Gerrit Smith: A Biography

Gerrit Smith: A Biography is a detailed account of the life of Gerrit Smith, a prominent figure in American history who was known for his activism in the abolitionist movement, as well as his philanthropy and political career. The book, written by Octavius Brooks Frothingham, provides a comprehensive overview of Smith's life, from his childhood in upstate New York to his death in 1874.Frothingham delves into Smith's family background and upbringing, highlighting the influence of his father, a wealthy landowner and philanthropist, on his social and political views. The book also explores Smith's education and early career, including his involvement in the temperance movement and his work as a lawyer.The bulk of the biography, however, focuses on Smith's role in the abolitionist movement, including his financial support of anti-slavery organizations and his participation in the Underground Railroad. Frothingham details Smith's relationships with other prominent abolitionists, such as Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison, and provides insight into the debates and controversies within the movement.The book also covers Smith's political career, including his unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 1848 as a third-party candidate, his service in the U.S. House of Representatives, and his involvement in the Free Soil and Republican parties. Frothingham examines Smith's views on a wide range of issues, from women's rights to temperance to land reform, and shows how his beliefs evolved over time.Overall, Gerrit Smith: A Biography provides a thorough and engaging portrait of a complex and influential figure in American history, shedding light on both his achievements and his flaws.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.