Arthur Tappan Jr.

Arthur Tappan Jr. was a prominent American merchant and abolitionist who played a significant role in the Underground Railroad and the American Anti-Slavery Society. He was the brother of Lewis Tappan and Benjamin Tappan, and together they were involved in various philanthropic and reform efforts, including the New York City-based American Missionary Association. Tappan Jr. was also a close associate of notable abolitionists such as William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglass, and he supported various anti-slavery publications, including The Liberator and the National Anti-Slavery Standard. His business and philanthropic endeavors were often intertwined with those of other prominent New Yorkers, including Peter Cooper and William E. Dodge.

● Early Life

Arthur Tappan Jr. was born in Northampton, Massachusetts in 1786 to a family of Congregationalists. His early life was influenced by the Second Great Awakening, which emphasized the importance of social reform and evangelism. Tappan Jr. was educated at Yale College, where he developed strong connections with other future abolitionists, including Lyman Beecher and Charles Finney. After completing his education, Tappan Jr. moved to New York City and became involved in the dry goods business, eventually partnering with his brother Lewis Tappan to form the Tappan Brothers mercantile firm. The firm's success allowed Tappan Jr. to support various charitable causes, including the American Bible Society and the American Tract Society, which were both founded by evangelical leaders such as Arthur Tappan Sr. and Nathaniel Hewit.

● Career

As a successful merchant, Arthur Tappan Jr. was able to accumulate significant wealth and influence, which he used to support various social reform efforts. He was a key figure in the New York City business community, serving as a director of the New York Life Insurance and Trust Company and the Bank of the Manhattan Company. Tappan Jr.'s business connections also extended to other prominent Americans, including John Jacob Astor and William B. Astor, who were involved in various commercial and philanthropic endeavors. In addition to his business pursuits, Tappan Jr. was a strong supporter of education and the arts, serving as a trustee of Yale College and the New York Historical Society. He was also a member of the American Philosophical Society and the New York Academy of Sciences, which were both dedicated to promoting scientific and literary knowledge.

● Abolitionist Activities

Arthur Tappan Jr. was a dedicated abolitionist who worked tirelessly to end slavery in the United States. He was a founding member of the American Anti-Slavery Society, which was established in Philadelphia in 1833, and he served as the organization's treasurer for many years. Tappan Jr. was also a strong supporter of the Underground Railroad, which was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved individuals to escape to freedom in the Northern United States and Canada. He worked closely with other notable abolitionists, including Harriet Tubman and John Brown, to provide financial and logistical support to fugitive slaves. Tappan Jr.'s abolitionist activities were often controversial, and he faced significant opposition from pro-slavery groups, including the American Colonization Society and the Southern Baptist Convention.

● Personal Life

Arthur Tappan Jr. was married to Frances Antill Tappan, and the couple had several children together. He was a devout Christian and attended the Congregational Church in New York City, where he was an active member and supporter of the pastor, Henry Ward Beecher. Tappan Jr. was also a close friend and advisor to other prominent Americans, including Rutherford B. Hayes and James A. Garfield, who both went on to become President of the United States. In his later years, Tappan Jr. suffered from poor health, but he continued to be involved in various philanthropic and reform efforts, including the Women's Loyal National League and the Freedmen's Bureau. He died in New York City in 1865, leaving behind a legacy as a dedicated abolitionist and social reformer.

● Legacy

Arthur Tappan Jr.'s legacy is closely tied to his work as an abolitionist and social reformer. He was a key figure in the American Anti-Slavery Society and the Underground Railroad, and his efforts helped to bring an end to slavery in the United States. Tappan Jr. was also a pioneer in the field of social entrepreneurship, using his business acumen and resources to support various philanthropic and reform efforts. Today, he is remembered as a champion of human rights and social justice, and his legacy continues to inspire activists and reformers around the world. The Tappan family remains prominent in American society, with descendants including Susan Tappan, a photographer and artist, and Paul Tappan, a criminologist and sociologist. The Arthur Tappan House in New York City is a designated historic landmark and a testament to Tappan Jr.'s enduring legacy. Category:American abolitionists