Which Founding Fathers did not Own Slaves?

Introduction:

When we think of the Founding Fathers of the United States, we often think of the brave and brilliant men who wrote the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. However, it is also important to consider the role that slavery played in the lives of many of these men. While some of the Founding Fathers were outspoken critics of slavery, others were slave owners themselves. In this blog post, we will explore which of the Founding Fathers did not own slaves and examine their contributions to American history.

Thomas Paine:

Thomas Paine was an English-American political activist, philosopher, and writer who played a vital role in the American Revolution. He is best known for his pamphlet “Common Sense,” which argued for American independence from Great Britain. Paine was a vocal opponent of slavery and wrote several essays on the subject. In his essay “African Slavery in America,” Paine argued that slavery was morally wrong and that the United States could never be truly free until slavery was abolished.

John Adams:

John Adams was the second President of the United States and one of the Founding Fathers. He played a key role in the American Revolution and was one of the architects of the Declaration of Independence. While Adams did not own slaves himself, his wife Abigail did. However, Adams was an outspoken opponent of slavery and spoke out against it throughout his career. In 1777, he wrote a letter to his friend William Cushing in which he stated, “Every measure of prudence, therefore, ought to be assumed for the eventual total extirpation of slavery from the United States.”

Alexander Hamilton:

Alexander Hamilton was a Founding Father who played a key role in the creation of the United States. He was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention and helped write the Federalist Papers, which argued for the adoption of the Constitution. Hamilton did not own slaves and was a vocal opponent of slavery. In 1785, he founded the New York Society for the Promotion of Manumission, which aimed to abolish slavery in New York.

Benjamin Franklin:

Benjamin Franklin was a polymath and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, Freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humorist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. Franklin did own slaves early in his life but later became an abolitionist and freed his slaves. In 1787, he became the president of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society, which aimed to abolish slavery in Pennsylvania.

John Jay:

John Jay was a Founding Father and the first Chief Justice of the United States. He was a strong opponent of slavery and was involved in the abolitionist movement. In 1777, he drafted a law that would have abolished slavery in New York, but the law was not passed. Jay also wrote several essays on the subject of slavery and was a member of the New York Manumission Society.

Conclusion:

The Founding Fathers of the United States were a diverse group of individuals with a range of beliefs and backgrounds. While some were slave owners, others were vocal opponents of slavery. As we continue to examine the legacy of the Founding Fathers, it is important to recognize the role that slavery played in their lives and in the development of the United States. By understanding the perspectives of those who did not own slaves, we can gain a deeper appreciation for their contributions to American history and the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.