James W. C. Pennington

James W. C. Pennington
James W. C. Pennington (1807–1870) was an African American minister, abolitionist, and writer who escaped from slavery in Maryland. He became the first Black student to attend Yale University, though he was not officially enrolled. Pennington is best known for his memoir, "The Fugitive Blacksmith," which details his life as a fugitive from slavery and his journey to freedom. He was also a strong advocate for the abolitionist movement and wrote "A Text Book of the Origin and History of the Colored People," one of the earliest historical accounts focused on African Americans.

Author's Books:


MY BIRTH AND PARENTAGE.—THE TREATMENT OF SLAVES GENERALLY IN MARYLAND. I was born in the state of Maryland, which is one of the smallest and most northern of the slave-holding states; the products of this state are wheat, rye, Indian corn, tobacco, with some hemp, flax, &c. By looking at the map, it will be seen that Maryland, like Virginia her neighbour, is divided by the Chesapeake Bay into... more...