Faith to Freedom Daily: Rev. J. Miller McKim
1810-?
“One of the earliest, most faithful, and ablest abolitionists in Pennsylvania.” – William Still.
Tending the anti-slavery business
Still and McKim worked together in the Philadelphia Anti-Slavery office. McKim helped the cause by raising money, guiding runaways to the next shelter, and representing runaways in court. Still credits him with solving problems, bringing people together to find new approaches, and keeping the organization running smoothly, especially during times of high tension.
As a young man, McKim studied for the ministry, but the sudden death of his parents and brother forced him to drop out of school. Working during the day and studying at night, he was eventually ordained a Presbyterian minister.
He found his passion in working against slavery. McKim started lecturing across the country as an agent of the American Anti-Slavery Society. He was the youngest member of that organization.
Marrying and settling in Philadelphia, he published the Pennsylvania Freeman and managed the work of the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society.
McKim traveled with John Brown’s wife to say goodbye to her husband before he was executed. McKim accompanied Brown’s body afterwards.
During the war, he encouraged blacks to enlist and after its conclusion he worked to establish black schools throughout the South.
