Frederick Douglass Biography, Age, Height, Family, Wife, Children, Death, Videos, Net Worth, Facts & More

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who is Frederick Douglass?

Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) was an African American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. He was born into slavery in Talbot County, Maryland, but he escaped to freedom in 1838 and eventually settled in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

 

Douglass became a prominent abolitionist and traveled extensively, giving speeches and lectures about the evils of slavery and the need for its immediate abolition. He was a gifted orator and writer, and his speeches and writings had a powerful impact on the abolitionist movement.

 

In addition to his work as an abolitionist, Douglass was also an advocate for women's suffrage and a supporter of the Union during the American Civil War. He met with President Abraham Lincoln several times during the war and advised him on issues related to the treatment of African American soldiers and the emancipation of slaves.

 

After the Civil War, Douglass continued to be involved in politics and social reform. He served as the U.S. Marshal for the District of Columbia and held several other government positions. He also continued to speak out against racism and discrimination, and he worked to promote education and equal rights for all people.

 

Douglass's legacy as a social reformer and champion of human rights continues to inspire people today. He remains one of the most important figures in American history, and his writings and speeches are still widely read and studied.

 

Mini Bio

 

Full name: Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey Douglass

Born: February 1818, Cordova, Maryland, United States

Died: 20 February 1895, Washington, D.C., United States

Spouse: Helen Pitts Douglass (m. 1884–1895), Anna Murray Douglass (m. 1838–1882)

Children: Frederick Douglass, Jr., Lewis Henry Douglass, Charles Remond Douglass, Annie Douglass, Rosetta Douglass

Place of burial: Mount Hope Cemetery, Rochester, New York, United States

 

Frederick Douglass family

 

Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in Talbot County, Maryland, in February 1818. He did not know his father, who was likely a white man, and his mother, Harriet Bailey, was a slave who died when he was young. Douglass was separated from his family members throughout much of his life as a slave, and he was often sold to different slave owners.

 

In 1838, Douglass escaped from slavery and eventually settled in New Bedford, Massachusetts, where he began to build his own family. In September 1838, he married Anna Murray, a free Black woman whom he had met while still enslaved. Together they had five children: Rosetta Douglass, Lewis Henry Douglass, Frederick Douglass Jr., Charles Remond Douglass, and Annie Douglass.

 

After Anna Murray's death in 1882, Douglass remarried in 1884 to Helen Pitts, a white suffragist and abolitionist who was 20 years younger than he was. Their marriage was controversial at the time because of their racial difference, but they remained devoted to each other until Douglass's death in 1895.

 

Overall, Frederick Douglass's family consisted of his wife(s) and five children, as well as extended family members who he may have been separated from for much of his life due to slavery.

 

Frederick Douglass education

 

Frederick Douglass was born into slavery and therefore did not receive a formal education as a child. However, he was determined to learn how to read and write, and he managed to do so with the help of some of the white children he met while working on a plantation.

 

Later, when he was sent to live with a new slave master, his new mistress taught him how to read and write, which was against the law at the time. Douglass continued to educate himself by reading books and newspapers, and he eventually taught other enslaved people to read and write.

 

After he escaped from slavery and settled in the North, Douglass became involved in the abolitionist movement and began speaking publicly about his experiences as a slave. He also continued to educate himself and eventually became a prominent writer, speaker, and intellectual. He traveled extensively, both in the United States and abroad, and spoke out against slavery, racism, and discrimination. He published several autobiographical works, including his most famous book, "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave," and he also founded and edited several newspapers, including the North Star and Douglass' Monthly. Douglass's commitment to education and self-improvement is a testament to his remarkable resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

 

Frederick Douglass Quotes

 

"If there is no struggle, there is no progress."

"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men."

"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence."

"Knowledge makes a man unfit to be a slave."

"I prayed for twenty years but received no answer until I prayed with my legs."

"Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will."

"A man's rights rest in three boxes: the ballot box, the jury box, and the cartridge box."

"The white man's happiness cannot be purchased by the black man's misery."

"The life of a nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous."

"It is not light that we need, but fire; it is not the gentle shower, but thunder. We need the storm, the whirlwind, and the earthquake."

 

Frederick Douglass Death

 

Frederick Douglass, the prominent African American abolitionist, writer, and orator, died on February 20, 1895, at the age of 77. He passed away at his home in Washington, D.C. due to a heart attack. His death was a great loss to the African American community and to the cause of the abolition of slavery, which he had fought tirelessly for throughout his life.

 

Douglass was born into slavery in Maryland in 1818 but escaped to freedom in 1838. He became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement and spoke out against the evils of slavery, as well as advocating for women's rights, suffrage, and the equality of all people regardless of race. He wrote several books, including his autobiography "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave," which is still considered a classic in American literature.

 

Douglass was a remarkable figure who made significant contributions to the fight for freedom and justice. His legacy continues to inspire people around the world to this day.

 

Frederick Douglass Facts

 

Here are some facts about Frederick Douglass:

 

Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in Maryland in 1818 and escaped to freedom in 1838 by disguising himself as a sailor.

 

He was an influential writer, orator, and abolitionist who advocated for the end of slavery and the equality of all people, regardless of race or gender.

 

Douglass published several autobiographies, including "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave," which became a bestseller and helped to raise awareness about the evils of slavery.

 

He also founded and edited several newspapers, including the North Star and the New National Era, which were important platforms for promoting abolitionist ideals.

 

In addition to his work as an abolitionist, Douglass was also a strong advocate for women's rights and suffrage, and he supported the Union cause during the Civil War.

 

After the war, Douglass held several government positions, including serving as the U.S. Minister to Haiti from 1889 to 1891.

 

Douglass was a close friend of Abraham Lincoln and worked tirelessly to persuade him to support the abolition of slavery.

 

He died on February 20, 1895, at his home in Washington, D.C. due to a heart attack. He was 77 years old.

 

Douglass's legacy continues to inspire people around the world to fight for freedom, justice, and equality. He is remembered as a towering figure in American history and an icon of the abolitionist movement.

 

Frederick Douglass Books

 

Frederick Douglass, an African American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman, was born into slavery but escaped to become one of the leading figures in the fight against slavery and for civil rights. He authored several influential works during his lifetime. Here are some key books written by Frederick Douglass:

 

"Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave" (1845): Douglass's first autobiography, this narrative recounts his life as a slave and his journey to freedom. It is considered one of the most important and influential slave narratives of the 19th century.

 

"My Bondage and My Freedom" (1855): In this expanded autobiography, Douglass provides further details about his life, his escape from slavery, and his experiences as a free man. He also discusses the broader issues of race and freedom.

 

"Life and Times of Frederick Douglass" (1881): Douglass's third and final autobiography, this book covers his life from his birth to the year 1881. It reflects on the progress and challenges of the post-Civil War era and his involvement in the fight for civil rights.

 

"The Heroic Slave" (1853): This novella by Douglass was based on a true story of Madison Washington, a slave who led a successful rebellion on the slave ship Creole in 1841. It was Douglass's only work of fiction.

 

"The North Star" (1847–1851): Although not a book, "The North Star" was an antislavery newspaper founded by Frederick Douglass. He used the publication as a platform to advocate for the abolition of slavery and other social reforms.

 

These works provide invaluable insights into Douglass's life, the harsh realities of slavery, and his unwavering commitment to the fight for freedom and equality. Reading his autobiographies is a powerful way to understand the history of slavery and the resilience of those who fought against it.

 

What is Frederick Douglass most famous for?

 

Frederick Douglass is most famous for his role as a prominent African American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman during the 19th century. He is recognized for several key accomplishments and contributions:

 

Autobiographies: Douglass wrote three autobiographies that are considered among the most important works of American literature. "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave" (1845) is his first and most well-known autobiography, providing a vivid and harrowing account of his life as a slave and his journey to freedom.

 

Abolitionist Activism: Douglass was a passionate and eloquent abolitionist, advocating for the immediate and complete abolition of slavery. He used his powerful oratory skills to speak out against the institution of slavery, sharing his personal experiences and contributing significantly to the abolitionist movement.

