The Princeton Fugitive Slave: The Trials of James Collins Johnson

James Collins Johnson, a former enslaved person who escaped to Princeton, New Jersey, is the subject of The Princeton Fugitive Slave. Johnson's life is explored in the book, including his escape from slavery, his trial for extradition under the 1793 Fugitive Slave Act, and his final years in Princeton. The book challenges the distinction between employment and servitude and examines the relationship between antebellum Princetons black residents and the economic engine that supported their community.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2021
Publisher: Fordham University Press

James Collins Johnson, a former enslaved person, made a remarkable escape from slavery in Maryland and found refuge in Princeton, New Jersey. There, he built a life among a vibrant community of African Americans who were employed at what is now known as Princeton University. Despite his relatively short time in the city, Johnson's name caught the attention of a student from Maryland, leading to his arrest and subsequent trial under the 1793 Fugitive Slave Act. Just before his scheduled rendition, a local aristocratic white woman came to his aid, purchasing his freedom and ensuring that he would not be re-enslaved.

The Princeton Fugitive Slave delves into the intricate details of James Collins Johnson's life, encompassing his birth and enslaved existence in Maryland, his daring escape to freedom, the sensational trial for re-enslavement, and the unexpected turn of events that led to his ultimate settlement in Princeton. Throughout his life in Princeton, Johnson was known as a contented and jovial individual, cherished by students and commemorated on his gravestone as "The Students Friend." However, these familiar accounts, derived from student writings, alumni reports, and sentimental recollections, often reflect the distorted perspectives of elite, predominantly white, and often southern sources who had limited interactions with Johnson due to racial and social differences.

In her book, author Lolita Buckner Inniss challenges these narratives by scrutinizing them against archival records, newspaper accounts, courtroom narratives, photographs, and family histories. Through meticulous research and a nuanced approach, Inniss seeks to present a more accurate portrayal of Johnson on his own terms, separating him from the other black vendors with whom he sometimes became confused. By recounting Johnson's story and exploring the complex relationship between antebellum Princeton's black residents and the economic landscape, Inniss sheds light on the experiences and challenges faced by African Americans in a segregated society.

The Princeton Fugitive Slave offers a valuable contribution to the study of American history, particularly the history of slavery and its aftermath. It challenges the conventional narratives and sheds light on the experiences of marginalized individuals who navigated a society deeply divided by race and social status. By examining the life of James Collins Johnson and the broader context of black communities in Princeton, Inniss provides a fresh perspective on the complexities of the past and the ongoing struggles for equality and justice.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780823294077