James W. C. Pennington (c. 1809–1870)

Born enslaved in Maryland, James W. C. Pennington learned the hardness of bondage early, including labor at the forge. In time he fled—at great personal risk—into the North as an escaped fugitive, trusting that the God who sees the oppressed would also make a way for him. His story displays a sober kind of heroism: not bravado, but endurance, conscience, and reverent fear of the Lord.

From Forge and Flight to Pulpit

Pennington pursued learning though doors were often barred. He studied as he could, eventually preparing for ministry and preaching Christ with clarity and warmth. He pastored and labored among Northern congregations, urging repentance from the sin of man-stealing and the cruelty that grew from it. He also gained recognition abroad, including an honorary doctorate from the University of Heidelberg—an unusual honor in his day, and a testimony that faithful labor may be acknowledged even when society resists it.

Witness in Print and Public Work

In The Fugitive Blacksmith, Pennington testified to God’s providence through danger, deprivation, and the long road toward usefulness. He wrote not as a man congratulating himself, but as one confessing that the Lord upholds the weak and guides the steps of those who seek righteousness. In his pioneering history of African Americans, he honored a people long denied a public voice, insisting that truth be told and memory be kept with dignity.

Jacksonville, Florida: October 22

On October 22, Pennington finished his race in Jacksonville, Florida—reliably dated 1870, though later notices sometimes misprint 1922. His death far from the places of his earlier ministry reminds readers that the servant’s path is often unsettled, yet never outside the Lord’s care. “Let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus…” (Hebrews 12:1–2).

Legacy for Believers

Pennington’s life urges believers to join faith with justice, courage with charity, and truth with mercy. “He has shown you, O man, what is good… to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8).