Philadelphias yellow fever epidemic of 1793 was the largest in the history of the united states, claiming the lives of nearly 4000 people. With medical science seemingly powerless against it, yellow fever was a. Philadelphias yellow fever epidemic of 1793 was the largest in the history of the. Benjamin rush, who led the medical fight against the yellow fever in philadelphia in 1793, asked free africans in the city to help treat the fever victims because he believed that they were. The vast majority of them died of yellow fever, making the epidemic in the city of 50,000 people one of the most severe in united states history. The society helped to care for the ill during philadelphi as yellow fever epidemic of 1793 by nursing the sick, burying the deceased, and transporting the ill to centers outside where they could be quarantined and medically treated. It was the first black religious institution in the city and led to the establishment of the first independent black churches in the united states.
Pestilence and prejudice the role of philadelphias african. As the population fled or died, few were left to attend to nursing and burying duties. Chains also received the 2009 scott odell award for historical fiction, and laurie was chosen for the 2009 margaret a. Jan 08, 2020 frankly, the novel, fever 1793, by laurie anderson, is a much better history of the 1793 philadelphia yellow fever epidemic. Free african society american organization britannica. The society began organizing to visit and care for the sick. Based on this belief, the mayor of philadelphia called upon the free african society to organize nurses who could care for the sick and bury the. The 1793 yellow fever crisis captures african americans not only act. Yellow fever epidemic 1793 benjamin rush portal guides. The american plague the author draws on primary sources for this nonfiction book recommended by washington post columnist john kelly, evocatively describing the medical missteps and. An account of the terrible effects of the pestilential infection in the city of. The yellow fever epidemic historical society of pennsylvania. The doctors thought us africans couldnt get yellow fever.
Eliza and her family shelter mattie and nell during the fever epidemic, and at the end of the novel, mattie asks eliza to be her business partner at the coffeehouse. Absalom jones and richard allen, two free black men, volunteered. For example, a yellow fever strain hit philadelphia in the year 1793 in august. The fas was formed in 1787 in philadelphia, pennsylvania, by american preachers richard allen and absalom jones and other free african americans. The society was founded by richard allen and absalom jones. In 1793, philadelphia was struck with the worst outbreak of yellow fever ever recorded in north america. Mistreated and abused by their white equals, they still had no hesitation to help the whites when many other whites fled the city in fear. Bravery and bad deeds during the yellow fever outbreak of 1793.
I got considerably more factual detail out of that book. Get an answer for in fever 1793 by laurie halse anderson, why does benjamin rush enlist the help of the free african society to treat the fever victims. Smith how a ship of british idealists sailed to africa to end the slave trade but instead ignited a yellow fever pandemic it is no exaggeration to say that the hankey, a small british ship that circled the atlantic in 1792 and 1793, transformed the history of the atlantic world. Encyclopedia of greater philadelphia fever 1793 novel. Preamble 1778 and articles of the free african society, 1787 a narrative of the proceedings of the black people, during the late awful calamity in philadelphia, in the year 1793, published in 1794 national library of medicine petition against the slave trade, 1799 docsteach. This is a brilliant book to assign to adolescent children. The true and terrifying story of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793 by jim murphy.
Eliza and her family shelter mattie and nell during the fever epidemic, and at the end of the novel, mattie asks eliza to be her business partner at the. Yellow fever and the free african society in philadelphia, as part of the. Yellow fever epidemic 1793 benjamin rush portal guides at. The society soon became too large to meet in richard allens house and its. Social welfare history project free african society. Free african society black lives and the yellow fever epidemic of 1793 the sustained, nationwide demonstrations in response to the horrific murder of george floyd by minneapolis police last month briefly knocked the covid19 pandemic from top spot in our daily headlines. Sympathy and dissent in the early american novel chicago, 1997. The volunteers of the free african society, those who worked at bush hill, and the members of the mayors committee devoted themselves with incredible courage to care for strangers. Matthew carey, a short account of the malignant fever, lately prevalent in. During the crisis, the free african society, which al. During the 1793 yellow fever epidemic in philadelphia, 5,000 or more people were listed in the official register of deaths between august 1 and november 9. During the citys fourmonth ordeal, heads of households frequently hired outsiders to help tend their sick. How the politics of race played out during the 1793 yellow. The free african society, absalom jones, and richard allen a mutual aid society, created by blacks in 1789 the year of our constitution to provide support for free blacks in need and widows and orphans.
