Wendell
Phillips
was
born in Boston on 29th November, 1811.
Educated at the Harvard
Law School, he open a law office in Boston in 1834.
Phillips was converted to the abolition of
slavery cause when he heard William Lloyd
Garrison speak at the Boston Female Anti-Slavery Society in 1835.
Phillips was particularly impressed by the bravery of these people
and during the meeting a white mob attempted to lynch
Garrison. Phillips was so outraged by what he saw that he decided
to give up law and devote himself to obtaining the freedom of all
slaves.
Phillips became a leading figure in the Anti-Slavery
Society. A magnificent orator, Phillips was the society's most
popular public speaker. Phillips also contributed to Garrison's Liberator
and wrote numerous pamphlets on slavery.
During the Civil War, Phillips criticised
Abraham Lincoln for his lack of commitment
to the abolition of slavery. In 1865 Phillips replaced Garrison as
president of the Anti-Slavery Society.
After the passing of the 15th Amendment, Phillips concentrated on
other issues such as women's rights,
universal suffrage and temperance.
Wendell Phillips
died in Boston on 2nd February, 1884.
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