Frederick Douglass's Children

Introduction

 

How often do we see the son or daughter of a famous parent match or exceed that individual’s accomplishments? 

 

Abraham Lincoln had children. So had Thomas Edison.  What do we know of Martin Luther King’s offspring? 

 

Imagine the pressure each child must have felt to become somebody extraordinary.  Life does not permit that to happen, usually.  That is not to say that the child will not live a praise-worthy, productive life.   That child’s life becomes interesting if for no other reason than to contrast accomplishment.  Was he a chip off the old block?  Was she her mother’s best self?  If not, then by how much not?  And does that matter?

 

I was curious to learn what I could about Frederick Douglass’s children.  He had five, two girls and three boys.

 

Rosetta, born 1839

Lewis Henry, 1840

Frederick Jr., 1842

Charles Remond, 1844

Annie, 1849

 

I would like to share with you what I have discovered.