Theodore
Weld
was born in Hampton,
Connecticut, on 23rd November, 1803. Raised near Utica, he met Charles
Stuart whose financial support helped him study for the ministry at
Lane Seminary, Cincinnati. While a student Weld became a strong opponent
of slavery.
In 1831 Arthur Tappan established the
Anti-Slavery Society in New York.
Weld joined and in 1834 left his studies to work as an agent for society.
Weld often had his meetings
broken up and in Troy, New York, he was stoned by a mob. An inspiring
speaker, Weld made many converts, including James
Birney and Harriet Beecher Stowe.
Weld also wrote several pamphlets for the organization including The
Bible Against Slavery
(1837) and Slavery
As It Is
(1839).
After his marriage to fellow campaigner, Angelina
Grimke, Weld joined the Society of Friends. They settled in Belleville,
New Jersey, with Angelina's sister, Sarah
Grimke, and opened their own school. Later they established a
progressive school at the Raritan
Bay Community in New York.
During the Civil War Weld, Angelina
Grimke and Sarah Grimke wrote and
lectured in support of Abraham Lincoln.
After the war the they moved to Hyde Park, Massachusetts.
Theodore
Weld died on 3rd February, 1895.
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