− | In the United States, before the Civil War, the idea of freeing slaves held in the United States created debates and conflict. While some groups of people wanted the immediate emancipation of all slaves, others thought that freeing the slaves should be done in a slower step-by-step process. One group that felt this way was The American Colonization Society, formed in 1817. They favored freeing slaves gradually by resettling them in Africa. | + | In the United States, before the Civil War, the idea of freeing slaves held captive in the United States created debates and conflict, even in Wayne County, Ohio. While some groups of people wanted the immediate emancipation of all slaves, others thought that freeing the slaves should be done in a slower step-by-step process. One group that felt this way was The American Colonization Society, which formed in 1817. They favored freeing slaves gradually and resettling them in Africa. |
| On January 25, 1839, an auxiliary to the American Colonization Society was formed in Wayne County, Ohio. The first meeting was led by Gen. Reasin Beall, with Rev. J. H. Hoffman appointed Vice-President, and John P. Coulter, acting as Secretary. John H. Harris, Constant Lake, and Levi Cox were appointed to draft a constitution for the new organization. Reportedly, upwards of 125 people became members and appointed Levi Cox, President; James Jacobs, Vice President; John P. Coulter, Secretary; and Joseph Stibbs Treasurer. | | On January 25, 1839, an auxiliary to the American Colonization Society was formed in Wayne County, Ohio. The first meeting was led by Gen. Reasin Beall, with Rev. J. H. Hoffman appointed Vice-President, and John P. Coulter, acting as Secretary. John H. Harris, Constant Lake, and Levi Cox were appointed to draft a constitution for the new organization. Reportedly, upwards of 125 people became members and appointed Levi Cox, President; James Jacobs, Vice President; John P. Coulter, Secretary; and Joseph Stibbs Treasurer. |
| + | However, as the abolitionist movement grew in the early 1830s, abolitionists' criticism of the Colonization Society began to erode its support. Unlike the people in the American Colonization Society who believed that slavery should gradually end, abolitionists called for an immediate end to slavery. In addition, many abolitionists considered it inhumane to deport black-americans to Liberia, where they struggled to survive in a new environment with new diseases. |