James Matthews
Hallowell has been a haven or sanctuary for many over the years and I felt the chapter of James Matthew’s life was important to include in the story of our town.
Matthews had a troubled life, even after his escape from slavery. However, when he died in June of 1888, the people of Hallowell raised funds so he could be buried in the village cemetery. You can see his grave there today.
For the mural Matthews is portrayed making his way through a northern stand of white birch.
born into slavery
James Mathews was a man born into slavery in South Carolina. The early years of his life were spent enslaved in the south, until he finally managed to escape hidden on a ship out of Charleston. He landed in Boston, MA.
Then he made his way via the underground railroad to Hallowell, where he was welcomed. He settled here for the rest of his life.
In the 1830’s he told an harrowing account of his life enslaved. This account of his life was used by Abolitionists across the country to tell a true life account of the horrors endured by enslaved people.
Upon his death the people from Hallowell pooled funds to provide him a stone and burial in the town cemetery. His stone can still be seen today.
For more information: https://www.journalscene.com/news/the-story-of-the-dorchester-county-slave-who-escaped
Harlem
By Langston Hughes
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore—
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over—
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
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