Thread by @cgdhopkins

Today, I am learning about Joshua Bowen Smith (1813-1879).

Smith was a black abolitionist and member of Boston’s Vigilance Committee, protecting fugitives after the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850.

photo from @MHS1791

Smith worked as a waiter and later opened his own catering business.

I came across his name in the Harvard records because he catered the Harvard Commencement dinners in the 1850s and 1860s. He also rented his catering space on Brattle St from Harvard

nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.ARCH…

I am just starting my research here, but the secondary references I’ve seen claim that Smith was directly involved in relief work, giving fugitives jobs, inviting them to his home, and paying passage to Canada for some.

books.google.com/books?id=v5aZr…

Smith was a friend of William Cooper Nell. His name appears on the petition for a monument of Crispus Attucks along with Nell’s and Nell cites him as a source in his book on black soldiers in the Revolution.

books.google.com/books?id=xRe7Q…

Smith served in the legislature in the 1870s.

After Senator Charles Sumner’s death, Smith received one vote to replace him in the US Senate (from Alfred A. Clatur).

books.google.com/books?id=E1JOA…

During the Civil War, Smith provided food for the 12th Mass Vols for 90 days. The Commonwealth refused to pay his bill, though they paid other contractors for similar services. Smith went bankrupt. His widow, Emeline was still suing for payment in 1880.

books.google.com/books?id=f1wwA…

Smith catered the official Boston 4th of July festivities at Faneuil Hall in 1850.

Boston Semi-Weekly Atlas, July 6, 1850
@Readex

Today, I'm learning about the many businesses run by black abolitionists on the site of what is now Boston City Hall.

J.B. Smith's catering business was 16 Brattle St.
John P. Coburn's clothing store was 20 Brattle St.
Anthony Burns worked at a 36 Brattle St.

@fionawhim

Rave review of Smith's catering at the Universalist Reform Society

"there is not in our vicinity a man who can equal Mr. Smith as a Caterer . . . we would recommend him to all who may desire the services of one in his profession."

from the Christian Freeman, 6/7/1850 @Readex

Reading @skantrow's More Than Freedom to learn more about Joshua Bowen Smith and the Black abolitionists of Boston.

1854:
"[if] was anyone will guarantee my wife and child $10,000, I will be the man to settle the marshal if I find myself in Heaven next minute" (209).

I can't get over the 1851 speech at Harvard Law where Rufus Choate urges the faculty to resist the "banquet of emotions" offered by radicals North and South (re: Fugitive Slave Act).

Then they all adjourn to eat a non-metaphorical lunch catered by abolitionist badass JBSmith.