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John P. Coburn (1811–1873) was a 19th century African-American abolitionist and civil rights activist from Boston. He was also a clothes dealer and community activist who resided in Boston. John P. Coburn was considered one of the wealthiest African Americans in Boston in his time. For the majority of his life, he resided in Boston’s district of Beacon Hill. John P. Coburn was heavily involved in abolition-related work within his community, specifically in the New England Freedom Association and the Massasoit Guards.

Entrepreneurial Career
John P. Coburn worked as a building contractor, tailor, and clothier. He managed two clothing stores, one at 20 Brattle Street and the other at 59 Cornhill Street. His business focused on cutting the clothes and on selling the latest trends with Cashmere, Doeskins, Tweeds and Vestings. He also sold men’s garments and he cleaned and repaired clothes.

Additionally, with his brother-in-law, Ira Gray, he co-owned a profitable gaming house which doubled as a safe house on the Underground Railroad. John P. Coburn was in charge of supervising the gaming tables for the wealthy African Americans. This job brought him even more fortune and allowed him to finance many rescue operations for fugitive slaves like that of Shadrach Minkins.

Contributions to Abolitionism
Coburn was treasurer of the New England Freedom Association, an association that focused on helping fugitive slaves. He patronized The Liberator, a local newspaper, by printing out advertisements of his stores and acknowledgments to the people who had donated to the New England Freedom Association. In addition, he would also put out announcements offering lodging to those in need.

Coburn was the founder of the Massasoit Guards (1854). This company focused on protecting the residents in Beacon Hill from slave catchers. John P. Coburn also served as captain and he was heavily involved in recruiting volunteers like John Brown. Although their petitions seeking recognition by the state were essentially ignored, a black militia (called the Massasoit Guards) unit was organized in 1852 under the leadership of John P. Coburn, Robert Morris, and others. They named themselves after a Native American who had been especially kind and loyal to colonists of Massachusetts. As evidenced by the attitudes of African American soldiers in the American Revolution and the Civil War, military service was considered an opportunity to demonstrate one’s manhood and to claim the rights of American citizenship.

Family and Legacy
John P. Coburn was married to Emeline Coburn and only had one adopted son named Wendell Coburn. Between 1843 and 1844, he commissioned architect Asher Benjamin to design a house for him at the corner of Phillips and Irving Streets. Coburn died in 1873 and left most of his belongings to his son Wendell Coburn. Coburn died in 1873 and left the bulk of his estate to his son. His house, located on Beacon Hill, is now a stop on Boston's Black Heritage Trail.