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Rev. Jonathan Cable

Rev. Jonathan Cable

Rev. Jonathan Cable

Jonathan Cable was an abolitionist minister and “comeouter” Free Presbyterian activist  who dedicated his life to ending slavery and creating educational opportunities for all.  He worked with well known abolitionist such as Levi Coffin, John Van Zandt, John Hatfield, John Todd and contributed significantly to the work of ending slavery.  His role in the 1853 “Escape of the 28” from Boone County, Kentucky through his home of College Hill is well documented.

“The New School Presbyterian Synod of Indiana, has declared against Slavery by resolving unanimously that it should be made a disciplinary offense by the church. This noble decision on the part of that body, may be credited to the indefatigable labors of the Rev. Jonathan Cable; the only minister we ever knew, belonging to a Pro-Slavery Church, that dare serve God by serving humanity.

It is said that a large minority of that respectable Synod, are ready to dissolve their connection with the General Assembly, because of the pro-slavery character. This is right. This is making progress. Let us thank God and  take courage and never give up.”      Farmer’s Cabinet (Amherst, N.H.)  Jan. 31, 1850.

 The Call to the National Christian Anti-Slavery Convention (Cincinnati, 1850) 

Picture from Cable descendent Sylvia Rummel used with permission

Picture of Jonathan Cable and Levi Coffin with unknown group from Cable descendent Sylvia Rummel used with permission

 Messrs. Samuel Lewis,  W. H. Brisbane, S. H.(sic) Chase, B. P. Aydelotte, Charles B. Boynton, Jonathan Cable and other Cincinnati gentlemen having been appointed a Committee for the purpose of calling a Convention of Christians to consider upon the connection of the American Church with the sin of Slaveholding, invite their fellow-Christians of all denominations to assemble in Convention at Cincinnati on the 17th of April to deliberate upon the subject.

From Jonathan Cable’s Autobiography  (transcribed by a relative, Joyce)

“We formed a free Synod and members of the Old and New school that were opposed to slavery were invited to unite” and ending two-thirds of a page later with “they sold out to the Free Will Baptists.”

   Jonathan Cable Timeline  

  Jonathan Cable Pamphlet (By Betty Ann Smiddy)

 

 

 

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