The Abolitionist’s Journal
The Abolitionist’s Journal
Memories of an American Antislavery Family
Over the course of more than twenty years, James D. Richardson and his wife, Lori, retraced the steps of his ancestor, George Richardson (1824-1911), across nine states, uncovering letters, diaries, and more memoirs hidden away. Their journey brought them to the brink of the racial divide in America, revealing how his great-great-grandfather Richardson played a role in the Underground Railroad, served as a chaplain to a Black Union regiment in the Civil War, and founded a college in Texas for the formerly enslaved.
In narrating this compelling life, The Abolitionist’s Journal explores the weight of the past as well as the pull of one’s ancestral history. The author raises questions about why this fervent commitment to the emancipation of African Americans was nearly forgotten by his family, exploring the racial attitudes in the author’s upbringing and the ingrained racism that still plagues our nation today.
As America confronts a generational reckoning on race, these important perspectives add a layer to our larger national story.
This chronicle persuasively speaks to how the past ripples through generations.
With compelling spiritual and historical resonance, The Abolitionist’s Journal is a testament to the struggles and triumphs of a passionate, exemplary family.
The Abolitionist’s Journal is without question a splendid achievement and a masterful addition to the literature of America’s racial past and that past’s resonance with the present day.
A thrilling story of deep faith, courage, and sacrifice, Jim Richardson’s memoir of his great-great-grandfather captures the quiet valor of an American hero most of us have never heard of.
In scripture, the prophets continuously challenged the people to remember the past, and God’s part in it, in order to move forward into an unknown future. James Richardson’s personal and compelling account of his abolitionist ancestors’ experiences confronting slavery helps us to move past our convenient forgetfulness and take up the cause of justice in our own time.
The Abolitionist’s Journal offers readers the opportunity to intimately understand the challenges faced by supporters of African American freedom during and after the Civil War.…By way of the journal of George W. Richardson, his great-great-grandson now shares the remarkable journey of this man and his multi-decade dedication to supporting African American religious and educational growth.
James D. Richardson is a former senior writer with The Sacramento Bee and a retired Episcopal priest. He is the author of Willie Brown: A Biography. His articles on state politics have appeared in numerous publications including The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, and The San Francisco Chronicle. He lives in Sacramento, California, with his wife, Lori.
Part I
Chapter 1. The Journal
Chapter 2. Awakenings
Chapter 3. Daisy
Chapter 4. Dreams
Chapter 5. James Crow
Chapter 6. Chauncey Hobart
Chapter 7. Across That Bridge
Chapter 8. Freedom Ride
Chapter 9. Dagger Strokes
Part II
Chapter 10. The Slaughter Pen
Chapter 11. The Fort Pillow Boys
Chapter 12. Fort Pickering
Chapter 13. Snakes
Chapter 14. Rebs and Refugees
Chapter 15. Licked
Chapter 16. War Criminal Park
Part III
Chapter 17. Owen
Chapter 18. Texas Burning
Chapter 19. Jeremiah Webster
Chapter 20. Glory Bound
Chapter 21. The Gillette Mansion
Chapter 22. Alleyton
Chapter 23. Caroline
Part IV
Chapter 24. Austin City Limits
Chapter 25. Lily
Chapter 26. Wild Geese
Chapter 27. Emma
Chapter 28. Seas and Stars
Chapter 29. Charlottesville
Chapter 30. Remembering
Acknowledgments
Notes
Bibliography
Index