Nathaniel benson had heard me say it, but he did not laugh. In fever 1793 by laurie halse anderson, why does benjamin. Among the first organizations of its kind in america, the free african societys main goal. Dead house on the schuylkill during the yellow fever in philadelphia in 1793, david johnson kennedy, watercolor, historical society of pennsylvania. Epidemiological evidence suggests that both the virus and its vector or. During the yellow fever outbreak in philadelphia in 1793, dr. Fever 1793 literature guide for teachers, 5th9th grade. Chapter 2 quotes like most blacks in philadelphia, eliza was free. The deadly disease touched nearly everyone in the city. Richard allen and absalom jones, both ministers and former slaves, founded the free african society in 1787 to provide social services to free people of color in philadelphia. Or that there was a free african society that helped citizens of philadelphia in the epidemic regardless of race or class. Allen and jones published a book with the rebuttal that many white n.
Oct 07, 2020 during the crisis, the free african society, which allen and jones founded, was the major relief agency. This experience prepared the society to respond to yellow fever on behalf of all philadelphians. You have entered the first stage of yellow fever, which was the cause of philadelphias dramatic population decrease during the summer of 1793. Most of the approximately 3,000 free blacks living in philadelphia in 1793 were exslaves. Explore late eighteenthcentury life in america with the discussion topics and crosscurricular activities in this teachers guide for fever 1793. This page referring to the yellow fever epidemic of 1793 is sorely lacking. Black nurses and the 1793 philadelphia yellow fever epidemic a tale of disease, fear, inflammatory propaganda and ultimate heroism by elizabeth hanink, rn, bsn, phn in 1793, philadelphia was as large and as cosmopolitan a city as could be found in the new united states. The fas served as a catalyst for the establishment of other black mutual aid societies in the city during the midnineteenth century, when abolitionist organizing among. The free african society after richard allen secured his freedom, he was a circuit preacher and attended meetings in delaware, maryland, new jersey, and pennsylvania. There are also many mentions of the free african society. The free african society yellow fever epidemic of 1793 the free african society, some of the saviors during the epidemic the free african society was a group of free black men and women, more often than not, freed slaves, who went around caring for the sick. Black lives and the yellow fever epidemic of 1793 morning echo. It was not the first time when new york was being hit by yellow fever in 1795.
The mission of the free african society is to create the constituency and communion needed for the black african diaspora in philadelphia to independently advance their own education, employment, entrepreneurship, enterprises, and. The epidemic literally decimated the population of the city, killing 10% of its people. Two of her books, chains and speak, were national book award finalists. In contrast to the beginning of the book, when mattie mostly thought about her own dreams and desires, now her view of freedom and maturity is tied to. Allen and jones created a pamphlet, a narrative of the proceedings of the black people during the late awful calamity in philadelphia in 1793, directly stating these accusations were entirely false.
The city was also home to a substantial number of people of color. Founding members, all free black men, included samuel baston, joseph johnson, cato freedman, caesar cranche. Eliza is tirelessly dedicated to serving the free african society, a charitable organization founded by reverend richard allen. Not until today when scientists prove that the disease hit in 1793 is spread. In 1793, philadelphia was struck with the worst outbreak of yellow fever ever. Encyclopedia of greater philadelphia free african society. African american workers and the meanings of race during philadelphias 1793 yellow fever epidemic yellow fever struck philadelphia with a vengeance in 1793, killing approximately 10 percent of the population between august and december. Members nursed the sick, dug graves and buried the dead, and transported the ill to quarters outside of the city where they could be quarantined and given medical aid. Mar 03, 2021 scholars at the smithsonians national museum of american history recently revisited that 1793 outbreak in the online seminar, race and place. This is the title of a 2000 historical novel for middlegrade readers by contemporary american author laurie halse anderson, known for her childrens. Did ye know that in 1793 in philadelphia there was a yellow fever epidemic. Georges united methodist church to preach to the small number of african americans who attended. Politics of yellow fever in alexander hamiltons america. What are some historical facts mentioned in fever 1793.
