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Led On! Step by Step: Scenes from Clerical, Military, Educational, and Plantation Life in the South, 1828 - 1898
“Suddenly I heard a voice saying to me, in distinct articulate tones, ‘Stop grieving for the dead, and do something for the living.’”
Led On! Step by Step is the fascinating memoir of Reverend A. Toomer Porter (1828-1902), a pioneering and remarkable figure who lived through the dark days of the American Civil War in Southern Carolina. Born into a wealthy plantation family, Porter sold his plantation and his slaves, insisting that enslaved families be allowed to stay together. He was a radical and revolutionary man who campaigned tirelessly for equality, unity and acceptance in a time of fierce prejudice and oppression.
In 1854 Porter entered the Episcopal Ministry, having felt a religious calling from a young age. He went on to campaign for the education of the children of slaves and poor white children – driving the fight to maintain the local orphanage in his parish and ensuring schools offered stability and hope for those who needed them the most.
He was intensely vocal in his criticism of prejudice and was one of the rare white champions of reform both during and after the War in the South.
His story reveals a painfully acute awareness of the challenges faced by the communities he championed, heightened by the cruel opposition he faced from those who would rather see cities burn than advocate equal rights.
“This crucial memoir describes important events and people often ignored in histories of Reconstruction in the South. During a period of political battles and violent confrontations, Rev. Porter worked tirelessly to build a society of educated people who could respect each other even when they disagreed. His vision of a community that could raise itself economically and spiritually was far ahead of his time, and exactly what the South needed—and still does." Faye Jensen, Executive Director, South Carolina Historical Society
Reverend Anthony Toomer Porter was born in 1828 to a wealthy plantation and slave-owning family. He sold this inheritance in order to become a clergyman and help the poor and disenfranchised in his community. The death of his 11-year old son, John Toomer Porter, in 1864 inspired Porter to begin his life’s the care and education of children orphaned or left destitute by the Civil War.
Led On! Step by Step is the fascinating memoir of Reverend A. Toomer Porter (1828-1902), a pioneering and remarkable figure who lived through the dark days of the American Civil War in Southern Carolina. Born into a wealthy plantation family, Porter sold his plantation and his slaves, insisting that enslaved families be allowed to stay together. He was a radical and revolutionary man who campaigned tirelessly for equality, unity and acceptance in a time of fierce prejudice and oppression.
In 1854 Porter entered the Episcopal Ministry, having felt a religious calling from a young age. He went on to campaign for the education of the children of slaves and poor white children – driving the fight to maintain the local orphanage in his parish and ensuring schools offered stability and hope for those who needed them the most.
He was intensely vocal in his criticism of prejudice and was one of the rare white champions of reform both during and after the War in the South.
His story reveals a painfully acute awareness of the challenges faced by the communities he championed, heightened by the cruel opposition he faced from those who would rather see cities burn than advocate equal rights.
“This crucial memoir describes important events and people often ignored in histories of Reconstruction in the South. During a period of political battles and violent confrontations, Rev. Porter worked tirelessly to build a society of educated people who could respect each other even when they disagreed. His vision of a community that could raise itself economically and spiritually was far ahead of his time, and exactly what the South needed—and still does." Faye Jensen, Executive Director, South Carolina Historical Society
Reverend Anthony Toomer Porter was born in 1828 to a wealthy plantation and slave-owning family. He sold this inheritance in order to become a clergyman and help the poor and disenfranchised in his community. The death of his 11-year old son, John Toomer Porter, in 1864 inspired Porter to begin his life’s the care and education of children orphaned or left destitute by the Civil War.
417 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 1977
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 3, 2018
An inspiring Memoir
To be honest, I was expecting this book to be boring and dry, but instead I found it surprisingly interesting and was even moved to tears at a few points. Dr. Porter was the founder of my alma mater Porter-Gaud School, and though he faced incredible obstacles, I was inspired by his dedication, perseverance & vision for the school, the church & his country. We now live In a world of endless technological distractions and in an age of self-absorption, but this man’s life testifies to what we can accomplish if we focus on the timeless values of love, sacrifice & community.
To be honest, I was expecting this book to be boring and dry, but instead I found it surprisingly interesting and was even moved to tears at a few points. Dr. Porter was the founder of my alma mater Porter-Gaud School, and though he faced incredible obstacles, I was inspired by his dedication, perseverance & vision for the school, the church & his country. We now live In a world of endless technological distractions and in an age of self-absorption, but this man’s life testifies to what we can accomplish if we focus on the timeless values of love, sacrifice & community.
May 28, 2021
Non-revisionist autobiography
Led On! Is an illuminating read of this tragic era of US history. It is a must-read for those truly interested in life in the South prior to , during and also after the civil war . Many elements recorded are far different from what modern media would lead us to believe..
Led On! Is an illuminating read of this tragic era of US history. It is a must-read for those truly interested in life in the South prior to , during and also after the civil war . Many elements recorded are far different from what modern media would lead us to believe..
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews