Jonathan Walker: The Abolitionist Who Was Branded with Hot Iron for Helping Runaway Slaves

Jonathan Walker, also known as “The Man with the Branded Hand”, was an American abolitionist who was branded on his hand by the United States Government with the markings “S S”, for “Slave Stealer” for attempting to help seven runaway slaves find freedom.

Jonathan Walker, born on March 22, 1799, in Harwich, Massachusetts, was an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances. During his youth in Massachusetts, Walker learned to sail and became captain of a fishing vessel. He continued on this path until 1837, when he ventured to Florida at the age of 38 and became involved in railroad contracting. It was during this time that he witnessed the inhumane treatment of enslaved Africans, sparking a deep-seated desire to take action against the institution of slavery.

In 1844, Walker embarked on a daring mission to assist seven runaway slaves in their quest for freedom. Together, they set sail in an open boat from the coast of Florida, aiming to reach the British West Indies where slavery had been abolished a decade earlier. During the journey, Walker fell seriously ill. The crew, lacking navigation skills, faced potential drowning if not for the timely rescue by a wrecking sloop. Regrettably, the slaves were returned to their owners, while Walker was transported in chains to Pensacola, Florida, where he was put in prison, chained to the floor.

Following his apprehension, Walker was tried in a federal court in Pensacola. He was convicted, handed a heavy fine, and condemned to be placed in a pillory and publicly branded with the letters “S S” (which stand for “slave stealer”) using a hot iron.

Subsequently, Walker was returned to jail, where he remained confined for eleven months. His release came only after northern abolitionists paid his fine.

Following his release from prison, Jonathan Walker embarked on a tireless crusade against the institution of slavery, traversing the northern and western states to share his experiences and rally support for the abolitionist movement. Alongside fellow reformers such as Sojourner Truth and Abby Kelley Foster, he helped galvanize public sentiment against the abhorrent practice of human bondage.

Jonathan’s efforts, coupled with those of countless other abolitionists, ultimately resulted in the enactment of the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution. This landmark legislation, passed in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, marking the dawn of a new era.

On May 1, 1878, Jonathan Walker passed away in Lake Harbor near Norton Shores, Michigan, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and moral fortitude.