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His Promised Land: The Autobiography of John P. Parker, Former Slave and Conductor on the Underground Railroad
"Surpasses all previous slave narratives…Usually we need to invent our American heroes. With the publication of Parker's extraordinary memoir, we seem to have discovered the genuine article." ―Joseph J. Ellis, Civilization In the words of an African American conductor on the Underground Railroad, His Promised Land is the unusual and stirring account of how the war against slavery was fought―and sometimes won. John P. Parker (1827―1900) told this dramatic story to a newspaperman after the Civil War. He recounts his years of slavery, his harrowing runaway attempt, and how he finally bought his freedom. Eventually moving to Ripley, Ohio, a stronghold of the abolitionist movement, Parker became an integral part of the Underground Railroad, helping fugitive slaves cross the Ohio River from Kentucky and go north to freedom. Parker risked his life―hiding in coffins, diving off a steamboat into the river with bounty hunters on his trail―and his own freedom to fight for the freedom of his people.
168 pages, Paperback
First published January 17, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 5, 2014
Absolutely incredible. His accounts are given so 'matter-of-factly' that it's hard to believe he wasn't more angry. His contributions to the U.S. and it's rich history should be taught, not just stumbled across in the local library. Incredible.
February 16, 2022
This book spurred my interest in African American history. Parker's autobiography is a rare gem in that is is a first-hand account of a Black conductor on the Underground Railroad. Lost in a university library in manuscript form for decades, its recent rediscovery adds an important chapter to the story of the UR. Aside from its academic significance, though, Parker's story is fascinating. A formerly enslaved man, he bought his freedom, punched out a white man who usurped and patented his design for an agricultural invention, and headed north. After he resettled in Ripley, Ohio (on the river) and opened a blacksmith's shop, he engaged in dangerous work for the UR. Parker lived in a modest brick home on the river bank west of the town center. On a hill behind his house, high above the town, lived the mega-Abolitionist leader Rev. John Rankin, whose lantern, hung nightly in his window, could be seen for miles into the woods of Kentucky. Escapees followed that light like a North Star. The first person they were likely to meet, though, was not the indomitable Rankin (who actually shot away slave catchers with his sons and their rifles), but the less-celebrated Parker, who helped them up from the river bank and directed them up a steep set of stairs, more than 100 steps high, up through the woods to Rankin. Not content with merely helping slaves AFTER they'd crossed the river, Parker frequently rowed a skiff across the wide river and crept through the woods to rescue those who had come within a mile or so of freedom but could not proceed past the slave catchers without a guide. Parker even snuck into an enslaver's house and absconded with a baby that the white man had been keeping overnight as insurance against the enslaved parents' escape. Parker is believed to have rescued more than 300 people. He deserves to be recognized as a major UR figure, like Rankin.
December 16, 2018
His Promised Land is part of an incredibly small group of primary sources from the perspective of Underground Railroad conductors, who remained tight lipped about their experiences in the wake of The Fugitive Slave Law of 1850, as well outward hostility from pro slavery folk, even in the aftermath of The Civil War. It is an especially unique and rare perspective from a black Underground Railroad conductor. Parker's story is fascinating history, and I enjoyed reading it. It's also a quick read, which I appreciated as I speed to read 5 books beyond my yearly reading goal before the year's end.
May 10, 2021
This autobiography of John P Parker was orally given and only recently brought to light and publication. Parker was sold away from his mother at the age of eight. He is one of the few slaves who was able to earn enough to buy his own freedom and make a life for himself and his family.
While Parker was not present during the episode involving Eliza from UNCLE TOM'S CABIN, it is his retelling that inspired Harriett Beecher Stowe to include Eliza's escape across the ice floes of the Ohio River with hounds barking at her heels in her book.
The story rings true (as seen through John Parker's eyes) as he retells his deeds of heroism and his misdeeds of anger and foolishness.
