John Parker (abolitionist)

John Parker (1827 – 1900) was an African-American abolitionist, inventor, entrepreneur, and former slave. Born into slavery in Norfolk, Virginia, Parker purchased his freedom in 1845 for $1,800. He moved to Ripley, Ohio, a strategically important location along the Ohio River known for its active abolitionist community and proximity to Kentucky, a slave state.

In Ripley, Parker became a successful iron molder and established the Ripley Foundry and Machine Company. This economic independence allowed him to dedicate significant time and resources to the Underground Railroad. He is credited with personally helping hundreds of enslaved people escape to freedom, often crossing the Ohio River into Kentucky to directly assist fugitive slaves. He worked closely with other prominent abolitionists such as John Rankin and Levi Coffin.

Parker's methods were daring and often involved direct confrontation with slave catchers. He frequently risked his life to guide individuals and families to safety. He used his knowledge of the local terrain and river currents to his advantage, often outsmarting those attempting to recapture escaping slaves.

Parker authored his autobiography, His Promised Land: The Autobiography of John P. Parker, Former Slave and Abolitionist, which was published posthumously in 1996. The autobiography provides a firsthand account of his experiences as a slave and his courageous work on the Underground Railroad, offering valuable insights into the lives and struggles of those seeking freedom. His home in Ripley, Ohio, is now a National Historic Landmark, preserving the legacy of his contributions to the abolitionist movement.