Elijah Parish Lovejoy became a martyr for the abolitionist movement and freedom of speech on this day in 1837.

Lovejoy’s newspaper, The St. Louis Observer, was a religious paper that advocated for the abolition of slavery. After seeing a slave, Francis J. McIntosh, burned at the stake, his editorials became more adamant against slavery.

His writings were cause for hatred from Southerners and slave-holders, which forced him to move his newspaper to Alton after his press was wrecked by a mob in St. Louis.

On November 7, 1837, Lovejoy was killed while defending his press. His battle for the abolition of slavery and freedom of speech is often remembered for resonating throughout the country. For members of the press, he is a reminder of the importance of the freedom of speech and of the press.

“As long as I am an American citizen and American blood runs in these veins, I shall hold myself at liberty to speak, to write, and to publish whatever I please on any subject.” –Elijah Lovejoy

Learn more:
Biography of Elijah Parish Lovejoy
A Martyr on the Altar of American Liberty
Elijah Parish Lovejoy @ Encyclopædia Britannica
Elijah Lovejoy: “The Martyr Abolitionist"
Monument to Elijah Parish Lovejoy in Alton