WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON - AUTOGRAPH DOCUMENT SIGNED 02/22/1862 - HFSID 154771

WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON
The social reformer signed and dated the back of this document in 1862, releasing Aaron Cooley from a debt of $50
Autograph Document Signed: "Wm. Lloyd Garrison". 2 pages, 3½x7¾ ruled paper with embossed chalice in lower right corner, 1 sheet, front and verso. Boston, Massachusetts, February 22, 1862. In full: "This certifies that I have this day released Mr. Aaron Cooley from all obligation to pay the written note, and it is hereby cancelled." On verso is an amount owed notice from Aaron Cooley, signed in Boston on November 12, 1859, for $50. Cooley promised to pay Garrison back within 60 days. William Lloyd Garrison (1805-1879) was the founder and publisher (1831-1865) of the antislavery journal "The Liberator". In 1833, he founded the American Anti-Slavery Society, serving as its President from 1843-1865. After the Civil War, he campaigned against liquor, prostitution, and injustice in the treatment of Indians, and in favor of woman suffrage. Garrison was a complete social reformer who sought equal rights for all people, no matter their race, religion, or gender. Formerly a pacifist, Garrison supported the Union cause in the Civil War while urging that emancipation, not merely restoration of the Union, be its primary goal. While he did not always agree with his contemporary social reformers (particularly Frederick Douglass and Wendell Phillips, both of whom were close friends), by the time of his death he could look back at their friendships fondly. Lightly toned, soiled and creased. Document was torn from pad or notebook along bottom edge. Folded once vertically and thrice horizontally. Folds are worn. Bottom and top folds have separated at center fold. Light dents, nicks and tears along folds.