Parker attributes his intelligence to his white father (unidentified slave owner). This "fact" was probably the norm of his day, and I suspect was readily believed by the two white friends who wrote down Parker's oral retelling of his life.
While Parker was not present during the episode involving Eliza from UNCLE TOM'S CABIN, it is his retelling that inspired Harriett Beecher Stowe to include Eliza's escape across the ice floes of the Ohio River with hounds barking at her heels in her book.
The story rings true (as seen through John Parker's eyes) as he retells his deeds of heroism and his misdeeds of anger and foolishness.
Parker attributes his intelligence to his white father (unidentified slave owner). This "fact" was probably the norm of his day, and I suspect was readily believed by the two white friends who wrote down Parker's oral retelling of his life.
August 13, 2022
Interesting story, giving the reader of an understanding of the life of one talented, smart guy held in the bondage of slavery, stripping him of much of his humanity. The author shows how these restrictions on his life brought anger, yet he was smart enough to work through his freedom then outsmart racist Americans who were trying to hold him to horrific, discriminatory restrictions.
Parker was treated better than most people held in slavery, as he hints at many times throughout his book. The doctor who held his service for free had two sons who seemed to be progressive, sneaking him books and treating him well. Later, a wealthy widower “bought him,” a deal he put together, so his own life didn’t slip away even worse.
Still, he rightfully had incredible anger, sometimes playing that out in ways that were violent and not helpful to his own life. How Parker didn’t have more anger – and even how he was able to function at such a high-level living in such an unjust system is stunning. It was hard to remember he was a minor during this entire time, paying for his freedom when he was 18. His story shows he learned how to harness his anger, later turning it on the institution of slavery and those who enriched themselves in such an atrocious system.
The book takes a turn when Parker accidently started to help in the Underground Railroad after moving to New Albany, Indiana, then to a suburb of Cincinnati, then, finally, to Ripley, Ohio. He applies his considerable learning as an enslaved person, paying for his freedom, and his work as an industrialist. He spends endless pages talking about the chase between those who were hunting people for money and to enslave them again and his leadership with people trying to escape such a horrendous, unjust system. The pages read like a spy novel.
Probably the most interesting portion of the book was his description of Ripley, Ohio in the mid-1800’s. He claimed it was a city that competed well against Cincinnati in commerce and activities. Parker wrote: “At one time it was a rival of Cincinnati in wealth, boat building, pork packing, flatboat and steamboat landings. Parker claimed that the town was so wealthy that in the Panic of 1837, Ripley sent funds to help New York banks during that time.
One of the more fascinating portions of the book is when the author spoke about how this southern Ohio town had diverse views of slavery. A few leaders who risked their lives and property were abolitionists. Others, including some businessmen, were simply antislavery. Others did not get involved but were in “silent sympathy,” like many in the Presbyterian church. But most in the town supported slavery, even though Ohio was a free state. This mixture became even more complex when the Fugitive Slave Law passed in 1850 and Southerners came up to Ohio to gain profit by snatching African Americans from freedom and bringing them back into this outrageous system, triggering severe penalties for those who were trying to hide them. Parker rightfully spells out that the operation now had to be even more clandestine, losing much of the history associated with the Underground Railroad and those involved.
But his description of the town wasn’t just commerce. He spoke about Ripley being even richer in its ideals, for in 1805, before anyone [else] in the west, it gave heed to the antislavery movement, [and] Dr. Alexander Campbell, the first abolitionist of Ohio, moved into town.” He speaks about two settlements of “free men in Brown County, of which Ripley was the river town.”
Parker speaks about the anti-slavery movement in both Ripley and Cincinnati, much of it energized by the Quakers. He was involved in both, starting in 1845. He mentions many people we should know more about, some names familiar, others not: Reverend John Rankin (“driven out of Kentucky”), Dr. Alexander Campbell, Theodore, Tom, and Eli Collins, Tom McCague, Dr. Beasley, and Rev. James Gilliland.
