Alvin F. Oickle, author of The Man with the Branded Hand: The Life of Jonathan Walker, will speak and sign copies of his book at 7 p.m. Tuesday May 17th at the Gerrit Smith Estate National Historic Landmark in Peterboro. Jonathan Walker was a Cape Cod sailor who was active in the abolition movement for thirty years. In 1844 Walker attempted to carry seven escaped slaves on his boat from Pensacola FL to freedom in the Bahamas. The boat was caught by bounty hunters and the fugitives were returned to the two men who claimed to own them. While undergoing two trials, Walker spent a year in a Florida jail. In court, a United States marshal used a hot iron to mark Walker's right hand for life with the brand “SS” to show that Walker was a Slave Stealer.
Jonathan Walker’s courage was an inspiration to abolitionists, including “The Abolition Poet” John Greenleaf Whittier , who wrote the poem by the same name - The Man with the Branded Hand - in 1846. The branded hand became a symbol of dedication to the abolition cause.
Jonathan Walker’s courage was an inspiration to abolitionists, including “The Abolition Poet” John Greenleaf Whittier , who wrote the poem by the same name - The Man with the Branded Hand - in 1846. The branded hand became a symbol of dedication to the abolition cause.
Alvin F. Oickle, who lives in Florida, will be on tour in New England as of the May 1st publication of his new book by Westholme Publisher of Yardley PA. Oickle, a veteran journalist and author of six nonfiction history books, wrote for daily newspapers and The Associated Press. Oickle was a lecturer in journalistic studies at the University of Massachusetts/Amherst. He retired from Stony Brook University on Long Island and is currently writing the biography of the first African American police officer in Washington, D.C.
Oickle’s presentation is the first program in the 2011 Peterboro Heritage season. The Man with the Branded Hand will be available from the Peterboro Mercantile. Admission is $2 and free for students and stewards. The Gerrit Smith Estate is located at 4543 Peterboro Road in Peterboro. For more information on Oickle’s program and the 2011 Peterboro program schedule, contact www.sca-peterboro.org or 315-684-3262.
Oickle’s presentation is the first program in the 2011 Peterboro Heritage season. The Man with the Branded Hand will be available from the Peterboro Mercantile. Admission is $2 and free for students and stewards. The Gerrit Smith Estate is located at 4543 Peterboro Road in Peterboro. For more information on Oickle’s program and the 2011 Peterboro program schedule, contact www.sca-peterboro.org or 315-684-3262.
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