighbors described him in this way:

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