The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-05-05
From the National Anti Slavery Standard
THE LATE ARNOLD BUFFUM

From the National Ant. Slavery Standard
THE LATE ARNOLD BUFFUM.
This venerable man, known through his
whole career as a philanthropist, has at last,
in good old age, descended to the grave. He
died at Eagleswocd, Perth Amboy, N. j. March
18th, after short but severe Illness in his 18th
year. His manly form has gone there, but he is
not in the tomb He still lives, and will ever live.
Mortality has put on Immortality. What was
excellent in him survives, and will be precious
as an inheritance to his children and children's
children, and as a legacy to the world.
He was born in the year 1892 at Smithfeld,
Rhode Island. His father, William Buffum,
was an Abolitionist of the old school, the
school of Benezet, Hopkins, Franklin, Jay,
Brown, &c. His house, at that early day, was
a refuge Of fugitive slaves. He had twelve
ever been able truly to say, the whole twelve
were all Anti-Slavery in sentiment and practice.
They had an Anti-Slavery birthright One
only survives Of this large Anti-Slavery family
Arnold Buffum married Rebecca Gould,
daughter of John Gould, of Middletown, R. l.
1t proved happy union, and continued over
fifty years. His worthy partner survives him,
and resides with affectionate children.
About the year 1925, Mr.. Buffum visited
England, where he became acquainted with
several persons distinguished for their philan-
thropy. Among them was Elizabeth Fry,
whom he frequently accompanied on her be-
nevolent visits to Newgate prison. He often
described this noble woman, as she appeared
among the prisoners, reading the Scriptures to
them in her inimitable way, praying with them,
speaking to them words of instruction and
hope; and manifestiug deep interest in their
10 q Ion Cd So ILL. Al II.
vid Holt, called the Father of Manchester"
They were kindred spirits, and their friendship,
cemented by sympathy and correspondence,
continued until the death of Mr.. Holt.
In Paris, where he resided for time, he be-
came acquainted with Amelia Opie, of Eng
land, who was there on visit. They associ-
sted with little band of Friends" who were
living there for short period. Mr. Buffum
and Mrs. Opie were appointed by this band to
attend to the wants of several poor people who
looked to them for help. A pleasant friend
ship grew up between those kindred spirits.
Once week they met at the house Of La
fayette and talked of human rights with this
word,renowned son of Liberty, and the true
hearted friends who gathered around him at
his hospitable mansion.
In England, Mr.. Buffum eagerly inquired
into plans for the better condition of society,
and among the objects that engaged his atten-
ton was Infant Schools. On returning to his
native country he brought with him the appa-
ratus used in their schools, and tried the ex-
pertinent of the first Infant School in the United
States at Fall River, Massachusetts,, where over
hundred little children were taught. The ex-
pertinent was so satisfactory to the people, that
they added an Infant department to the Public
Schools. The good results and the evils pre-
vented, can only be known to Him who seeth
the end from the beginning.
Mr.. Bpffum was one Of the twelve individuals
who associated to commence the great work
that is now agitating the whole nation. On
the 30th January, 1882, they formed the New
England Ant-Slavery Society, in Boston. Mr.
Buffum was the first President, and the first
lecturer sent forth by the New England Society.
He lectured also in opposition to the Colonial
ton Society. He was a member of the Con.
vention that assembled in Philadelphia, Decem.
Der 4th, 1888, to form the American Anti-Sa-
very Society, and, as he had opportunity he
attended Conventions for the formation of State
and other Societies Oh behalf of the down-trod
den and oppressed. After the formation of
the American and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society,
he acted as a member of the Executive Com.
mittee several years. With his tongue and pen,
he advocated the cause of the slave and the free
people of color with boldness and persever-
ance worthy of all praise. His intimate friends
knew his remarkable patience under provoca-
ton, and the sensibility Of his great loving
heart when friends of long standing turned
coldy from him, because he despised caste,
and was the out-spoken and fearless champion
of the oppressed. This GOODNESS, although it
wounded him, could not change his sentiments
or his conduct, or make him swerve hairs
breadth from the line of fidelity to the cause of
Freedom.
In June, l843, Mr.. Buffum attended the
General AntiSlavery Convention held in Lon
don, and took an active part in the proceed
ings.
Mr.. Buffum had manly form, stentorian
voice, a cheerful temper, a youthful gait, an
appearance of robust health, a habit of looking
at the bright side of things, and step, manner,
and appearance, that seemed to say, I'm de-
termined to be a young man as long as ever l
can" Within few weeks of his departure.
the writer of this had an interview with him in
this city, when, in answer to inquiries, Mr..
Buffum said, 81 feel perfectly well they take
me for a man ten years younger than am
feel the same interest in affairs that ever did.
and have a good hope Of Immortality through
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" His man
ner, at this time, was unusually tender and af
fectionate, while he spoke of friends and coad-
tutors, some of whom had passed into the spir-
itual world, while others survived and were
still in the harness.
Mr.. Buffum's buoyancy did not arise merely
from animal spirits, natural cheerfulness, and
constant hopefulness for he had religious faith
that sustained him, and gave warmth and
steadiness to his spirits. He believed and con-
fided in the promises Of God. This faith car
ried him through all the trials and prosecutions
to which be was subject, and over all the dark
and stony places of his pilgrimage. He had
full belief In the brotherhood of man and in the
Fatherhood of God. He believed that the AL
mighty, as he had promised, would break the
rod of the oppressor, and let the oppressed go
free. This belief animated him in his long
continued labors in hehalf of his fellow-men,