The author speaks to the history of some of these brave men who fought against the system and helped individuals gain their rightful freedom. Parker shared that Dr. Campbell was a senator from Ohio during the War of 1812 (Dr. Campbell holds the Ohio Senate seat currently occupied by Senator Portman.). He spoke about Rev. Rankin’s book, “Letters to a Slave Owner,” first published in Ripley, Ohio. He claimed that book was the start of the New England movement led by William Lloyd Garrison.
It's well worth reading this book. My suggestion is to hold off on reading the preface and the original introduction to the autobiography until after reading Parker’s story, although if you read this review it's too late! It will make the story much more engrossing.
A visit to Ripley Ohio is finally on my list of spots to absorb history!
Parker was treated better than most people held in slavery, as he hints at many times throughout his book. The doctor who held his service for free had two sons who seemed to be progressive, sneaking him books and treating him well. Later, a wealthy widower “bought him,” a deal he put together, so his own life didn’t slip away even worse.
Still, he rightfully had incredible anger, sometimes playing that out in ways that were violent and not helpful to his own life. How Parker didn’t have more anger – and even how he was able to function at such a high-level living in such an unjust system is stunning. It was hard to remember he was a minor during this entire time, paying for his freedom when he was 18. His story shows he learned how to harness his anger, later turning it on the institution of slavery and those who enriched themselves in such an atrocious system.
The book takes a turn when Parker accidently started to help in the Underground Railroad after moving to New Albany, Indiana, then to a suburb of Cincinnati, then, finally, to Ripley, Ohio. He applies his considerable learning as an enslaved person, paying for his freedom, and his work as an industrialist. He spends endless pages talking about the chase between those who were hunting people for money and to enslave them again and his leadership with people trying to escape such a horrendous, unjust system. The pages read like a spy novel.
Probably the most interesting portion of the book was his description of Ripley, Ohio in the mid-1800’s. He claimed it was a city that competed well against Cincinnati in commerce and activities. Parker wrote: “At one time it was a rival of Cincinnati in wealth, boat building, pork packing, flatboat and steamboat landings. Parker claimed that the town was so wealthy that in the Panic of 1837, Ripley sent funds to help New York banks during that time.
One of the more fascinating portions of the book is when the author spoke about how this southern Ohio town had diverse views of slavery. A few leaders who risked their lives and property were abolitionists. Others, including some businessmen, were simply antislavery. Others did not get involved but were in “silent sympathy,” like many in the Presbyterian church. But most in the town supported slavery, even though Ohio was a free state. This mixture became even more complex when the Fugitive Slave Law passed in 1850 and Southerners came up to Ohio to gain profit by snatching African Americans from freedom and bringing them back into this outrageous system, triggering severe penalties for those who were trying to hide them. Parker rightfully spells out that the operation now had to be even more clandestine, losing much of the history associated with the Underground Railroad and those involved.
But his description of the town wasn’t just commerce. He spoke about Ripley being even richer in its ideals, for in 1805, before anyone [else] in the west, it gave heed to the antislavery movement, [and] Dr. Alexander Campbell, the first abolitionist of Ohio, moved into town.” He speaks about two settlements of “free men in Brown County, of which Ripley was the river town.”
Parker speaks about the anti-slavery movement in both Ripley and Cincinnati, much of it energized by the Quakers. He was involved in both, starting in 1845. He mentions many people we should know more about, some names familiar, others not: Reverend John Rankin (“driven out of Kentucky”), Dr. Alexander Campbell, Theodore, Tom, and Eli Collins, Tom McCague, Dr. Beasley, and Rev. James Gilliland.
The author speaks to the history of some of these brave men who fought against the system and helped individuals gain their rightful freedom. Parker shared that Dr. Campbell was a senator from Ohio during the War of 1812 (Dr. Campbell holds the Ohio Senate seat currently occupied by Senator Portman.). He spoke about Rev. Rankin’s book, “Letters to a Slave Owner,” first published in Ripley, Ohio. He claimed that book was the start of the New England movement led by William Lloyd Garrison.
It's well worth reading this book. My suggestion is to hold off on reading the preface and the original introduction to the autobiography until after reading Parker’s story, although if you read this review it's too late! It will make the story much more engrossing.
A visit to Ripley Ohio is finally on my list of spots to absorb history!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2019
I was introduced to the name John P. Parker at his house, in Ripley, Ohio, where I purchased this book. I was fascinated by the gallery and quotations from this book, purchased and read it.
John P. Parker is the epitome of the American dream, in many ways. He was born a slave, purchased his own freedom through his own industry and ambition, became a successful businessman, and operator on the Underground Railroad. What a life!
"His Promised Land" is Parker's story from early childhood through his years in the Underground Railroad. It is relatively short, and necessarily does not touch on every aspect of his life, but the reader is given a very vivid picture into the life of a slave and later the life of an Underground Railroad operator on what Parker calls "the Borderlands" between the slave-holding South and Canada.
Parker lived an incredible life and had many narrow escapes while living a life of daring at night, and businessman during the day. He was so hated by slaveholders that they put a $1000 ransom on his life.
This is a unique and compelling story that helps us understand antebellum America and the many people at odds with one another and the risks they were willing to take to conserve the way things were or undermine and transform it into something new.
Highly recommended!
John P. Parker is the epitome of the American dream, in many ways. He was born a slave, purchased his own freedom through his own industry and ambition, became a successful businessman, and operator on the Underground Railroad. What a life!
"His Promised Land" is Parker's story from early childhood through his years in the Underground Railroad. It is relatively short, and necessarily does not touch on every aspect of his life, but the reader is given a very vivid picture into the life of a slave and later the life of an Underground Railroad operator on what Parker calls "the Borderlands" between the slave-holding South and Canada.
Parker lived an incredible life and had many narrow escapes while living a life of daring at night, and businessman during the day. He was so hated by slaveholders that they put a $1000 ransom on his life.
This is a unique and compelling story that helps us understand antebellum America and the many people at odds with one another and the risks they were willing to take to conserve the way things were or undermine and transform it into something new.
Highly recommended!
February 15, 2022
Frederick Douglass wrote three autobiographies of which I read one, that being the sole slave narrative I'd previously read complete. This, the account of a remarkable person who, born a slave, escaped to become a successful inventor and businessman while serving as a conductor on the underground railroad whereby he saved well over 400 fugitives, is only my second.
Parker's account is based on transcribed interviews and is not a homogenous narrative, rather a series of reminiscences, most of them being about notable exploits on the Kentucky and Ohio banks of the Ohio River. Here, reading of the divisions existing in the white populations, the whole business of slavocracy versus abolition comes across as much more complex than I'd previously imagined. Here, in and around Ripley, Ohio, was a population divided on the matter, a town regularly haunted by reward-seeking slave catchers, yet maintaining among a concerned minority an active opposition to slavery and fugitive slave laws. How Parker lived into his seventies and raised a family while taking the risks he did is wonderful.
Parker's account is based on transcribed interviews and is not a homogenous narrative, rather a series of reminiscences, most of them being about notable exploits on the Kentucky and Ohio banks of the Ohio River. Here, reading of the divisions existing in the white populations, the whole business of slavocracy versus abolition comes across as much more complex than I'd previously imagined. Here, in and around Ripley, Ohio, was a population divided on the matter, a town regularly haunted by reward-seeking slave catchers, yet maintaining among a concerned minority an active opposition to slavery and fugitive slave laws. How Parker lived into his seventies and raised a family while taking the risks he did is wonderful.
June 5, 2021
Like so many people I purchased His Promised Land: The Autobiography of John P. Parker, Former Slave and Conductor on the Underground Railroad while visiting the Parker House in Ripley, Ohio. That is a deeply moving place to visit and the stories told by the tour guides are both disturbing and inspirational.
