New Book Tells How Saratoga Man Rescued from Slavery Educated the Public, Helped Fugitives

Online, January 21, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Solomon Northup was a free black man living in Saratoga Springs, New York, when in 1841 he was lured into leaving the state, and was sold into slavery. After being rescued nearly twelve years later, he authored a book, Twelve Years a Slave, about his life.

Now, a new book reveals details of Northup's life after his return to upstate New York. In addition to informing the public about the horrors of slavery via his book, Northup:

- traveled around the Northeast giving public lectures,
- was connected with several theatrical productions about his experiences,
- worked with an underground railroad agent in Vermont to help fugitive slaves reach freedom in Canada.

The book, Solomon Northup: His Life Before and After Slavery, by Ballston Spa resident David Fiske, provides documented information on Northup's life before and after he was enslaved in Louisiana. Also included is biographical information about Northup's wife and children, who resided for many years in the Glens Falls, New York, area, and a list of public appearances made by Northup in the 1850s.

David Fiske, a retired librarian, is a genealogist and local history researcher who has written numerous articles about interesting individuals in the area in and around Ballston Spa, New York. The book makes use of research Fiske has conducted over a period of about twelve years.

"What Happened to Solomon Northup?" will be the topic of a historical talk at the New York State Library on Saturday, February 18, 2011. The talk will be held on the 7th floor of the library at 1 pm. The State Library is in the Cultural Education Center at the Empire State Plaza in downtown Albany, New York.

For more information:
Web site: solomonnorthup.com
Facebook: facebook.com/solnorthup
E-mail: [email protected]

Solomon Northup: His Life Before and After Slavery, self-published, February 2012, paperback, $11.99, 83 pages, ISBN-10: 1468096370, ISBN-13: 978-1468096378.

Order at: solomonnorthup.com