May 31: Birthday of Anthony Burns
Prayer Idea
Pray for opportunities to help other people reach their potential to use their gifts to serve others.
History Note
Anthony Burns was born into slavery in Virginia. He taught himself to read and write, became a Christian, and preached to other enslaved persons. He eventually escaped from Virginia and moved to Boston, Massachusetts, where he found a job in a clothing store.
According to the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, people in states without slavery had to cooperative with people in states with slavery to return people who had escaped from slavery. Sometimes people who had never been enslaved were kidnapped and forced into slavery.
In 1854 Anthony Burns was arrested and taken to court as a “fugitive slave.” Abolitionists in Boston heard about his case and gathered to expressed their disapproval. A few tried unsuccessfully to use violence to free Burns from imprisonment.
From his prison cell, Anthony Burns sent a request to the ministers of the churches in Boston. He asked them to pray that he could once again enjoy the blessings of liberty. A judge decided that Burns must return to slavery.
Officials took Burns from the courthouse to a nearby ship. The ship would take him back to Virginia. Tens of thousands of people gathered on the streets to watch Burns pass. Many soldiers stood along the streets to make sure there was not another riot.
Many abolitionists refused to give up. They raised $1,300 and bought Anthony Burns’ freedom. Burns returned to Boston, attended college, and continue to work as a minister. He moved to Canada to serve other African Americans who had left the United States to avoid being forced back into slavery.
This 1855 engraving by John Andrews shows scenes from the life of Anthony Burns. Image courtesy the Library of Congress.
Learn More
This video tells the story of Anthony Burns.
Please Note: It mentions that a federal marshal was killed during a confrontation.
Find other resources at Homeschool History.
