David RugglesDavid Ruggles was an anti-slavery activist who was active in the New York Committee of Vigilance and the Underground Railroad. He claimed to have led over six hundred people, including friend and fellow abolitionist Frederick DouglassOne of the foremost leaders of the abolitionist movementMovement to abolish/end slavery in the United States that increasingly gained support in the 1830s, 40s, and 50s., which fought to end slavery within the United States in the decades prior to the Civil War. A brilliant speaker, Douglass was asked by the American Anti-Slavery Society to engage in a tour of lectures, and so became recognized as one of America's first great black speakers. He won world fame when his autobiography was publicized in 1845. Two years later he began publishing an antislavery paper called the North Star., to freedom in the North. was born a free black in Connecticut. He became involved with abolitionismMovement to abolish/end slavery in the United States that increasingly gained support in the 1830s, 40s, and 50s. after moving to New York City. He was active in protecting escaped slaves and made many enemies. In 1842, suffering from poor health, he heeds the call of his fellow abolitionist, Lydia Marie Child, to join the Northampton Association of Education and Industry.
