|
Rhode
Island Slavery Data
ISAAC
RICE
With the passing of Newport Gardner, Isaac Rice became the
most outstanding man of color in Newport and probably in Rhode Island.
Born in Narragansett in 1792, he was brought to Newport at an early age
and spent the remainder of his life here. He early embraced religion and
like most of the charter members of the Colored Union Church, he at one
time belonged to the First Congregational Church. The earlier years of
his life he spent as a gardener, and in this he was highly successful,
being employed at different times by the leading families on the island.
While serving in this capacity for Governor Gibbs, he planted the trees
that now grace Touro Park. Though born free he grew to manhood with an
undying hatred of slavery. He learned much of the horrors
of the institution from the testimony of servants who accompanied their
masters to Newport to spend the summer months. His work in the
anti-slvery cause was his most conspicuous service to his people.
Frederick Douglass, shortly after escaping to New Bedford, formed his
acquaintance and the friendship thus formed lasted through life. The
Rice homestead at the corner of William and Thomas Streets, (still in
possession of the Rice family), was the Station of the Underground
Railroad in Newport. Many an escaping slave found food and shelter under
its hospitable roof and Douglass, Remond and Garnett made it their
headquarters in touring the State in behalf of Freedom. The later years
of his life he spent in catering, having a large and fashionable
establishment on Cotton Court. He and the late George T. Downing in 1859
had charge of feeding all the returned sons and daughters of Newport at
the re-union in August of that year. The food was served on the lot just
south of the old Ocean House. He was always a liberal contributor to the
Union Congregational Church and was for years its clerk. He died in 1866
and was buried in the Remington family plot in New
Bedford.
Source: Negroes of Rhode Island, by
Charles A. Battle, 1932 - Transcribed by C.
Anthony
|