Tips for doing research book club student guide to visiting hsp. The free african society is a foundation to advance the state of the black african diaspora in philadelphia and greater philadelphia region to bring together the resources, skills, and talents that empower the infrastructure of black industries and institutions. In 1793, philadelphia was as large and as cosmopolitan a city as could be found in the new united states. Although this turned out to be untrue, reverend allen believed that this was an opportunity for black people to show we are every bit as good and important and useful as white people. This novel takes place during the yellow fever epidemic of 1793 in philadelphia, an actual historical event. Response to the 1793 philadelphia yellow fever epidemic new york city. The free african society yellow fever epidemic of 1793. The mission of the group was to provide fellowship, a place of worship. Benjamin rush had written to the free african society a few weeks ago, asking for help. Many times, the free african society were attacked by the press, most notably mathew carey, creating lies of stealing from the dead and tampering with burials for money. The yellow fever epidemic in philadelphia, 1793 contagion. How the politics of race played out during the 1793 yellow fever. The free african society, founded in 1787, was a benevolent organization that held religious services and provided mutual aid for free africans and their descendants in philadelphia.
Edwards award for her contribution to young adult literature, and fever 1793 is an american library association best book for young. Or that said epidemic killed 10 percent of the citys population in 3 months. Write a screenplay for your favorite scenes from the book. Rush, who believed that black people were immune to yellow fever, asked members of the african society to come forward and care for to the sick and the dead. Based on this belief, the mayor of philadelphia called upon the free african society to organize nurses who could care for the sick and bury the dead when the epidemic struck that year. The fever took a devastating toll on the city as nearly 5,000 individuals died, among them close to 400 african americans. Students will learn about the yellow fever epidemic, the free african society, and life after the fever, 1793 is a ya historical novel by american author laurie halse anderson, published in 2000. The true and terrifying story of the yellow fever epidemic of 1793 by jim murphy thoroughly researched, generously illustrated with fascinating archival prints, and. The free african society path to glory, path to god the yellow fever epidemic. The setting and plot are rather historically accurate and reflect the events of the time period. This extraordinary book uncovers the longforgotten story of the hankey, from its altruistic beginnings to its disastrous end, and describes the ships fateful impact upon people from west. Allen said this was a chance for black people to show we are every bit as good and important and useful as white people. Feb 10, 2011 the society s most famous contribution to the city was the help members provided during the yellow fever epidemic in 1793, which killed thousands of philadelphians. The public response to the 1793 philadelphia yellow fever epidemic, ed.
Clements library is exhibiting newspaper accounts, maps, engravings, minute books. Primary sources 1793 yellow fever philadelphia libguides at. The free african society, which was located at 6th and market streets, was the first. The doctors thought us africans couldnt 75 88 get yellow fever.
By the end of september, 20,000 people had fled the city, including congressional and executive. When the yellow fever outbreak of 1793 sent the wealthy fleeing. May 11, 2020 mistakenly believing that black people were immune to yellow fever, rush enlisted the help of the leaders of the free african society, richard allen, and absalom jones. I didnt learn a whole lot in an american plague that was new news. Rush would become very well known as one of the many doctors who mistakenly believed blacks were immune to yellow fever. It trailed yellow fever at every port of call in the caribbean and eastern atlantic seaboard. Make the movie and hold a premiere in your library. She said philadelphia was the best city for freed slaves or freeborn africans. He had persuaded the free african society, a religious blac. Black nurses and the 1793 philadelphia yellow fever.
Published in 2000, fever 1793 is a young adult novel that tells the story of a 14yearold girl named mattie cook, who fights to survive the yellow fever epidemic of 1793 in philadelphia. Mattie helps her mend robert s and william s clothes while eliza fills her in on her work with the free african society. Set during philadelphias yellow fever outbreak, fever 1793 is a young adult, historical fiction novel written by laurie halse anderson and first published in 2000. Liberalism, republicanism, and philadelphias black elite in the. Jun 22, 2020 the free african society, absalom jones, and richard allen a mutual aid society, created by blacks in 1789 the year of our constitution to provide support for free blacks in need and widows and orphans. Free african society fas, nondenominational religious mutual aid organization that provided financial and emotional support to newly free african slaves in the united states. Africans in americapart 3the yellow fever epidemic pbs.
At the urging of benjamin rush, the support of philadelphias free black. Laurie halse anderson is a new york times bestselling author known for tackling tough subjects with humor and sensitivity. In late summer, as the number of deaths began to climb. On september 11, 1793, jones and allen put up an ad to assist physicians like rush to fight against the epidemic. Fever, 1793 by laurie halse anderson 745 words bartleby. Absalom jones 17461818, cofounder of the free african society.
The society also took on the task of assisting the sick during the yellow fever epidemic in 1793. Black nurses and the 1793 philadelphia yellow fever epidemic. As well as date accuracy, many of the people mentioned were alive at the time. The society organized folks to visit the sick, to care for them and bury them if they died.
Smith, professor of history at montana state university, makes a case that the principal vector of the 1793 plague in philadelphia and other atlantic ports was the british merchant ship hankey, which had fled the west african colony of bolama an island off west africa, present day guineabissau the previous november. Eliza leaving for the free african society meeting. No one really knew what caused the disease or how to treat it. Students will learn about the yellow fever epidemic, the free african society, and life after the american revolution. This book is nonfiction, and it is easy enough to read but there are plenty of topics for deeper discussion and even if your adolescent child does not get all of these points, if they even just get three or four of them then they will have learned significantly. Many residents, including medical practitioners, fled the city. Philadelphias white residents often regarded their black neighbors with disdain and hostility, made worse by an influx of french refugees from haiti and santo domingo, where there had. The doctor believed that africans could not get yellow fever. Richard allen 17601831, cofounder of the free african society. The free african society served first as a beneficial society but quickly grew into a religious. The free african society volunteered to take care of the sick and bury the dead, even though there. The role of african americans when yellow fever epidemic spread.
I recommended it be read with fever 1793, by laurie halse anderson. The free african society historical society of pennsylvania. Edwards award for her contribution to young adult literature, and fever 1793 is an american library association best book for young adults and a new york public library best. Allen, jones, and many other african americans agreed to help the sick, working. Yellow fever today yellow fever still exists, but not in the united states. Exhibit documents yellow fever epidemic of 1793 university of. In 1793 philadelphia, sixteenyearold matilda cook, separated. The societys most famous contribution to the city was the help members provided during the yellow fever epidemic in 1793, which killed. Seeing an opportunity to prove their communitys worth, allen and jones recruited scores of african americans to nurse the ill and bury the dead.
In aid to the sick, the fas became famous for its members charitable. The narrator of fever 1793 helps readers imagine philadelphia summers by describing church bells tolling. Nowhere are the contributions that the free african society made to the city mentioned. As some 20000 retreated to the country including president washington and thomas jefferson, philadelphias free black residents were often. When allen came to the philadelphia in 1786, he was approached by the minister of st. Politics of yellow fever in alexander hamiltons america nlm. Richard allen and absalom jones, both ministers and former slaves, founded the free african society in 1787 to provide social services to free people of color in. It was a remarkable source of help for the city and bush hill in the midst of this scourge.
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