Wisconsin Historical Society

Primary source

Manuscript

A former slaveholder explains how he became an abolitionist, 1840

Speech of Rev. Wm. H. Brisbane lately a slaveholder in South Carolina; containing an account of the change in his views on the subject of slavery.

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About this record

Minister, editor, author, and doctor, William Henry Brisbane was a South Carolina slaveholder who turned abolitionist, moved north, and freed his slaves. He came to Wisconsin in 1853, settled in the town of Arena, and served as chaplain of the 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry in the Civil War. In this speech, originally delivered in Cincinnati and later issued as a pamphlet, Brisbane explains his transformation from a slaveholder to an anti-slavery activist. To see a typed version, click "Page & Text" when viewing any handwritten page.

Citation

Brisbane, William. "Speech ... containing an account of the change in his views on the subject of slavery." Manuscript in the Wisconsin Historical Society Archives (Wis Mss VD, box 1).