Arthur Tappan

Arthur Tappan was a prominent American merchant, abolitionist, and philanthropist who played a significant role in the American Anti-Slavery Society and the Underground Railroad. Alongside his brother Lewis Tappan, he was a key figure in the Abolitionist movement in the United States, working closely with notable abolitionists such as William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglass. Tappan's commitment to the abolition of slavery led him to support various organizations, including the American Missionary Association and the New York Manumission Society. His efforts also drew the attention of prominent politicians, including Abraham Lincoln and Salmon P. Chase.

● Early Life and Education

Arthur Tappan was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, to Benjamin Tappan and Sarah Homes Tappan. He received his early education at the Northampton Academy and later attended the Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. During his time at Dartmouth College, Tappan developed strong connections with his peers, including Daniel Webster and William Plumer. After completing his education, Tappan moved to Boston, Massachusetts, where he began his career as a merchant and became involved with the Boston Female Anti-Slavery Society and the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society. Tappan's early life and education laid the foundation for his future involvement in the Abolitionist movement in the United States, which was heavily influenced by the writings of David Walker and the American Colonization Society.

● Business Career

Tappan's business career began in Boston, Massachusetts, where he worked as a merchant and later moved to New York City to establish his own business. In New York City, Tappan founded the Tappan Brothers company, which became a successful silk and dry goods business. The company's success allowed Tappan to invest in other ventures, including the Journal of Commerce and the New York Evangelist. Tappan's business acumen and connections with other prominent businessmen, such as John Jacob Astor and Cornelius Vanderbilt, helped him build a reputation as a shrewd and successful entrepreneur. His business career also brought him into contact with notable figures, including P.T. Barnum and Horace Greeley, who shared his interests in social reform and abolitionism.

● Abolitionist Activities

Tappan's involvement in the Abolitionist movement in the United States began in the 1820s, when he joined the American Colonization Society. However, he soon became disillusioned with the organization's goals and joined the American Anti-Slavery Society, which was founded by William Lloyd Garrison and Arthur Tappan. Tappan's commitment to the abolition of slavery led him to support various organizations, including the Underground Railroad and the New York Manumission Society. He also worked closely with notable abolitionists, such as Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, to help escaped slaves reach freedom in the Northern states and Canada. Tappan's abolitionist activities drew the attention of prominent politicians, including Abraham Lincoln and Salmon P. Chase, who sought his counsel on matters related to slavery and emancipation.

● Personal Life

Tappan married Frances Antill in 1810, and the couple had two children, Lewis Tappan and Arthur Tappan Jr.. Tappan's family was deeply involved in his business and abolitionist activities, with his brother Lewis Tappan serving as a key partner in the Tappan Brothers company. Tappan's personal life was also marked by his strong connections to the Congregational Church and his involvement in various philanthropic organizations, including the American Missionary Association and the New York Bible Society. Tappan's commitment to social reform and abolitionism was influenced by his relationships with notable figures, including Charles Finney and Lyman Beecher, who shared his passion for revivalism and temperance.

● Legacy

Arthur Tappan's legacy is deeply rooted in his commitment to the abolition of slavery and his involvement in the Abolitionist movement in the United States. His work with the American Anti-Slavery Society and the Underground Railroad helped to bring attention to the issue of slavery and paved the way for future generations of abolitionists. Tappan's business career and philanthropic efforts also left a lasting impact on the city of New York City and the United States. Today, Tappan is remembered as a pioneering figure in the fight against slavery and a testament to the power of social reform and philanthropy. His legacy continues to inspire individuals and organizations, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the American Civil Liberties Union, which carry on his work in the pursuit of civil rights and social justice. Category:American abolitionists