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Pumphrey, Thomas, and Emma R. Pumphrey.
The rare memorial book for the couple who freed Frederick Douglass. Henry and Anna Richardson. In Memoriam.
Publisher: [For private distribution], Newcastle-upon-Tyne;
Date of Publication: 1892
Stock Code: 14884
Square duodecimo, pp., 48, [2] appendix. With frontispiece, lithographic portrait of Henry, and two photographic plates of Henry and Anna. Original chocolate cloth, titled in gilt to upper board within black-stamped frame, vignette of Josiah Wedgwood’s anti-slavery medallion stamped to lower board; edges died red. Corners rubbed and slightly bumped, slight rubbing to joints and spine-tips. Occasional spots of foxing but contents generally clean and neat. A very good copy. An exceedingly rare memorial volume for two prominent Newcastle Abolitionist Quakers who in 1846, paid the deed of enfranchisement for Frederick Douglass. Henry and Anna Richardson were grocers and Quakers, who were lifelong advocates of Abolitionism, peace, and ethical trade. The couple, along with other British Quakers, financially supported Douglass’ two-year speaking tour of the UK, and hosted the Abolitionist at their home in Summerhill in Newcastle. In 1846, the couple raised £150 to purchase Douglass’ freedom from his American owner, Hugh Auld. The act was not without controversy, as some Abolitionists viewed the purchase as tantamount to validating the trade in enslaved people. Douglass corresponded with the Richardsons for the rest of his life. The Richardsons regularly hosted Black Abolitionists such as James W. C. Pennington and Henry Highland Garnet at their home. Through local presses, the pair supported the publication of anti-slavery prints, broadsides, pamphlets, and two books. Compiled by friends and family in the year of Anna’s death, this short memorial work describes their Abolitionism, various encounters with Black Abolitionists and peace activism. A section recalling their time with Douglass partially reproduces the deed of enfranchisement. With original material from Henry Richardson’s journal. £250.00