Henry Bibb (1815–1854) was a former slave who became a well-known abolitionist. Bibb escaped from slavery in Kentucky twice but was recaptured both times when he returned to free his wife and daughter. After being transferred among several owners, he finally escaped slavery for good in 1841. He soon began delivering accounts of his life story at anti-slavery gatherings, and in 1849 his Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Henry Bibb, An American Slave was published in 1849. After the enactment of the Fugitive Slave Law in 1850,...