John A. Bolding (Freed Slave)

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John A. Bolding (approximately 1824 – April 30, 1876) was an affluent black tailor and former slave who became an influential figure in Poughkeepsie, New York. His story is an example of community support and the fight against the injustices of slavery during a critical period in American history.

Early life[edit]

John A. Bolding was born into the horrors^[1] of slavery in approximately 1824 in South Carolina, as slaves were not allowed to know the exact day or month they were born.^[2] With the aid of the Underground Railroad, he arrived in Poughkeepsie, New York, around 1840, where he began working as a tailor at 4 Liberty Street alongside fellow black tailor Francis J. Moore. His skills and work ethic earned him a reputation in the town, and locals patronized his shop for their tailoring needs.

Marriage and abduction[edit]

In 1851, Bolding married a woman named Henrietta and intended to start a family. However, he was recognized by a fellow South Carolinian woman who informed his owner, Barnet Anderson, leading to Bolding's arrest. U.S. Marshal Benjamin Tallmadge, a local, promptly seized Bolding. According the New York Herald, news of John Bolding's abduction spread rapidly. A group of black protesters, fueled by urgency and determination to recuse Brother Bolding, raced to intercept him and Tallmadge at the train station. Regrettably, they arrived just moments too late. By then, Bolding had been swiftly moved to a prisoner compartment on a train destined for New York City, where he was to await his trial.^[3]

New York City Commissioner Nelson ruled that Bolding was indeed a slave, and he was returned to Anderson's custody.

Community response[edit]

As outlined in a journal kept by John S. Grubb; at least 178 individual citizens and families of Poughkeepsie, outraged by Bolding's arrest, raised funds to secure his release. A committee was formed, and the locals raised over $1,000, with additional funds coming from Albany and New York City. Within a week, Anderson's demands were met, and John Bolding returned to Poughkeepsie as a free man.

Later life and memorial[edit]

According to notes taken from Grubb's notebook, John Bolding remarried a woman named Nellie at some point. Bolding continued to work as a tailor until his death on April 30, 1876, at the age of 52. Mrs. Nellie Bolding lived at 129 Pine Street until at least 1883, when she was last mentioned as having moved to 8 North Bridge Street.

Although Mr. Bolding selected and paid $11.25 for his own place of burial^[4] for over 122 years, his resting place remained unmemorialized, a common practice at the time; likely due to hatred based on skin color.^[5]

However, in a testament to his lasting legacy, the citizens of Poughkeepsie memorialized his life and odyssey with a bronze memorial, unveiled on May 16, 1998, at the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery.

Legacy[edit]

John A. Bolding's life is a reminder of the struggles faced by black people in America during the era of slavery and the profound impact that community support can have in the fight against injustice. His story is a point of active research and continues to resonate locally as a symbol of resilience, perseverance, and the triumph of humanity over adversity.

References[edit]

External links[edit]

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