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"A book with a personal attachment for me"
John L. Hoh, Jr. on Tuesday, August 03, 2010 1:39:40 PM
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Comments: I have a famous great-great-great uncle. Well, maybe not that famous today, but he was famous in his day. He was a featured speaker on the Abolition circuit. That is, he spoke out for the Abolition of Slavery. He was Jonathan Walker, who was branded in 1844 for attempting to help slaves escape Florida to the Caribbean. The author of this title, Alvin Oickle, was a journalist and his journalistic background is in evidence. He masterfully weaves the life of Jonathan Walker into the times in which Mr. Walker lived. He refers to Jonathan Walker's book as well as other primary sources to relate what Jonathan Walker saw, felt, and believed - in Massachusetts as well as in Florida. The fact that Jonathan Walker grew up in Massachusetts - both an anti-slavery state (John Adams from Boston wanted slavery eliminated when the Declaration of Independence was written) and a center of maritime commerce - serves to launch Mr. Walker's career as "Savior to the Slave." The book gives a masterful balance between the man and his times. It is sad that not many people know of Jonathan Walker's sacrifice. Thanks to Alvin Oickle, it won't be forgotten.
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