One Thread in the Fabric of Freedom
The true story of Reverend Edmond Kelly, born into slavery in Columbia, Tennessee, in 1817, who taught himself to read in secret and spent years preaching across America, England and Ireland to buy his family out of bondage.
One Thread in the Fabric of Freedom by Peter Douet is a biographical and historical narrative tracing the true story of Reverend Edmond Kelly, the author's ancestor, who was born into slavery in Columbia, Tennessee, in 1817.
The book follows his remarkable journey as he secretly teaches himself to read, becomes the first Black man ordained as a Baptist minister in Tennessee, and, after fleeing bondage, spends years preaching across America, England, and Ireland to raise the $2,800 needed to purchase the freedom of his wife and children, which he ultimately achieves.
Blending faith, courage, and the fight for equality, the book recounts his meetings with Abraham Lincoln, his ministry to escaped slaves during the Civil War, his founding of numerous churches, and his lifelong dedication to freedom and the Gospel, preserving a family legacy of perseverance and triumph over slavery.
One Thread in the Fabric of Freedom
The true story of Reverend Edmond Kelly. Written by Peter Douet.
The true story of Reverend Edmond Kelly, born into slavery in Columbia, Tennessee, in 1817, who taught himself to read in secret and spent years preaching across America, England and Ireland to buy his family out of bondage.
The book is in its final stage before printing.
The shape of one life
1817
Born into slavery
Edmond Kelly is born in Columbia, Tennessee, the property of another man.
In secret
He teaches himself to read
Literacy was forbidden to him, so he learned it quietly and alone.
Ordained
The first in Tennessee
He becomes the first Black man ordained as a Baptist minister in the state.
Escape
He flees bondage
He leaves behind a wife and children who remain enslaved, and begins the work of buying them back.
The journey
America, England, Ireland
He preaches across three countries, raising the sum his family is priced at.
$2,800
His family is freed
He raises the full amount and purchases the freedom of his wife and children.
The war
Ministry to the escaped
He meets Abraham Lincoln, and ministers to people escaping slavery during the Civil War.
Legacy
Churches, and a family line
He founds numerous churches and gives his life to the Gospel and to freedom.
Be among the first to read his story
The book is in its final stage before printing. Leave your email and we will write to you once, when it is available.