This book is a wonderful memoir filled with both moments of terror, moments of humor, and moments of very deep truth.
All profits from the book go to the Parker House so I would recommend buying a new copy and enjoying it in the comfort of your home remembering how far removed from the insanity of that time we all are. Read and learn from its history. Let's not repeat those mistakes.
This book is a wonderful memoir filled with both moments of terror, moments of humor, and moments of very deep truth.
All profits from the book go to the Parker House so I would recommend buying a new copy and enjoying it in the comfort of your home remembering how far removed from the insanity of that time we all are. Read and learn from its history. Let's not repeat those mistakes.
August 4, 2020
This was an excellent book. Each time I picked it up I struggled to put it down when it was time. Usually only relenting due to falling asleep or having appointments to keep. lol
This book is taken directly from an interview of John P. Parker and is full of stories that take you to the edge of your seat. It also had a lot of history and you learn of a few others who invested their lives into doing the right thing when it was still against the law to do so. I highly recommend this read to all history buffs, adventure lovers, those curious to learn more about the underground railroad, and to anyone simply looking for a good and exciting read.
This book is taken directly from an interview of John P. Parker and is full of stories that take you to the edge of your seat. It also had a lot of history and you learn of a few others who invested their lives into doing the right thing when it was still against the law to do so. I highly recommend this read to all history buffs, adventure lovers, those curious to learn more about the underground railroad, and to anyone simply looking for a good and exciting read.
October 26, 2022
Of all the slave narratives I have read, this was by far the most diverse, fast-paced, and compelling. Parker was a child slave, an adult slave, an escaped slave, and at last a freed slave who then devoted two decades of his life to serving as a "conductor" on the Underground Railroad. The narrative takes us through Virginia, Alabama, New Orleans and finally Ripley, Ohio. It was inspiring to read this story of courage, perseverance, rebellion, and humanity. On a personal note, his years working for the Underground Railroad took place where i grew up, and that added to my interest in the book.
October 23, 2024
Although this “autobiography” is really the notes of an interview with a journalist, as opposed to something Parker actually wrote himself, it’s very believable and interesting. Parker tells about slavery and his work on the Underground railroad. Not much is here about his professional life or family, unfortunately. But still a lot of insight for something so easy and quick to read.
The Parker House in Ripley in Ohio is well remodeled with a great storytelling presentation. It’s worth a visit.
The Parker House in Ripley in Ohio is well remodeled with a great storytelling presentation. It’s worth a visit.
May 26, 2021
I bought this book while visiting the John P. Parker House Museum in Ripley, Ohio. The museum is a great stop on an Underground Railroad tour. I was fascinated by the stories told about Parker, and the book only enhances them. This man who was born into slavery, sold from his mother at age 8 and forced to walk in shackles over 900 miles from Virginia to Alabama is extraordinary. His story is told in his own words taken from an interview that had been forgotten for decades. It is riveting.
November 12, 2021
This was an engaging book that was easy to read and yet very clearly painted a picture of just a small amount of the atrocities slavery forced on African Americans. Though the book also focuses a very large part of itself to the triumphs and tragedies of the author leading many other people to freedom and safety, all at great persons risk. Definitely recommend this book! It’s an easy read and you really feel at times like you are walking with John Parker through his life.
January 6, 2025
The best runaway slave and Underground Railroad conductor story I’ve read. Parker is one of the most fearless people I’ve ever read about. I really resonated with his short temperedness and his determination to help liberate others at any cost. This story is great reminder to remain fearless and resist structures of power in the present!
January 5, 2022
His promised Land Parker, John P. 3 NF Autobiography 1st person narrative- young slave runs away 3 times buys own freedom becomes important part of UnderGround R.Rd, ingenious, powerful, aggressive takes no prisoners 2017 2/12/2017 2/9/2017
February 1, 2025
Very interesting person and the topic was super interesting but it just moved really quickly and I feel like we didn't get a very good sense of who Parker was as a person. It read more like a textbook or a spark notes summary than an autobiography - very straightforward and unemotional.
