More than one noted historian has said Martin Delany lived several lifetimes rolled into one. His fertile mind and the principled conscience to which he felt absolutely beholden led him across three continents and countless experiences and challenges. This timeline captures the scope of his vast and important odyssey. (NOTE: Capitalized words denote names of major new residences of MRD. Entries within parentheses are "indirect influences" on MRD's life path.)
"The North Star" is first published in Rochester, N.Y. Douglass handles the business end while MRD travels throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky lecturing, reporting, and obtaining subscriptions for the newspaper.
MRD assays the achievements of "The Mystery," his former publication.
MRD writes of Lucinda Shaw.
MRD tour goes to New Lisbon, Ohio, Salem, Ohio; skipping Cambridge, OH (where a mob drives a antislavery speaker named "Hull" out of town eleven different times); Lloydsville, Zanesville, Cincinnati, and Marseilles, OH, Sandusky, OH, and Detroit, MI.
In May, MRD and Charles H. Langston arrive at Marseilles, OH by horse and buggy, are met by a large mob of men who suggest their plan to tar and feather Delany and Langston. MRD's hotelkeeper stands at some "distasteful" remarks by MRD, moving for the adjournment of "this darkey burlesque." MRD and Langston are followed back to their hotel and a mob remains outside shouting "Kill the niggers" etc. Delany and Langston leave in the morning.
MRD's report in 'The North Star' on the Crosswait trial before U.S District Court Justice John McLean publicizes Justice's explicit instructions to the jury defining it as a specifically punishable offense for a citizen to thwart any attempt by white persons attempting to "repossess" an alleged runaway slave in Ohio. Delany correctly sees the seeds of the Fugitive Slave Law two years hence.
His coverage directly influences Abolitionist Salmon P. Chase to lead a successful move removing McLean as a candidate of the Free Soil Party for the Presidency that same summer. (Ullman, pp. 96-99)
MRD attends the Colored Convention in Cleveland and attacks in a speech the menial occupations available to free black women.
MRD travels, speaks and organizes in Philadelphia, Wilmington, DE.; Harrisburg, PA.; before returning to Pittsburgh.
MRD's despair over the state of affairs in the United States deepens.
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MRD stays in Pittsburgh, studying medicine in preparation for applying to medical schools. He maintains his practice as a cupper and leecher at 189 Smithfield St.
