Born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1811, Charles Sumner was a prominent American statesman and a fervent abolitionist. Sumner grew up in a society deeply divided over the issue of slavery. He eventually became a powerful voice in the fight against this institution, dedicating his life to the principles of equality and justice.

Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1851, Sumner quickly became a leading figure in the anti-slavery faction. His passionate speeches and uncompromising stance often put him at odds with pro-slavery congressmen. This led to an incident where Sumner was almost beaten to death with a cane wielded by a member of the House of Representatives from South Carolina, Preston Brooks.

After recovering from his injuries, Sumner returned to the Senate and worked closely with President Lincoln during the Civil War and was at Lincoln’s bedside when he died following his assassination in 1865. For the remaining nine years of his life, Sumner continued to serve in the US Senate and fought tirelessly for the cause of Civil Rights and the equality among races.

In this episode of Your History Your Story, our guest is historian, teacher and award-winning author, Stephen Puleo. Stephen will talk about his recently published book, “The Great Abolitionist: Charles Sumner and the Fight for a More Perfect Union” and will tell us why he feels that Sumner is one of the most significant figures in American History.

Music: "With Loved Ones" Jay Man Photo(s): Courtesy of Stephen Puleo / YHYS Podcast Support Your History Your Story: Please consider becoming a Patron or making a one time donation via PayPal. - THANK YOU!!! YHYS Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YHYS PayPal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YHYS: Social Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YHYS: Join our mailing list: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #yhys #yourhistoryyourstory #history #storytelling #podcast #njpodcast #youhaveastorytoo #jamesgardner

To order The Great Abolitionist:

https://www.amazon.com/Great-Abolitionist-Charles-Sumner-Perfect/dp/1250276276

Website for Stephen Puleo:

https://www.stephenpuleo.com/