Description
The Life of James Mars
Reprint of 1864 edition with additional biographical information
James Mars (1790-1880) write his Autobiography in 1864 to educate people that slavery still existed in Connecticut. Born to Jupiter and Fanny Mars, slaves in North Canaan, Connecticut, eight-year old James escaped with his family to Norfolk where he was captured and sold as an indentured laborer to a Norfolk farmer. After negotiating his freedom when he turned 21, James moved to Hartford where he was a founding member of the African Religious Society and a deacon at the Talcott Street Congregational Church, a center for abolitionist activities. His Autobiography was published in eleven editions. James Mars is buried in Norfolk’s Center Cemetery.
Listen to an audio excerpt from the book.
