Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1861-03-21


job n Anderson was born in the year 1881,
in Howard County, State of Missouri. Ills
mother was the slave Of one Burton, carpenter,
who lived on a small farm near Fayctte His
father, who was almost white, served as a stew.
ard on board a steamer which sailed on the
Missouri, but made his escape to South Amer
lea while Anderson was yet young. His moth
er remained with Burton till Anderson was 7
years old, when she and her master had quar-
rel. Young Anderson was " raised" by Mrs
Burton, OF whom he speaks highly. lie was
brought up on the farm, and in process OF time
gained such knowledge of farming that he I'M
dertook its management. Tobacco, wheat, and
corn are the principal crops in that part Of Mis-
souri,, and & sufficient quantity Of stock is kept
by every farmer
Anderson acquired great proficiency in run
ing, jumping, and other athletic amuscments
usually praetised by the slaves in the evening
which afterwards proved Of great service to him
The slaves are allowed a weeks holiday at
Christmas, Which, from Anderson's account
they seem to spend pleasantly. During this
holiday season, they frequently met in the even
ings to sing and dance. Anderson, however,
never delighted in dancing, not thinking il a
proper amusement. Many Of the slaves grew
tobacco, &c, on their own account. and in this
way some acquired sufficient means 10 purchase
their freedom
Anderson is Freo-wil Baptist by profession,
and was regular attendant on the services Of
that denomination. lie never heard any minis
tiers denouncing slavery Any who who would
do 90 wenId not be Allowed 20 preach. When
about twenty years oil age he WIS married by
Free will Baptist minister to a slave, the prop
erty of one Brown, who resided two miles from
Burtons. After Mrs. Burtons death, Burton
and Anderson had dispute, which ended in
his being sold TO one Med lnald, who lived in
Glasgow, thirty miles from Fayelto Being
thus separated from his wife, Anderson was
much disconnected, and from this time he
watched for an opportunity to make his es-
cape to Canada, of which he had frequently
thought before. Mcdonald, who was harder
taskmasler than Burton, to prevent Anderson
from going 10 see his wife, selected one for him
from among his own slaves; but Anderson
would not become party to so dshonorable an
arrangement. For his wife he always enter
lained great affection.
In September, 1853, when he had been about
two months with Mcdonald, ho made his es-
cape Mcdonald was at the church, investigat-
ing a case of slave having been whipped to
death, when Anderson rode of on one Of his
masters mules 10 branch of the Missouri, at
apoint whore there was ferry. The ferryman
being under orders to prevent all slaves who had
no passes from crossing, asked Anderson for his
pass, Anderson replied that he did not require
one, bat the ferryman would not allow him to
20 over Riding back with tho mule into the
woods, he remained there till it was evening,
when he returned to the river lie was on the
point of seising boat that was lying on the
bank, when some one appearing, he was com
PEELED b retreat into the woods, where he Law
ill within two hours of day-break. lie then
venturei once more to the hank, and found
akiif without oars, lying by tho river. lie sup
piled himself with piece of bark, and using
,his as paddle, he got across the stream. He
had now for tho FIRST timo been in boat.
then repaired to the house of his father. in law
who was freeman and barber by trade, and
from him he obtained some rcfreshment. Hi.
father in-aw being told that he was on his wav
10 Canada, offered Anderson pistol, which no
refused. lie next visited his " lie and child and
sTeciionatcly bidding them farewell, be won't On
his way determined to obtain his freedom, which
from his youth up he seems to have considered
his inherent birth right. lie had formed III,
resolve to sacrifice his liberty only with his life
Ii was about noon on the second day after hi
leaving Mcdonald, that mau named Digee
met him and asked him for his pass Whe,
Anderson said he had no pass, Digges, with hi
Lsves, chased him, and in tho conflict that IN