America's First Freedom Rider: Elizabeth Jennings, Chester A. Arthur, and the Early Fight for Civil Rights

by Jerry Mikorenda

In 1854, traveling was full of danger. Omnibus accidents were commonplace. Pedestrians were regularly attacked by the Five Points’ gangs. Rival police forces watched and argued over who should help. Pickpockets, drunks and kidnappers were all part of the daily street scene in old New York. Yet somehow, they endured and transformed a trading post into the Empire City.

None of this was on Elizabeth Jennings’s mind as she climbed the platform onto the Chatham Street horsecar. But her destination and that of the country took a sudden turn when the conductor told her to wait for the next car because it had “her people” in it. When she refused to step off the bus, she was assaulted by the conductor who was aided by a NY police officer. On February 22, 1855, Elizabeth Jennings v. Third Avenue Rail Road case was settled. Seeking $500 in damages, the jury stunned the courtroom with a $250 verdict in Lizzie’s favor. Future US president Chester A. Arthur was Jennings attorney and their lives would be forever onward intertwined.

This is the story of what happened that day. It’s also the story of Jennings and Arthur’s families, the struggle for equality, and race relations. It’s the history of America at its most despicable and most exhilarating. Yet few historians know of Elizabeth Jennings or the impact she had on desegregating public transit.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published December 17, 2019

Reviews

[Melanie Adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

July 16, 1854 was an eventful day for Elizabeth Jennings. Traveling anywhere and in anyway was dangerous in New York City. Elizabeth Jennings got on a horse car and the conductor was less than happy. He told her to wait for the next car because "her" people would be on it. She refused. The conductor then attacked Elizabeth. She and her attorney, Chester A. Arthur sued the company and won. She wasn't the only one to achieve greatness, her father and her attorney also made great strides for the African-American people. Get the book and learn more.
This book is factual, surprising and an accurate snapshot of the past. It's well written and the characters shared in an honest and forthright way. This should be required reading for high school students today. I found this book eye opening and a shock. You must read this book.

I found one issues. The books title is misleading. It should be Civil Rights in 19th century New York City.

I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it was very informative. copy of book provided by author and I voluntarily reviewed it.

[Paul Brandel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is on Audible, the gentleman who read America's First Freedom Rider did an excellent job. Who knew that 100 years before Rosa Parks there was Elizabeth Jennings of NYC? The author writes where America was like for African Americans. Of course most of us realize how terrible it was for black people.
Still didn't make it easier for me to read the trials and tribulations faced by African Americans. Her father Thomas Jennings was an inventory, business man and activist. Elizabeth came from a strong and proud family. The protagonist is Chester A Arthur, his friends called him Chet. He would become her attorney. Later on Arthur would become the 21th president. I'm glad read this first-rate biography.

[Anne Schwecherl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this biography about Elizabeth Jennings and Chester Arthur. The author, Jerry Mikorenda, educates us about this very important time in our country's history in a manner that is engaging and easy to follow. Elizabeth Jennings was a woman ahead of her time, and the author helped me appreciate her vital contributions to the fight for racial equality. The story needed to be told and he does just that in a captivating narrative. I also learned more about our Presidents during the nineteenth century, which was an added bonus. This book would also be a wonderful addition to any high school and public library, as well as to historical societies.

[Rick Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that has needed to be told. It is important and relevant, and interesting. I enjoyed the rich details about the history of NYC itself, in addition to the retelling of the struggle for civil rights and liberties of her people of color. My only negative comment was that the book needed editorial help in several places. Maybe another printing will correct the grammatical errors and awkward sentences, especially, it seemed, in the earlier chapters. Overall, I’d certainly recommend it.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read

This must read book is a microcosm of America's racial struggles interweaving the lives of Elizabeth Jennings and President Chester A. Arthur. It should be a required part of American History curriculum. In this time of the Black Lives Matter movement, it informs our understanding of this long struggle.

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Important and interesting subject matter and I learned many new things so it nearly got 3 stars from me but on the whole I did not find the writing style engaging and the text felt very “bitty” rather that having a continuous flow - almost like reading a series of related anecdotes rather than a biography.

[RYD · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book does what we need more of: It unearths the legacy of a Black civil rights leader who has been ignored in the white- and male-centric histories that have long dominated our conversation. Unfortunately, I found the writing to be choppy, but I hope more books like this will be published.

[Sandy Aragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So interesting and enlightening.

Unfathomable how much and how long blacks have endured and suffered for no other reason than being black. It'd be great if it was all settled and equal today but sadly it's not. We've still got a line by way to go in this country.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was most excellent. Not only did the author flesh out and prove the title, he also have excellent background history to everything he wrote. I really enjoyed this book.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very grateful for this easy read of thickly documented work. Wish it was part of my early education.

[Jessica Vajdos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Black women led the charge, and once again, NYC was the place for change