A Moment of Decision
In July 1855, Jane Johnson, an enslaved woman traveling with her sons and their owner, Colonel John Wheeler, found herself in Philadelphia, a city where slavery was illegal. While dining at Bloodgood’s Hotel near the Walnut Street wharf, Johnson whispered to a black worker, “I and my children are slaves, and we want liberty.” The message reached the Vigilance Committee, an abolitionist group, who resolved to act immediately.
A Daring Rescue
As Wheeler prepared to board a steamboat to New York, abolitionists William Still and Passmore Williamson approached Johnson. On the deck, Williamson asked if she wanted her freedom. She responded, “I do but I belong to this gentleman and I can’t have it.” Williamson assured her, “Yes, you can.” Seizing the moment, Johnson and her sons escaped with the abolitionists, narrowly evading Wheeler’s attempts to stop them.
Courtroom Drama
Wheeler’s legal action against Williamson and the dock workers led to sensational trials. Williamson was jailed for contempt, but Johnson emerged from hiding to testify. Her courage stunned the courtroom and secured the acquittal of her rescuers.
A New Life
Johnson settled in Boston with her sons, achieving the freedom she risked everything to claim.
In July 1855, Jane Johnson, enslaved by Colonel John Wheeler, found herself in Philadelphia. With slavery illegal there, Johnson told a black hotel worker she wanted liberty. The message reached abolitionists, who resolved to act before Wheeler could take her to New York. pic.twitter.com/MXwJwNMFK0
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