Birney, James Gillespie, 1792-1857

Variant names
Dates:
Birth 1792-02-04
Death 1857-11-24

Biographical notes:

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.

From the description of Birney anti-slavery collection, 1784-1909. (Johns Hopkins University). WorldCat record id: 48388292

Abolitionist leader.

From the description of Letter of James Gillespie Birney, 1839. (Wheaton College). WorldCat record id: 31743435

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.

From the description of James Gillespie Birney letter, 1838 Jan. 11. (Louisiana State University). WorldCat record id: 268667384

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.

From the description of Letter : American Anti-Slavery Society, 1838 July 4. (Brigham Young University). WorldCat record id: 51601535

Abolitionist and editor.

From the description of James Gillespie Birney papers, 1830-circa 1895 (bulk 1830-1850). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 70981100

Biographical Note

1792, Feb. 4 Born, Danville, Ky. 1810 Graduated, College of New Jersey (Princeton University), Princeton, N.J. 1814 Read law in office of Alexander J. Dallas, Philadelphia, Pa. Admitted to bar Began law practice in Danville, Ky. 1816 Married Agatha McDowell (died 1839) Elected to Kentucky legislature 1818 Moved to Alabama 1819 Elected representative to first General Assembly of Alabama 1827 Drafted legislation passed by the General Assembly of Alabama prohibiting the importation of slaves 1829 Slave importation bill repealed by the General Assembly of Alabama 1832 Reintroduced legislation in the general assembly of Alabama prohibiting the importation of slaves Became agent for the American Colonization Society, traveling and lecturing in the South to promote colonization of slaves Returned to Kentucky 1834 Emancipated his slaves 1835 Formed Kentucky Anti-Slavery Society 1836 Moved to Ohio and began to publish the Philanthropist, an antislavery newspaper 1837 Elected executive secretary, American Anti-Slavery Society Moved to New York 1840 Vice president, World's Anti-Slavery Convention 1840 1844 Presidential candidate for the Liberty Party 1841 Married Miss Fitzhugh 1852 Published Examination of the Decision of the Supreme Court of the United States, in the Case of Strader, Gorman and Armstrong vs. Christopher Graham, Delivered at Its December Term, 1850: Concluding with an Address to the Free Colored People, Advising them to Remove to Liberia. Cincinnati: Truman & Spofford 1857, Nov. 25 Died, Perth Amboy, N.J.

From the guide to the James Gillespie Birney Papers, 1830-circa 1895, (bulk 1830-1850), (Manuscript Division Library of Congress)

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Subjects:

  • Slavery
  • Slavery
  • Abolitionists
  • African Americans
  • African Americans
  • Antislavery movements
  • Antislavery movements
  • Slavery and the church

Occupations:

  • Abolitionists
  • Editors

Places:

  • United States (as recorded)
  • Africa (as recorded)
  • Batavia (Ohio) (as recorded)
  • United States (as recorded)
  • United States (as recorded)
  • New York (State) (as recorded)

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