 

Public Speaking: Douglass was renowned for his compelling speeches on issues related to slavery, human rights, and equality. One of his most famous speeches is "What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?" delivered on July 5, 1852. His speeches had a profound impact on both abolitionist and antislavery movements.

 

Newspaper Editorship: Douglass founded and edited several newspapers, including "The North Star" and its successor, "Frederick Douglass' Paper." These publications served as platforms for advocating the abolition of slavery and addressing broader issues of social justice.

 

Role in the Civil War: During the Civil War, Douglass played a significant role in advocating for the enlistment of African American soldiers in the Union Army. He believed that military service would not only help secure freedom but also challenge prevailing racist attitudes.

 

Post-Civil War Activism: After the Civil War, Douglass continued his activism for civil rights and equality. He served in various government positions, including U.S. Marshal and Minister to Haiti, and remained a vocal advocate for the rights of African Americans and marginalized communities.

 

Frederick Douglass's legacy extends beyond his own lifetime, and he is remembered as a key figure in the fight against slavery, a champion for civil rights, and a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. His writings and speeches continue to inspire and educate people about the struggles for freedom and equality in American history.

 

When did Frederick Douglass die?

 

Frederick Douglass, the American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman, died on February 20, 1895.

 

Where did Frederick Douglass live?

 

Frederick Douglass lived in various places throughout his life:

 

Eastern Shore of Maryland (1818-1838):

Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in Talbot County, Maryland, on the eastern shore of Chesapeake Bay, in either 1817 or 1818.

He spent his early years on various plantations in Maryland.

 

Baltimore, Maryland (1826-1838):

From around 1826 to 1838, Douglass lived in Baltimore, where he was sent to live with Hugh and Sophia Auld.

While living in Baltimore, he learned to read and write, which was against the law for enslaved people.

 

New Bedford, Massachusetts (1838-1841):

Douglass escaped from slavery in 1838 and fled to New Bedford, Massachusetts.

He lived in New Bedford for several years and found work as a laborer and later as a lecturer for the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society.

 

Lynn, Massachusetts (1841-1847):

Douglass moved to Lynn, Massachusetts, in 1841, where he continued to work as an abolitionist lecturer.

Rochester, New York (1847-1872):

 

In 1847, Douglass moved to Rochester, New York, where he began publishing his own abolitionist newspaper, The North Star.

He lived in Rochester for 25 years and became a leading figure in the abolitionist movement.

 

Washington, D.C. (1872-1895):

In 1872, Douglass moved to Washington, D.C., where he served in several government positions, including as U.S. Marshal for the District of Columbia and as Minister Resident and Consul General to Haiti.

He lived in Washington, D.C., until his death in 1895.

Throughout his life, Frederick Douglass was a tireless advocate for the abolition of slavery, the rights of African Americans, and various other social justice causes.

 

What did Frederick Douglass do?

 

Frederick Douglass was a prominent African American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. Here's an overview of what he accomplished:

 

Abolitionist Activism:

Douglass was born into slavery but escaped to freedom in 1838.

He became one of the most prominent and influential figures in the abolitionist movement.

Douglass traveled extensively, giving powerful speeches about his experiences as a slave and advocating for the abolition of slavery.

 

Writing and Publishing:

Douglass published several autobiographies, including "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave" (1845), which became a bestseller and helped to further the abolitionist cause.

He also published the abolitionist newspaper "The North Star" (later renamed "Frederick Douglass' Paper") in Rochester, New York, from 1847 to 1860.

 

Women's Rights Advocacy:

Douglass was an early supporter of women's rights and attended the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848.

He was a friend and supporter of suffragists such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

 

Civil War and Reconstruction:

During the Civil War, Douglass worked to recruit African American soldiers for the Union Army.

After the war, he continued to advocate for civil rights and suffrage for African Americans during Reconstruction.

 

Diplomatic Service:

In 1872, Douglass was appointed as U.S. Marshal for the District of Columbia.

He later served as Minister Resident and Consul General to Haiti from 1889 to 1891.

Frederick Douglass's work as an abolitionist, writer, and orator played a significant role in ending slavery in the United States and advancing the cause of civil rights and equality for all Americans. He remains one of the most important figures in American history.

 

 

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