Joshua Reed Giddings
Joshua Reed Giddings was a prominent American politician and lawyer known for his staunch abolitionist views. Born in 1795, he moved to Ohio at the age of ten, where he dedicated himself to both farming and education. After being admitted to the bar in 1821, Giddings established a successful legal practice in Jefferson, Ohio. He became a member of the House of Representatives in 1838 as an antislavery Whig and actively opposed the "gag" rule, which prevented legislative discussion on petitions regarding slavery. His commitment to abolitionism was further highlighted in 1842 when he introduced a resolution criticizing the U.S. government's actions concerning the Creole mutineers, an incident involving enslaved individuals seeking freedom. Giddings faced censure from the House for this stance but was quickly re-elected, demonstrating his significant support among constituents. In 1861, he was appointed U.S. consul general in Canada by President Abraham Lincoln, a position he held until his death. Giddings' legacy is marked by his unwavering dedication to the cause of ending slavery in the United States.
Subject Terms
Joshua Reed Giddings
- Born: October 6, 1795
- Birthplace: Tioga Point (later Athens), Bradford County, Pennsylvania
- Died: May 27, 1864
- Place of death: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Identification: American abolitionist and politician
Significance: As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Giddings fought against all attempts to gag opponents of slavery and prevent them from exercising their right to free speech
Giddings moved to Ohio with his family when he was ten and worked long hours on the family farm while pursuing an education in the winter months. In 1821 he was admitted to the bar, and he afterward maintained a successful practice in Jefferson, Ohio. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1838 as an antislavery Whig. There he joined former president John Quincy Adams in vigorous opposition to the “gag” rule. Petitions were normally referred to a committee for discussion and possible action, but in 1836 the House added to its rule a provision that any petitions dealing with slavery would be tabled and not given consideration. Adams argued that this rule violated the right to petition Congress guaranteed in the First Amendment to the Constitution. Not until 1844, however, did the House abandon the gag rule, as changes in public opinion led Northern Democrats to stop supporting it.
In 1842 Giddings introduced a resolution criticizing the government for pressuring Great Britain to return the Creole mutineers—slaves who had seized a ship in the open Atlantic and reached Nassau and freedom. When the House censured him for raising the issue of slavery, Giddings immediately resigned and was triumphantly re-elected.
In 1861 President Abraham Lincoln appointed Giddings U.S. consul general in Canada, where he served until his death.