Description:

A BOOK OWNED BYJAMES ALFORD - ESCAPED SLAVE WHO BECAME A QUAKER
JAMES ALFORD (c. 1769 - 1842) was born enslaved in Elizabethtown, N.J. who early in life had a spiritual awakening at age eighteen that compelled him to seek his freedom. Soon afterwards he began attending Quaker meetings where he learned to read and write. With the help of the Quakers, he attempted to purchase his freedom, but his master refused. At age twenty-five he had another spiritual awakening, this time God told him (by his own account) that "time had arrived for me to leave." He obeyed and walked to Philadelphia where he lived under the protection of the Quakers. After several years, he saved $250 to obtain his freedom. His master agreed and he received manumission papers.

Offered here is a volume owned by Alford, which bears four of his ownership signatures appearing on the blank flyleaves of his copy of William Penn's, No Cross, No Crown: A Discourse Shewing the Nature and Discipline of the Holy Cross of Christ; and that The Denial of Self, and daily bearing of Christ's Cross, is the alone Way to the Rest and Kingdom of God... (Philadelphia: Printed by Benjamin & Jacob Johnson, 1797) 358pp. 8vo. bound in original leather boards and titled spine, front board detached, some moderate toning to pages, else very good. Each of Alford's ownership inscriptions reads similarly: "James Alfords Book Bought the 16 of the 3 Month 1805" This may well have been Alfrod's first purchase of a book considering that he took the time to sign it so many times.

Alford remained a free man, residing in Philadelphia where in his later years he ran the Philadelphia Shelter for Colored Orphans. That facility was attacked by a mob in 1838, but Alford was able to escape without injury.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is sent USPS priority, USPS International Express (for most overseas) or UPS Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items are not shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arrange through the auction house. Please see "Bidding Procedures" for contact information of recommended shippers. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee.

September 28, 2012 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 22.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 + $1,000