answersLogoWhite

0

John Adams, his second cousin Samuel Adams, Alexander Hamilton, and Thomas Paine were the only men who are traditionally known as founding fathers who did not own slaves.

Benjamin Franklin was indeed a founder of the Abolitionist Society, but he owned two slaves, named King and George. Franklin's newspaper, the Pennsylvania Gazette routinely ran ads for sale or purchase of slaves.

Patrick Henry is another founding father who owned slaves, although his speeches would make one think otherwise. Despite his "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" speech, he had up to 70 slaves at a time, apologizing a few times along the way, saying he knew it was wrong, that he was accountable to his God, and citing the "general inconvenience of living without them."

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

JudyJudy
Simplicity is my specialty.
Chat with Judy
RossRoss
Every question is just a happy little opportunity.
Chat with Ross
BlakeBlake
As your older brother, I've been where you are—maybe not exactly, but close enough.
Chat with Blake

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Who was the only one of your founding fathers who never owned slaves?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp