Abolitionists

Salem has been home to many abolitionists over the years. The harbors, river and access to the sea made it an important escape route for runaway slaves to Canada. Many free blacks, white liberals and religious leaders supported of the abolition of slavery, believing slavery was an issue best dealt with in the Southern states.

Some of the local abolitionists:

Prince Farmer, a black businessman who sold oysters, lived at 18 Crombie St. Mr. Pike was a member of the Masonic fraternity and an important member of the abolition movement in the city.

Sarah Parker Remond, a member of one of the prominent African American families in Salem. A founder of the Salem Female Anti-Slavery Society, this group sponsored lectures at the Salem Lyceum by important abolitionists, such as Lucy Stone, Charlotte Forten and William Lloyd Garrison.

William Ingersoll Bowditch (son of Nathaniel Bowditch) was an abolitionist.

John Bertram provided financial support for the education of freed slaves. Supreme Court Justice, Joseph Story, was involved in the U.S. Supreme Court decision concerning the vessel the Amistad.