1862: Goldsmith Fox Bailey
At the age of 25, Goldsmith started practicing law in Fitchburg and a year later started his political career on the School Committee. Goldsmith spoke out for freedom as far back as the 1840s and in 1857, defeated Eli Thayer of Worcester, whose support for slavery was well-known. In 1860, Goldsmith served as an antislavery Republican in the House of Representatives. On behalf of the citizens of Fitchburg, U.S. Representative Goldsmith Fox Bailey filed a petition to Congress to abolish slavery.
Resources
The City and the River by Doris Kirkpatrick
Wikipedia on Goldsmith Bailey
Fitchburg Past and Present
Commentary
Goldsmith Bailey is mentioned often in discussion of Fitchburg Abolitionists but it’s not entirely clear why he is so well remembered. His time in congress was very short as he died of consumption lass ythan a year after becoming a congressperson. His name does appear in at least one the records of abolitionist meetings in 1850 – 1851 in the Sentinel. His petition seems very influential but we do not have a copy of it.
Suggestions for Further Research
Look for a copy of the petition Goldsmith Bailey submitted to congress.