January 30, 2020
It was interesting. Not the most coherent read in some ways, though not to any big degree.
February 1, 2020
If you like anything related to slavery and the underground railroad this is a good book to read. Details the life of Joh. P. Parker.
December 2, 2020
Great Book
A quick and enthralling read from start to finish. I finished it in one sitting. I could not put it down
A quick and enthralling read from start to finish. I finished it in one sitting. I could not put it down
June 13, 2021
Bought this book while visiting the John Parker house and John Rankin house in Ripley OH. Such a brave man with a powerful story.
May 1, 2022
Finishing this book was grueling. It was for an Ohio history class. I did gain valuable insight into this man’s experience. It was an evocative account.
October 16, 2022
Overall it was interesting, eye-opening, and educational, but it is not the subject I typically read about.
June 18, 2023
Read for school. Don’t remember much. Had to rush; was in Germany. I remember crying.
July 26, 2024
Certainly interesting but also disjointed.
Read
September 23, 2012I found out about this book -- which is a transcription -- when I went on an impromptu trip with my friend Suzy to Ripley Ohio, on the banks of the Ohip River. Across the river is Kentucky, and this is the water that was wide that fugitive slaves had to cross to make their way to Canada. John Parker was born into slavery, and this story is a tale of courage and humanity that is exciting. Why don't we know more? Jphn Parker as a child walked in chains from Virginia to Alabama, manage to buy his freedom, and in the most riveting narrative made his way North, and then decided to dedicate himself to being a ferryman on the underground railroad. But it's John's courage.. it is the network of abolitionists in this town who in the years before and during Civil War quietly labored to end slavery. The document about many of the people who worked the Underground Railroad, and the people they saved are lost or destroyed. Stories that Harriet Beecher Stowe later adapted into Uncle Tom's Cabin came from John Parker. This little volume takes an afternoon to read, and helps support the preservation of the Parker house and Minister Rankin house in Ripley, Ohio. I was awed to discover this town, and it is an honor to have this man's words and hear the voice of bravery and humanity. It's worth a short time to hear this story.
September 16, 2016
Excellent primary source of the Underground Railroad. John P. Parker describes his events of being a former slave and how defied his white masters to reach freedom. After becoming free, Parker then sought to build a safeway house for fugitive slaves. He then became a conductor and rescued over 400 slaves from the South. Although, this book is a short read, it gives great testament of what the slaves endured in bondage and along freedom road. It also illustrates the struggles that Parker and his peers faced when rescuing slaves from bondage.
May 6, 2008
If you think life ever stinks, try being John P. Parker for a day! This book has got to be one of the best books I have ever read in my life. Inspirational, tragic, dramatic, adventurous, humorous, a wonderful ending to boot...you just can't get any better than reality! With his writing style, you really do feel like you were there. Just go buy it and own it...you'll want to read it over and over.
August 3, 2012
This is a little uneven, and it's hard to know how much of it reflects John Parker's voice. But there's good information here about the Underground Railroad, especially the dynamics in Ripley, Ohio. This is one of about eight books I have. The collection provides a more detailed and balanced picture.
April 26, 2015
A very interesting account of the experiences of one black man active in the underground railway. A scene in the book depicts the real "Eliza" character from Uncle Tom's Cabin. The story is quite similar and is the account Harriet Beecher Stowe took her scene of Eliza crossing the river. Fascinating insight to the operation.
November 10, 2009
Alright, I think I'm going to have to leave this one unfinished. I had to read it in school and then I realized I could get away with doing the assignment with the book unfinished. It was ok. It was mostly kind of slow. I'm into this kind of stuff but the book isn't something I'm dying to finish.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews