New York State Anti-Slavery Society Explained

The New York State Anti-Slavery Society was established on October 21, 1835, in Peterboro, New York. There were many prominent abolitionists at the meeting; it was held at the home of Gerrit Smith,^[1] an abolitionist and philanthropist, Alvan Stewart.^[2] who went on to become president of the society, and Beriah Green.^[3]

The group originally tried to meet in Utica, New York but was disrupted by an anti-abolitionist mob.^[4] This mob was made up of both local officials, and citizens.^[5] This disturbance is known as the Utica Riot of 1835.^[6] Despite this disruption, the group successfully convened in a meeting in Peterboro, New York, where they formally organized the society

The following year, in October 1836, the group held its first successful meeting in Utica, highlighting the resilience of the abolitionist movement in the face of violent opposition; the records of these proceedings were published and a copy is held in the Library of Congress.^[7]

The founding of the New York Anti-Slavery Society was a pivotal moment in the abolitionist movement in the United States. The early 1830s saw a surge in anti-slavery sentiment,^[8] with various societies and activists working to promote the abolition of slavery.^[9] The establishment of this society marked the growing organization and mobilization among the abolitionists, particularly in the northern states.

The violent opposition faced by the society in Utica highlighted the deep divisions within American society over the issue of slavery. The Utica Riot of 1835 was part of a recurring hostility toward abolitionists, reflecting the contentious nature of the slavery debate in the United States. This event drew national attention to the abolitionist cause and underscored the bravery and determination of its advocates.

Another significant instance of the slavery discussions was the Virginia Slavery Debate of 1831-32.^[10] This debate highlights the nationwide scope of the issue, showing that the abolitionist movement was a widespread topic across the entire country.

E. C. Pritchett, an ally of Theodore Weld, served as an agent and recording secretary for the society in 1840. His work helped document and organize the society's activities, contributing to its operational success.^[11]

The society reprinted William Jay's book on the federal government's protective relationship with slavery with a new appendix following the dispensation of the United States v. The Amistad.^[12]

See also

• History of slavery in New York (state)

Further reading

• Henderson . Alice Hatcher . 1963 . The History of the New York State Anti-slavery Society . University of Michigan, Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies . 10.7302/9922 . 2027.42/179533 . .  

Notes and References

1. Web site: Gerrit Smith . 2024-06-03 . NATIONAL ABOLITION HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM . en.
2. Web site: Brown . William E. . July 1998 . The Alvan Stewart Papers . June 3, 2024 . University of Miami Libraries.
3. Web site: Beriah Green . 2024-06-03 . NATIONAL ABOLITION HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM . en.
4. Myers . John L. . 1962 . The Beginning of Anti-Slavery Agencies in New York State, 1833-1836 . New York History . 43 . 2 . 149–181 . 23158611 . 0146-437X.
5. Web site: Site of the Utica Riot (1835) . 2024-06-03 . Clio . en.
6. Web site: Utica Riot at 1835 Convention . 2023-12-26 . Oneida County Freedom Trail . en.
7. Web site: Proceedings of the first annual meeting of the New-York State Anti-slavery Society, convened at Utica, October 19, 1836. . 2023-12-26 . Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA.
8. Web site: 2023-03-29 . Abolitionist Movement - Definition & Famous Abolitionists . 2024-06-03 . HISTORY . en.
9. Web site: Falls . Mailing Address: 136 Fall Street Seneca . Us . NY 13148 Phone: [phone] Contact . Antislavery Connection - Women's Rights National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service) . 2024-06-03 . www.nps.gov . en.
10. Web site: Root . Erik S. . Virginia Slavery Debate of 1831–1832, The . 2024-06-03 . Encyclopedia Virginia . en-US.
11. Book: Muelder, Owen W. . Theodore Dwight Weld and the American Anti-Slavery Society . 2011-10-14 . McFarland . 978-0-7864-8853-7 . en.
12. Book: Jay, William . A View of the Action of the Federal Government, In Behalf of Slavery . J.C. Jackson for the New York State Anti-Slavery Society . . 1844 . Utica, N.Y. . en-us . Original publisher: New-York, J.S. Taylor . 05023101 . 8529817 . William Jay (jurist) . 1839.