Birney, James Gillespie, 1792-1857

Biographical Note: James G. Birney was an attorney, an abolitionist writer and publisher. He was born in Kentucky in 1784 to a wealthy, slaveholding family, but he abandoned a successful law practice to become an agent for abolitionism. Birney hoped to accomplish the abolition of slavery through political means and through the publication of books, pamphlets, and newspapers. He was the Liberty Party's unanimous presidential nominee in 1840 and 1844. James G. Birney died in 1853.

Abolitionist leader.

James Gillespie Birney was an abolitionist born in Danville, Ky. He practiced law in Danville from 1814 to 1818 and subsequently moved to Alabama where he served one term in the state legislature. In 1833 he returned to Kentucky as an abolitionist and freed his inherited slaves the following year. Birney helped form the Kentucky Anti-Slavery Society and in 1837 became executive secretary of the American Anti-Slavery Society. In 1840 he and other abolitionists formed the Liberty Party, and Birney served as their candidate for president in the 1840 and 1844 elections.

James Gillespie Birney (1792-1857) was a lawyer who became involved in anti-slavery pursuits in the 1830's. In 1836, he became secretary for the American Anti-Slavery Society. He was nominated to run for President of the United States, by the Liberty party he helped establish, in 1840 and again in 1844. He received little success in his first candidacy, but it was thought that the votes he won in 1844 were partially responsible for the election of James K. Polk, by taking votes away from the other candidates. Elizur Wright, Jr. (1804-1885) and Henry Brewster Stanton (1805-1887) were also prominent reformers in the Abolitionist movement in the 1830's. Henry B. Stanton was married to Elizabeth Cady Stanton, an influential figure in both anti-slavery and women's rights.

Abolitionist and editor.

Biographical Note